The United Arab Emirates is one of the favorite destinations for family holidays and city breaks. With stunning high-rises, world-class infrastructure and facilities, and famous beach resorts, the UAE has become a major tourist destination. With the authorities have now turned their attention to tourism and it has paid rich dividends. We have collated a list of tourist destinations in UAE which will help you understand how UAE has transformed itself from an oil city to a major tourist hub. Tourists and guests can apply for Dubai tourist visa online, thus making the visa process hassle free and you can set the appointment as per your convenience.
- Burj Khalifa
This has to be the landmark of the United Arab Emirates and one of the major tourist destinations in UAE. It has not only the coveted award of being the world’s tallest building, but it also holds the record of having the highest observation deck in the world and the longest distance traveled in an elevator. You would be stunned at the panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, it is totally mesmerizing. The observation deck holds a multimedia presentation to enlighten all guests and tourists about Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. The night view becomes even more attractive with the city lights giving you several click moments. Buy our ticket early to avoid long queues especially during weekends.
- Dubai Museum
If you have ever wondered and if you are interested in understanding the transformation and developments in Dubai from the time of oil boom, then the Dubai Museum is your place. The museum has a great collection to understand the various exhibits about how pearl diving and fishing were the major economic activities till the middle of the 20th century. Based in the Al-Fahidi Fort, traditional coral-block architecture that is held together with lime. It was built in 1787 to defend the Dubai creek. The interiors are wooden based and the ceiling is constructed with palm fronts, plaster, and mud. This fort has been the residing place for the ruling family, the seat of the government, garrison and prison. This is definitely one of the places to see in UAE.
- Bastakia
Built in the 19th century which was home to the wealthy Persian merchants who were into pearls and textile business, this is one of the last remaining fragments of old Dubai which should definitely be on your list of places to see in UAE. Set on the eastern portion of Bur Dubai, the limestone, and coral structures are mostly topped with wind-towers, which were used as air-conditioning in the earlier times. This small heritage area gives you a brief about the past of the city before the modern architecture took over the city. You will associate narrow lanes, preserved Arabian architecture buildings with wind-tower facilities. The houses, mosques and the museums in the area encompass typical Arabian interiors and showcase the small surviving heritage of original Dubai.
- Dubai Creek Dhow Ride
Enjoy the most iconic views of Dubai from the water by taking a ride across the Dubai Creek on a Dhow. The Dubai creek slices the Dubai city into two halves, the Bur Dubai to the south and the Deira to the north. Sunset cruises are simply amazing to watch as the lights across the high-rises begin to twinkle in the dusk. Do carry your camera as you are bound to witness several click moments. The Dubai Creek was a major attraction for traders and businesses due to the tax-free element of Dubai. You can get a detailed insight of the traditional sailors during your tour on the vessel. One of the oldest contributors to the Old Dubai’s economy, this still has a lot to offer for tourists and guests.
- Desert Tour or Safari
If you are a true adventure lover, then the Desert Safari or tour is the place to be. There is a range of activities to indulge in such as the four-wheel drive tours to dune-buggy journeys, to hiking, sand boarding and camel rides. You can enjoy these activities across the deserts in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah area. Every place has its own charm and offers a unique experience for all travelers. Similarly, every tour operator offers unique packages and the price would solely depend on the inclusions in the packages.
- UAE Beaches
If you are a water baby, then the beautiful beaches surrounding Dubai and Abu Dhabi is your destination. Fulfill all your water desires as you will come across white sandy beaches, pristine blue waters and beautiful landscapes. Many luxury hotels have privately owned beaches which their guests can use for free for a day. Apart from these, there are several water sports activities to indulge in like jet skiing, diving, snorkeling, etc. these facilities are available across all major beaches. The Jumeirah beach is one of the most popular beaches among the locals and residents in Dubai. With world class luxury hotels setting base along the length of the beach. There are excellent facilities on the beach including water sports activities, numerous restaurants offering diverse cuisines, and sun loungers, etc.
- Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum ruled Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and today his second generation rules Dubai. His former residence has been rebuilt and restored as a museum which is one of the finest examples of the exemplary Arabian architecture. Originally built in the year 1896 by his father to oversee and monitor shipping activities from their balconies. The original residence was demolished and the current house has been rebuilt next to the original site and has incorporated all features of the old residence like wooden lattice screens across the windows, gypsum ventilation screens with floral and geometric designs and carved teak doors. There are thirty rooms in total which are built around a central courtyard and a wind-tower on top. There is a marine wing of the museum which has photographs of pearling, fishing and boat buildings. As you move through the building, you will several collections of maps, letters, coins and stamps used in the traditional times. Mark it on your list of places to see in UAE if you are a firm believer of old is gold.
- Jumeirah Mosque
This is definitely one of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai. Set as a replica of Cairo’s Al-Azhar mosque, but it is nearly eight times its size. This is definitely one of the finest examples of the modern Islamic architecture. It was built in the medieval Fatimid tradition with two minarets which display the various details in the stonework. The evenings are definitely beautiful to watch as the mosque gets lit up with the floodlights. There are guided tours and sessions organized daily by the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for cultural understanding to foster a clear and better understanding of the Muslim faith. These tours are held daily except on Fridays.
- Deira Souks
Set on the northern side of the Dubai Creek, the bustling streets are quite different from the busy and modern life of the Dubai city. Established in the 1830s, the traditional souks set on Deira are one of the famous tourists’ places to see in Dubai. The Gold Souq is the largest gold bazaar in the world and is one of the prime reasons why Dubai has been named the “City of Gold”. You will be spoilt for choices with the types of jewelry available in a variety of designs right from traditional to modern and these designs can be customized to your requirements also. The Spice Souq has endless varieties of all spices right from paprika, saffron, cumin, sumac and thyme along with bags of frankincense. The fragrance of rose water, wood and incense fill up the entire street. The fish market is also nearby which will give you a true experience of local Dubai. Do polish your negotiation skills to crack a really good deal. Bargaining is considered a norm, so you are free to indulge.
- Sheikh Zayed Road
This eight lane highway is the main thoroughfare which runs through the Dubai’s modern downtown business district. Rimmed with towering glasses, steel and chrome high-rises all along its length. The main attraction on Sheikh Zayed road are the Courtyard Gallery, which is famous for its magnificent display of contemporary art from several Arab artists, the Dubai World Trade tower offers amazing views from the observation deck on its top. The Gold and Diamond Park and museum are your one-stop shop to quench your thirst for jewelry. With close to 118 manufacturers and 30 retailers settled under one roof. There are guided tours of the manufacturing plant which gives you deep insight into the history of Arabic jewelry.
- Dubai Aquarium
This is definitely one of the popular tourists’ destinations in Dubai and we recommend you that this should be on your list of places to see in Dubai. The Dubai Aquarium is home to close to 140 species of marine life creatures within a huge suspended tank on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. You can view the main tank of the Aquarium from outside of the Mall, but we would recommend you to observe and explore the underwater zoo from inside. It is a totally different experience as you walk past the aquarium tunnels watching these wonderful sea life creatures up-close. You can also indulge in shark diving and cage snorkeling.
- Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates
Housed in the famous Mall of the Emirates, the Ski Dubai offers a completely new experience for first timers. Dubai is, in fact, the only city in the world, where you will find all three – beaches, desert, and ice. The indoor ski slope is maintained at a temperature of -4° C. The penguin enclosure inside the ski slope is one of the star attractions of the mall. Indulge in snowboarding or skiing or just simply hang around. The kid in you will love this experience and it is surely going to give you priceless memories to cherish. There are also family entertainment centers and Cineplexes along with endless shopping and eating options to get a total entertainment package in the Mall of the Emirates.