Best places to visit in the UAE

UAE is a land where desert meets the beaches, and the futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside ancient forts. If you are looking for luxury, culture, adventure, or relaxation, this country has it all. From the bustling streets of Dubai to the serene mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s seven emirates are packed with amazing experiences. Here is a list of the best UAE places to visit that you must include in your plan.

Dubai

Dubai is a city and an emirate, it is known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and lively nightlife. Here you can visit the Burj Khalifa, which dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline, and the Dubai fountain, which is just at the foot of Burj Khalifa. You can also enjoy desert safaris, skydiving, and indoor skiing at the Mall of the Emirates.

Abu Dhabi

This is a city that impresses with its greenery and historical landmarks. Here, you can not only relax on sandy beaches but also enjoy nearly every kind of water sport. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located here and is the largest mosque of the country. Nearby Yas and Saadiyat Islands are just as fascinating as the city itself and are also home to a few of the best places to see in UAE, like Ferrari World and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Sharjah

To experience the cultural beauty of the UAE, visit Sharjah. It is widely recognised as the cultural capital, industrial hub, and education hotspot of the UAE. What’s more is it is also known for massive shopping malls and relatively affordable prices, making it a shopping hotspot for people from across the UAE. Here you can also explore the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Sharjah Art Museum, and the Souq Al Arsah.

Ras Al Khaimah

If you have been wondering that the UAE is all desert landscapes, consider visiting Ras Al Khaimah. This emirate only has stunning beaches but also incredible natural landscapes with mountains, date palm groves, and hot springs. You can engage in fun activities like golf, fishing, desert safaris and exploring the old town.

Ajman

Compared to other emirates, Ajman is a relatively affordable travel destination. While Dubai gives you a glimpse of modern civilization, Ajman showcases the traditional Arabian lifestyle, with camel races and old-style markets evoking the region’s past. You can consider visiting the calm beaches and traditional souks here.

How Can I reach the UAE?

If you are planning to go to the UAE, you must gather proper information about the different ways of travelling to the country. One can go to UAE by air as it is connected via major airports such as Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. It is a global hub and has an unbeatable connectivity. Whether you are travelling via Delhi or Mumbai, you will get numerous options.

Best Time for a UAE Trip

To have the best travel experience, it is important for your UAE trip plan to align with the best time to visit there. The UAE has a tropical desert climate. Not only does it never snow, even rain is rare, with annual precipitation not exceeding 100 mm. The coolest season is winter, when daytime temperatures range between 20–23°C, dropping to 5–10°C at night. In summer, average daytime temperatures reach 38–40°C, and it`s not unusual for the mercury to hit 50°C.

It is best to plan your visit between November to March, during the pleasant winter months. This time is ideal for outdoor activities like sightseeing and beach visits. This is the peak tourist season with major events like the Dubai shopping festival. If you want to avoid the crowd and don’t mind the heat, you can plan your visit from October to April, too, which is slightly cheaper.

Food and Cuisines to try in the UAE

Be prepared to embark on a culinary journey to discover the amazing taste of Emiratres. The special cuisines here have the essence of Arabia and Persia with the magic of Indian spices. The traditional Emirati food which you must try, is simple and slow cooked with cinnamon and saffron. Here are a few flavourful dishes you can try during UAE travel:

Madrooba : A combination of salted fish, spices, and a thick sauce.
Machboos : A dish made of red meat, chicken or shrimp boiled in a fragrant stock and with spices.
Lamb Khuzi : Known as the specialty of the Emirates, this is a fragrant rice dish with spiced and flavourful lamb.
Chabab : This is one of the most popular breakfasts for locals. It is the Emirati version of pancakes.
Lugaymat : Quite similar to Gulab Jamun, this is a beloved Emirati dessert you cannot miss.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Shopping in the UAE is the most fascinating experience; you can shop from the luxurious malls or the traditional Arabian markets called “souks”. The best cities to visit in UAE also have the best shopping options, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Yas Mall with International Luxury brands. Most of the malls are close to hotels, making it even more convenient to shop.
The list of amazing things to buy in the UAE is truly endless, yet here are some of the finest souvenirs you can buy.

Arabic Perfumes (Oud)
Luxurious watches
Kunafa Chocolate
Gold
Dates
Designer handbags
Carpets and Rugs

Travel Tips for UAE Trip

The desert climate can be hot, so always carry water and sunscreen.
It`s good to keep local currency handy.
Dress modestly at public and religious places.
Know the Islamic traditions, such as the call to prayer. Some small shops may close temporarily during prayer times.
While you visit the UAE famous places, also try a desert safari, a dhow cruise, or sample Emirati cuisine for a true taste of the UAE.

UAE invites you to experience its wide variety of beauty, from luxury to old traditions, beaches to mountains, skyscrapers to vibrant mosques, it has a lot to explore. Each emirate has something extraordinary and amazing, more than just a destination; they are experiences that stay with you. Plan your UAE trip now to explore a world of luxury and culture!

FAQ’s

When is the best time to travel to the United Arab Emirates?

The best time to visit the UAE is from November to March.

Do Indians need a visa to visit the UAE?

Yes, Indians require a Visa to visit the UAE.

Is the UAE safe to travel?

Yes, in fact the UAE is known to be one of the safest countries in the world.

What are the languages spoken in the UAE?

Arabic is the official language of the UAE, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Can tourists drink alcohol in the UAE?

Yes, but only in licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Is tipping expected in the UAE?

Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated.

What are the best places to visit in the UAE?

Best places to visit include the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Dubai Creek.