The UAE isn’t just about skyscrapers and luxury malls. It’s a country where futuristic cities meet cultural heritage, and adventure lives right next to relaxation. If you’re planning a trip and don’t want to miss the essentials, here are the best 5 places to visit in the United Arab Emirates.
Top Destinations
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
You can’t visit the UAE without seeing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It’s one of the largest mosques in the world and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
- Built with marble, stone, ceramics, and gold sourced from around the globe.
- Took over 10 years to complete with 41,000 workers.
- One of the few mosques in the UAE open to non-Muslims.
- Consistently ranked as a top global attraction on TripAdvisor.
Travel tip: Go at sunset when the golden light reflects off the white marble — it’s stunning.
2. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
If Dubai has the Burj Al Arab, Abu Dhabi has the Emirates Palace. This 5-star hotel isn’t just a place to stay — it’s an attraction in itself.
- Cost $3 billion to build and finished in just 4 years.
- Over 400 luxury suites, decorated with marble and gold.
- Hosted stars like Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake.
- Featured in Fast & Furious 7.
Why visit? Even if you don’t book a room, you can enjoy its restaurants, book afternoon tea, or just admire the architecture.
3. Blue Whale Jet Ski & Yellow Boat Tour, Abu Dhabi
Want adventure on the water? Abu Dhabi has you covered.
- Blue Whale Jet Ski – high-speed thrills on the Arabian Gulf. Perfect for adrenaline junkies.
- Yellow Boat Tour – a more relaxed way to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s skyline. Cruise past Lulu Island, Fisherman’s Village, Corniche, and Emirates Palace.
Insider tip: Take the boat ride at sunset for incredible photos of the city’s skyline.
4. Dubai – The Iconic City Experience
Of course, no UAE trip is complete without Dubai. It’s the city of superlatives: tallest building, biggest mall, and most futuristic skyline.
Top spots include:
- Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world.
- Dubai Mall – shopping, dining, and an aquarium under one roof.
- Palm Jumeirah – a man-made island with luxury resorts.
- Dubai Desert Safari – dune bashing, camel rides, and BBQ dinners under the stars.
Travel tip: Visit in winter (Nov–Mar) when the weather is perfect for both city and desert activities.
If you want to know the best time for desert safari, please refer to our detailed guide.
5. Ras Al Khaimah Desert Safari
For a quieter desert experience, skip the Dubai crowds and head to Ras Al Khaimah.
- Thrilling dune bashing, camel rides, and sandboarding.
- Evening safaris include BBQ dinner, belly dancing, and shisha under the stars.
- Less commercialised than Dubai, making it more peaceful.
Why it’s special: Stargazing here is next-level. On a clear night, the desert sky feels endless.
If you want to enjoy a desert safari in Abu Dhabi, make the best deals in advance.
Final Word
From the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Ras Al Khaimah Desert Safari, these are the best 5 places to visit in the UAE if you want a mix of culture, luxury, city life, and adventure.
Whether you’re into mosques, skyscrapers, beaches, or deserts, the UAE makes every stop unforgettable.
