The Perfect UAE Travel Guide

Published 21 October 2023 · Updated 21 October 2023

The UAE, a fascinating tourism destination, blends tradition and contemporary. This Arabian Gulf travel guide reveals its enchantment. UAE residents love Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and its lively cityscape. This cultural marvel is Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Beyond the towns, sand dunes, thriving oasis, and stunning coastlines await. Visit world-class malls, try local cuisine, and experience Emirati culture. UAE offers endless luxury, adventure, and possibilities.

Best places to visit in UAE

If you are thinking about where to go in UAE. Here are top UAE tourist destinations include:

Dubai: The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is in this futuristic city.Visit the Dubai Mall, which is a great place to shop, the Mall of the Emirates, which is a great place to ski, and the lively nightlife. These are the top places to visit on UAE.

Abu Dhabi: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a masterpiece in the UAE capital.The Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn Fort reveal regional culture and history.

Sharjah: Often called the cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Sharjah Arts Museum, Al Noor Island, and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization are top attractions.

Ras Al Khaimah: For those who love nature, this emirate offers the beautiful Hajar Mountains, the ghost town of Jazirat Al Hamra, and stunning beaches along the Arabian Gulf.

Al Ain: Known as the “Garden City” of the UAE, Al Ain boasts the lush Al Ain Oasis, the Al Ain Zoo, and the picturesque Jebel Hafeet mountain.

Fujairah: A quieter coastal destination with beautiful beaches and historical sites like the Fujairah Fort and Al Badiyah Mosque. It’s also an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling.

Ajman: This emirate features the Ajman Museum and a lovely corniche area with white-sand beaches.

Umm Al Quwain: Known for its Dreamland Aqua Park, the Barracuda Beach, and the UAQ National Museum, it’s a great place for a relaxing getaway.

Jebel Jais: The highest peak in the UAE, it’s a haven for adventure enthusiasts offering activities like hiking, ziplining, and the world’s longest zipline.

Liwa Oasis: In the Empty Quarter of the UAE, you can experience the vast desert landscapes and stay at luxury desert resorts.

Top Things To Do In UAE

If you think about what to do in UAE, here are the best things to do in UAE on weekends.

Visit the Burj Khalifa: The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world. You can take an elevator to the 148th-floor observation deck for stunning city views.

Explore Dubai’s Modern Wonders: Dubai is renowned for its futuristic architecture and attractions. Explore the Palm Jumeirah, Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates, the Dubai Fountain, and the Dubai Marina.

Enjoy Desert Adventures: Experience the desert by going on a desert safari, riding camels, sandboarding, or even staying in a luxury desert resort.

Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi: This world-class museum features an incredible collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

Shop in the Souks: Explore traditional markets like the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk in Dubai. Make sure you practice bargaining.

Experience Local Culture: Discover the UAE’s history and culture in places like the Sharjah Arts Museum, Al Ain Palace Museum, and the Dubai Museum.

Relax on the Beaches: The UAE offers a range of beautiful beaches along its coastline. Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi, and Kite Beach in Dubai are popular choices.

Go Diving and Snorkeling: The UAE’s waters are home to stunning coral reefs and marine life. Fujairah and Musandam are known for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Drive Jebel Hafeet: Enjoy a scenic drive to the top of Jebel Hafeet, a mountain offering panoramic views of Al Ain.

Visit the Al Jahili Fort: This historic fort in Al Ain offers a glimpse into the UAE’s past and hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

Explore Hatta: A town surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, it offers hiking, mountain biking, and cultural sites like the Hatta Heritage Village.

Try Indoor Skiing: Ski Dubai, in the Mall of the Emirates, is a massive indoor ski resort with slopes, snow parks, and even penguins.

Attend the Dubai Opera: Experience a world-class performance or event at the stunning Dubai Opera House.

Stroll the Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood: This historic district in Dubai offers a glimpse into the city’s past with its traditional wind-tower architecture.

Go Ziplining: For thrill-seekers, the UAE has some impressive zip lines, including the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais.

Dine at Fine Restaurants: The UAE boasts an eclectic food scene. Try local cuisine, fine dining, or international specialties in some of the world’s most luxurious restaurants.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience a unique perspective of the UAE’s desert landscapes with a hot air balloon ride.

Best Time To Visit UAE

UAE has two peak travel seasons. Winter is ideal for outdoor activities from November to March. From March to May, spring offers warmer weather and fewer people. June–August is hot and best for indoor attractions. Local Ramadan customs may influence your tastes and activities, even though dates vary.

How to Travel in UAE?

The UAE is easy to visit. The major airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are international gateways. You can get around the city by metro, bus, or taxi. Rental cars and cheap taxis are also available to explore outside cities. There are the Dubai water taxis and pedestrian-friendly bike rides and walks that give a unique experience. Luxury chauffeur and helicopter transfers are available.

Best Places To Stay In UAE

If you think about where to stay when in UAE, here are the best places to stay in UAE.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai: As the world’s only 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab epitomizes luxury. This island hotel has some of the world’s most luxurious rooms.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi: Another luxurious hotel. It features stunning Arabian architecture, lush gardens, and a private beach. This is the must-visit places in UAE.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi: In the Liwa Desert’s stunning dunes, this luxury resort offers a desert getaway. It’s an oasis of relaxation and offers desert adventures.

One&Only The Palm, Dubai: This resort on the Palm Jumeirah is luxurious and private. With its beachfront villas and private pools, it’s perfect for those seeking tranquility in the city.

Jumeirah Al Qasr, Dubai: This luxurious hotel in the Madinat Jumeirah complex offers an authentic Arabian experience. Guests can enjoy the souk, the private beach, and various dining options.

Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi: One of the best areas to stay in UAE is Zaya Nurai Island. Accessible only by boat, this private island resort is a serene getaway. It offers beach villas and a natural paradise.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai: Nestled in the dunes, this resort provides a desert experience with a luxurious twist. It’s perfect for stargazing and experiencing the beauty of the desert.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Dubai: Located on the Palm Jumeirah, this resort offers a peaceful setting with overwater villas and a range of dining options.

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah: For those who want to explore the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, this resort offers a luxurious experience, including an 18-hole championship golf course and spa.

How To Find The Best Budget UAE Vacation Packages?

Here are some steps to help you find affordable vacation packages for your trip to the United Arab Emirates:

Set a Budget: Set your UAE vacation budget. You can choose what to spend your money on and avoid going over budget.

The Right Time to Visit: Travel timing can greatly impact cost. UAE peak tourist seasons are more expensive. Find last-minute deals or visit during shoulder season for lower prices.

Use Travel Websites: Many travel websites aggregate vacation packages.Expedia, Kayak, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor offer flight, hotel, and activity packages.

Sign Up for Travel Deal Alerts: Register for travel website newsletters or deal alerts. This way, you will know about UAE vacation package deals.

Compare Multiple Packages: Don’t take the first option. Compare choices from multiple providers to find the most value for your money.

Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you can use fare comparison tools on websites to find the cheapest days to fly. It is often cheaper to fly during the week than on the weekends.

Check with Airlines: Some airlines offer vacation packages that can be more cost-effective than booking flights and accommodations separately.

Use Rewards or Loyalty Points: If you have travel rewards or loyalty points, check if you can use them to reduce the cost of your vacation package.

Read Reviews: Before booking, read reviews from other travelers who bought the same package.You can ensure flight and lodging quality this way.

Book Early: In general, booking your vacation package well in advance can lead to lower prices.

Contact a Travel Agent: If you find the process overwhelming, consider contacting a travel agent who specializes in UAE travel. There is a chance they can get special deals.

To Conclude

UAE balances tradition and contemporary, making it an intriguing location. Visit Dubai’s modern metropolis, Abu Dhabi’s cultural treasures, or the UAE’s natural wonders to experience a land of boundless luxury, adventure, and possibilities.

The UAE has something for everyone, from the Burj Khalifa to desert getaways. A well-planned vacation package lets you discover the UAE and enjoy culture, luxury, and wonderful memories.