Best places to visit in UAE
Best places to visit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are neighboring cities belonging to the United Arab Emirates or UAE. While the former is known for its glamour, the latter is known for its culture. Dubai is popular for its unique and mind-blowing architecture, while Abu Dhabi is mostly known for its cultural attractions. However, both the cities have plenty of sightseeing, entertainment, and dining options for their visitors. Hence, if you are planning to visit the UAE, do not restrict yourself to the more popular Dubai. On the other hand, plan your itinerary in such a way that you can enjoy the attractions of both cities. Best places to visit in the UAE – we have got you covered! Here we present some of the best places to visit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is a structure that does not need any introduction. The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, stands at a height of 828 meters. One of the best things to do here is to ride on one of the fastest elevators in the world to reach the observation deck on the 124th or 148th floor. Both observation decks give a 360o aerial view of the entire city. Apart from this, you can also dine at one of the fine-dining restaurants in the building, At.Mosphere on 122nd floor is the best.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi. The Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE, is spread around 30 acres. The mosque represents Islamic, Ottoman, Moorish, and Mughal architecture. While the exterior of the mosque is expansive, its interior is equally grand. A tour of the Grand Mosque will give you the chance to admire intricate columns and domes embedded with crystals and stones. The mosque is also home to Swarovski crystal chandeliers and the largest handmade carpet in the world. The mosque is revered and qualifies as one of the best places to see in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Mall
Located in Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the UAE. Spread around an area of 12 million sq. ft., the Dubai Mall has more than 1200 stores where you can shop for everything from fashion to electronics. Apart from this, there are plenty of entertainment spots too here, including the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, VR Park Dubai, KidZania, Hysteria, etc. There is also a huge multiplex where you can watch movies in luxury. Dubai Mall also has a large food court and several restaurants and cafes for dining.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Located 30 minutes away from Abu Dhabi city, Yas Island is an exclusive entertainment hub. From rollercoaster rides to absolute fun, Yas Island promises all this and more. One of the best attractions of this island is the Ferrari World, the only F1-based theme park in the Middle East. Then there is Yas Waterworld, which is one of the best water parks in the UAE. Yas Island also has Warner Bros. World, where you can relive your favorite cartoons and characters through some fun rides and attractions. The island is also home to a beach, i.e. Yas Beach. Yas Island also has plenty of hotels and restaurants.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Located in Dubai, the IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest indoor theme park in the world. Divided into different zones, this theme park is filled with rides and attractions for people of all ages. IMG Boulevard, Cartoon Network, Marvel, and Lost Valley are the four main zones of the theme park. Apart from the thrilling rides and rollercoasters of these zones, there is also the Haunted Hotel, which is an experience only for the brave-hearted. There is also the IMG Kids Zone, which is a play area for the little ones. IMG also has Novo Cinemas, which offers luxurious and unique movie-watching experiences.
The National Aquarium, Abu Dhabi
Desert Safari Dubai
The Dubai desert safari is considered to be the ultimate holiday attraction of Dubai. Lasting a few hours, the desert safari in Dubai involves everything from adventure to entertainment. You get to enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking. You also get to watch Tanoura and belly dance performances while smoking shisha. Desert safari in Dubai also involves a delicious BBQ dinner. While evening desert safari is the most popular, you can also opt for morning, overnight, and even day safari.
Louvre, Abu Dhabi
Now you do not need to travel to Paris, France, to visit the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Instead, head over to Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, where Louvre Abu Dhabi is located. Opened in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi showcases the masterpieces from the renowned museums of France, including Musee du Louvre, Centre Pompidou, and Musee d’Orsay. There are both permanent and temporary exhibits here. Apart from the artworks present inside the museum, the external beauty or architecture of the museum is also worth viewing.
Aquaventure Water Park, Dubai
Located inside Hotel Atlantis the Palm on Palm Jumeirah, the Aquaventure Water Park is considered to be is known as the largest water park in the world. A day spent at this water park will give you the chance to enjoy more than 105 record-breaking slides, experiences, and attractions. Along with the water slides and pools, you also get access to a private beach where you can try a host of water sports. If you want a break from the thrilling rides, you can go for dolphin encounters and even explore the Lost Chambers Aquarium located here.
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
If you want to learn about the culture and heritage of the UAE, you must visit the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, this heritage village will take you back to the days when Abu Dhabi was a simple village. Here, you will get to see a replica of the ancient mosque as well as a traditional souk. You get to see local artisans exhibiting their skills. You can also shop for traditional handicrafts and products like silver jewelry, handmade soap, etc. here.
Kite Beach
Dubai offers a perfect beach climate in the winter months, and a visit to one of the beaches in Dubai is a must during a holiday to the city. One of the best and the most happening beaches in Dubai is Kite Beach. An open beach, Kite Beach is most popular for offering water sports, especially kite surfing. Apart from this, you can also enjoy standup paddleboarding, wakeboarding, jet skiing, etc. It also has the perfect vibe for lounging and relaxing, as well as playing beach sports like volleyball. Kite Beach is one of the best places to see in Dubai.
Qasr Al Watan
A major cultural attraction of Abu Dhabi is Qasr Al Watan, also known as the Presidential Palace. True to its name, the Qasr Al Watan has all the makings of a royal palace. Moreover, Qasr Al Watan also tells about the knowledge, culture, and inspiring journey of the UAE. Each of the rooms in this palace is decorated in the most opulent and classy way. One of the most important places here is the Qasr Al Watan Library where you will find plenty of books on the history, achievements, and development of the country. If you are visiting the place at night, you must see the spectacular Palace in Motion light show. It sure is one of the best places to visit in UAE.
As there are so many places to see in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, why wait anymore? Book your tickets, get your UAE visa, and get ready for a holiday of a lifetime in these amazing cities of the UAE.
~ by Neha Singh, a passionate travel blogger
P.S: Read more of her travels in:
- How to survive in Abu Dhabi in 25 dollars a day https://etramping.com/abu-dhabi-25-dollars-day/
- Roam in Dubai with weekend itinerary https://romanroams.com/en/dubai-weekend-itinerary/
- 4 days in Dubai, UAE https://www.destguides.com/en/itineraries/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai/4-days-in-dubai-itinerary
If Dubai & Abu Dhabi are on your travel list, then I am sure Dubrovnik, Croatia will be there too!
Happy travels! 🙂