Sights of the UAE the most interesting places. United Arab Emirates and its main attractions with descriptions and photos. Religious buildings in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is unique country, because where the most luxurious resorts in the world, unique record-breaking skyscrapers, ultra-modern buildings and other achievements of architectural and technological thought are now located, just some fifty years ago there was a lifeless desert. However, the history of this incredible state, which is on at the moment a federal absolute monarchy and consisting of seven Emirates, dates back to the 7th century. Therefore, in addition to the latest amazing buildings, the country can boast of a considerable cultural heritage that has survived to this day. The most interesting places and the main attractions of the UAE attract a huge number of tourists from all over the world.
Wonders of modern architecture
Be that as it may, the Emirates are primarily attracted by their unusual ultra-modern architecture, which has no analogues on the entire planet. A striking example of this is the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, which is a masterpiece of technological and architectural thought of modern mankind, as well as a record holder as the tallest building in the history of mankind, which houses the tallest restaurants, nightclub, an observation deck and even a mosque. From the very high point The skyscraper offers an absolutely incredible view not only of Dubai, but also of the neighboring Emirates and the desert. Burj Khalifa can easily be called one of the pearls of this incredible state. A unique round-shaped mirror skyscraper, consisting of twenty-three floors and made of environmentally friendly materials - this is exactly the kind of architectural highlight that Abu Dhabi can be proud of.
Unique creations
In addition to the two most famous skyscrapers in the world, there are other modern architectural and technological attractions of the UAE (photos of some are in the article) that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. The Sheikh Zeid Bridge, connecting the islands of Abu Dhabi with the mainland, is also considered a work of architectural art. Its design resembles the deck of a ship and looks stunning at night thanks to its specially designed lighting. The largest vertical labyrinth in the world, officially listed in the Guinness Book of Records, is located in Dubai in the form of a skyscraper consisting of 58 floors. This structure looks amazing not only during the day - at night all the curves are illuminated with LEDs, and at the very top there is a large screen called the “Eye of the Labyrinth”. The crown of Dubai technology is the world's largest fountain, which has no equal in the whole world. Any tourist should definitely see this incredible dance of water, which soars 40 meters in height.
The best hotels in the world
Sights of the UAE are not only amazing skyscrapers, but also original hotels, the mere sight of which will take your breath away. The most comfortable hotels were always rated five stars, until the Emirates showed the world absolutely new level hospitality for those wishing to relax on the shore Persian Gulf. Dubai can definitely be called the center of world tourism, because the Atlantis Palm hotel can offer all six stars for the most comfortable stay. Besides the fact that it is located on man-made island, the hotel also amazes the imagination with its architectural ensemble, in which ornate Arabic architecture and modern lines harmoniously sang. Atlantis Palm is chic and majestic, and its water park, stylized as the sunken Atlantis, is famous throughout the world. The hotel also houses an aquarium, a dolphinarium and a diving center. But even six stars is not the limit for Dubai, because its calling card and symbol of luxury is the seven-star Burj Al Arab - a hotel whose outlines look like a traditional Arabian sailing ship dhow. In addition to the outrageously luxurious rooms, it is famous for its two restaurants: Al Muntaha at an altitude of 200 meters and Al Mahara with a giant underwater aquarium.
Sacred places
The state religion of the Emirates is Islam, so any tourist absolutely needs to look at the most important and beautiful mosques of the country, because these are also important attractions of the UAE. Reviews from people who visited the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the capital of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi, are most enthusiastic. Not only is it one of the six largest mosques in the world, it is open to tourists, an incredible rarity for these religious buildings. Like almost everything in the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an example of luxury and the architectural genius of mankind. The second Islamic religious building open to non-Muslims is the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai. Medieval Arabic architecture in synthesis with modern forms are perfectly combined in a building made of pink sandstone. As for the third iconic landmark of the UAE, only Muslims are allowed to enter the King Faisal Mosque, located in the cultural capital of the Emirates, Sharjah. But even externally, this magnificent and unusual structure amazes with its elegant minarets, arched galleries and balconies.
Cognition Center
As mentioned above, Sharjah is the unofficial cultural capital of the Emirates, recognized even by UNESCO. There are many attractions of the UAE, reviews from tourists who prefer educational sightseeing tours, this fact is also confirmed. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that the largest and most interesting museums countries, there are about twenty of them. Perhaps the most important is the Museum of Islamic Civilization, which will reveal to its visitors many interesting facts about this peculiar religion. Anyone who wants to touch the cradle of the country’s culture should also visit the Museum fine arts, Maritime Museum, Al Isla School Museum, Sharjah Archaeological and Heritage Museum. Emirati residents have a passion for cars, so a visit to the Classic Car Museum is a great time for those who share this passion of the local population.
Unusual corners of the country
It is fair to note that the cultural attractions of the UAE are collected not only in Sharjah. To get acquainted with Arab culture before the era of economic progress, you should definitely visit the historical and ethnographic village in Abu Dhabi in the form of a museum under open air. And the desert oasis city of Al Ain, the most fertile territory of the Emirates, attracts many tourists from all over the world. In addition to parks, unique plants, incredible fountains for the desert, a zoo, an aquarium and attractions, Al Ain also contains a significant part cultural heritage countries. The Al Jahili Fort Museum, buildings of the 17th century and the main archaeological site - the ancient Tomb of Hili - are important attractions of the UAE.
New features of historical strongholds
Despite the fact that the most famous and visited are Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, there is also something to see in other Emirates. In 1820, a peace treaty was signed between Britain and the Arab sheikhs at Fort Al Husen, and since 1987 it has become the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, home to many historical relics and a magnificent collection of ancient weapons. In the center of shipbuilding of the Emirates, the city of Ajaman, there is another fort museum, which houses ancient Arabic manuscripts, unique weapons, as well as unique exhibits that show how the city previously supplied the country with the necessary drinking water, thanks to the locals mineral springs. The 18th century fort called Al Fahidi, like many other attractions of the UAE, is located in Dubai. In modern realities, it also represents National Museum, which will reveal to visitors the soul of the old city as it was before the oil era. Inside the museum, tourists will be able to see recreated mosques, houses, bazaars and even bays of yesteryear.
Best entertainment
The stunning cultural and entertainment complex “World Village”, located in Dubai, is a unique demonstration of the traditions of different peoples of the world and their achievements. She is famous for her unique concert venue(in the form of a Roman amphitheater) for a wide variety of performances, including the famous show “Aqua Fantastica”. The biggest theme park indoors is Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, located on the man-made island of Yas. A delightful amusement park with the fastest roller coaster in the world, as well as a Ferrari car museum, are the favorite places for adults and children throughout the United Arab Emirates.
Many critics believe that you can hardly find more than ten attractions in the UAE, because “the country is small, all sand and skyscrapers,” we often hear from our tourists... In this section of the site we will try to dispel this myth and offer you a list of interesting places in the United States United Arab Emirates, worthy of attention every inquisitive tourist.
Perhaps the main attractions of the UAE have long been on everyone’s lips: the sail hotel, Burj Khalifa, Palm Islands, . Visiting these popular places usually included in the main itineraries of excursion trips around the UAE. But you can easily choose the most interesting sights of the Emirates for you and study them detailed description and view photos on our website, and then visit them yourself using our interactive map United Arab Emirates.
With the advent of new tourist sites the list of places to visit in this colorful country is steadily growing: flower gardens, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, children's gaming centers and much more! All these modern attractions will help diversify beach holiday in the UAE, adding new emotions and impressions.
Despite his a little story, United Arab Emirates can offer large number historical attractions. Excavation sites dating back to the Neolithic period, ancient forts and mosques, the Falaj irrigation system, ethnographic villages and even.
Most of the cultural attractions of the UAE, oddly enough, are concentrated not in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but in Sharjah. It is not for nothing that UNESCO recognized Sharjah as the cultural capital of the Emirates in 1998. Today there are 26 museums, the reserves of which are regularly replenished thanks to intensive excavations throughout the country: jewelry, pottery, tools, weapons and much more. The whole country is also looking forward to the opening of museums on Saadiyat Island - branches of the Louvre and Guggenheim.
And, of course, it is worth mentioning the natural attractions of the United Arab Emirates. Dunes in the endless Liwa Desert (the highest in the world is listed in the Guinness Book of Records), thermal radon springs near Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah, natural oases, National Park Sir Bani Yas Islands, conservation beach strip Saadiyat Islands, dried river beds (“Wadi”) and amazing underwater world Musandam Peninsula.
Do you agree that this entire list of attractions now hardly fits into your itinerary around the UAE? Contact us and we will help you create an individual travel plan around the country, covering the most interesting, unexpected places and the best attractions of the United Arab Emirates!
The rapidly developing United Arab Emirates with its iconic skyscraper skylines and world famous beach resorts have become a favorite destination for family vacation and shopping. Notable attractions of the UAE include tall skyscraper Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the modern Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The UAE brand is associated with the most modern resorts and hotels, excellent entertainment centers and high-tech. However, here you will find much more than just skyscrapers, shopping and sandy beaches. Culture buffs can delve into the country's Bedouin past, camp out in the desert under the stars, and explore the many forts that guarded the coastline long before the advent of gleaming high-rise buildings. This country will be interesting for nature lovers. The desert in the UAE begins where the city ends, and the jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountains beckon with their majesty.
Burj Khalifa skyscraper
Burj Khalifa is one of the most famous landmarks in the UAE. The skyscraper located in Dubai is not only the most... tall building in the world, but also lays claim to the record for the tallest free-standing structure in the world, the tallest observation deck in the world and the tallest elevator elevator. Ascent to the observation deck from its panoramic views Dubai is the most exciting moment for most tourists. But if you are afraid of heights, or suffer from dizziness, then be careful. 
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Great Mosque Sheikh Zayed is a modern landmark of the UAE of incredible beauty. Using modern design and ancient craftsmanship, the designers and builders have managed to create a harmonious blend of modern technology and ancient charm. The mosque dazzles with its gold finishes, mosaic work, a combination of glass, marble and blinding white stone against the backdrop of the Emirati blue sky. 
Jebel Hafeet
Mount Jebel Hafeet is one of the favorite day trip destinations from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. During the journey you will admire magnificent views of the dunes and twisting turns mountain road. Once at the top of Mount Jabel Hafeet, you will see incredible landscapes of the endless desert. 
Al-Bidiya Mosque
The oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates is located in the emirate of Fujairah. Al-Bidiya is an important historical site despite its modest proportions. The clay structure is beautifully decorated in a traditional style, with the original ventilation shafts still remaining in the walls. The entire surrounding space is a place archaeological excavations, where numerous valuable exhibits were found. 
Hajar Mountains
mountain range The Hajar passes through the desert, forming the jagged ridge of the United Arab Emirates. The rollercoaster-like winding road connects the region's tiny villages with breathtaking scenery along the way. Tourists will find numerous natural attractions here, which are best explored during walking tour with a guide. 
Sharjah Art Museum
The UAE's most important art museum is the Sharjah Contemporary Museum. It houses the most diverse collection of art in the United Arab Emirates. The museum became famous for its collection of works by Arab artists, as well as interesting exhibits of European artists who specialized in the Arab world. The Sharjah Art Museum is also renowned for its varied program of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. 
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
One of best museums in the country focused on Islamic history. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization has some truly fascinating exhibitions from the early years of the Islamic Empire. Among the outstanding exhibits are manuscripts and religious documents, the meaning of which tourists can understand with the help of excellent information boards throughout. 
Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum is a great place to learn about traditional life in the area before the oil boom transformed the United Arab Emirates into a superstate. There are a number of good exhibitions about local Bedouin life, crafts, fishing and pearling, which were economic mainstays until the mid-20th century. The museum is based in the well-restored Al Fahidi Fort, built from traditional coral blocks. The museum is also included in the list of the most popular attractions in Dubai. 
Bastakiya
The Bastakiya area of Dubai is the last remaining fragment of Old Dubai and one of the main attractions of the UAE. This small area historical heritage truly symbolizes the city's simple, serene past before skyscrapers covered the entire skyline. Along the narrow alleys of Bastakiya there are beautiful historical buildings in typical Arabic style. Many of them are equipped with the traditional wind towers for which these lands were once famous. The Bastakiya area is home to various museums and mosques, as well as small fragments of the original Dubai city wall. It is not surprising that most of the UAE's attractions are concentrated in Dubai. 
Dubai Creek Tour
Burj Khalifa can open you up beautiful view cities from above, but most iconic landmarks are best viewed from the water. The natural channel Dubai Creek runs through the city, dividing it into two parts. You can see Dubai at its most beautiful on a tour on traditional Arabian Dhows. Tours along the canal are especially beautiful at sunset, when hundreds of high-rise buildings turn bright red.
Journey to the Desert
One of the main natural attractions of the UAE is the desert, which occupies most of the country's territory. Travelers can enjoy a myriad of activities here, from 4x4 safaris and sand buggy races to camel excursions and even sandboarding. Most people plan a desert trip from Dubai, but Abu Dhabi and Fujairah are also great starting cities for desert sightseeing. If you don't like extreme sports and adrenaline active entertainment, you can order a Bedouin-style dinner right in the middle of the desert, in a specially created tourist camp. 
UAE beaches
The United Arab Emirates has a variety of beaches, from urban ones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to the enclave of luxurious stretches of sand around Ajman and more wild beaches Emirate of Fujairah. Many luxury hotels have private beaches of the highest level (free for guests), which can be accessed for a fee. Aquatic species Sports such as diving, jet skiing and snorkeling are also available at many resorts.
Even if you are planning an all-inclusive beach holiday, it makes sense to note in advance the attractions of the Emirates that you can visit with excursions or on your own.
The main cultural attractions of the UAE are mosques and palaces. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a real pearl of the East in the Emirates, open to everyone, not just Muslims. The Grand Mosque in Dubai is also impressive. At the same time, one of oldest mosques country is located far from major cities, near the village of Al-Bidiya.
It is impossible to imagine the modern United Arab Emirates without skyscrapers and luxurious artificial islands. Palm Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira are the famous palm islands in Dubai, built with luxury villas. And the main skyscrapers of the city are lined up along Sheikh Zayed Street, which turns into the highway to Abu Dhabi. The already mentioned Dubai tower Burj Khalifa is also located very close by.
Other attractions are also distinguished by the scale characteristic of the Emirates, causing genuine delight among tourists. The singing fountains of Dubai and Sharjah are some of the tallest and most spectacular in the world, and ski resort Ski Dubai is a completely unique project for the hot Arabian Peninsula; it is completely indoor and the area corresponds to three football fields.
Don't forget about nature reserves and city parks - these places are ideal for have a relaxing holiday, especially during the hot season.
Sights and entertainment in the UAE for children
UAE resorts have long adapted to tourists and offer a variety of family holiday options. As a rule, these are special playgrounds and beaches, separate attractions, in almost every resort center there is a water park. Children will definitely not be bored.
Of course, you need to look for the very best attractions in the capital, Abu Dhabi, and in the high-rise metropolis of Dubai. The boys' dream - a large-scale theme park "Ferrari World" - is open in Abu Dhabu, and it is located relatively close to the airport. There are more than 20 attractions on the territory, including a super-fast roller coaster and an exhibition of Ferrari cars.
Dubai has one of the largest amusement parks in Asia - Wonderland, where you can find activities for the whole day: carousels for the little ones, magic shows, extreme slides. A separate area of Wonderland is the Splashland water park.
If it's not so hot outside, it's worth making time for
01/04/2019 - last check, information is current
Although the United Arab Emirates is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world, Russians can afford a holiday here. A cultural and entertainment program can be organized free of charge.
On this page we will tell you about the most interesting free entertainment in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Emirate of Dubai
Before the oil era, the main source of income for the United Arab Emirates was pearl fishing. In the UAE, it is customary to remember their history and honor their ancestors.
A waterfall with divers in the Dubai Mall shows the importance of that era for the Emirates. This is free entertainment for tourists.
If you can guess the time when the light from the atrium will fall on the fiberglass divers, you will be able to see an amazing play of light.
Take a photo with the waterfall in the background and you will definitely be able to revive pleasant memories of Dubai.
See 10 tons of gold jewelry within one shopping district possible only in Dubai, in the area.
You can just wander around and look at the work of local and best world craftsmen for free.
Don't miss the world record holder - the Najmat Taiba bracelet, which is on display for everyone to see. But besides him, in local stores a lot of interesting things. For example, the earrings are so large that it is unclear how they will stay on the ears. The bracelets are so large that they will successfully serve as weights for fitness. And what are the golden dresses worth?
No one obliges you to buy anything, and they don’t charge you money to watch it. You can try on what you like, also for free.
Markets for spices, perfume, textiles, fish
All these markets are located near the Gold Souk in the Deira area. These markets are not for everyone.
At the Spice Market you can see the variety of spices used in India, the Middle East and the Gulf countries.
At the Perfume Market you can look at the best ones that are only sold in the UAE.
At the Fish Market you can see almost all the diversity of the fauna of the Persian Gulf, and you do not have to pay for scuba gear rental and the services of a diving instructor. Here you can buy and ask to fry the fish you like.
At the Textile Market you can see national Arab clothing, which is much more diverse than most Russians think.
The famous “sail” hotel, one of the symbols of Dubai, cost the emirate a billion dollars. Taking a photo in front of the Burj Al Arab has become a must for tourists.
But besides the photo in the background, you can go to the hotel lobby and see the decoration of the walls and floors made of expensive marble and the coating of the walls with 999-carat gold. Looking up, you will see the 180 meter high atrium - a true architectural marvel.
Entrance to the hotel is free. If you are also ready to fork out some cash, you can sit with a cup of coffee or tea in one of the high-rise restaurants or bars.
Read all the important details in our article "".
You can look at the Burj Khalifa skyscraper for free, climb it observation decks- this is already for money.
However, there is another show that can be seen completely free of charge. This is a laser show, which has recently been held regularly. There is also a light and pyrotechnic show in New Year, but this is still a seasonal phenomenon, which is not what we are talking about now.
The laser show lasts 7 minutes, takes place at 20:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 22:00 on Thursdays and Fridays. Unfortunately, the show is not held all the time. In 2018, it was shown from the New Year until April, then it was stopped. With the beginning of Ramadan they started again.
There is no exact schedule; even the Emaar company, which owns the Burj Khalifa, does not know it. They opened the Open Call project, and everyone can offer their ideas for laser show. As soon as they find suitable content, they will launch it again.
About the Burj Khalifa tower itself, read our detailed article "".
Most of the population modern UAE are not Arabs at all, but workers from India, Iran, Pakistan and other countries. We talked about this in detail in the article “”.
In the Deira area, on the beach behind the Fish Market, Indians and Pakistanis organize something like a “Fight Club” - open competitions in their national wrestling Pehlwani (in Pakistani), aka Kushti (in Indian).
The action is completely legal, although unofficial. The authorities do not approve of it, but they do not stop it either. Anyone can watch the competition for free. If you are in good shape, you can participate.
Competitions take place on Fridays. The exact time is not established, but most often in the evening, before sunset. It’s convenient to combine watching the fight with visiting Fish market.
Abu Dhabi
The most expensive (in terms of construction cost) hotel in the United Arab Emirates. Holidays at Emirates Palace are expensive, but you can see some of its luxury for free.
Everyone is allowed into the hotel lobby. Here you can see the main dome of the building, it is 80 meters high, the inner surface of the dome is covered with 916 gold. The walls and floor are covered with magnificent marble of the best varieties from 13 countries.
You can also take a free stroll through the gardens around the hotel and walk along the famous waterfall staircase.
If you are ready to spend a little for the thrill, then order coffee with gold shavings at a local cafe for 70 dirhams. The current course can be viewed in our article “”.
Abu Dhabi is home to the UAE's largest Heritage Village, an open-air ethnographic museum. Here you can see the life of the Emiratis before the oil era. Admission is free.
The village is divided into several parts. The most remarkable part shows life in the oasis, where you can see the operation of the falaj irrigation system.
In the “artisan zone” you can see the work of master weavers, glassblowers, chasers and watch the making of a real hajar - a traditional Arab dagger.
Of course, the "population" of the village are actors paid by the emirate of Abu Dhabi to preserve its heritage and entertain tourists.
A superbly landscaped promenade in Abu Dhabi, just over 5 kilometers long, starts from the Hilton Hotel and ends at the Fish Market. Admission is free and most of the entertainment here is free.
If you are traveling to Abu Dhabi in November, then do not miss the F1 Grand Prix, specifically at central square on the Corniche embankment they will organize a main Fan Zone with a huge screen. During national holidays Parades, fairs, and festivals are held on the Corniche.
The beaches along the embankment are almost all free, you only have to pay for umbrellas and sun loungers. The beaches along the Corniche are considered the best public beaches in Abu Dhabi.
Read about all the nuances in our detailed article “”.
The memorial is dedicated to the founding father of the UAE. In the center of the memorial is the composition “Constellation”. Here, 1,327 figurines are suspended from 1,100 ropes to form the image of Sheikh Zayed. Without a doubt, it's worth a look, especially for free.
During the day the composition does not look so impressive; it is better to come after sunset.
There are excursions every half hour, and they are also free. The excursion will tell you about the personality and life of Sheikh Zayed.
The memorial is located behind the western edge of the Corniche embankment, which means there is no need to go here specially.
Sharjah
Emirate - cultural capital United Arab Emirates, they spend a lot of effort and money to develop the arts and preserve the heritage of the nation. It is not surprising that Sharjah has many museums and exhibitions, some of which can be visited for free.
The authorities of Sharjah are very interested in increasing the flow of tourists and do not skimp on new entertainment facilities, some of which are free for visitors. Entertainment program for 0 dirhams it will be no less interesting here than in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The dancing fountains of Sharjah are much more modest than those of Dubai, but interesting in their own way. Here, more attention is paid not to the scale of the water component, but to the laser light show.
The pumps form a wall of water and an image is projected onto this wall. Very interesting, unusual, fascinating and, most importantly, free.
The latest addition to Sharjah's fountain program is the Ebru Show, where the process of creating an Ebru painting is shown on a wall. Some people even call this show psychedelic.
The most convenient way to watch the show is from the Majaz embankment; entry to the embankment is free.
Read about all the nuances in our detailed article “”.
The most beautiful mosque in Sharjah is made in the Ottoman style. It is believed that the prototype was the Blue Mosque of Istanbul.
You can admire the beauty of the Al Noor Mosque from the outside for free and at any time of the day.
You can get inside with a free tour. During it, tourists are shown the interior of the mosque, told a lot of interesting things about Islam, and at the end they are treated to tea and coffee with dates and local sweets.
The tour is offered only once a week. You need to know the time in advance and arrive at the right moment. What time is it and what to watch inside? Read our detailed article "".
Sharjah Arts Museum
Sharjah's main museum. Until the opening of the Louvre branch in Abu Dhabi, it was the largest exhibition of art in the UAE. The area of the museum is 11 hectares, it’s even hard to imagine, it needs to be seen.
The museum exhibits works by artists from the United Arab Emirates and other countries of the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. Some of the works were donated to the museum by the ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan ibn Mohammed Al Qasimi.
This best place to get acquainted with contemporary Arab art. Moreover, admission to the museum is free.
Opening hours: from 8:00 to 20:00 on all days except Friday, on Friday - from 16:00 to 20:00.
Souq Al-Tarkazi - main market Emirate of Sharjah. The building itself is entertainment for tourists. Some people think that the building looks like a steam locomotive.
There are more than 600 shops inside. They sell gold and jewelry, perfume, clothing and shoes, electronics and household appliances, gifts and souvenirs, antiques and carpets, and much more.
Nobody obliges you to buy anything. You can walk and see the Blue Market for free.
The most interesting thing here is on the top floor, where you can find themed shops from India and Nepal. Pakistan, Afghanistan.
Have a nice holiday in the United Arab Emirates, and read our interesting articles about this country ( links below).
