United Arab Emirates · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in United Arab Emirates
These are the places worth your time in the United Arab Emirates, from the creek souqs of Dubai and the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi to the oasis of Al Ain, the museums of Sharjah and the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. Classics sit beside quiet corners many visitors miss, so every kind of traveller finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Dubai
Arts and Culture
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Bur Dubai)
Wind tower houses, small museums and shaded lanes that show Dubai before the oil boom. - Museum of the Future (Sheikh Zayed Road)
A striking ring shaped building with immersive exhibits on how we might live tomorrow. - Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (Al Fahidi)
Cultural meals and talks where Emiratis answer visitors' questions openly and warmly. - Jumeirah Mosque (Jumeirah)
One of the few mosques in Dubai with guided visits for non-Muslims. - Alserkal Avenue (Al Quoz)
Warehouse galleries, independent cinema and cafés in an industrial district. - Etihad Museum (Jumeirah)
The story of how seven emirates united in 1971, told where the union was signed. - Al Shindagha Museum (Al Shindagha)
Restored houses on the creek mouth telling Dubai's story, including a museum of perfume.
Things to Do
- Dubai Creek abra crossing (Bur Dubai and Deira)
A wooden water taxi ride across the creek that costs almost nothing and is pure old Dubai. - Burj Khalifa At the Top (Downtown Dubai)
The view from the tallest building on earth, best booked for a sunset slot. - The Dubai Fountain (Downtown Dubai)
Free evening shows of water, light and music on the lake below Burj Khalifa. - Global Village (Dubailand)
A winter cultural park of country pavilions, street food from around the world and evening shows. - Dubai Mall Aquarium (Downtown Dubai)
A huge viewing panel of sharks and rays you can see free from the mall. - Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates)
Real snow, penguins and sledging inside a mall in the desert.
Shopping and Markets
- Deira Gold Souq (Deira)
Window after window of gold jewellery in a covered market that has traded for generations. - Dubai Spice Souq (Deira)
Sacks of saffron, frankincense, dried lemons and dates in narrow lanes by the creek. - Dubai Mall (Downtown Dubai)
One of the world's largest malls, with fashion, an ice rink and the fountain on its doorstep. - Karama Market (Karama)
Bargain clothes, bags and souvenirs in a busy residential district. - Deira Waterfront Market (Deira)
A big modern fish, fruit and spice market where you can have fish cooked on the spot.
Nature and Outdoors
- Kite Beach (Umm Suqeim)
A free public beach with Burj Al Arab views, food trucks and a running track. - JBR Beach (Dubai Marina)
A lively city beach backed by The Walk's cafés and restaurants. - Al Qudra Lakes (Saih Al Salam)
Desert lakes with birdlife and a long cycle track, magical at sunrise. - Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (Margham)
Protected dunes home to oryx and gazelles, visited with licensed conservation minded operators. - Dubai Miracle Garden (Al Barsha South)
A seasonal garden of millions of flowers shaped into arches and sculptures.
Restaurants
- Al Ustad Special Kebab (Al Fahidi)
A family run Iranian kebab house that has fed Dubai since the 1970s. - Ravi Restaurant (Satwa)
A legendary Pakistani canteen for curry and bread at any hour. - Al Mallah (Al Satwa)
A Lebanese street café famous for shawarma and fresh juice. - Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (Al Fahidi)
Emirati dishes in a courtyard house in the old quarter. - Logma (Dubai)
Modern Emirati comfort food, from chabab pancakes to luqaimat. - Pierchic (Madinat Jumeirah)
A seafood restaurant on its own pier over the water, with Burj Al Arab views. - Al Hadheerah (Bab Al Shams)
A desert dinner with Arabic dishes, music and dancing under the stars. - Bu Qtair (Umm Suqeim)
A simple fish shack where the catch is fried with spice and served with rice and curry. - Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)
A shady courtyard café with Emirati breakfast and karak in the old quarter.
Cafés
- Tom and Serg (Al Quoz)
An industrial style café that helped start Dubai's specialty coffee scene. - Filli Cafe (Dubai)
A home grown chain famous for saffron tea and quick snacks.
Bars and Nightlife
- At.mosphere (Burj Khalifa)
A lounge on a high floor of Burj Khalifa with sweeping evening views. - Bahri Bar (Mina A'Salam, Madinat Jumeirah)
A terrace bar overlooking the canals and Burj Al Arab. - Barasti (Dubai Marina)
A huge, casual beach bar with live sport and sunset views.
Events
- Dubai Shopping Festival (Citywide)
A winter festival of sales, concerts and fireworks across the city.
Stays
- XVA Art Hotel (Al Fahidi)
A boutique hotel and gallery in a restored wind tower house. - Madinat Jumeirah (Umm Suqeim)
A resort of canals, souqs and beach hotels built around Burj Al Arab views. - Bab Al Shams Desert Resort (Dubai desert)
A fort style desert resort for a night among the dunes. - Al Seef Heritage Hotel (Al Seef)
A heritage style hotel on the creek at a fair mid-range level.
Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi
Arts and Culture
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi)
A breathtaking mosque of white marble and inlaid flowers, free to visit with a booked slot. - Louvre Abu Dhabi (Saadiyat Island)
World art and history under a floating dome that scatters light like palm fronds. - Qasr Al Watan (Al Ras Al Akhdar)
The presidential palace opens its grand halls and library, with an evening light show. - Qasr Al Hosn (Al Hosn)
The city's oldest stone building, a white fort turned museum. - teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi (Saadiyat Island)
Immersive digital art rooms that respond to people moving through them. - Manarat Al Saadiyat (Saadiyat Island)
A cultural centre with changing exhibitions and arts programmes. - Heritage Village (Breakwater)
A recreated pre oil village with crafts, a small museum and Corniche views.
Things to Do
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)
Racing themed rides, including one of the fastest roller coasters on earth. - Yas Waterworld (Yas Island)
A big water park with slides for every age. - SeaWorld Yas Island (Yas Island)
A marine life park with a research and rescue focus. - Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)
An indoor theme park of cartoon and superhero worlds, perfect in the heat.
Nature and Outdoors
- Corniche Beach (Corniche)
A long, clean public beach with lifeguards and city views. - Jubail Mangrove Park (Jubail Island)
Boardwalks through mangroves full of crabs and herons. - Eastern Mangroves kayaking (Eastern Mangroves)
Paddle quiet channels at sunrise or sunset. - Saadiyat Public Beach (Saadiyat Island)
Soft sand and clear water where turtles nest in season. - Liwa Oasis and Moreeb Dune (Liwa)
A string of oasis villages beside some of the tallest dunes on earth.
Shopping and Markets
- Mina Zayed Fish Market (Mina Zayed)
A busy market where you buy fish and have it cleaned and cooked next door. - Souk Al Qaryat Al Beri (Al Maqta)
A modern souq on canals with views of the Grand Mosque.
Restaurants
- Lebanese Flower (Khalidiya)
A beloved spot for grills, mezze and fresh bread. - Li Beirut (Jumeirah at Etihad Towers)
Modern Lebanese cooking with city views.
Cafés
- Emirates Palace café (Emirates Palace)
Coffee and the famous camel milk treats in one of the region's grandest hotels. - Café Arabia (Al Mushrif)
A cosy villa café with Middle Eastern breakfasts.
Bars and Nightlife
- Ray's Bar (Jumeirah at Etihad Towers)
A lounge high above the city with views over the sea.
Events
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina Circuit)
The Formula 1 season finale, with concerts after the race. - Sheikh Zayed Festival (Al Wathba)
A winter festival of heritage, food and world pavilions.
Stays
- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental (Corniche)
A palace hotel of domes and gold leaf on a private beach. - Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort (Liwa)
A remote desert resort deep among the dunes of the Empty Quarter's edge.
Places to Visit in Al Ain
Nature and Outdoors
- Al Ain Oasis (Central Al Ain)
Shady paths among date palms watered by ancient falaj channels. - Jebel Hafeet (Al Ain)
A mountain road to the summit with views over the city and into Oman. - Green Mubazzarah (Jebel Hafeet)
Lawns and hot springs at the foot of the mountain, popular with families.
Arts and Culture
- Al Jahili Fort (Al Jahili)
A graceful mud brick fort with an exhibition on the explorer Wilfred Thesiger. - Qasr Al Muwaiji (Al Muwaiji)
A restored fort telling the story of the ruling family. - Al Ain Palace Museum (Central Al Ain)
Sheikh Zayed's former home, simple and moving. - Hili Archaeological Park (Hili)
A Bronze Age round tomb with carved figures, set in a quiet park.
Things to Do
- Al Ain Zoo (Al Ain)
A large wildlife park with Arabian oryx and a respected conservation programme.
Shopping and Markets
- Al Ain Camel Market (Al Ain)
One of the last working camel markets in the country.
Stays
- Jebel Hafeet Desert Park (Jebel Hafeet)
Ancient beehive tombs, walking trails and simple camping. - Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet (Jebel Hafeet)
A hotel high on the mountain with views over the desert.
Places to Visit in Sharjah
Arts and Culture
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (Corniche)
Manuscripts, astrolabes and ceramics from across the Muslim world under a golden dome. - Heart of Sharjah (Old Town)
Restored coral stone lanes, courtyard museums and the old fort. - Sharjah Aquarium (Al Khan)
Gulf marine life in an easy, family friendly aquarium by the sea. - Sharjah Art Foundation (Al Mureijah)
Contemporary art in restored buildings, mostly free to enter. - Rain Room (Al Majaz)
Walk through falling rain without getting wet in this art installation. - Al Hisn Sharjah (Old Town)
The restored fort at the heart of the old city.
Shopping and Markets
- Central Souq (Blue Souq) (Al Majaz)
Tiled arcades of carpets, gold and souvenirs. - Souq Al Arsah (Heart of Sharjah)
One of the country's oldest markets, under a palm frond roof.
Nature and Outdoors
- Al Noor Island (Khalid Lagoon)
A garden island with a butterfly house and sculpture. - Mleiha Archaeological Centre (Mleiha)
Fossil hunting, ancient tombs and desert stargazing. - Khor Fakkan Beach (Khor Fakkan)
A mountain backed beach on the east coast with a waterfall nearby.
Things to Do
- Al Montazah Parks (Al Khan)
Water park and amusement rides on a lagoon island.
Events
- Sharjah International Book Fair (Expo Centre Sharjah)
One of the world's largest book fairs, every autumn. - Sharjah Light Festival (Citywide)
Winter evenings when landmarks are lit with projections.
Stays
- Al Bait Sharjah (Heart of Sharjah)
A heritage hotel in restored old town houses.
Places to Visit in Ras Al Khaimah
Things to Do
- Jais Flight zipline (Jebel Jais)
One of the longest ziplines in the world, over mountains. - Jais Sledder (Jebel Jais)
A mountain coaster that winds down the slopes. - Suwaidi Pearls (Al Rams)
Boat out to a pearl farm and open an oyster yourself.
Nature and Outdoors
- Jebel Jais viewing deck park (Jebel Jais)
Wide views from the country's highest mountain. - Al Qurm mangroves kayaking (Ras Al Khaimah)
Paddle among herons and flamingos.
Arts and Culture
- Dhayah Fort (Dhayah)
A hilltop fort with views over mangroves and date palms. - Jazirat Al Hamra heritage village (Al Hamra)
An abandoned pearling town of coral stone houses.
Restaurants
- 1484 by Puro (Jebel Jais)
A restaurant near the summit with views over the mountains.
Stays
- Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert (Al Wadi)
Desert villas with falconry and wildlife walks. - Marjan Island resorts (Al Marjan Island)
Family beach resorts on a man made island.
Places to Visit in Fujairah
Arts and Culture
- Al Bidyah Mosque (Al Bidyah)
The oldest known mosque in the UAE, still in use. - Fujairah Fort (Fujairah)
A restored fort with mountain views.
Nature and Outdoors
- Snoopy Island (Dibba)
Snorkel with turtles and reef fish in calm water. - Wadi Wurayah (Masafi)
A protected mountain reserve with a year round waterfall.
Shopping and Markets
- Friday Market (Masafi road)
A roadside market of carpets, pottery and fruit.
Stays
- Dibba coast resorts (Dibba)
Beach hotels with mountains and diving on the doorstep.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Ripe Market (Dubai, Dubai)
A weekend farmers and craft market with local makers and street food in the cooler months. - Nightjar Coffee (Alserkal Avenue, Dubai)
Small batch coffee roasted in an art district warehouse. - Dubai Food Festival (Citywide, Dubai)
A spring celebration of local restaurants with special menus and beach pop ups. - Mina Zayed Date Market (Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi)
Stalls of dates from across the region, with tastings offered freely. - Mezlai (Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi)
Refined Emirati cooking in a grand palace hotel. - Al Mrzab (Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi)
Traditional Emirati dishes in a simple setting. - Café del Mar Yas Bay (Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi)
A beach bar on the waterfront with music at sunset. - Al Ain Livestock and Date Souq (Central Al Ain, Al Ain)
Local produce and dates where residents shop. - Shababeek (Al Qasba, Sharjah)
Modern Levantine dining by the canal. - Al Fanar Restaurant (Al Majaz, Sharjah)
Emirati dishes in a setting styled like old Dubai. - Kashkha Café (Heart of Sharjah, Sharjah)
A small café in the old town with Arabic coffee. - Flamingo Beach (Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah)
A simple public beach for a swim. - Fujairah bull butting (Fujairah Corniche, Fujairah)
A local tradition of bulls pushing heads, on Friday afternoons.