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Country guide
The United Arab Emirates has been one country since 2 December 1971, when seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah — federated. It covers 83,600 km² and held 11,027,129 people in 2024, of whom about 11 per cent are Emirati citizens; the rest came to work, and that shapes the food, the languages and the shape of a week more than any monument does. Abu Dhabi is the capital and Dubai the largest city, close enough to treat as one base. The northern emirates beyond them are quieter and far less built.
Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.
Photograph · Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photograph · Валерий Дед · CC BY 3.0
Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.
100 places match
Category
Typical visit duration
Interests
Burj Khalifa is the 828-metre tower that Emaar opened in Downtown Dubai on 4 January 2010, and what a visitor actually buys a ticket to is a small part of it.
Dubai Mall stands on Financial Centre Road in Downtown Dubai, at the foot of Burj Khalifa, and its operator Emaar describes it as the most visited retail and lifestyle destination in the world, welcoming over 100 million visitors a year.
The Dubai Fountain is a choreographed water and light show staged on the Burj Lake, the artificial lake that lies between the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai.
Dubai Miracle Garden is a seasonal outdoor flower garden located in Dubailand, Dubai. It features elaborate floral displays and structures covered in millions of blooming plants.
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located within the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The facility occupies a substantial enclosed space within one of the region's largest shopping centres.
Ain Dubai is a giant observation wheel located on Bluewaters Island, an artificial island off the coast of Dubai. It stands as one of the most prominent landmarks in the city's skyline, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Deira Gold Souk is an open-air jewellery market in Al Ras, at the northern end of Deira, a few hundred metres back from the Dubai Creek waterfront.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood stands on the Bur Dubai bank of Dubai Creek, a few streets of low coral-stone houses left standing while the rest of the city went vertical.
Jumeirah Beach is a public beachfront along Dubai's Arabian Gulf coastline. The local name is شاطئ الجميرة. It forms part of the city's established beach district, positioned near residential and hospitality zones.
Dubai Spice Souk is a traditional market in Deira, Dubai's historic commercial district. The souk forms part of the older trading quarter near Dubai Creek, where merchants have conducted business for generations.
Deira Clocktower is a prominent roundabout monument located in the Deira district of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Dubai Parks and Resorts is a large integrated leisure destination in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It encompasses multiple theme parks and entertainment zones within one complex.
Mushrif Park is a major public park in Dubai, known locally as حديقة مشرف الوطنية. The park occupies a substantial green space in the eastern part of the city, offering a natural environment distinct from Dubai's urban core.
Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site is an archaeological location in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The site has yielded significant finds related to ancient metallurgy and trade activities.
Dubai Textile Souk, known locally as سوق دبي للمنسوجات, is a traditional market located in the Bur Dubai district near the Dubai Creek.
Jumeirah Archaeological Site is an archaeological location in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The local name is موقع جميرا الأثري. It represents a place of historical and archaeological interest within the emirate.
Al Sufouh Archaeological Site is an archaeological location in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The site is known locally as موقع الصفوح الأثري. It represents a place of historical and archaeological significance within the emirate.
Al Fahidi Fort, known locally as حصن الفهيدي, stands as Dubai's oldest existing building. Constructed in 1787, this coral-stone and mortar fortification served defensive purposes before later uses as a palace, garrison, and prison.
Al Ahmadiya School is a historic educational institution in Dubai, representing the emirate's early commitment to formal schooling. Established in the early twentieth century, it served as a pioneering centre of learning during a transformative period in the region's development.
Al-Ashoosh, locally known as the Al-Oshoosh Archeological Site, is an archaeological location in the Dubai emirate.
Al Qudra Lakes is a man-made desert oasis in the Dubailand area of Dubai. The site comprises interconnected lakes set within arid terrain, created as part of a larger conservation and recreational development.
Al Seef Dubai is a waterfront destination along Dubai Creek, developed as a mixed-use leisure and retail precinct. The area blends contemporary architecture with design elements evoking traditional Emirati heritage.
Al Shandagah Watch Tower is a historic defensive structure located in the Al Shandagah area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Al Sufouh Umm an-Nar Tomb is an archaeological burial site located in the Al Sufouh area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Aura Skypool is an elevated pool venue located in Dubai, positioned high above the city with panoramic views across the skyline and surrounding waters. The attraction functions as a swimming and leisure destination combining pool access with observation-level vantage points.
AYA is a visitor attraction located in Dubai. It is positioned as an immersive entertainment destination within the city's broad tourism landscape. The venue fits into Dubai's portfolio of experience-driven attractions that draw both residents and international visitors.
Bluewaters Island is a man-made island development off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai. It is primarily known as the location of Ain Dubai, one of the world's largest observation wheels.
Dubai Design District, known locally as حي دبي للتصميم, is a purpose-built creative quarter in Dubai dedicated to design, fashion, and arts.
Dubai Garden Glow is an illuminated theme park in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The attraction features elaborate light installations and sculptures, creating a nighttime entertainment destination.
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·
Six to eight days is enough for roughly four days in Dubai and two or three in Abu Dhabi. Sharjah can be a separate museum day, while Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah requires dedicated road time rather than being treated as a quick urban extension.
UAE entry permission depends on nationality and may be arranged in advance or granted under a nationality-specific rule. Confirm the current position through the federal ICP service or the responsible UAE embassy, especially for a stopover itinerary.
Dubai combines metro, tram, buses, and marine transport; Abu Dhabi relies more heavily on buses and taxis. Travel between emirates remains road-based, so allow for an intercity bus, taxi, or rental car rather than expecting a passenger train.
November through March gives the most practical outdoor hours for this Dubai-Abu Dhabi route. In hotter months, schedule waterfront and heritage districts early or late and reserve the middle of the day for indoor museums.
The United Arab Emirates uses the dirham (AED). Cards are widely useful in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but retain an AED backup for smaller fares or deposits and check which currency a card terminal proposes.
Police in the UAE can be reached on 999 and ambulance services on 998. Type G sockets supply 230 V; tap-water guidance is not recorded here, so ask the accommodation for the building-specific position.
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