United Arab Emirates Sightseeing

Abu Dhabi
The capital city of Abu Dhabi is a smaller, slightly more conservative version of Dubai. Predominantly a modern city with luxurious hotels, slick shopping malls, and lively souks, Abu Dhabi manages to retain some of its ancient past. The restored Diwan Amiri (White Fort) was built in 1793 and is still stands today as the centre of cultural events and exhibitions. The 7km waterfront Corniche is the activity centre with people picnicking on shaded grass, jogging, skating or strolling along the seafront promenade, fishing in the Gulf, and holding various cultural activities. People who stay in Abu Dhabi are seeking a quieter version of Dubai. There is still a good variety of restaurants, nightlife, shopping and hotels, but it feels less chaotic than Dubai. Abu Dhabi has many mosques, a museum and numerous offshore islands that have a surprising amount of wildlife living on and around them. Dolphins can be spotted, along with flamingos, parrots, camels and gazelle. Take a dhow cruise out to tiny sandbars that disappear in high tide. For further information on Abu Dhabi Top 10 Attraction Spots visit this website.

Al Ain
The sleepy town of Al Ain sits inland 100km from Abu Dhabi, near the border of Oman. It is a popular place for desert safaris, renowned as being an oasis and former caravan stop. There is spectacular sand dune scenery along the journey from Abu Dhabi. Al Ain has its share of up-market hotels and wonderful cuisine, but is mostly a quiet royal residence for the ruling family. The town includes a camel market, zoo and museum containing old and new artefacts and Mesopotamian pottery. There is a water spring at Ain Faidha, rock pools at Liwa Oasis, and stone tombs that date back 5000 years Hili, 10km from Al Ain. There are more ancient sites at Hafit Mountain, Um Al Nar and Badi’i Bent Saud.

Bastakiya (Dubai)
Bastakiya is a great place to experience a traditional bustling marketplace. The district is filled with traditional courtyard houses and classic wind towers, which offer a charming glimpse of how Dubai once looked. The surrounding historic buildings are home to museums, galleries featuring local artists, restaurants and markets.

Desert
The rest of the emirates are comprised of stark wilderness, magnificent red sand dunes, rugged mountains, rocky valleys, remote villages, and pockets of green oases. Abu Dhabi and Dubai make a comfortable base in which to explore the surrounding desert.

Dubai
The sprawling city of Dubai is a shopping extravaganza. Having evolved as a seafaring settlement along either side of the Creek, Dubai offers endless shopping, nightlife, entertainment and some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and championship golf courses. The most interesting area is along both sides of Dubai Creek where old and new collide. Jumeirah Beach provides the city’s best stretch of sand and sophisticated shopping, and the world’s only 7-star hotel the Burj Al Arab. Be sure to check out the massive stained glass pyramid and mock Egyptian temple of Deira City shopping complex. Don’t miss wandering through the vibrant Gold Souk and aromatic Spice Souk. For photographs and information on Things to do in Dubai please visit this website.

Enjoy being a kid again at the massive Wild Wadi Water Park, or take a glimpse of the past at Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum, and the pearl diving and heritage villages. Be sure to take a dinner cruise on a traditional wooden dhow, complete with belly dancing and delicious regional cuisine. Dubai’s thriving tourist industry is based on guaranteed sunshine, a clean and safe environment, bargain shopping and superb sporting facilities, especially for golf and water sports. Dubai has many well-qualified tour companies offering such activities as desert safaris by 4-wheel drive, sand-skiing, moonlit Bedouin barbeques, camel riding and dhow cruises. The Dubai World Cup (the world’s richest horse race), the PGA Desert Classic Golf Tournament, Dubai Shopping Festival and more than 80 major trade exhibitions are among Dubai’s many high-profile events. Visit this website for further information about Yacht Charter Dubai.

Fujairah and the East Coast
This stretch of coastline makes a dramatic change from the city, with steep, rocky mountains, sleepy sandy beaches, ancient fortresses and date palm groves sloping down to the edge of the Indian Ocean with its host of marine life. Scuba diving and snorkelling are very popular here and many forms of water sports are available at the hotels.

Hatta Rock Pools
Nestled in the crags of the Hajar Mountains, the Hatta Rock Pools unfold its rocky corridors with waterfalls and turquoise pools. Venture through the narrow passageways to find spring-fed pools, explore the lush valley of Wadi Hatta and the ancient fortressed village of Hatta, located about 90 minutes from Dubai.

Jumeirah Mosque (Dubai)
The Jumeirah Mosque is the largest and perhaps the most beautiful house of worship in Dubai. While mosques in the UAE are generally not open to non-Muslims, it is possible to visit this mosque on guided tours on Sunday and Thursday mornings at 10:00am. It is advisable to pre-book so that you know where to meet your guide. You may, however, simply arrive at the mosque before the tour and join in. You will not be admitted if you arrive late. Dress conservatively: no bare legs, bellies, or upper arms. Women must cover their hair. Located on Al Jumeirah Road on Jumeirah Beach. For further information on Jumeirah Mosque visit this website.

Sharjah and the Northern Emirates 
This region is sparse and conservative. Sharjah is a strict Islamic society with an ancient fort, heritage museum, some shopping and the beautiful Blue Souk. Keep in mind when visiting Sharjah, all couples (whether tourist or local) must be married and may be stopped to show proof. A conservative dress code is enforced as well – no baring of shoulders, torso, or above the knee. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. The archaeological site at Mileiha (in Sharjah) dates back to the 4th century BC; 80 million year old fossils are to be seen here.

Further north is Ajman, which has a beach, the Zaura ruins and Carrefour supermarket, but not much else. Venturing deeper into the desert reveals Ras al-Khaimah, where there are the Drabhaniya ruins and an old seaport with views over the coast and the Hajar Mountains, the Dhaid and Khatt oases, Dibba Harbour and Khor Kalba, a famous shell beach. Other archaeological sites include Dur at Umm al-Qaiwain where Hellenic ruins can be seen (210-100 BC).

Dine on a Dhow 
Many hotels and tour companies offer lunch or dinner cruises on beautiful wooden dhows. Cruises include delicious local cuisine, traditional music and usually belly dancing. Enquire at your hotel for more information.

Get Wet & Wild 
Wild Wadi Water Park is Dubai’s massive aquatic fun park, located in the heart of the city. With its 12 acres of desert filled with 30 million litres of water, Wild Wadi is good clean fun, with 90 lifeguards on duty at all times. There are 23 rides to entertain the entire family from thrill-seekers to leisure-lovers. The wave machine of Breakers Bay creates continuous 1.5-metre waves all day.

Go Carpet Shopping
No visit to the UAE is complete without a visit to a carpet store. Even if you’re not planning to purchase (and you’re not expected to on your first visit anyhow), the selection and process of viewing is a cultural experience in itself. Take a seat, sip some tea and marvel as the salesman unrolls rug after beautiful rug before your eyes. It is like a moving picture of rug-making mastery and education. Carpet prices are astoundingly inexpensive and worth every dirham. You will find exquisite hand-made heirlooms of pure silk as well as cheap yet perfectly presentable machine-made carpets. For further information on Sheba Iranian Carpets In Sharjah visit this website.

Explore the Desert
A wide range of desert safaris are available during the cooler months from October to May. Learn how to 4-wheel drive on sand dunes, go sand-skiing, ride a camel, enjoy moonlit Bedouin barbeques complete with belly dancing by bonfire. There are numerous tour companies offering such excursions. Enquire at your hotel for more information.

Go Gold Shopping 
The gold shops in the UAE are unrivalled and you pay the market price per gram with very little added for workmanship. Gold shops drip with every kind of gold body-wear imaginable from gold vests and tiaras to gold ring-gloves and anklets. You can also custom design your own or exchange your gold jewellery for something of equal weight or pay the difference. The gold jewellery sold in the UAE is solid gold, not plated. Visit the Gold and Diamond Park in Al Quoz, Dubai (04 347 7788) where you will find a spectacular array of gold and gems and watch the craftsmen at work. Dubai’s Gold Souk and Abu Dhabi’s Hamdan Street near the old souk market are also great gold shopping territories.

Have a Pint of Guinness 
Dubai’s Irish Village is an authentic recreation of an Irish pub and courtyard. The staff are Irish, the beer and food are Irish and the atmosphere is Gaelic and cheerful. It is a popular spot among expats and many lively concerts are held here. It is one of the few places in Dubai where you can sit outside and drink alcohol. Next door is Century Village, another lovely al fresco dining and drinking spot.

Go Golfing 
Dubai is one of the most luxurious places to golf. The PGA Desert Classic Golf Tournament is held here each year. Golf clubs have excellent range of facilities which are open to the public and make for a fun day out for the entire family. For further information on Dubai Golf Holidays visit this website.

Soak Up the Sun 
The Riviera of the Gulf, Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach provides luxury among the sand, sun and sea. Dubai’s top hotels are located here, along with lovely and life-guarded Jumeirah Beach Park, Jumeirah Mosque and sophisticated shopping.

Go Skiing 
Where else can you ski in the desert? Ski Dubai is a massive indoor ski area with five slopes of varying degrees, a snowboarding stunt tube, a huge Snow Park with snow slides, themed restaurants, party rooms, Ski Pro shop with equipment and clothing rental and ski instruction.

Visit Heritage Village 
Located along Dubai Creek, the Heritage Village offers a taste of old Dubai. Do some shopping among adobe alleyways, sample samosas and fresh pomegranate juice, learn about the country’s pearl diving heritage and explore the museum.