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Though evoking images of over-the-top opulence, the United Arab Emirates has an extremely diverse range of landscapes and attractions. The following sights, both natural and man-made, should not be missed, no matter how ridiculous they may sound.
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The Corniche Enjoy Abu Dhabi’s waterfront with an evening stroll in summer or afternoon walk in winter. To savor The Corniche’s dramatic skyline from the water, board Le Royal Meridien’s sleek Shuja Yacht for a seafood dinner cruise. 011-971-2-695-0539; www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village Gain insight into pre-oil-boom life at the waterfront Heritage Village. While it’s pleasant to stroll the traditional souq, the barasti (palm frond) houses and mosque, the small Bedouin museum-fort is the highlight. The Breakwater, next to the flagpole; 011-971-2-681-4455
Al Hosn Palace Abu Dhabi’s white fort palace, once the ruling family’s home, is the city’s oldest, most beloved building. Although its interior is currently undergoing restoration, it’s still possible to stroll the palm-filled courtyard garden. Khalidiya; at the end of city center; 011-971-2-621-5300; www.cultural.org.ae
Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation The city’s main cultural space hosts art and photography exhibitions, plus vibrant performances like concerts, ballet, and theater. Visitors can also watch veiled Emirati women practice traditional crafts. Khalidiya; Khalidiya St., at the end of city center; 011-971-2-621-5300; www.cultural.org.ae
Go on a desert safari While the desert safari allows you to tick off some "must-do" experiences – edge-of-your-seat 4WD dune driving, camel ride, falconry, sand-boarding, Arabic feast, and belly-dancing – the best part is enjoying the sublime desert scenery and sunset. Arabian Adventures; 011-971-2-691-1711; www.arabian-adventures.com
Ski Dubai The world’s very first indoor ski resort is the size of three football fields. Located in the center of the Mall of the Emirates, this 275-foot-high synthetic hill has several runs, as well as a snow park for children. Because no one expects you to bring ski clothes to Dubai, the resort provides all the amenities – even hot cocoa at the top of the "mountain." Al Barsha; Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 011-971-4-409-4000; www.skidubai.com
Moroccan Hammam Spend a few hours being scrubbed and pampered in a traditional Moroccan hammam. Several hotels and spas have them, but the city’s best is at the One&Only Royal Mirage. Jumeirah; One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh Rd.; 011-971-4-399-9999; www.oneandonlyresorts.com
The Third Line Gallery If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge of regional artists, head over to The Third Line, which has one of this city’s finest contemporary art collections. Al Quoz 3; 011-971-4-341-1367; www.thethirdline.com
Wild Wadi This water park located next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel has dozens of attractions including surfing machines, waterfalls, and the biggest slide outside of the North America. Jumeirah; Jumeirah Beach Rd.; 011-971-4-348-4444; www.wildwadi.com
Bastakiya This former Iranian neighborhood, located on the banks of the Dubai Creek, is over 100 years old. Spend a day here touring this village’s narrow lanes, which snake around the collection of gypsum-colored traditional Emirati buildings constructed before the oil dollars rolled in the 70’s. Begin at the XVA Gallery, which is housed in the most impeccably renovated Bastakiya former home. Bur Dubai; 011-971-4-353-5383; www.xvagallery.com
Dubai Museum Built in 1781, the Al Fahidi Fort currently serves as the home for the Dubai Museum. Step in for a thorough look at life-size recreations of traditional Dubai homes back when pearls were this city’s main commodity. Bur Dubai; Al-Fahidi Fort; 011-971-4-353-1862; www.dubaitourism.ae/historicalsites
Desert Safari A visit to the UAE is not complete until you spend a day rollicking across the endless sand of the desert dunes in a 4WD vehicle. Most tours end with a traditional Bedouin dinner. Open Palm Tourism; www.opdubai.com
Mall of the Emirates The world’s very first indoor ski resort is the size of three football fields. Located in the center of the Mall of the Emirates, this 275-foot-high synthetic hill has several runs, as well as a snow park for children. Sheikh Zayed Rd., 4th interchange; 011-971-4-409-9000; www.kempinski-dubai.com
Scuba Diving Just 10 minutes by boat off Fujairah’s shore, divers will encounter brimming marine life among the Indian Ocean’s coral. 7 Seas Divers, nr. Fujairah; 011-971-9-238-7400; www.7seasdivers.com
Ski Dubai The world’s very first indoor ski resort is the size of three football fields. Located in the center of the Mall of the Emirates, this 275-foot-high synthetic hill has several runs, as well as a snow park for children. Because no one expects you to bring ski clothes to Dubai, the resort provides all the amenities – even hot cocoa at the top of the "mountain." Al Barsha; Shiekh Zayed Rd., exit 39; 011-971-4-409-4000; www.skidxb.com
Camel Racing Situated in Umm Al Quwain is the UAE’s most beautiful camel racetrack, Al Labsa. Among large sand dunes, spectators are welcome to watch one of the region’s oldest traditional sports. Umm al-Quwain
Helicopter ride over Dubai Splurge on a 30-minute helicopter excursion for a bird's eye view of the world’s largest construction site. Aero Gulf Services, Dubai; 011-971-4-220-0331; www.aerogulfservices.com
The National Museum of Ras al-Khaimah One of the UAE’s best archaeological and ethnological museums is housed in a fortress once inhabited by Ras al-Khaimah's ruling family. Ras al-Khaimah; www.rakmuseum.gov.ae
Bateen Shipyard Visit the Bateen Shipyard around 5pm (every day except Friday) to watch Arabic ship building in action. There’s nothing modern here – all boats are handmade by skilled craftsmen. next to the Dhow Wharf and Fish Market
Dubai Museum The collection housed in the immaculately restored Al Fahidi Fort, built to protect the city against invasion in 1787, offers a thorough look at Dubai’s history. Al Fahidi Fort; 011-971-4-353-1862; www.dubaitourism.ae, HistoricalSites
Sharjah Islamic Museum Spend time discovering the origins of the country’s official religion. Here you can find Islamic-inspired artifacts, literary and scientific manuscripts, crafts, pottery, and glass. Sharjah; www.shj.gov.ae
Bastakiya Village The 100-year-old buildings that comprise Bastakiya were nearly demolished before the area was deemed an historic zone. Nearly all 58 buildings have been restored, allowing visitors to understand pre-oil-boom life here. Begin your journey at XVA Gallery. Dubai; www.xvagallery.com
Emirates Palace Built to provide sumptuous sleeps for visiting royals and dignitaries, this luxury resort is bedecked in gold and bejeweled with Swarovksi crystal chandeliers. Time your visit to coincide with afternoon tea. Khalidiya; Corniche Rd. West; 011-971-2-690-9000; www.emiratespalace.com
Gold Souk Narrow alleyways lined with gold merchants stretch on for miles in Dubai’s traditional gold souk (market). Go here for jewelry – there isn’t a style or color that can’t be found here. Be prepared to bargain and never settle on the asking price. Deira; Gold Souk; www.dubaigoldsouk.com
XVA Gallery Located in Bastakiya, the heart of Dubai’s heritage district, this camel-colored gallery has become a mecca for art events, film screenings, and live music. It even operates a small boutique hotel on its second floor. A recent expansion has made room for a new shop, which is run by the owners of Sauce, Dubai’s most creative and independent retailers. Bur Dubai; Bastakiya; 011-971-4-3535-383; www.xvagallery.com
