The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts luxurious yet exquisite architecture, mysterious and healing wildlife, and thrilling, joyful theme parks, making it truly suitable for travel.
7 Emirates
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi (أبو ظبي) is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is located on a T-shaped island in the Persian Gulf on the central-western coast of the UAE. The total area is 67,340 square kilometers.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
This museum, with its rich collection of art and unique architectural style, attracts numerous visitors and is one of the top 100 must-visit attractions globally in 2024.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque
The largest mosque in the UAE, known for its simple yet luxurious architectural art, visitors can experience the deep religious atmosphere and unique architectural style here.
Saadiyat Island
A comprehensive business and cultural center, offering a variety of entertainment and leisure facilities, including shopping malls, restaurants, and beaches.
Qasr Al Watan Palace
The office of the President of the UAE and one of its iconic buildings, visitors can tour and appreciate the UAE’s magnificent scenery and architectural style. As one of the top 100 night tour attractions globally in 2024, the palace looks even more magnificent under the lights at night.
Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
The world’s first Ferrari theme park, featuring various Ferrari-themed rides and exhibitions, a paradise for car enthusiasts and one of the top 100 family-friendly attractions globally in 2024.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Yas Island
A family-friendly movie-themed park with numerous attractions and performances based on Warner Bros. films, making it an excellent destination for family outings.
Dubai
Dubai (دبي) is the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, an international metropolis, and the second-largest emirate after Abu Dhabi. It is the economic and financial center of the Middle East, with major industries including oil and gas, trade, finance, and tourism. Dubai’s total area is 3,980 square kilometers, with an urban area of 1,287.4 square kilometers.
Burj Khalifa
Currently the tallest building in the world at 828 meters, visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for a panoramic view of Dubai’s magnificent scenery. As one of the top 100 must-visit attractions globally in 2024, the Burj Khalifa is undoubtedly Dubai’s landmark.
Museum of The Future
A museum filled with futuristic elements, showcasing the possibilities of the future world through interactive exhibitions and advanced technology. This attraction is also listed as one of the top 100 must-visit attractions in Asia in 2024.
Palm Jumeirah
This man-made island, known for its unique palm tree shape, luxury residences, hotels, and shopping centers, is hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Visitors can enjoy beautiful beach views and a luxurious vacation experience here.
Dubai Frame
One of Dubai’s must-visit attractions, its unique architectural design leaves a lasting impression.
Sharjah
Sharjah (الشارقة) is the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah, a cultural city in the Middle East, with its economy mainly based on fishing. The total area is 2,590 square kilometers.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Showcasing the infinite charm of Islamic culture, it’s an excellent place to delve into Arab and Islamic culture, with many scientific and religious manuscripts, as well as Islamic art and crafts dating back from the 7th to the 19th century.
Al Noor Mosque
The only mosque in Sharjah open to non-Muslims and expatriates where photography is allowed. The pure white mosque stands elegantly by the banks of Khalid Lagoon, with Quranic calligraphy inscriptions everywhere, intricate dome patterns, Islamic floating arches, and floral chandeliers, all making for excellent photo opportunities.
Cultural Square
The center of the cultural city in the Middle East, with the massive Quran Monument as one of Sharjah’s landmarks, it’s an important place for visitors to understand local culture.
Al Noor Island
Located in Khalid Lagoon, accessible via a bridge from the city center, the island features designs that blend art and nature, created by some of the world’s most renowned artists. The highlight is the Butterfly House at Al Noor Island, where visitors can see around 500 different butterfly species.
Ajman
Ajman (عجمان) is the capital of the Emirate of Ajman, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, and is the smallest member state of the UAE by area, with a total area of 260 square kilometers.
Ajman Museum
An important cultural attraction in Ajman, showcasing the region’s history, culture, and traditions.
Al Jarah Cultural Center
Not just a cultural center, it also provides serene green spaces and leisure areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain (أم القيوين) is the capital of the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain, located on the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula in West Asia, and is the least populous emirate in the UAE, with an area of approximately 800 square kilometers.
Al Ali Fort
Also known as the Umm Al Quwain National Museum, it is the oldest historical building in Umm Al Quwain, representing the former glory of the ruling power.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah (رأس الخيمة) is the capital of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, located at the northeastern corner of the UAE, guarding the entrance to the Persian Gulf, and is a major transshipment port in the Middle East.
National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Located in a fort built in the 16th century, which once served as the residence of the ruling family, the museum houses numerous archaeological and ethnological artifacts.
Jebel Jais
Part of the Hajar Mountains, it is the highest mountain in the UAE, with a peak elevation of 1,934 meters. It offers opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, with viewpoints along the way offering beautiful and expansive vistas. Plans are in place to build resorts and sports facilities at the top.
Fujairah
Fujairah (الفجيرة) is the capital of the Emirate of Fujairah, the fifth largest emirate in the UAE, located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, the only emirate without territory on the Persian Gulf.
Fujairah Fort
Built in 1670, it is one of the oldest forts in the UAE, once serving as a defensive structure and residence for the ruling family, having witnessed significant historical events like the British invasion. It has been restored and now shines anew.
Must-Try Cuisine
Machboos (Arabian Rice)
A long-standing signature dish in UAE cuisine, featuring white, glossy rice with a whole chicken, cooked to retain juices, with the fragrance of grains permeating every inch of the meat. Often enjoyed with yogurt and Emirati spicy sauce.
Harees
A traditional Emirati dish listed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, usually served at important family gatherings like weddings, as well as during national and religious holidays. It’s made by slow-cooking oats, oil, and spices with thinly sliced chicken for at least four hours, resulting in a porridge-like consistency, soft and flavorful.
Hummus
Made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, it’s incredibly versatile, perfect for dipping bread, spreading on khubz (Arabic bread), or pairing with grilled meats.
Manakish
The Arab version of pizza, featuring soft flatbread topped with cheese and seasoned minced beef or lamb, then baked in the oven, full of flavor.
Knafeh
A widely popular dessert in the Arab region, made from phyllo dough, white cheese, pure honey, and dried pistachios, with various shapes and flavors, typically sweet.
Best Time to Travel
Climate
The UAE has a hot and arid desert climate, with two main seasons: the hot season (summer) from May to October, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, and high humidity along the coast, with temperatures reaching above 45°C during the day and humidity around 90%; and the cool season (winter) from November to April, with mild and clear weather, occasional rain, and temperatures ranging from 15 to 35°C. The annual average rainfall is about 100mm, mostly concentrated in January and February. The eastern mountains are cooler and drier.
Best Travel Season
The best time to visit the United Arab Emirates is from November to March each year.
Winter (November to March)
The weather is relatively cool, with daytime temperatures between 20 to 30°C, and nighttime temperatures between 10 to 20°C.
Summer (April to October)
Temperatures are high, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C.