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Where to go in UAE

Updated: Nov 2, 2019


Places you should visit in UAE.

Part 1- Dubai & Abu Dhabi (+ Al ain)

Here are 28 attraction places you should visit or know about UAE.


Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Dubai's landmark building is Burj Khalifa.

It designed to be the tallest building in the world, at 829.8 meters.

Construction of Burj Khalifa began in 2004, completed five years later in 2009,The building was opened in 2010. The primary structure is reinforced concrete.

There is an observation deck on the 124th floor named At the Top it was opened on 5th of January 2010 at a height of 452 m.

The views across the city skyline from this bird's-eye perspective are simply stunning.

Burj Khalifa opened the 148th floor SKY level at 555 m, giving it the highest observation deck in the world on 15 October 2014.

Opening Hours: everyday from 08:30 AM – 10:00 PM.

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al-Arab is the world's tallest hotel, standing 321 meters high on its own artificial island on Dubai coastline.

Designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail, the exterior of the building is lit up by a choreographed, colored lighting show at night.

Burj Al-Arab is one of the most expensive hotels in the world, with the most luxurious suites.

There is a restaurant ( Al Mahara restaurant) to go for dinner at the underwater where floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the dining room walls allow you to view sea life while you eat, or you can enjoy lunch at California-style fusion restaurant Scape.

For the ultimate panoramic views over the city, book afternoon tea at the Sky view Bar on the 27th floor.

Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is the world's largest musical fountain system and the city's most popular free tourist attraction.

It is set on the man made Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai, between the Dubai Mall, Souq Al Bahar and the Burj Khalifa.

The fountain consists of 275 m long central arc of jets joined to a smaller arc and 5 circles of jets.

When the performance begins these powerful jets shoot water sprays to heights of up 150 meters in harmony with the music and illuminated by over 6000 powerful lights and 50 color projectors.

Performance are held daily and last up to 5 minutes.

Songs and music accompanying the show range from Arabic, pop to classic.

Opening hours: Daily from 06:00 pm to 11:00 pm and are every 30 min a new show begin.

Dubai Aquarium

One of the city's top tourist attractions, the Dubai Aquarium houses 140 species of sea life in the huge suspended tank on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall.

As well as free viewing from the mall, if you enter the Underwater Zoo, you can walk through the aquarium tunnels.

Different activities help you get a closer look at the sea life.

Glass bottom boat tours (on top of the tank) are particularly popular.

Cage snorkeling and shark diving activities are also on offer.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 midnight.

Miracle Garden

This incredible garden is one of City land's signature creations. It was launched on Valentine’s Day 2013, and is set in the heart of Dubai land.
Located in Al Barsha South, the 72,000 sq garden showcases identifiable structures completely covered with flowers.
Miracle garden earned its 3rd Guinness records entitled "World's Largest Topiary Structure".

Among the many exhibits, you’ll find the Guinness World Record for the world's largest flower arrangement. It’ll be hard to miss this floral rendition of the great Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft – made entirely from flowers.

There are plenty of attractions to see, including some quirky layouts.

A heart-shaped pathway, pyramids and full-size houses are just some of the sights on offer.

Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 am to 09:00 pm.

Butterfly Garden

Located right next to Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Butterfly Garden claimed to be the “World’s Largest Covered Butterfly Garden” consists of ten custom built domes around 6,673 sq.m.

Each dome is filled with almost 15,000 butterflies with around over 50 varieties of butterfly in different sizes and colors flying around the visitors.

Dubai Butterfly Garden gives you the opportunity to see how butterflies evolve through each stage.

Dubai Butterfly Garden has a climate-controlled dome, providing the butterflies a relaxed environment and permitting the domes to be open throughout the year.

Along with the garden there is also a butterfly museum and a lush garden that is built with varieties of plants and flowers, fountains, birds and fish ponds.

Opening Hours: 09:00 am–06:00 pm

Quranic Park

Located in Al Khawaneej, Dubai. The Quranic Park is designed to give a better cultural and educational understanding of the Islamic heritage, while still being a fun place to visit for children, families and those looking to learn more about the Holy Quran.

The park that spans over of 60-hectares, it has two main attractions, One of the two main attractions at the Quranic Park is:

The Glass House: It is home to 29 different plants and trees that are mentioned in the Quran and The Sunnah.

You can expect to find plants such as olive tree, fig, black henna, oud, aloe vera and much more.

Each plant is sectioned and marked with its name, some information about it, and if it’s mentioned in the Quran or/and The Sunnah.

Cave of Miracles: is a man-made cave which describe miracles revolving around the Prophets that occurred in the Holy Quran.

Some of the miracles you can expect to see include Prophet Abraham's (Ibrahim) miracle in reviving the bird, Prophet Moses (Moussa) miracle of the Sea, Prophet Jesus (Essa) miracle of creating a bird out of clay and more.

Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is an architectural landmark in Zabeel Park, Dubai.

It has been described by The Guardian newspaper as "the biggest picture frame on the planet".

The Dubai Frame is created out of glass, steel, aluminum, and reinforced concrete.

It stands at 150.24 m.

It is positioned in such a way that representative landmarks of modern Dubai can be seen on one side, while from the other side, visitors can also view older parts of the city.

The Frame opened in January 2018.

Opening Hours: From 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM.

Dubai Opera

Opened in August 2016, Dubai's classy new opera building is the centerpiece of the Opera District in downtown Dubai and set to become the city's major cultural hub and main entertainment venue.

The Dubai Opera hosts a variety of performances and events including theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, conferences and exhibitions, as well as smaller productions, comedy nights, and concerts.

The 2,000-seat theater building itself is an astonishing piece of architectural mastery and one of Dubai's new landmarks, with its highly-contemporary glass and steel walls jutting out over the waterfront, built to resemble the curves of a traditional dhow.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–09:00 PM

Dubai Parks & Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts is the Middle East’s largest integrated leisure and theme park destination located on Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai.

It features more than 100 rides and attractions, and consists of three theme parks: Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and Legoland Dubai.

The official opening took place on 18 December 2016.

Motiongate takes its theme from Hollywood productions, with rides based around movie blockbusters;

Bollywood Parks brings the world of India's famous movie industry alive on its rides;

and Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark provide younger visitors with a fun-packed day out on its interactive rides, water slides, and wave pool.

Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

IMG World of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor amusement park in Dubai.

It is Dubai’s first mega themed entertainment destination.

The park is divided into five "epic zones".

Two of the five zones represent global brands Cartoon Network and Marvel, while IMG Boulevard and the Lost ValleyDinosaur Adventure zones are original concepts created by the IMG Group.

Novo Cinema is the fifth section of IMG Worlds of Adventure.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest temperature controlled indoor themed entertainment destination in the world, covering an area in excess of 1.5 million square feet.

With the capacity to welcome more than 20,000 guests a day, the destination features roller coasters, thrill rides, and other attractions based on popular Cartoon Network characters, iconic Marvel Super Heroes and animation dinosaurs.

Other facilities include a variety of themed retail stores and dining venues, and a 12-screen Novo cinema complex.

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM.

Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be the most beautiful mosques in Dubai.

An exact copy of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque, which is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture.

It was built entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with towering twin minarets framing a large central dome.It is particularly attractive in the evening when lit with floodlights.

Construction began in 1976; the mosque is built in traditional Fatimid style, and Opened in 1979.

Opening Hours: Tours begin at 10:00 am daily, except Fridays.

Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands out as one of the world’s largest mosques.

The Grand Mosque was constructed between 1996 and 2007.

The mosque fuses Mameluke, Ottoman, and Fatimid design elements to create a harmonious and thoroughly modern mosque that celebrates Islamic architecture.

Artisans used glass-work, mosaic tiling, and intricate carvings to spectacular effect on both the interior and exterior.

Able to hold 40,000 worshippers, it is the biggest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, and like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, it is dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan.

Non-Muslims are allowed into all areas of the mosque (including the vast library), and guided tours are available.

Opening Hours: Daily: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm

Friday 4.30 pm-10:00 pm

Ferrari World

This branded theme park brings the thrill of Formula One racing to Abu Dhabi and is one of the city's top things to do for thrill seekers and families alike.

Small children can test out newly learned driving skills on the Junior GT track, while adrenaline junkies can buckle up and ride the Flying Aces roller coaster, which clocks up speeds of 120 kilometers per hour on a 52-meter loop (the tallest in the world).

There's also a collection of Ferrari's cars, with models dating back to 1947, and a Ferrari factory tour and Ferrari knowledge game show for true car nerds.

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM.

Yas Water World

Yas Water World is an Emirati-themed water park located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

The park is home to more than 40 rides, slides and attractions, including Bubble’s Barrel, Rush Rider, and Bandit Bomber which is the longest suspended roller coaster in the Middle East over 550 metres long.

There are also restaurants, cafés, shops and also a dedicated water play area for families with small children.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Emirates Park Zoo

There is a host of animals at the wildlife park, including rare white tigers, giraffes, elephants, a herd of zebras, and a Siberian bear.

There is also a private section with many different types of monkeys, and a flamingo park with a sea lion enclosure.

At the zoo, children can touch and feed domestic breeds of animals.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum, located in Saadiyat Island Cultural District, Abu Dhabi.

The museum was inaugurated on 8 November 2017 by French President Emmanuel Macron and United Arab Emirates Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Artworks from around the world are showcased at the museum.

The museum is designed as a "seemingly floating dome structure"; its web-patterned dome allowing the sun to filter through.

The overall effect is meant to represent "rays of sunlight passing through date palm fronds in an oasis.

Opening Hours: Saturdays to Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 08:00 pm,

Thursdays & Fridays 10:00 am to 10:00.

Closed on Mondays.

Observation Deck at 300

Located at floor 74 of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, it is still is the highest vantage point of Abu Dhabi where visitors can soak in the uninterrupted birds-eye perspective of the city’s skyline, the Corniche, and Arabian Gulf.
This incredible spot offers stunning views across the Capital with a 360 degree view at 300m high.
After a quick trip from the ground to level 74, you are highly encouraged to spend time walking around the observation deck, shooting incredible photos of the city from Emirates Palace to Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi skyline, Al Bateen area and more.
You are then invited to choose your preferred spot and sit for a while to enjoy sipping a drink or having a bite to eat.
The café known for its afternoon tea offers tea blends or freshly ground coffee along with sweet and savory treats, all the while guests enjoy the panoramic views from Tower 2 at 300 meters above the nation’s capital.
Opening hours: from 10:00 am till 07:00 pm.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is an indoor amusement park in Abu Dhabi.

The park features characters from Warner Bros's franchises, such as Looney Tunes, DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, and others.

The park is located on Yas Island near Ferrari World and Yas Waterpark, and is the third Warner Bros.'s theme park.

An adjoining hotel is also being built at the center of Yas Island, the park contains 29 rides, restaurants, attractions, shops and shows.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–06:00 PM.

Heritage Village

It is the best place to understand Emirati culture and get a glimpse into what life was traditionally like in the UAE in the past.

You can shop, explore artifacts and watch artisans making pottery, blowing glass and weaving fabric on a loom.

The craftsmen share their skills with visitors, and occasionally offer them a chance to try them out. The little spice shop within the village offers a range of dried herbs, handmade soaps and plenty of souvenirs to collect.

Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 am to 04:00 pm

Fri 03:30 pm to 09:00 pm.

Al Ain

Jebel Hafeet

Jebel Hafeet is a mountain in Al Ain in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the neighboring Omani town of Al-Buraimi.

The mountain is one of the highest mountains in the country, it has given its name to a period in UAE history, the Bronze Age (3200 to 2600 BCE) Hafit Period, because of the discovery of a cluster of important Bronze Age beehive tombs at its foothills.

As of 2017, the mountain is recognised as being part of a national park, and was incorporated into the Sheikh Zayed Network of Protected Areas in 2018.

Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain zoo was founded in 1968 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

A big cat house, Lions, cougars, jaguars, and black and spotted leopards are found in the zoo.

It also has a reptile house, monkey compounds and aquarium.

From February 2010 until July 2010, Al Ain Zoo hosted the "Dinosaur Trail",as well as information about the dinosaur such as when they lived, which parts of the world they would have been found, and their height and diet.

There is a bird show featuring predatory birds and night birds that lasts 30 minutes starting at 7 pm.

The zoo's latest adventure is the "Safari" - a 217-hectare extension where African and Arabian Gulf animals live in a natural environment. Visiting this section of the zoo is by jeep or truck tour only.

There are plenty of activities in the zoo including a petting zoo; giraffe feeding activities; camel rides; and a children's garden, which encourages biodiversity learning.

Inside the zoo, you'll also find the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center, with exhibits focused on the Arabian Gulf's desert environment and ecology.

Opening Hours: 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM.

Hazza bin Zayed Stadium

It is a multi-purpose stadium, located in the City of Al Ain.

It is the home stadium of Al Ain FC of the UAE Pro-League.

Hazza bin Zayed stadium is split over seven levels, and is one of the most modern sporting venues in the Middle East.

It is one of the most sophisticated sports venues in the region.

The stadium hosted the 2017 and 2018 FIFA Club World Cups, as well as the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Around the stadium you will find a lot of restaurants and coffee shops as well.

Wadi Adventure Park

This water park contains the world's largest artificial surfing wave.

As well as a fun day out for adventure seekers, this is the top spot in the UAE to learn how to surf, kayak, or white water raft.

As well as the three main activities, there's an Air Park with zip lines, balance beams and a giant swing, a climbing wall, wake boarding facilities, and a family pool area for when you just want to relax.

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM–07:00 PM.

Mubazzarah Park (Green Mubazzarah)

At the foot of Jebel Hafeet, there is the green Mubazzarah Park, an isolated spot of green amid the rocky and dry landscape.

This natural oasis is a great place to relax and is especially pretty during sunset.

Its highlight is the natural mineral hot springs, which run through the park area in a series of pools.

On the weekends, the park is busy with picnicking local families.

Al Ain Museum

Al Ain National Museum, housed in the Sultan Bin Zayed Fort, does a good job of bringing the heritage, culture, and history of the United Arab Emirates alive.

There is a particularly interesting ethnographic section reflecting the daily life of the region's people, with a reconstructed traditional majlis and exhibits of traditional garments and Bedouin jewelry.

In the archaeological section are displays of local artifact discoveries that date back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, including pendants and an important coin collection.

The main attraction of this section, though, are the exhibits from the nearby Hili Archaeological Park, including the restored Grand Hili tomb unearthed at the site.

Al Ain Palace Museum

The museum showcases the everyday life in a ruler's fort when the late Sheikh Zayed and his family resided in the palace prior to 1966.

The Bedouin style architecture dates back to 1937 and was converted into a museum in 1998 as a main cultural and tourist attraction.

The museum opened its doors to visitors in 2001, and continues to celebrate the rich history of the country and preserves its links to the present and the future.

The contrast of modern design elements with traditional Emirati influences can be seen throughout the property.

Opening Hours: Daily 8:30 am to 7:30 pm except Mondays

Friday: 03:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Qasr al Muwaiji

Qasr Al Muwaiji was home to generations of the Al Nahyan family, and saw the birth of Sheikh Khalifa in 1948.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site functioned not only as a home and an oasis in the desert but also as a place of rule and a focus for the community.

The architectural gem now offers its visitors a variety of historical and traditional experiences associated with the venue, including oral narrations of the significant moments of Sheikh Khalifa’s life from his early childhood, leadership and vast national achievements. It also provides the public with an insight into the chronology of the members of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family associated with Qasr Al Muwaiji and progression of the Al Nahyan Family.

The museum also features interactive activities and performances that celebrate the overall spirit of the significant cultural site.

Opening Hours: Daily: 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM except Mondays

Fridays 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM

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