United Arab Emirates: The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations and All Important Info

Where just in the 1960s only small fishing villages existed between desert and sea, travelers now find a surreal world of luxury, entertainment, and glamour. With the oil boom, the life of the Emiratis, as the locals of this region are called, developed especially quickly, transforming an isolated area at the edge of the Arabian Peninsula into one of the world's centers for adventure and experiential travel.

In 1971, seven emirates formed the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the capital of the largest emirate, Abu Dhabi, also becoming the capital of the UAE.

While remnants of the old towns can still be found today, the popular tourist attractions are the glittering, futuristic skyscrapers and the entertainment offerings of today's megacities. However, those who look carefully can also find a beautiful mix of culture, nature, and delicious gastronomy.

Population: 9,440,000

Capital: Abu Dhabi

Language: Arabic

Currency: UAE Dirham

Highest elevation: Jebel Yibir (5,013 feet)

Visa & Entry: visa-free for up to 90 days

Dubai is by far the largest city in the country and not just because of its international airport, a hub for all tourists. Especially Dubai City has developed in recent years into a paradise for urban explorers - gigantic construction projects like man-made islands in world map format, countless shopping malls, theme parks, unique skyscrapers, and an indoor ski slope in the desert await you here.

Abu Dhabi, too, was awakened from its slumber by oil in the seventies and has undergone rapid development. Today, visitors can embark on unique desert expeditions with quads, immerse themselves in the past on spice and camel markets, or sense the future amidst sparkling boulevards and gigantic shopping temples.

Although not as well-known yet among tourists as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the 'Garden City' of the UAE at the border of Oman has much to offer. A rich history with an archaeological park, a large cultural offering, student vibes, and extensive lemon, orange, and mango groves nourished by natural springs guarantee an oasis feeling.

Fujairah is located on the east coast of the UAE at the foot of the Hajar Mountains and is especially known to travelers for its wide, beautiful beaches, lively beachfront, and historical landmarks like the Fujairah Fort or the large Central Mosque. Divers, on the other hand, are drawn to the colorful coral reefs of the region.

A true gem for adventurers and desert foxes is the historically restored mountain enclave of Hatta, about 62 miles southeast of Dubai. From the millennia-old Hatta Fort, you can enjoy the view of the rough, rocky surroundings of the small town. These can also be wonderfully explored on hikes and mountain biking or by kayak on the Hatta Reservoir.

Highlighting individual buildings from Dubai's ultra-modern, futuristic skyline is not an easy task, and, basically, it's the entire ensemble of skyscrapers that makes you lift your head in awe. However, the 2,717-foot Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building), the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab on its own island, or the golden Dubai Frame in the shape of a picture frame stand out in particular.

Even from a distance, the four tall white minarets and the impressive main dome of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque can be seen. The largest and most important mosque in the UAE transports the visitor into an oriental fairy tale world with its walls of white marble and gold embellishments. Moreover, it boasts a multitude of superlatives: over 80 domes, space for 40,000 people, the largest chandelier, and one of the most valuable carpets in the world.

Another futuristic mega-project by the Emiratis is the artificial island archipelago 'The Palm Jumeirah,' which began construction in 2001, off the coast of Dubai. The group of islands takes the form of a giant palm tree with a four-mile-long trunk and 16 fronds extending into the sea. Every high-class hotel with international top cuisine, villas, and opulent vacation homes are lined up here, creating an especially luxurious visitor experience.

Ferrari World is a unique combination of theme park and interactive museum, attracting not only fans of Italian sports cars but also motorsport enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike. Located on Yas Island amusement park, the world's largest indoor amusement park not only includes various Ferrari exhibition models but also a go-kart track, the fastest roller coaster in the world, and a real Formula 1 racetrack.

Around 75% of all mangroves in the UAE can be found in the Mangrove National Park - and this is just a few miles away from bustling Abu Dhabi. This bastion of biodiversity can be wonderfully explored by kayak, making one quickly forget being in a desert state. Almost 16-foot-high mangroves, salt marshes, mudflats, and a colorful wildlife of dolphins, turtles, herons, and crabs await you here.

Also at the southern edge of the emirate of Abu Dhabi near the border of Oman, travelers can immerse themselves in an entirely different world. An oasis belt with about 50 individual oases stretches here for hundreds of kilometers. In sleepy villages, people live from livestock farming and the bountiful harvest of dates. Experience camel farms, spectacular dune formations, the annual Liwa Date Festival, and a night under the starlit sky.

Safari in the UAE? That's possible too. On the small island of Sir Bani Yas, nature has largely remained untouched by the construction boom of the cities, preserving the unique biodiversity of the flora and fauna. More than 17,000 animals can be observed here in the wild, including giraffes, cheetahs, and oryx antelopes. Additionally, you can find the only Christian monastery in the UAE as well as some dream beaches for swimming and snorkeling.

Along the coast, where the tourist hotspots of the UAE like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are located, there is a subtropical to tropical climate year-round with high temperatures and relatively high humidity. The further away you get from the sea, the drier the desert climate becomes.

The sunshine and precipitation levels in the country are travel-friendly year-round. However, it is recommended to choose the months of October to April for a vacation in the UAE - then the temperatures are 'only' between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is slightly lower. Anyone planning a multi-day trip to the desert should not forget that nights here are surprisingly cool.

Although Arab cuisine is rich in fresh ingredients, spices, and herbs, visitors will quickly realize that it's often easier to eat Italian, American, or Asian food. The country's gastronomy is too tailored to tourists. However, those who search a little will also find healthy and aromatic local cuisine - where meat and rice specialties are refined with spices such as saffron, turmeric, or cardamom. Whether it's the classic Arabic mezze (a platter of various specialties), the fresh bulgur-mint salad Tabbouleh, the popular street food Shawarma (Arabic dürüm variant), or the sweet noodle dish Balaleet - the local cuisine of the UAE is extremely diverse and highly recommended!

Due to the construction boom and rapid wealth, 85 percent of the over nine million residents of the UAE are expatriates, mainly from India and Pakistan.

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all top travel destinations at bettercities.net.

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