With year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and stunning architecture, the United Arab Emirates is a modern travel haven enjoying strengthening relationships with Israel.
Tourism numbers across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are booming this month as over one million football fans flock toward neighbouring Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. Combining cultural tradition with inventive attractions, each of the country’s emirates offer their own unique experiences suiting all travellers.
Dubai
The UAE’s most cosmopolitan city remains the region’s tourist favourite, thanks to its luxurious palm shaped islands, jaw dropping skyline heights, and world defying economic innovation.
Home to record breaking hospitality feats including the world’s tallest hotel and the world’s only seven-star resort, Dubai’s staggering range of luxury resorts and chic five-star hotels are also ideal hubs for poolside family entertainment open for anyone passing by. Piercing the sky at 2715ft, the world tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, invites visitors to take in city views from the tower’s top observation deck or with a sophisticated lunch in the 112nd floor At.mosphere restaurant.
Meanwhile, the world’s largest shopping centre, Dubai Mall, will help dress up the holiday with over 1,300 shops to explore alongside a giant ice rink and aquarium, indoor theme parks, and 150 food outlets. Shopping is also a renowned top leisure activity across the city, with a mixture of urban outdoor malls and traditional souks providing a hotbed of retail choice while the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, taking place from 15th December to the end of January 2023, is set to attract global tourists and big-name celebrities as they get their hands on incredible savings with the latest fashion trends.
Visitdubai.com/en
Abu Dhabi
Proudly modern and multicultural, the UAE’s forward-thinking capital is home to year-round sunshine and blissful nature.
With dramatic architecture basking in Islamic history, Abu Dhabi’s modern attractions are also pushing the city to become the region’s cultural leader, including the spectacular Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum pairing rich globe-trotting art collections with innovative temporary exhibitions. Opening in early 2023, the landmark Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue will also complete the symbolic Abrahamic Family House project along with a new mosque and church to symbolise peaceful interfaith understanding.
Saadiyat Island, Al Bateen, and the brand new Hudayriat Island also lead the abundance of beach getaways from the city, while further out on the water, the Mangrove National Park provides a kayaking escape into nature to encounter flamingos, heron, and scuttling crabs along the vast forest’s waterways.
With impressive sand valleys and soaring sand dunes reaching over 300 ft, Abu Dhabi’s preserved surrounding desertscape is a playground for adrenaline junkies seeking adventure thrills. Home to off-road driving, camel rides, and sandboarding activities, the fast-paced dune bashing experiences also include Saluki hunting dog shows in honour of the Arabian Peninsula’s tradition stretching back over 5,000 years.
Visitabudhabi.ae/en
Sharjah City
The Capital of Islamic Culture takes a more subtle approach than its flashy neighbour Dubai with a focus on history over glamour and over 20 museums and galleries to explore featuring priceless paintings and Arabian artifacts.
Sharjah’s rich wildlife experiences also make the emirate a great family destination with rare and endangered animals to encounter in the Khor Kalba mangrove forest, Sharjah Desert Park, and Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre.
With picturesque views out towards the Arabian gulf, the Sharjah Corniche is also a popular area to explore day or night, with lively activity on the Al Majaz Waterfront featuring splash parks and an open-air amphitheatre hosting major cultural performances. The waterfront is also the perfect vantage point to see the city light up with bright reflections on the water during the Sharjah Light Festival taking place during February 2023.
Visitsharjah.com
Ajman
Peaceful and relaxed, Ajman is the smallest of all seven emirates known for its beautiful beaches and culture steeped in exceptional hospitality.
The residential feel compared to its neighbours makes the city a quiet getaway from the crowds, with the sprawling Caravana Resort overlooking the pristine Al Zorah coastline making an ideal base for families to throw down the beach towels and soak up some sun.
Top destinations include the one million sq. metre Al Zorah Nature Reserve, with a vibrant ecosystem now home to nearly 58 species of bird. Naturally made for waterborne activities, the reserve’s network of channels can be navigated by kayaking while golfers can tee off at the 18-hole Championship golf course at the nearby Al Zorah Golf Club.
Beckoning adventurous tourists to explore Ajman’s surrounding hills on foot or mountain bike, the Hajar mountains are also just a short drive away, with historic fortresses and wild honey to be found at the enclaves of Al Manama and Masfout.
Ajman.travel/en
Ras Al Khaimah
Renowned for its outstanding nature and adventure offerings, the UAE’s northernmost emirate has become one of the most sought after Middle Eastern destinations. With no hard border crossing surrounding Ras Al Khaimah, tourists can also travel freely between the region and neighbouring emirates without any restrictions.
At over 1,900 metres tall, the UAE’s tallest mountain peak of Jebel Jais is worth viewing for the scenic drive alone, while designated mountain trails can also reach the top suited to walkers of all experience levels. Thrill-seekers can also take on the world’s longest zipline experience across ravines and canyons at speeds of up to 150 kmph with spectacular views of the mountain range.
In the city, Flamingo Beach is Ras Al Khaimah’s favourite hangout for sun worshippers hidden by towering dunes and royal hideaways, where visitors should keep their eyes open for wild flamingos and camels as they wade and bathe in the shallows of the Arabian Gulf.
As the sun sets, the Corniche Al Qawasim also comes alive with bustling cafes and restaurants set between flamboyant Turkish ice cream makers serving up a feast of Middle Eastern and international cuisine.
Visitrasalkhaimah.com