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.

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Read Before You Go
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
Newbies to the culture landscape feature everything from wine to design.
We talk to Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai office
The producer and media strategist who helped bring stand-up to the Middle East talks about why he loves living in Dubai and the state of comedy there.
Dubai is growing up fast.
Long layover in one of these hubs? Here’s how to spend anywhere from four to 24 hours.
One of the most dynamic conductors in the world of classical music, Alondra de la Parra, shares how music focuses her travel and informs her creative vision.
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