There are many reasons why Dubai and the United Arab Emirates have become one of the world’s top tourist destinations. We’ve identified the top 10 best activities in the region that make the UAE a go-to stop on your bucket list:
Visit the Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest structure stands 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), including the antenna, has 163 floors that contain 300 homes, nine hotels, and offices. Make sure to stop at the observation deck on the 124th floor to get an unobstructed view of Dubai.
Go to the Dubai Museum
Built in 1787 at Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum is the oldest existing building in the UAE capital. The museum boasts an impressive collection of military and cultural artifacts, as well as exhibits on pearl diving and fishing, that provide visitors a unique glimpse at the traditional life of the region before the modern era.
See the Dubai Heritage & Diving Villages
Located at the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoom House, the villages offer insight into Dubai’s past, focusing on the Emirate’s developments in architecture and pearl diving. Exhibits include a Bedouin tent village, an ancient armory, and items from a nearby archaeological site.
Learn about Islamic civilization
Whether it’s touring the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization or visiting any of several historic mosques in the region, such as Al-Bidyan, Sheikh Zayed Grand, or Jumeirah, tourists to the region can gain valuable insights about one of the world’s oldest and most adhered-to religions.
Plan a day out at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The indoor amusement park emblazoned with the Ferrari logo is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the UAE. Located on Yas Island of Abu Dhabi, it explains the history of Ferrari through educational rides and vintage cars dating from 1947 through today.
Play 18 (or 36) holes
The European PGA Tour hosts two events annually in the region – the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club and the World Tour Championship Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Each site has two golf courses that will test even the best golfers.
Shop at Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest indoor shopping centers, attracting more than 54 million shoppers annually with more than 1,200 shops, 250 luxury hotels, 22 movie screens, an aquarium, and an underwater zoo.
Tour The Al-Hosn Palace
The oldest historic building in the UAE, the palace was built in 1761 at Sheikh Zayed the First Street in Abu Dhabi. Also known as the Old Fort or the White Fort, it was the residence for the ruling family and the seat of government.
Visit the mountains to the north
Jebel Hafeet, located in the Al Ain mountains, has an extensive cave system and is accessible by a winding road whose twists and turns offer majestic desert views. The Hajar Mountains, which cut across the eastern UAE and northeastern Oman, are the highest mountain range in the eastern Arabian Peninsula and a hiker’s paradise
Take in some camel racing
Drive a little way outside Dubai to experience one of the UAE’s traditional sports at the Al Marmoom Racetrack. As many as 60 camels take part, the race a blur of legs and sand, all while trainers in 4×4 exhort their jockeys to victory.
