Places to Visit in UAE

If you wish to see what all the money can buy, you must visit UAE. There are probably only a few other Arab country as progressive and as affluent as UAE. Some of the best places to visit in UAE also happen to be some of the best places in the world.

United Arab Emirates or the Emirates or simply UAE is primarily known to tourists and travelers for its capital Abu Dhabi & the city of Dubai. Although there are a total of 7 provinces, majority of tourist places in UAE are in the province of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both of these cities are the epitome of Arab extravagance. If you wish to visit UAE, you might have to get a visa, depending on where you are from. But UAE travel is not a difficult endeavor either as the airports of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have direct flights to various countries across the world. And from there, one can wander off to some of the best places to visit in UAE, which if you read on are not limited to the major cities, though these are the major attractions for tourists to visit UAE.

The country was formed when monarchs of 7 Arab provinces known as the Emirates formed a union, hence United Arab Emirates. Now, there are 7 provinces in UAE, each with a monarch of its own. The monarch of Abu Dhabi province, which is also the largest province in UAE, is the President and the monarch of Dubai province is the Prime Minister. UAE enjoys a wide sea-coast from the Persian-Gulf on one side and the Gulf of Oman on the other. UAE has been a very strategic port in the trade between east and west. UAE was occupied by the British Empire for trade with the eastern countries like India & China. At the same time it was also known for its pearling industry. All this was before the discovery of Oil. Since then, the desert land has been transformed into a modern, almost futuristic paradise.

Unlike other surrounding countries, United Arab Emirates reflects many aspects of USA or Europe. Certain localities are almost indistinguishable. UAE is known for its welcoming attitude towards tourists from around the world. On one hand, they have the desert adventures and cultural experiences and on the other, they have some of the most interesting man-made structures ranging from malls and theme parks all the way to artificial islands shaped like a palm tree and another shaped like the world. Having a long-coast line, UAE has a variety of beaches and water sports activities for tourists to enjoy. There is something for everyone who visits UAE, regardless of what your idea of a nice vacation is. Everything here is larger than life, including the people. It is impossible to miss the luxury lifestyle which would seem almost commonplace in UAE, especially in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman and Sharjah. When you visit UAE be prepared to be amazed by the sheer variety and scale of things in this Middle-Eastern miracle of a country.

Cities to Visit in UAE

1. Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi while boasting uber-modern infrastructure and theme parks, has also preserved its heritage, traditions, and culture. The heritage and desert experience in Abu Dhabi is as exciting as Dubai. Abu Dhabi has more historical and cultural tourist attractions and experiences than any other city in UAE.

2. Dubai

Dubai in a word is extravagance. Dubai has the tallest, biggest, largest, fastest, longest and all sorts of superlative accomplishments. The city of Dubai is many experiences in one place. There are beaches, deserts, shopping, amusement parks, sightseeing, architectural marvels, technological marvels, world’s tallest building, world’s largest mall, the EXPO 2020 and the list goes on. Dubai is a world within itself and ironically it also has the world islands. There is literally no end to experiences and sights in Dubai.

3. Ajman

Ajman is yet another city to visit in UAE where the Emirati culture is not only preserved, but seamlessly integrated with modern structures in its architecture. Ajman is known for its museums, mangroves, mountains, cruise tours, the pearl boat tours, and its beaches. And compared to other UAE cities you will get better deals on incredible luxury hotels & resorts.

4. Fujairah

Fujairah is primarily known for the grand forts, palaces, and other historical structures as well as the incredible architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Fujairah also has almost Caribbean like beaches and islands and oasis of breathtaking natural beauty.

5. Ras al-Khaimah

Of all Emirates, you will get to explore the nature best when visiting Ras al-Khaimah. Known for the desert trails, kayaking, sand surfing, trekking, hiking, and other adventure sports and nature exploration tours, Ras al-Khaiman trip can be full of adrenaline, adventure, and picturesque sights.

6. Sharjah

A visit to Sharjah takes you to the past of UAE as the city proudly exhibits the history, heritage and traditions of UAE in its architecture, museums, tours, and archeological sites. Sharjah is also for shopping especially at the Souq al-Markazi, an aesthetically pleasing traditional market.

7. Umm al-Quwain

Of all the Emirates in UAE, Umm al-Quwain or UAQ is the most chilled out and leisurely for a vacation. You have the UAQ fort, UAQ Museum, UAQ center of antiquities if you wish to explore history and culture. Else you bask in the sun and glory of nature at the beaches or explore the nature in the UAQ mangroves or the Al Sinniyah island.

Best time to visit UAE

The best time to visit UAE would be the winter months. The weather starts to cool around October and the pleasant winter lasts till April. You can really enjoy the outdoors during this period throughout the day. If you visit UAE in January or February, you will find the natural terrain at its most beautiful and there are quite a few places in UAE for hiking or nature exploration. If you especially looking forward to enjoying beaches and water-sports, the months of March and April would be most suitable to your purpose. The skyline in Abu Dhabi and Dubai looks exceptionally beautiful during the winter months and you would have a blast with cruises and desert safari as well.

Popular Festivals and Events of UAE

1. Ramadan

• • Dates: April 23 – May 23
  • Venue: All across UAE
  • The month of Ramadan is one of the most festive times to visit UAE. During this month you would really experience generous hospitality and traditional festivity throughout UAE.

2. Eid-Al-Adha

• • Dates: July 30 – August 2
  • Venue: All across UAE
  • One of the biggest attraction during this time is the fireworks and waterworks shows in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman. Besides these, there are special events, shows, and performances of various scale at the majority of public places.

3. Eid-Al-Fitr

• • Dates: May 23-24
  • Venue: All across UAE
  • Eid-Al-Fitr is the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan. It is the time when UAE shops the most and also the time when you would find most offers and discounts then any other time of the year. One of the major attractions on the evening of Eid-Al-Fitr is the Burj-Khalifa fireworks show.

4. UAE National Day

• • Date: 2nd December
  • Venue: All across UAE
  • UAE National Day is the celebration of the union of the Emirates and the foundation of UAE. All national monuments are decorated and traditional events are organized all across UAE for celebration of the National Day.

5. New Year Celebrations

• • Date: 31st December
  • Venue: All across UAE, Burj Khalifa
  • New Year Celebration in Dubai is one of the most well-known across the world. The tallest building in the world is turned into the world’s tallest LED screen and at the same time it shoots out some of the most spectacular fireworks display.

6. Dubai Shopping Festival

• • Dates: December 26, 2019 – February 1, 2020
  • Venue: All across Dubai
  • Dubai Shopping Festival or DSF is a shopper’s dream come true. The Dubai Shopping Festival is so grand that the entire city of Dubai seems to be transformed into a shopping mall.

7. Awafi Heritage Festival

• • Dates: December 2020 – March 2021
  • Venue: Ras-al-Khaimah
  • The Awafi Heritage Festival celebrates the Emirati culture and is the one event where you would find the local Emiratis most wholeheartedly participating. Besides this the festival also features the Heritage Village Show. It puts together various aspects of the Emirati culture and tradition in terms of art, dance, crafts, markets, cuisines etc.

8. Dubai World Cup

• • Dates: March 28
  • Venue: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai
  • The Dubai World Cup is the richest race of thoroughbred horses which culminates with the Final race taking place at Meydan Race Course. It is one of the most prestigious events in the world with incredibly wealthy people coming in for the race from across the globe.

9. Dubai Marathon

• • Dates: January 24
  • Venue: All across Dubai
  • The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is literally a run for money as it is one of the richest races in the world. If you are a fitness buff or especially if you are marathon runner then you must visit Dubai for the Dubai Marathon.

10. Omega Dubai Desert Classic

• • Dates: January 23 – 26
  • Venue: Majlis Golf Course, Emirates Golf Club
  • Omega Dubai Desert Classic is one the biggest Golf Tournaments in the world. Dubai is well-known for its lush Golf Courses and the Desert Classic is the most prestigious golf tournament in the middle east with a history of champions going back till 1989.

11. Dubai International Jazz Festival

• • Dates: February 26-29
  • Venue: DMC Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City
  • The Dubai international Jazz Festival is an extravagant music festival. The artist line-up for the 18th edition includes some of the biggest names in music likeLionel Ritchie, Bruno Mayor, One Republic, and The Congregation among others.

12. Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature

• • Dates: February 4-9
  • Venue: The InterContinental, Dubai Festival City
  • The Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature is the biggest literary festival in the UAE. The festival invites well known authors from across the world and especially promotes UAE’s local literature. It is an incredible experience for the cultured minds.

13. Dubai Summer Surprise

• • Dates: June 21 – August 3
  • Venue: All across Dubai
  • Dubai Summer Surprise or DSS is when almost everything in Dubai is either on sale or available on huge discount for 6 weeks. You will get deals of the day, 12 hour sales, surprise sales and the grand finale being the weekend sales. Go crazy shopping at crazy prices for incredible items and experiences all across Dubai.

14. Art Dubai

• • Dates: March 24 – 28
  • Venue: Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events Centre
  •  Art Dubai is one of the biggest art festivals in the world. This fair gathers some of the innovative artists from across the world to present their creations. The fair also hosts a variety of entertainment and engagement events for people to truly have a unique experience visiting Art Dubai.

15. World Art Dubai

• • Dates: April 8 – 11
  • Venue: Dubai World Trade Center
  • World Art Dubai is the culmination of Dubai’s Art Season when the art and artists from across the world are honored and celebrated. Here the distinctive art style of UAE and the Middle East is also exhibited.

16. Dubai Food Festival

• • Dates: February 21 – March 9
  • Venue: All across Dubai
  • Dubai Food Festival not only celebrates the cuisine of Dubai or the Emirates but that of the entire world. During this festival in Dubai, UAE the entire city joins in from small cafe & restaurants to high-end hotels and lounges. But if you want the carnival feel you can hit the beaches and various other spots in Dubai where a fiesta is organized celebrating food and foodies.

17. Taste of Dubai

• • Dates: March 12 – 14
  • Venue: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
  • While Dubai Food Festival is all encompassing when it comes to Food, Taste of Dubai focuses on the most exquisite and exclusive cuisines and dishes curated by some of the best chefs in Dubai and also some of the most well-known chefs from around the world.

18. Abu Dhabi Film Festival

• • Dates: October 23 – November 1
  • Venue: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
  • Abu Dhabi Film Festival encourages the Arab cinema and filmmakers along with recognizing outstanding pieces of cinema from across the world in various categories. The Abu Dhabi film festival attracts numerous major stars, artists, celebrities, and film makers from around the globe in celebration of exceptional works of cinema.

19. Al Dhafra Festival

• • Dates: December 9 – 25
  • Venue: Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi
  • The Al Dhafra Festival is one of its kind celebration of the Emirati culture, its heritage and the Bedouin lifestyle. The festival features camel beauty pagent, camel races, bedouin themed village experiences, Arabian style markets, regional cuisine and many such cultural experiences.

20. Al Dhafra Water Festival

• • Dates: April 11 – 30
  • Venue: Mirfa Beach, Al Dharfa, Abu Dhabi
  • Al Dhafra Water Festival is an exciting adrenaline pumped water sports and adventures festival in Abu Dhabi. There are also milder aspects to the festival like kite flying, concerts, traditional souq, and more leisurely activities.

21. Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival

• • Dates: November 02, 2019 – April 05, 2020
  • Venue: All across UAE
  • Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is a celebration of the Emirati Culture, History, Traditions, and Heritage. If you truly wish to mingle with and experience the local Emirati Culture, you should explore Abu Dhabi and especially the Heritage District during this festival.

22. Abu Dhabi International Dance Festival

• • Dates: March 26 – 28
  • Venue: The Westin Abu Dhabi
  • Abu Dhabi International Dance Festival gathers performance artists and musicians from all across the world to express their art and dazzle the audience with their creativity and talent. This is where you will find the best performers of the world sharing the same stage for 4 days of breathtaking performances.

23. Ideas Abu Dhabi Festival

• • Dates: March 18 – 19
  • Venue: NYU Abu Dhabi
  • Ideas Abu Dhabi Festival brings together some of the most forward thinkers, influencers, innovators, and intellectuals to shed light on some of the biggest problems in the world and bring about solutions to tackle these problems.

24. Mother of the Nation Festival

• • Dates: March 26 – April 04
  • Venue: Abu Dhabi Corniche
  • The Mother of the Nation Festival is celebrated in honor of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. During this festival the Abu Dhabi Corniche is filled a variety of entertainment, engagement, and leisure activities.

25. Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival

• • Dates: March (exact dates to be announced)
  • Venue: All across Abu Dhabi
  • Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival is an exceptional opportunity to grab great deals and discounts on an immense variety of items and services all across Abu Dhabi. This festival is especially well known for shopping authentic traditional Emirati and Arabic items.

26. Dubai Duty-Free Championships

• • Dates: February 17 – 29th
  • Venue: Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium
  • Dubai Duty-Free Championships has a legacy going back to 1993. It is a widely watched Tennis Tournament which attracts some of the most elite athletes from across the world competing for the Dubai Duty-Free Championship.

27. Dubai Fitness Challenge

• • Dates: October-November (exact dates to be announced)
  • Venue: All across Dubai
  • Dubai Fitness Challenge is a 30-day mega event when the entire city of Dubai becomes a lively health and fitness-oriented community. The entire hosts a variety of activities ranging from yoga, marathons, and sports to diet and meditation events. Most of the events are free of charge and open to all. Dubai Fitness Challenge is fitness and fun-packed in a month long event.

28. Dubai Design Week

• • Dates: November 9 – 14
  • Venue: Dubai Design District
  • Dubai Design Week is a creative expression and exhibition of various design disciplines like architecture, product design, packaging, graphic design, visual arts and more. The Dubai Design Week is a revelation within itself for those seeking and those expressing visual, aesthetic, and creative genius.

29. Dubai Rugby Sevens

• • Dates: November 26 – 28
  • Venue: The Sevens Stadium
  • Dubai Rugby Sevens is a coveted Rugby Championship series with national rugby teams participating from across the globe. The clash at Dubai Rugby Sevens is one of the biggest sports event in the Middle-East.

Emergency Contacts for Travellers

• Police: 999
• Ambulance: 998
• Fire Department: 997

Useful Mobile Apps for Travellers Visiting UAE

1. Careem

Careem is the Uber of the middle-east. A cab hailing and carpooling app active in all cities of UAE. Careem is active in many other middle-eastern countries as well.

2. Dubai Metro 2

If you wish to use the public transport in Dubai, UAE. Dubai Metro 2 will help you commute around the city in Dubai’s Metro trains and trams.

3. Wojhati

Wojhati is an award winning transport guidance app created by RTA (Road & Transport Authority). It is a complete public transport navigation app. With location detection and real-time tracking, this app guides on how to get to places using public transport including: metro, trams, buses, and boats.

4. Talabat

Talabat is a food ordering and restaurant discovery app for UAE and also popular in other middle eastern countries.

5. Zomato

Zomato will help you find restaurants and other food joints of your choosing and if you choose, get your orders delivered to you. If you are already a Zomato or Zomato Gold user, your app will give you offers and benefits when you visit UAE as well.

6. Uber

Uber is one of the most popular cab hailing apps in the world and UAE is no exception.

7. Dubai Calendar

Dubai Calendar keeps you posted and let’s you discover majority of events, competitions, activities, concerts, sports, shows, flee markets, performance etc. all across UAE. It lets you know all that’s happening and you can also book tickets from the app itself.

8. The Entertainer

The Entertainer app is active in many countries including UAE. If you are looking for great deals while you travel on food, leisure, activities, shopping etc. then this app will come in handy.

9. Privelee

Privelee is for those interested in exploring luxury lifestyle of swimming pools in high-end locations and private beaches. It comes at a cost, but it will get you to some of the most sophisticated waterside locations in Dubai & Abu Dhabi.

10. Duolingo

Duolingo is a language learning and translation app. Though most people in UAE do speak english, dueling will help you learn conversational arabic and even help you translate while you speak to the locals.

11. Meetup

If you are you looking to mingle with the locals, meet new people, make new friends, or just have some company for any activity then this app will help you find, interact and meet up with like minded people for various activities in UAE.

12. Groupon

If you are traveling on a budget and looking to get some interesting deals and discounts, well then Groupon can help you in many ways. From food and leisure to various tourist spots, events and activities, you might never have to pay full price with Groupon on your phone.

13. Visit Dubai

This app is designed for tourists. It is basically an encyclopedia of things to do and places to see in Dubai with extensive guides on each of the places and the activities.

14. All Events In City

This app is active in many countries besides UAE as well. It allows you to scroll through various events happening in the city and how to be a part of these events. You can also purchase tickets from within the app itself.

15. RTA Dubai

If you are just visiting Dubai, this app will help you navigate the city through public transport and can even be used to book or hail a cab from your location to anywhere you wish to go in Dubai.

16. Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the world. But the Dubai Mall has it all covered for you to navigate through this incredible shopper’s paradise with ease

Safety Tips

• Anywhere in the UAE, if you are conversing with anyone, especially if it is an Arab person, start the conversation with “Assalamualaikum”. You will find the person much more responsive & helpful if you greet them this way. This is very useful when you are speaking to government officials like police officers, airport authority, etc. Greet them with Salam to make them more friendly towards you.
• First and foremost, remember that United Arab Emirates is a monarchy, so the worst thing you can do is disrespect the royal family in any way. That would get you in some serious legal trouble.
• Another important thing to remember is that UAE is an islamic country, hence disrespect of the religion is also not taken kindly.
• If you are a tourist visiting a mosque or any other place of religious significance, always dress appropriately and remove your shoes before entering. You will generally find a locker or a counter to securely put away your shoes near the entrance itself.
• While visiting a mosque you will be required to cover your head and wear clothes which cover your body from the neck down.
• If you are visiting UAE during the month of Ramadan, know that food and drinks are not allowed in public during the fasting period, which is from sunrise till sundown. You may avail services of indoor restaurants which are open during this time, but do not take any food or drink items in public.
• Drinking in public or being drunk in public is prohibited in UAE. There are hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars where alcohol is legally served. So you won’t be deprived of alcohol, just do not let merriment leak in public places.
• When in restaurants, tipping is customary and is considered good manners in UAE.
•  If you are a tourist visiting UAE, you would want to take lots and lots of pictures. But there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. The local Emiratis believe in orderly conduct, hence always ask for permission before taking pictures of them or with them.
• You are also not allowed to take pictures of government buildings, the military, or defense buildings, or public service buildings.
• Photography of car accidents or any other form of public casualty is also not allowed.
• As for unmarried couples visiting UAE, please remember that unhitched couples are not allowed to stay in the same room in hotels or otherwise. So book separate rooms.
• Public display of affection is also restricted in UAE. Though, UAE is much more open and progressive, public kissing or other forms of PDA are not allowed in UAE.
• In terms of clothing, bikinis and other revealing clothings are allowed on the beaches, but not in other public places.
• Currency exchange centers like UAE exchange can typically be found all across UAE, specially near major public interest locations like tourist spots, major bus stops, metro stations, etc.
• When exchanging anything and while greeting people only use your right hand. Using left hand for any of these activities is considered to be rude and ignorant.
• The weekend in UAE are Friday and Saturday, so expect rush at all public places during these two days.