United Arab Emirates

In just over 50 years, the UAE’s seven emirates have undergone an astounding transformation from arid desert towns to the most forward-looking cities. The largest, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are known for their ultramodern architecture, glitzy restaurants, and art powerhouses like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Across the country, though, you’ll also find Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman beaches with white sand and warm water safe for swimming; preserved structures like the small, mud-brick 15th-century Al Bidyah Mosque in Fujairah and Dubai’s Emirati-style Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 of coral and mud bricks; and Bedouin traditions such as falconry alive and well.

the sheikh zayed grand mosque in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Katerina Kerdi/Unsplash

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to the United Arab Emirates.

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Read Before You Go
Hotels
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Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, talks about the hospitality boom in the Middle East—and the evolution of Ras Al Khaimah into a luxury travel destination.
Sparkling waters, otherworldly sand dunes, and palm-shaded oases await near Abu Dhabi’s most exciting hotels.
Resources to help plan your trip
Airline stopover programs provide a great, affordable way to extend your trip and visit an additional destination. Here’s how to see two countries for the price of one.
Whether you’re on a short layover or a full-on vacation, the city is brimming with child-friendly offerings.
It was all trial by fire, but the lessons will last a lifetime.
From a world-class museum to a kayak excursion through mangroves, this Middle Eastern capital city has something for every traveler.
Warm up this winter on some of the world’s best stretches of sand, from close-to-home shores to more exotic beach destinations around the globe.
From historic palaces to lively markets and stylish hotels, this lush garden city is an oasis of calm outside Abu Dhabi city.
Representing the pinnacle of design, engineering, and innovation, Sky Vacations’ six-day tour provides an enriching look at the modern marvels of the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Godubai’s fascinating, detail-oriented tours allow for an unforgettable voyage into the past, present, and future of the United Arab Emirates.
Remote Lands helps travelers of all ages get outside to discover the greener side of the United Arab Emirates.
From world-class shopping to record-breaking buildings, the United Arab Emirates is full of jewels to discover, and Pacific Holidays makes it easier to do so than ever.
Exploring the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in a sustainable way has never been easier than with Indus Travels’ all-encompassing voyage through the historical and cultural highlights of these two cities.
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