UAE Bucket List: The Top Things to Do.
The United Arab Emirates is a place you have to visit at least once in your life. Its capital Dubai is one of the world’s most futuristic cities with some of the highest skyscrapers on the globe. Yet this is a land of old civilizations, vast deserts, oases and surprising beach resorts.
It’s a great place for adventure travellers, luxury lovers, or for those just interested in experiencing a different culture.
This post covers the highlights of a visit to the United Arab Emirates.
UAE’s 10 Crucial Attraction and Activities
- Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is the star attraction in Dubai. It is the highest skyscraper in the world at 828 meters. As you can imagine, the views are incredible. The 124th/ 148th tiered observation decks offer vistas of the entire city, the desert and the Arabian Gulf. For those who visit Burj Khalifa Dubai at dusk, things become more striking with the golden rays mirrored through the building’s glass windows. There’s nothing comparable to Burj Khalifa anywhere in the world.
- Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina encompasses everything that is Dubai: visually striking, relaxed and luxurious. Walk the promenade, marvel at the skyscrapers, dine at the waterfront eateries and shop at the upscale stores. You can take even take a boat (or yacht) cruise.
- Desert Safari
A Dubai desert safari is something you have to experience if coming to the UAE. It’s the ultimate for adventure travellers. Try “dune bashing” – driving through the high dunes of the desert with a 4X4. Go for a camel ride, do some extreme dune “buggy-ing” or do some sandboarding. See belly dancing performances, have an Arab feast and learn some Bedouin heritage. There’s nothing like being out in the desert.
- AI Fahidi Historical District
The Al Fahidi Historical District of Dubai (dubbed “Al Bastakiya”) dates back to the 1800’s and is the oldest neighborhood in the city. It’s full of atmospheric little lanes and is known for its wind towers (also called “windcatchers”, they were built to create cross ventilation and cooling in buildings). The district holds some excellent art galleries as well as the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding where you can learn about Dubai’s history.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
Flying a hot air balloon over the Abu Dhabi / Dubai corridor is a highlight of any trip to the UAE. You’ll have an eagle’s eye view over the skyscrapers of the city, the Arabian Gulf, and see the dunes stretch out into the horizon. You’ll witness native wildlife from camels to gazelles along the way. Some hot-air balloon flights even offer a champagne breakfast. It’s an unforgettable experience.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
Yes, Abu Dhabi has its own Louvre Art Museum which should definitely be included in your list of essential Abu Dhabi Tours. Resulting from an agreement between the French and UAE governments, it is “France’s largest cultural project abroad” and is in fact the largest art museum on the Arabian Peninsula. Located on Saadiyat Island, it is a striking building with a colossal domed roof. A light show creates a rain light effect that is astounding.
- Ferrari World
For speed enthusiasts and seekers of thrill, Ferrari World is the World’s first Ferrari-themed park. It has 6 roller coasters including the world’s speediest roller coaster (dubbed “Formula Rossa”, it is capable of speed of 240km/hr). It has racing go-karts, a simulator that will have you believe you’re driving a real Ferrari, ziplines, a roof walk on the Ferrari building…but it also has fun rides for family and children.
- AI Ain
Al Ain is an oasis 90 minutes away from Dubai. Dubbed “the Garden City”, the oasis dates back more than 4,000 years. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site and covers more than 1,200 hectares and contains more than 147,000 date palm trees. Walk the trails, ride a bike and visit the Al Ain Zoo which houses species from every corner of the globe (including exotic species such as oryx, eland, lechwe, as well as the rare white lion and Nubian giraffe). Also nearby is the odd Jebel Hafeet, the UAE’s second highest peak (part of a national park).
- Sharjah
Sharjah is the 3rd largest city and Cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates. Attractions include the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization which highlight Islamic culture. Al Qasba is a canal-side complex packed with cafés, restaurants and shops. It features the Eye of the Emirates, a huge ferris wheel with spectacular views. For those who enjoy art, the Sharjah Arts Museum is one of the leading art institutions in the Persian Gulf region. For family fun, there is the Sharjah Safari Park, the Rain Room Sharjah (a light show simulating rain) and the Kalba Fort (a fort dating back to 1745).
- Fujairah
Located on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah is a place to go for nature. The beaches are gorgeous and a destination for water sports such as snorkeling and diving. The Hajar mountains are rocky and a magnet for hikers. There are forts to visit (Fujairah Fort is splendid) and lots of colourful local markets. The beaches and natural splendor make Fujairah one of the UAE’s most popular destinations.
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates is an exceptional destination of stunning geography, futuristic cities and traditional Islamic culture. You have to see the Burj Khalifa to believe it…and exploring desert landscapes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But as you see above, these are the tip of the iceberg as there are many highlights in the incredible UAE.
Related: Visiting Merzouga. And why it is one of the highlights of my 5 week Morocco trip
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