United Arab Emirates Things To Do

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.

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.

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.

Just 10 minutes by boat off Fujairah’s shore, divers will encounter brimming marine life among the Indian Ocean’s coral.

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."

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.

Splurge on a 30-minute helicopter excursion for a bird's eye view of the world’s largest construction site.

One of the UAE’s best archaeological and ethnological museums is housed in a fortress once inhabited by Ras al-Khaimah's ruling family.

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.

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.