United Arab Emirates Places to Visit

Nestled in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a beacon of modernity and luxury. This federation of seven emirates, established in 1971, has rapidly evolved from a collection of small desert principalities to a global business hub and tourist magnet.

Dubai, the most populous city in the UAE, is synonymous with opulence and innovation. It boasts the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which pierces the skyline at an astonishing 828 meters. The city is also home to the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago that is one of the world's most audacious engineering projects. Dubai's vast shopping malls, like the Dubai Mall, provide a haven for luxury shopping and entertainment, including an indoor ski slope.

Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital, is another jewel in the country's crown. It is the site of the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers and features 82 domes and over a thousand columns. Abu Dhabi is also investing heavily in cultural institutions, exemplified by the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum that opened in 2017 as part of a collaboration with the French government.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the UAE is rich in cultural heritage. The historic Al Fahidi neighborhood in Dubai, with its traditional wind-tower architecture, offers a glimpse into the emirate’s past as a pearling and trading center. In Sharjah, recognized as the cultural capital of the Arab world, the Heritage Area and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization showcase the depth of Islamic art, science, and history.

For adventure enthusiasts, the UAE's desert landscape provides a playground for activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel trekking. The Hajar Mountains in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah offer spectacular hiking trails and are a haven for wildlife.

The UAE is also a culinary destination, reflecting its diverse expatriate population and rich trade history. Traditional dishes like shawarma, falafel, and hummus sit alongside international cuisine in the country's many restaurants and food festivals.