United Arab Emirates

In just over 50 years, the UAE’s seven emirates have undergone an astounding transformation from arid desert towns to the most forward-looking cities. The largest, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are known for their ultramodern architecture, glitzy restaurants, and art powerhouses like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Across the country, though, you’ll also find Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman beaches with white sand and warm water safe for swimming; preserved structures like the small, mud-brick 15th-century Al Bidyah Mosque in Fujairah and Dubai’s Emirati-style Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 of coral and mud bricks; and Bedouin traditions such as falconry alive and well.

the sheikh zayed grand mosque in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Katerina Kerdi/Unsplash

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to the United Arab Emirates.

Related Guides
Read Before You Go
Exploring the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in a sustainable way has never been easier than with Indus Travels’ all-encompassing voyage through the historical and cultural highlights of these two cities.
Hotels
Afar’s picks for the 25 best new hotels in the world.
Dubai has plenty of hotels to choose from, but these will truly connect you to the emirate and its culture.
AFAR’s picks for the 31 best new hotels in the world.
Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, talks about the hospitality boom in the Middle East—and the evolution of Ras Al Khaimah into a luxury travel destination.
Sleeping with the fishes takes on a whole new meaning at these villas and suites under the sea.
Sparkling waters, otherworldly sand dunes, and palm-shaded oases await near Abu Dhabi’s most exciting hotels.
When the iconic Raffles Singapore opened in 1887, it quickly became a glittery haven for well-heeled travelers, and later, a go-to brand for discerning globetrotters.
The retired “Queen Elizabeth 2,” permanently moored in Mina Rashid, has debuted as a 224-room floating resort.
They’ll be home to family-friendly resorts, the Middle East’s first Cirque du Soleil show, and a marine park.
These hotels know how to make an entrance.
Resources to help plan your trip
From brutalist architecture to conservation oases, Abu Dhabi has it all.
Delayed by the pandemic, Expo 2020 will run through March 2022, bringing representatives—and hopefully visitors—from 190 nations.
On Sunday, travelers stepped up to an iris scanner after checking in, gave it a good look, and breezed through passport control within seconds.
Abu Dhabi’s hotel bars and lounges are hot spots for expatriates and tourists who seek libations after spending a day at work or under the desert sun. For tourists, the only place to legally consume alcohol is at a hotel or resort. From beachside cabanas to smoky lounges and a sports bar near the Yas Marina, there is plenty of wine, beer, and liquor to go around. Some live music too.
A weekend in Dubai serves as the perfect starter kit to the city. A place of excess and world-class everything, it’s easy to get overwhelmed in Dubai (but in the best way possible). Start with this three day Dubai itinerary that wanders through both traditional and modern-day attractions. Take in the glittering Dubai Mall; the Gold Souk; get a view of the city from the observation deck on the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa; and much more. After that? Go home. Collect your thoughts and book another trip back.
The Gate building leans more than the Tower of Piza. The Yas Viceroy is a hotel built within a racetrack. And the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque gives its audience an entirely new perception of grandeur. In this young country where architectural dreams still come true, Abu Dhabi’s towers, bridges, and structures are meant to awe. And a drive by each will introduce you to a different part of the city.
The earliest references to drinking coffee come from the Middle East, and cafés and coffee shops still encourage guests to sit, meet friends, and talk to each other while sipping. Abu Dhabi’s coffee comes in various forms: sweetened creamy espresso shots, Arab or Turkish coffees, high tea (in hotels), lattes, and cappuccinos. For something a bit different, served piping hot and delicious, try karak, a chai tea.
Shopping, the perfect pastime, in a country where fashion meets excruciatingly hot summer temperature. From traditional souks to air conditioned shopping center, many of Abu Dhabi’s most popular shopping spots offer an out-of-the-heat place to gather, dine, sit and talk over coffee...and shop. The large malls all include a supermarket along with international shops from jewelry and fashion to home goods and technology. Each place has its own speciality, whether it be a fruit, meat, and fish market, or, even, a ferris wheel.
From Abu Dhabi, several day trips (or overnight trips) make easy destinations for explorers. A 45-minute morning flight takes you to Muscat, in Oman, and has you back in time for a late dinner. Or, the entire family can enjoy Sir Bani Yas Island, where animals roam free. Both Dubai and Al Ain lie within easy driving distance. Dubai’s shops, cultural activities, and architectural sights will keep you busy for a day—or longer, if you can extend your trip.
Families visiting this coastal city will find outdoor adventure at beaches, waterparks, and islands. Above it all, a thrilling Ferris wheel with air-conditioned seats (really!) beckons view seekers. Back on land, kids may encounter camels and wild animals, and learn about desert culture. Yes, the younger set can easily have fun in this largest emirate.
36 destinations to kick-start your travel dreaming and scheming.
Dubai-based airline Emirates has just introduced a new fare type.
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.