The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is made up of seven different nations, all of which have their own history and cultural identity, even if most travelers can only think of a handful of them. The capital Abu Dhabi and Dubai suggest that a visit to the UAE is all about the good life in the city. But if you drive just a few kilometers in any direction, the Burj Khalifa gives way to villages half-submerged in the desert sands of um Al Quwain, then to the oases of Sharjah, the pristine mountainsides of Ajman, and the beaches and coral reefs of Ras Al Khaimah.
The countries of the United Arab Emirates
The 7 emirates of the United Arab Emirates are:
- Abu Dhabi (Capital)
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Ras Al Khaimah
- um Al Qaiwain
- Fujairah
Climate and recommended time to visit
It can get very hot in the United Arab Emirates. The best time to visit is therefore between October and April, as temperatures during this time usually require a light jacket.
If you want to visit the beach, it is best to plan your trip for October, March or April. During these months, the weather is hot, but still pleasant to be outside. During these months, the number of tourists is particularly high, so it is best to plan ahead and book the accommodation you want.
The summer months of May to September mean muggy temperatures in the United Arab Emirates, prompting locals to move their activities indoors. If you like shopping or want to visit the UAE for coastal diving, these are the best months to do so.
Abu Dhabi
The endless dunes of the wild Empty Quarter and the glittering blue of the Gulf of Persia. Brunch with champagne, huge hotels and even bigger mosques… In the cultural heart of the UAE, everything goes fast, from the swanky cars to the skyline that seems to get higher every week. But if you look beyond the glitz and glamour, you’ll see that the city hasn’t quite left its heritage as a tiny pearl diving village behind. Fishermen still head out with traditional wooden dhows to fill the souk at the main port, while a dense wreath of mangrove swamps surrounds the city, a reminder that it was carved out of an extreme environment and that nature may one day reclaim it.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi:
- Visit Qasr Al Watan Palace: Qasr Al Watan is one of the newest sights in Abu Dhabi. It is a functioning presidential palace that has only been open to the public since March 2019 and offers a unique insight into the Arab heritage. The palace itself looks incredible from the outside, but the ornate majestic corridors inside will surely leave you speechless.
- If you’re looking for the most instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi, be sure to add Qasr Al Watan to your list! The easiest way to get to the palace is by taxi or rental car if you have one. There is a large parking lot near the palace where you can leave your car for free, and from there you can take a golf cart to the entrance. You can spend a few hours exploring the palace, and there is also a restaurant inside where you can have a light meal or a few drinks. Pay attention to the dress code and cover your knees and shoulders, otherwise you will not be allowed to enter the palace.
- Visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque: The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is probably the most famous landmark of Abu Dhabi and should not be missed on any visit. It is useful to know that you can visit the mosque even if you stay for about 5 hours. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the world and can accommodate more than 40,000 worshippers at a time! It has 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24-carat gilded chandeliers, and the largest handcrafted carpet in the world (which weighs no less than 35 tons!)
Dubai
The multifaceted Dubai is particularly attractive as a shopping and entertainment destination. A must-see is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world and a major landmark in the city. Right next to the tower is the Dubai Mall, where you can shop to your heart’s content in over 1,000 stores. Dubai is also very famous for its beautiful beaches, including Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, and JBR Beach.
Things to do in Dubai
- Bedouin Camp / Desert Safari Tour: The Dubai Desert Safari Tour is not to be missed. Watch the sunset as you drive through the pristine desert in your own 1950s Land Rover, and enjoy a live falcon show. You’ll arrive at a traditional Bedouin camp, where entertainment, henna, camel rides, and a delicious evening await. You will be picked up from the major hotels and it is all included in the price. You’ll feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai, and it’s a piece of heritage you’ll remember forever.
- Ride high to the top of the Burj Khalifa: At 456 meters above sea level, the observation tower at the top of the Burj Khalifa is the main attraction and the best way to see the city. Board the high-speed elevator and be taken to the entrance, Level 124. After taking your time at this level, you can move on to another level. Level 148 – here is the highest observation deck and outdoor terrace in the world at a height of 555 meters!
Sharjah
Sharjah is the third largest city in the United Arab Emirates and its cultural capital due to its rich artistic heritage. It is home to the emirate’s main administrative and commercial centres, as well as a number of cultural projects, such as the Museums of Archaeology, Natural History, Science, Art and Islamic Art and Culture. The city is home to a number of elegant mosques, including the King Fayçal Mosque, the largest in the UAE, as well as two large covered souks and a number of recreation areas and public parks such as Al Jazeirah Fun Park and Al Buheirah Corniche.
Things to do in Sharjah
- Visit the Sharja Maritime Museum: The Sharjah Maritime Museum documents the long and close relationship that the inhabitants of the city of Sharjah had with the sea. From simple fishing, people went from mastering the sea and sailing to distant shores to trade. The exhibits document the trade relations that the region maintained with the civilization of the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia. The exhibits of the traditional dhows give insights into the maritime history of the country. The boats, which range from a small miniature model to a full-size pearl boat, tell the fascinating story of how the boats were made, used, and repaired. The sea was very dear to the people in more ways than one, because it was not only a source of food, but also a means of trade, communication and the production of tools.
- Spend time in Al Qasba: Al Qasba is a car-free entertainment zone with a variety of attractions. An ideal place for families to stay. One of the main attractions is, of course, the Eye of the Emirates, a gigantic Ferris wheel that is up to 60 meters high. On a bike ride, visitors experience spectacular views of the Sharjah skyline and the Gulf Coast. In addition to the Eye of the Emirates, there is an enchanting musical fountain that attracts visitors and a Kids Fun Zone that attracts children in droves, while from here you can also hop on a boat for a city tour of Sharjah. Catering establishments offering everything from coffee to donuts to fish and ice cream and much more complete the experience. Al Qasba is a perfect and complete destination for the whole family for a fun night out
