The United Arab Emirates, UAE, is one of the richest countries of the Middle East. It is epitome of cultural and economical dichotomy where tradition and values integrate seamlessly with technology and modernization. It is where you can experience pure luxury but also be taken back to the basics of life.
There is just so much to love and appreciate about the country. Here are just 8 picturesque reasons to visit UAE.
1. Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most majestic religious architectures in the world. At least among the ones we have seen. It’s located in Abu Dhabi, about 20km west of the airport.
Although it is a place for worship, general visiting hours are from Saturday-Thursday 9am to 10pm. On Fridays it is open from 4.30 pm to 10pm. The Mosque, being one of the most iconic landmark of the nation, is a must visit for everyone. You can either visit yourself, with a group of people (8 or less) or go with a guided tour and be able to learn about Islamic arts, culture and architecture
Photo credit: szgmc.ae
2. Stunning Skylines
Most of the United Arab Emirates is purely desert lands but come into one of its metropolitan cities such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and you’ll see the striking contrast of nature vs. concrete. It’s a dream destination for landscape and architecture photographers
Photo credit: Uplsho Wallpapers
Dubai hasn’t always looked like this though. Over a very short period of time it has changed significantly. See here the old Dubai and the new.
3. Contrasting Architectural Designs
The contrast isn’t just apparent in the grand scale of the country. On a more micro level, you will notice an interesting contrast between the traditional and the more modern design of buildings. The brown, Arabian sand-castle like structures versus the futuristic, concrete-glass high risers are a wonder to witness.
Either way you look at it, they clearly depict the dichotomy that is UAE in all its glory.
4. Clean Beautiful Beaches
Since UAE is an Arabian peninsula and is situated along the Persian Gulf, it has some of the most beautiful beaches. White soft sands and aqua blue waters are perfect for sunbathing, surfing and other exciting water sports.
In Dubai the best public beaches to visit are Jumeirah beach, sunset beach and kite beach, all having splendid views of the famous Burj Al Arab. However, if you’re expecting quite beaches, then you’re coming to the wrong place as they are buzzing with people doing all sorts of activities in the water and on the sand. Private hotel beaches can be less happening depending on the season.
If you’re in Abu Dhabi, the most popular beach is the Corniche. Although not as busy as the beaches in Dubai, it has well-paved roads along the shores, which is a great place for cycling and jogging.
5. Magnificent Luxury Malls
UAE is also a shoppers paradise as it is home to some of the best malls in the world. Among them, listed as one of the top 10 largest shopping mall in the world, the Dubai Mall is not just massive, it is a beautiful piece of architecture.
Photo credit: world-visits.com
There are plenty of other malls worth visiting in UAE. In Dubai, there is Mall of Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall. In Abu Dhabi, you’ll find Yas Mall and Marina Mall among many others. Each of them are unique in their own way and have some sort of theme or architectural concept.
6. Tallest Building in the World
Towering in at over 829 meters, the Bhurj Khalifa (formerly known as Bhurj Dubai) is currently the tallest building in the world. It dwarfs every single structure around it but that is not what makes this building so unique and magnificent. It’s the design, shape and exciting light show along its side, which makes BK a must-see structure when in UAE.
We doubt you would miss it anyway since you can see it from almost everywhere in the city and if you visit Dubai Mall, it’s right next to it.
7. Desert Safaris
UAE is not all luxury, shopping and a place for relaxation. There are plenty of adventures to be had here and why wouldn’t there be with the entire desert at your footsteps.
Dozens of tour operators run daily desert safari tours that combine a bit of culture, food and adventure. You can opt for morning, evening or overnight tours, which include a variation of:
- Sand dune bashing – they take you in 4wd jeeps and ride through the desert at high speeds, going up and down sand dunes. It’s a real roller coaster!
- Visit camel farms
- Learn a little bit about Arab culture
- Relax at a desert camp where you get to eat local food, try shisha (hookah) and watch belly dancing
- The overnight camping involves a little bit more as you have breakfast with a Bedouin (desert dwellers)
8. Entertainment
Beaches, hotel bars, beach clubs, water parks and plenty of other entertainment complexes can also be found across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Nasimi Beach Club
Photo credit: atlantisthepalm.com
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Photo credit: AECOM
Now these are just SOME of the reasons why you should visit UAE. There is a lot more to be explored, depending on your time, budget and preferences.
In January, I had the option to layover in Qatar or UAE and I still regret not choosing UAE! This photos did their job!
I hope you get to go soon then! Glad these photos inspired you 🙂
Nice photos! I visited Dubai and UAE last year in August. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque was unimaginably beautiful! And Dubai has so much to see – I recommend staying a few days. Thanks for sharing!
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the mosque from inside. We went past it like 3-4x but didn’t have time to see go see it. Total days was 5 in all of UAE and it was also a family trip so yea….next time!
Great post! I went a few years back but sadly missed out on desert safaris. I also want to go INSIDE Sheikh Zayed. Now I just have an excuse to go back!
You sure do! Just like us. We want to go back for the mosque and going up the Bhurj Khalifa.
I haven’t been to UAE yet but I agree that the skylines and beaches look pretty awesome. When I go, I will surely do the desert safari as well.
The beaches are beautiful especially against the backdrop of the skyline but the absolute must-do is the desert safari. Don’t miss it for sure!
These are beautiful photos! I dated someone who went (he’s a lover of architecture) and he liked that aspect of it very much. I’m so torn on if I think it’s a place that really appeals to me. I had it compared to me, by a friend from UAE, as a Las Vegas with no real. Did you find that at all? I love the photo of the mosque and the contrasting architecture, though. Cheers!
Hi Paige. Yes it is a bit fake and it’s hard to tell what the “culture” is in UAE. It’s very strange and worth seeing. You’ll see people in Hijabs one minute and the next, in skin tight jeans or mini skirts. It’s really quite interesting. The mosque is definitely worth visiting and closest you will get to the local culture and religion.
Beautiful skylines! I would love to go on one of those desert safaris, what an amazing and unique experience that must be!
Skyline and the safaris are the best things to do in my opinion. They really portray the contrast of nature and concrete. Hope you do get to go Jasmine.
I’ve seen these same pictures over and over and I’m sure the place is super nice and luxurious… but seem so fake; I want to see the people, their actual place of residence, and actual life shots. So desensitized by these beautiful pictures.
You’re absolutely right Hung. I’m particularly not a fan of Dubai and I wouldn’t have gone if it wasn’t a family trip. It is pretty fake and there is not much to see or do in a local feel kind of way. It’s a city made up of expats with things to do for expats. People come here to work, shop and relax. If you want to see some place of residences and life shots, connect with us on Facebook and we can share some from my Uncle and Aunt’s life.
I’ve always wanted to visit UAE. I love heights, so I really want to go to the Burj Khalifa. But The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque looks absolutely stunning!
I hope you do get to visit Bailey. It’s an interesting country but not one that you would want to go over and over again to. We have family there so it makes sense.
We didn’t get to go up the Burj or go inside the mosque. So I guess another trip for us is warranted is well.
Beautiful photos! I particularly love the one with the skyline. If ever I visit Dubai, I’ll definitely want to go on a desert safari.
Wow! I knew Dubai was beautiful but your pics just really amped the beauty up! If I had a layover there, what would you say is a must do? I’m thinking the mosque would be amazing to see but then again how can I pick with so many beautiful options?!
Thank you Tamar but not all of those pictures are ours. In fact, most aren’t. It was a challenge taking photos in UAE because many places, we were told to stop taking photos…especially on the beaches and public areas.
If you are doing a layover in Abu Dhabi, definitely go to the mosque since it is not that far from the airport. Other than that, requires at least a day or more.
Loved the list! Thank you 🙂
Living in Dubai, I can agree with the list.
Thank you Vishanth, anything else you would add?