The United Arab Emirates, situated on the Arabian Peninsula along the Persian Gulf, is well-known for its modern skyscrapers, famous beach resorts, palm-shaped artificial islands, desert safaris, and grand shopping malls. But there’s much more to this country than just these attractions.
If you love history and culture, you’ll appreciate the country’s historical forts and enjoy wandering through the vibrant traditional markets, or souks, where colorful stalls line the narrow streets. Art lovers will find delight in the numerous art galleries, and if you’re an adventurous traveler, exploring the lesser-known emirates is a must-do.
For those of you interested in visiting the United Arab Emirates and wondering what to see, here are seven top places that should be on your list:
1. Sheikh Zayed Mosque: Located in Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates, this is the biggest mosque in the UAE with a capacity for 41,000 worshippers. The mosque’s beautiful design is crafted from exquisite marble sourced from Europe and India. Its courtyard, adorned with a floral mosaic, spans about 17,000 square meters, making it the world’s largest of its kind. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is also ranked among the top 10 landmarks globally by TripAdvisor.
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi: This branch of the world-renowned Louvre museum, which opened on November 8, 2017, displays artworks spanning from Neolithic times to modern-day pieces. Besides its permanent collection, the museum hosts four temporary exhibits annually, organized by French museum partners. Its innovative design makes it one of the top places to visit in the UAE.
3. Dubai’s Traditional Souks: When you visit Dubai, don’t miss the legendary souks. On the Deira side of Dubai Creek, you’ll find the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Perfume Souk—all within walking distance of each other. The Gold Souk is the most famous, featuring over 380 retailers selling gold, platinum, diamonds, and silver. The Spice Souk offers a variety of exotic spices and herbs at prices much lower than in Europe, while the Perfume Souk allows you to create your own personalized scent, despite being less impressive than the others.
4. Burj Khalifa: Standing at 828 meters tall, Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world’s tallest man-made structure. It’s a major landmark in the UAE and hosts a spectacular evening light and fountain show followed by an LED display. The tower features the world’s largest LED-illuminated facade and has two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors, offering breathtaking views.
5. Dubai Miracle Garden: This is the largest natural flower garden globally, covering more than 72,000 square meters. It showcases over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants, with unique structures made entirely of flowers, including an Airbus A380 structure listed as the largest flower arrangement worldwide by Guinness World Records.
6. Fujairah: Often overlooked, Fujairah is a gem worth exploring. It houses the oldest mosque in the UAE, the mud-brick Al-Bidyah Mosque, and the impressive Fujairah Fort, built in 1670. Al Aqah Beach, dominated by the rocky “Snoopy Island,” is the top beach resort here. Fujairah’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the second largest in the UAE, can hold about 28,000 worshippers. While non-Muslims cannot enter, the exterior is breathtaking to behold.
7. Al Ain: Known as the “Garden City” due to its lush palm groves and natural springs, Al Ain is the UAE’s largest inland city. Key attractions include Al-Jahili Fort, which dates back to 1891 and has been beautifully restored, and Qasr Al Muwaiji, the birthplace of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Al Ain Camel Market is an excellent spot to learn about Arabic traditions. For outdoor enthusiasts, Jebel Hafeet mountain offers stunning views and is home to the Beehive Tombs, evidence of human civilization dating back 5,000 years.
Each of these locations offers a unique glimpse into the rich culture, history, and modern achievements of the United Arab Emirates, ensuring a memorable visit.