The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a cluster of seven beautiful
emirates. It’s a beautiful fusion of traditional charm and ultramodern
development. What was once a region known for its Bedouin traditions and strategic
trade routes, the UAE has evolved into a premier global tourism destination. With
the towering iconic skyscrapers of Dubai, the endless deserts of Abu Dhabi, luxurious
hotels, beautiful coastlines, loads of fun activities, and rich cultural
heritage, the Emirates offers an array of unforgettable experiences for tourists
from all across the world.
You can start your journey through the UAE by visiting the dizzy
skyscrapers and huge shopping malls in Dubai followed by the cultural sites and
museums of Abu Dhabi. You can then head towards the northern Emirates’
historical sites and natural landscapes and appreciate both the cultural and
natural beauty of the region. Toward the end of your trip, you can plan for an
amazing overnight desert safari to enjoy some thrilling adventure sports
activities and authentic Bedouin hospitality, spend some quiet moments under
the starlit sky, and devour the world-famous Arabian cuisine.
Here are the top attractions and activities in the UAE, which
promise a fun-filled and memorable trip to the Emirates.
Top 10 Attractions and Activities in the UAE
1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Standing tall at an astonishing height of 828 meters (2,717 feet), Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. It is a symbol of
Dubai’s rapid development. This 163-storeyed building is not just an
engineering marvel but also a hub of luxury and entertainment.
Enjoy breathtaking views from the observation decks on the 124th,
125th, and 148th floors, providing a beautiful perspective of Dubai's skyline.
At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa, located on level 122 of the iconic
skyscraper is the highest restaurant in the world. You can enjoy an awesome
view of the city along with a fine dining experience.
The Dubai Fountain, the world's tallest performing fountain
system, is set on the 30-acre artificial Burj Lake. An ultimate ride on the
Burj Lake and the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk allow you to go closer to the
beautifully choreographed fountain. For
art enthusiasts, the building houses over 1,000 specially commissioned pieces
of art from Middle Eastern and international artists, giving the message of global
harmony.
Cost: Tickets start from approximately $40 per adult and $31 per child between 04-12 years.
2. Overnight Desert Safari in Dubai
An overnight desert safari in Dubai offers a complete fun package of adventure
sports and tranquil moments. Experience the thrill of dune bashing, quad-biking,
and sandboarding. Witness a spectacular sunrise and a mesmerizing sunset in the
endless golden desert. Click lots of pics, enjoy camel rides, have a puff of
shisha, enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, and experience traditional Bedouin
hospitality.
Cost: Prices range from $50 to $150, depending on the package.
3. The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is not just a famous shopping destination. It’s a complete entertainment complex. Here you can explore the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, one of the largest underwater aquariums in the world. It displays thousands of aquatic animals across a 10-million-liter tank. Tickets start around $50.
The mall houses an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink, for which entry fees begin at $20. Have a unique icy experience here in the warmth of a desert. KidZania, an interactive children’s city, offers role-playing experiences for kids, with tickets priced around $40. And you cannot miss the VR Park, a virtual reality indoor theme park, where entry is free, but games and experiences cost approximately $15 onwards.
Cost: Entry to the mall is free, but attractions inside have separate
charges.
4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Visiting the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must in the list of your Abu Dhabi activities. It is not just a place of worship. It is also a hub of cultural and educational exploration. It’s an exquisite architectural marvel, comprising over a thousand columns, 82 domes, golden chandeliers, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. The mosque offers free guided tours, providing information about its design and the Islamic faith. The reflective pools around the mosque enhance its beauty, especially at night. It's a perfect setting for contemplation and spiritual awakening. Dressing modestly is required. The mosque management also provides complimentary traditional attire to ensure you can experience this architectural masterpiece respectfully.
Cost: Entry is free.
5. Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a museum where the East meets the West in
art, showing art pieces from ancient times to today. The building itself is
beautiful, with a giant dome that makes cool patterns of light and shadow. You
can walk around and see various kinds of art, learn about history, and even
take part in workshops sometimes. For kids under 13, entry to the museum is
free. It's a fun place to explore and appreciate art. If you are an art lover, you
must include Louvre Abu Dhabi among your Abu Dhabi activities.
Cost: Tickets are approximately $17 for adults.
6. Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
The world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park, Ferrari World, offers
you the ultimate riding, dining, and shopping experience. Enjoy the world's
fastest roller coaster and the tallest loop rides. Get to see some stunning
magical shows. And do not forget to buy your souvenir Ferrari from the
impressive collection in the stores. Admission typically ranges from $70 to
$100 per person, with additional costs for special experiences. You can book your
tickets online and get exclusive discounts.
Cost: General admission starts at around $80.
7. Dubai Miracle Garden
The world’s largest natural flower garden, Dubai Miracle Garden, spans
across 72,000 square meters. Here you get to see over 250 million plants and 50
million flowers in vibrant arrangements and designs. You thoroughly enjoy these
beautiful flowers exhibited as floral sculptures, cartoon characters, huge
animals, and archways. Kids simply love Disney Avenue where they meet their
favorite Disney characters including the huge 18-meter-tall floral Mickey
Mouse.
Cost: Entry costs about $12 for adults.
8. Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is one of Dubai’s most famous beaches, offering a
beautiful coastline with white sands and clear waters. You can enjoy
sunbathing, swimming, and adventure water sports like jet skiing and
parasailing. You can also spend some time enjoying the scenic jogging track and
exploring the lively Jumeirah Beach Residence, which is a strategic residential
development with forty towers. All in all, Jumeirah Beach promises you a perfect
relaxing day out.
Cost: Free access to the public beach. Water sports and other
activities have separate charges.
9. Gold Souk, Dubai
‘Souk’ means an Arab market or a bazaar. Gold Souk is a dazzling
marketplace in Dubai. It showcases intricate gold jewelry, from traditional
designs to modern creations of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more. If you
are a good bargainer, you can seal some amazing golden deals here or may come out sporting a gold wardrobe. And not just
gold, you can also buy from a variety of other precious metals and gemstones.
Cost: Entry is free, but the cost of gold varies.
10. Hatta Mountain Safari
Discover the beautiful desert scenery of the Hatta mountains. Ride
in a rugged 4x4 vehicle through stunning landscapes, spotting wildlife, and
exploring ancient villages. The Hatta Heritage Village houses an ancient fort
and a mosque built in the 16th century. Take a tour of Hatta Hill Park to
appreciate the beauty of some lush green landscapes. Visit the famous Hatta Dam
and witness the strategic water management for irrigation and electricity
production.
Cost: Tickets for the safari range from $50 to $100 per person.
The UAE is a perfect tourist destination promising a wide range of
activities for all sorts of travelers. Enjoy the state-of-the-art luxuries and
excitement of Dubai. Appreciate the cultural experiences in Abu Dhabi. Witness
the natural beauty of the desert and mountains. Shop till you drop in the malls
and the markets. The UAE has got something special for everyone.
What we covered in this blog are just a handful of hundreds of
tourist attractions available in the UAE. We will cover some more such
interesting places and activities in our next blog. We hope this will help as you
plan your lavish UAE vacation.