United Arab Emirates : 10 Not-To-Miss Places in UAE

#uae #arab #emirates #dubai #travel #adventure
Capital : Abu Dhabi
Airport : Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain             

UAE has come to the forefront in recent years as one of the most stunning, most fascinating, larger-than-life travel destinations ever! The high-rise buildings daunting the Dubai and Abu Dhabi skyline are a magnificent sight to look out for. The UAE is the most happening place to be in if you are hoping to splurge as you enjoy all the joys of one of the richest cities in the world interspersed with a grand time on the beach. Some of the landmark attractions that the UAE has to offer have become everyday names such as Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi.

                The United Arab Emirates has also become a very happening spot among shoppers. Huge malls have crept up throughout the city where you can shop for anything that you can think of. Coupled with extensive malls, you will also come across a plethora of theme parks that offer families and individuals alike to engage in some thrilling activities.
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                The United Arab Emirates has, even more, to offer in the form of the rich history of the Emiratis, exotic sceneries in the deserts and the Hajar Mountains, and so much more! There is much to explore outside the shopping malls of the UAE and you have to simply read on to find out the most exciting things that you could be doing as you plan a tour into the UAE.

The Beaches

One of the most attractive features of the UAE has to be its beaches. Lots of tourists, especially from the colder northern countries of Europe and North America flock to the beaches of Abu Dhabi and Dubai during the colder months. The weather between October and March becomes quite pleasant and appreciable in the desert landscapes of the UAE making it the perfect winter destination for these tourists.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most popular choices since tourists get the whole package of beaches, bars, shopping malls, theme parks, and so on. The coastal areas of both these cities are lined with luxury resorts where you can have a grand time relaxing. Some other interesting and popular beach destinations include the beaches of Ras Al-Khaimah and Ajman. On the eastern coast of the country Al Aqah beach, situated in the Emirate of Fujairah is another popular destination.

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa has become renowned throughout the world as the tallest ever man-made structure. It is one of the most striking buildings that you will ever come across! At a height of 828 meters, the topmost levels of the building easily reach the clouds and go beyond them! The building also boasts of other accolades such as having an elevator that travels the longest distance in the world, the tallest freestanding structure in the world, and the highest observation deck in the world. The observation deck on top of the Burj Khalifa is a mesmerizing spot and you could feel yourself being on top of the world here. A visit to the observation deck is unmissable if you are exploring the UAE and your trip will remain incomplete without it.

Sheikh Zayad Mosque

The grand mosque of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayad Mosque, is a new modern structure of breathtaking grandeur and beauty. Contemporary designs are excellently crafted together with traditional craftsmanship while the mosque was constructed giving way to a unique interpretation of Islamic architecture. The mosque is built using white marble interlaid with gold, mosaics, and glasswork combined perfectly to reflect various architectural styles from different Islamic empires. The prayer hall of the Sheik Zayad Grand Mosque boasts of having the largest carpet manufactured by hand-knotting the threads and covering an area of 5,700 m2. The chandeliers hanging from the prayer hall are made using pure 24 karat gold while the mosaics on the floor are made using semi-precious stones. Being situated within Abu Dhabi it is very easy to reach the mosque and you will be missing out on a truly magnificent site if you do not visit this grand mosque!

Jebel Jais, Ras Al-Khaimah

The emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah is a major place for different activities while you are traveling through the UAE. We have already told you about the fun beaches that Ras Al-Khaimah has in store for you but here’s another wonder to explore- Jebel Jais, the tallest peak in the UAE! Once you are in Ras Al-Khaimah, you can easily travel to Jebel Jais in a taxi or a public vehicle.

Jebel Jais is a happening location filled with all kinds of activities. The viewing platform on top of the mountain gives you a grand view of the Ras Al-Khaimah emirate and is sure to take your breath away. There are also various kinds of adventure activities that you could partake in while visiting the impressive natural structure. One of the most thrilling things that you could be doing on this peak is go ziplining. Popularly known as the Jebel Jais Flight, this is the longest zipline in the world and you will reach a speed of up to 120 km/hr! If such adventure activities do not thrill you, you could spend your day wandering around the mountain, going on hikes and treks through them.

Abu Dhabi’s Louvre

Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the newest jewels added to the crown of fascinating places to see in Abu Dhabi. It is a stunning place that will take you on an indulging journey through human history. The collection featured in the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi has been collected from everywhere around the world. It starts from relics from the earliest human settlements to fascinating works from some of the major artists of today's world! A museum is an inspiring place that aims at joining the threads that link cultures and civilizations. From world history to art, the museum is a motley collection of impressive relics and structures that is sure to leave you in amazement. Situated on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, it is also very easy to reach and has to be on your list of places to visit while you are in the UAE.

The Deserts

The United Arab Emirates is an amalgamation of Arab emirate nations spread across the desert. Before the region become so extravagant and wondrous it was arid, barren, desert land and you can still get a glimpse of huge expanses of sand and arid vegetation. All you have to do is head towards the southern, interior regions of the collective nation to head to a different kind of adventure.

You can easily head to the deserts from any of the destinations within the nation. Once you are in the deserts you can sit back and take in the breathtaking raw beauty of the place. You may also indulge in some of the exciting activities which are offered in the region such as camel riding, sandboarding, dune buggy trips, and 4WD trips through the sand. If you go for a day trip to a desert from Abu Dhabi or Dubai on a package, scrumptious dinner at a desert camp would be part of the trip. You might go into the desert to camp for the night or look into the varied kind of desert fauna found in the place.

Al Fahidi Quarter

The Al Fahidi Quarter, also known as Bastakia, is one of the last remaining pieces of Old Dubai. This monument will give you an insight into Dubai during simpler times when the skyline was not lined with rows and rows of tall buildings. It is a small neighborhood and quite a pleasant trip to get a taste of the culture and tradition of Dubai. The narrow lanes and by-lanes are lined with old buildings, restored for your convenience, and looking out at you like some fairytale story from the Arabian Nights. Some of these buildings also house museums and galleries and craft shops for you to look around. The Sheikh Mohammad Center for Cultural Understanding is also a part of the Al Fahidi Quarter wherein you may get walking tours and traditional meals.

Jebel Hafeet

Jebel Hafeet is situated just outside Abu Dhabi and thus fairly easy to reach. It is nearer to the oasis city of Al Ain and could be regarded as an easy break from the bustle of the busy Abu Dhabi. During the summer months when the big cities become irresistibly hotter, Jebel Hafeet also offers a cooler alternative being situated amongst mountains.

Jebel Hafeet happens to be the second tallest peak in the United Arab Emirates and you will get a terrific view of the desert landscape and the oasis city of Al Ain from the top. This is breathtakingly beautiful and quite the respite from your everyday life.

Hajar Mountains

Along the northern interior regions of the UAE lies the extraordinary Hajar Mountains, a must-visit site. This is one of the finest places in the UAE that nature lovers could go to. The wadis in the region, riverbeds that have dried up, or valleys, are some of the best locations within the country to go on hiking expeditions. You will also come across numerous species of birds as you are hiking through such wadis. You will also get details of tour expeditions through the wadis from various agencies in Ras Al-Khaimah and Dubai.

You should definitely take to the Hajar Mountains through the roadways, it is a scenic journey in a completely different way. There isn’t much vegetation but the dry, barren, rugged mountains are sure to leave you awestruck. You will also come across several historic watch towers in some of the small villages along the mountains in Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah emirates. These are great stops on your way into the mountains. Hatta is one of the most popular bases as you are traveling into the Hajar Mountains. Mountain biking in the surrounding areas and kayaking on Hatta Lake have become favorite activities among tourists in this small village.

The Souks   

The UAE is held at a special place within the hearts of shopping enthusiasts because of the sheer opportunities that place such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai promise. This is, in fact, one of the main attractions that draw so many tourists into this collection of nations. There are mega-sized malls at every nook and corner selling wares from all the brands that one can think of starting from the airports to the big cities in the UAE.

However, if you are looking for something more traditional and closer to the heart of UAE, the souks are not going to fail you. The souks or local bazaars are equally extensive as the malls and are loaded with all kinds of attractive, vibrant wares. If you are in Dubai, you have to head to the Deira and the Bur Dubai districts for the best souks. The Bur Dubai Souk, the Gold Souk, and the Spice Souk of Dubai are all situated here and are some of the most famous souks that the area has to offer. If you are in Sharjah you have to at least visit the Souk Al Jubail if you are looking for someplace to try out the local cuisines. The World Trade Centre Souk in Abu Dhabi is a modern addition but no less exciting than the other places mentioned here.