Fun Things To Do In The United Arab Emirates

Image: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (photo via Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism)
Image: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (photo via Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism)
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 5:10 PM ET, Wed March 15, 2023

We all know the United Arab Emirates is the premier tourist location in the Middle East. It’s an especially fun place if you’re interested in going on a spending spree. 

So, before you start planning for your trip, here is our list of the most exciting things to do in the United Arab Emirates that you have to try.

Enjoy Delicacies From The Middle East

The UAE is a melting pot of Middle Eastern culture. About 88% of the country’s population are foreigners, with a large number of them coming from other Middle East nations like Yemen, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, and Palestine.

Throughout history, food has helped people retain their cultural identity. And in the back streets of Dubai’s Deira neighborhood, we believe you’ll enjoy foods from various Arabic cultures who’ve set up shop here.

Go Sky Diving 

Sky diving in the United Arab Emirates gives you a unique opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the country from a bird’s eye view.

We recommend skydiving above Dubai. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of attractions like the Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, and the crystalline blue waters enclosing the Palm Islands.

Take A Desert Tour

Your UAE trip isn’t complete without a desert tour. The Emirates offers plenty of desert adventure options in Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi. 

Popular desert trips often include bike rides, dune buggy trips, sand boarding, desert dinners, watching the sunrise over the dunes, star gazing, camel safaris, etc.

We also highly recommend going for a more traditional adventure at an Emirati Bedouin camp. You’ll experience falconry displays, campsite storytelling, traditional Emirati cuisine lessons, and camel rides.

Take A Culture Tour In Sharjah’s Heritage District

The Sharjah Heritage District is home to restored old Emirati dwellings and buildings like museums and galleries in honor of the often overlooked culture of the Emirati nomads.

The Sharjah Heritage Area is the best place in the UAE to get a unique look at Emirati culture.

Specifically, we recommend visiting the Sharjah Art Museum. The museum houses one of the most renowned art collections by Arab artists and European artists specializing in Arabic art.

Conquer UAE’s Tallest Peaks

A winter hike on the two tallest peaks in the United Arab Emirates, the Jebel Jais (tallest peak) in Ras al Khaimah and Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, in our opinion is the best way to disengage from city life in the UAE.

It’s not only good for your health, but you’ll also enjoy the cool mountain air at the top, a panoramic view of the desert sprawling to the horizon, and the opportunity to see some of the wildlife that is common in the UAE’s desert.

Visit The Umm Al Quwain Fort

Umm Al Quwain Fort (Fort Al Ali) was home to the Al Mualla royal family from 1786 to 1969. The fort was also used as a base to protect the town and harbor from invasion.

After being turned into a museum in 2000, it now offers visitors a closer look at Umm Al Quwain’s culture and history.

In the museum, you’ll find memorabilia representing the heritage and history of the Al Mualla royal family, old photos documenting Umm Al Quwain’s history, models of Emirati ships, and old weapons.

Go Diving Under The Waves In Dibba Al Fujairah

For water activities in the UAE, we recommend visiting Dibba Al Fujairah. The underwater world of this city is known for its colorful reefs, warm currents, cool shipwrecks, expansive coral gardens, and a host of beautiful sea creatures.

There’s plenty for you to explore and discover. And if you’d prefer a laid-back trip, take a mini yacht luxury ride and relax.

Visit The United Arab Emirates

There are plenty of fun things to do and ways to immerse yourself in the culture of the United Arab Emirates. This is truly a magnificent travel destination that has something for everyone. Now that you’ve got your list of the things to do in the United Arab Emirates, it’s time to plan your trip. Bon Voyage!

 


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