14 Top Tourist Attractions in United Arab Emirates

The Burj Khalifa is one of the United Arab Emirates most famous buildings and the soaring sky-high landmark of Dubai. Not only is it the world's tallest building, it also lays claim to the titles of tallest freestanding structure in the world, highest observation deck in the world, and elevator with the longest travel distance in the world. A trip up to the observation deck, with its panoramic views across Dubai, is a sightseeing highlight for most tourists who visit, though for those who suffer from vertigo, it might be best to give it a miss. Address: Entry from Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a mammoth modern mosque of incredible beauty. Harnessing contemporary design and ancient craftsmanship, the mosque harmoniously blends modern and ancient styles and techniques to create a new interpretation of Islamic architecture. A visit here is a must on any Abu Dhabi itinerary. With its interiors using lavish amounts of gold, mosaic tiles, and glass work and immense amounts of marble, and its exterior of blindingly white stone contrasting dramatically under the Emirati blue sky, it never fails to dazzle. Address: Al Khaleej al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi

The Hajar Mountains scythe through the desert, creating the jagged and wild heart of the United Arab Emirates. Twisting roller-coaster roads with spectacular scenery along the way connect the region's tiny villages, making this region road trip heaven. Nature lovers will find plenty of hiking, trekking, and bird-watching opportunities, while the vast amount of picturesque wadis (dry riverbeds; valleys) in the area are also fun to explore.

The newest and most spectacular museum in the United Arab Emirates, the Louvre Abu Dhabi takes visitors on a journey through human history with objects sourced from across the globe and through the ages to demonstrate the links between cultures. Whether you're interested in early history, the great Empirical ages, or modern art, you'll find the museum exhibits fascinating, while the stark and ultra-modern architecture of the building draws visitors in itself. Address: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

The highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais in the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah has become much easier to access in recent years thanks to the switchback road that twists and turns all the way up the mountainside. At the top of the road, a series of landscaped terraces and viewing platforms offer up mountain vistas that roll right down to the sea, while those hankering to pair up their mountain scenery with an adrenaline buzz can opt to throw themselves off the peak on the world's longest zipline, which runs down the side of Jebel Jais for over two kilometers, reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour.

The most important museum dedicated to the arts in the Emirates (until the opening of the Louvre and Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi), the Sharjah Arts Museum is home to the most diverse art collection in the United Arab Emirates. The museum is recognized for its collection of works by Arabic artists and also for its important pieces by European artists who specialized in painting the Arab world. The museum is also noted for its program of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Location: Off Corniche Street, Sharjah

A must-do for anyone who wants to snap a great vista, the summit of Jebel Hafeet is a favorite day trip from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. This is the second highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, and far-reaching, sumptuous desert panoramas greet you all the way up to the top on the winding road. After the twisting mountain road drive, you are rewarded with being able to see across the area's vast sweep of desert.

The Bastakia quarter of Dubai is the last remaining fragment of Old Dubai and shouldn't be missed. This small heritage area really evokes the simpler, gentler past of the city before skyscrapers took over the skyline. Narrow lanes are lined with beautifully preserved buildings in typical Arabian architectural styles, many with wind-tower features. Various museums allow you to enter the houses and see typical Arabian interiors within the quarter, along with mosques and a small surviving segment of the original Dubai city wall. Location: Bur Dubai, Dubai

For those with an adventurous streak, make a beeline for the empty stretch of desert hugging the coastline outside the cities. You'll find plenty of things to do here, from four-wheel-drive trips and dune-buggy journeys to sand boarding, hiking, and camel treks. Most people plan a desert day trip from Dubai, but Abu Dhabi and Fujairah are also excellent bases for desert sightseeing. Bedouin-style dinners are a softer alternative if you want to experience the empty beauty of the desert.

There's a beach for everyone in the United Arab Emirates. From the city beaches along the coast of Dubaii, with their high-rise background, and Abu Dhabi's golden sand beaches along its island-littered coastline, to the luxury sweeps of sand around Ajman and the wilder beaches of the Emirate of Fujairah, you have plenty of choice. Many luxury hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have private patches of sand, which non-guests can use for a day fee. Water-sports such as diving, Jet Skiing, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling are also available at many resort locales.

The Burj Khalifa may give you that famous skyline view from up high, but the most iconic Dubai views are still taken from the water. Dubai Creek slices through the city, and the best way to experience Dubai is from one of the beautiful dhows (traditional Arabic boats) that ply the creek. Sunset cruises (which often come with entertainment and dinner) are particularly beautiful as you watch the lights of the high-rises begin to twinkle in the dusk. Or, for a budget cruise, just hop on one of the ablas (local ferries), which ply the water between Bur Dubai and Deira.

The oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, Al-Bidyah, about 35 kilometers north of Fujairah city is one of the country's and the Emirate of Fujairah's most important historical sites. Although modest in proportions, this adobe building was beautifully designed, with its original ventilation shaft patterns in the walls still visible. The entire surrounding area is an archaeological site, where many pottery and metal artifacts have been excavated. For history lovers, this small mosque should be a must-do, and it makes an excellent contrast with the over-the-top opulence of Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

For many visitors to the United Arab Emirates, shopping is one of the main attractions. There are megalithic, glitzy malls by the dozen, but for a more local approach to shopping jaunts, you can't beat the souks (market streets). In Dubai, the Deira district is the main destination, with its world-famous gold souk and rather more down-to-earth fish souk, but all of the Emirati cities have their own souk districts to explore. The souks are where you come to get a good deal on local handicrafts and much better prices (with some haggling) on products than you'd get at one of the malls.

One of the best museums in the country to focus on the full breadth of Islamic history and culture-not just local history-the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization holds a wealth of fascinating and well-laid out exhibits, which trace Islam's course from the very early years of the Islamic empires through its spread into Asia and Africa and up to today. Many displays feature rare manuscripts and religious documents, and tourists will find them easy to understand thanks to excellent information boards throughout. Address: Corniche Street, Sharjah