The various UAE destinations offer culture fans plenty of things to do. Delve into the country’s Bedouin past on starry desert nights before exploring the many forts that guarded the coastline long before the domination of the glitzy high-rises. While for nature-lovers, the desert starts where the cities end, and the jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountains are ripe for adventuring.
For ideas on the best places to visit see our list of the top tourist attractions in the United Arab Emirates.
1. Burj Khalifa
A trip up to the observation deck, with its panoramic views across Dubai, is a sightseeing highlight for most tourists who visit, though for those who suffer from vertigo, it might be best to give it a miss.
2. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi
The mosque harmoniously blends modern and ancient styles and techniques to create a new interpretation of Islamic architecture.
3. Hajar Mountains
Nature lovers will find plenty of hiking, trekking, and bird-watching opportunities, while the vast amount of picturesque wadis (dry riverbeds; valleys) in the area are also fun to explore.
4. Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi takes visitors on a journey through human history with objects sourced from across the globe and through the ages to demonstrate the links between cultures.
5. Jebel Jais
The highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais in the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah has become much easier to access in recent years thanks to the switchback road that twists and turns all the way up the mountainside.
6. Sharjah Arts Museum
The most important museum dedicated to the arts in the Emirates (until the opening of the Louvre and Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi), the Sharjah Arts Museum is home to the most diverse art collection in the United Arab Emirates.
7. Jebel Hafeet
A must-do for anyone who wants to snap a great vista, the summit of Jebel Hafeet is a favorite day trip from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
9. The Desert
You’ll find plenty of things to do here, from four-wheel-drive trips and dune-buggy journeys to sand boarding, hiking, and camel treks.
10. Al-Bidyah Mosque
Al-Bidyah, about 35 kilometers north of Fujairah city is one of the country’s and the Emirate of Fujairah’s most important historical sites.
