Where to go in the emirates. Where and when is the best time to go to the UAE? Features of nature and tourism in the Emirates. emirates - choose any
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Hospitable Middle Eastern country United United Arab Emirates offers excellent conditions for recreation at its resorts and beaches. Where can we spend the time we look forward to throughout the year in the UAE? Which city to spend time in – Sharjah, Fujairah or Dubai? We have prepared a short review that will help you determine the answer to this question.
The richest emirate, which just 50 years ago was a small village, is rightfully considered a place of “luxury” vacation in all respects. Here are all the largest miracles of modern architecture: the sail-shaped Burj Dubai hotel (by the way, seven-star), the most tall skyscraper in the world Burj Khalifa, man-made islands in the shape of a palm tree and much more. Why do tourists go to Dubai? The most exciting activity in this city is shopping. There is everything for this here - huge malls and shopping complexes, countless shops, the windows of which are buried in gold.
If you came to this emirate just to relax, you are welcome to the spacious and wide beaches, washed by warm and clear waters Persian Gulf. In addition, Dubai offers a variety of entertainment for every taste and color. Before your trip, plan your expenses in advance - the article on how much money to take with you to Dubai will help you with this.
Abu Dhabi
The beautiful and modern Middle Eastern city in the UAE is very popular among tourists. This is largely due to the fact that the authorities were able to incredibly harmoniously combine the beauty of the desert sands and man-made oases, of which there are many in the city and the abundance of greenery in which is simply surprising. Along with this, Abu Dhabi has many modern skyscrapers, ideal roads and many restaurants and shops. Don't forget to visit the Gold Market, just be careful - the incredible amount of gold sold there may cloud your mind...or maybe not).
Umm Al Quwain
The main highlight of this emirate is the famous camel racing. If you are a gambling person, you can place your bet on one or another representative of this family of mammals and, if you’re lucky, win a good sum. If you are traveling with children, then you should definitely visit the DreamLand water park, the heart of which is an artificial volcano, outwardly indistinguishable from a real one, of course smaller in size.
Fujairah
So, we have come to the most “beach” emirate. Fujairah is located on the shores of the Gulf of Oman. In addition to the fabulous beaches, where you want to spend time endlessly, diving enthusiasts will find something to do here - swimming among bright corals and fish of all colors of the rainbow will bring great pleasure. If you have just started on the path of learning the basics of diving, local clubs can help you.
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Let's figure out where it is better to relax in the UAE by the sea. What beaches are there at the resorts, what to do and what to see.
Map of resorts and beaches of the UAE
Beach holiday in Dubai
Where is the best place to relax in the UAE if you want to combine a beach holiday with shopping and excursions? Dubai is a versatile city and will suit you best, especially if you are there for the first time. It is convenient to go on excursions to other emirates, and in the city itself there is something to see on your own - we visited the beaches, Deira and the Old City, singing fountains and the Dubai Mall, and the aquarium. In Dubai you can live on different budgets - from quite modest to luxurious.
Shopping in Dubai is wonderful, there are plenty of shopping centers. In addition to the famous Dubai Mall (which can be considered a separate attraction), visit the Dubai Marina Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Outlet Mall Dubai, as well as the markets in Deira.
Dubai Mall. The famous aquarium can be viewed for free, but only partially, from the outside.Interesting video! TV presenter and blogger Anton Ptushkin conducts a video tour of rich life In Dubai:
For those for whom it is important to live by the sea, we advise you to settle in Jumeirah - this is where there are great long beaches. In Jumeirah there is the Burj Al Arab sail hotel and the Atlantis water park hotel. Another beach area in Dubai is Marina Beach, a local Manhattan. Expensive yachts, glass skyscrapers, very beautiful.
When asked where to relax in the UAE with a child, the answer is the same - the best place is Dubai. The beaches there are good, the entrance to the water is smooth, and the infrastructure is developed. There are water parks and amusement parks for children - Wild Wadi and Wonderland.
Beach holidays in Abu Dhabi
Some believe that in the UAE it is better to relax in the capital - Abu Dhabi. It is in many ways reminiscent of Dubai: the same ultra-modern city with skyscrapers, there are also good beaches And shopping centers, you can go on excursions.
If you just want to lazily lie on the beach, then Abu Dhabi has everything for this. The beaches are good and suitable even for small children.
Clear water in Abu Dhabi (Photo © Michaela Loheit / flickr.com) What to do and what to see? Be sure to visit the sixth largest mosque in the world, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque. This marble shrine of 82 domes and 1000 columns can accommodate more than 40 thousand worshipers. Take your children to Ferrari park World, amusement parks Al Mushrif Children's Garden and Hili Fun City, as well as Waterworld water park - a lot of fun and delight are guaranteed!
Huge funnel on the Dawwama tornado slide at Yas Waterworld Beach holiday in Sharjah
Some tourists believe that in the UAE it is better to relax at sea in the emirate of Sharjah. It is the cultural center of the country and perfect place for a relaxed family holiday. There is no noisy entertainment here, like in Dubai, but there is a lot of greenery and excellent beaches. It’s also cheaper to live in Sharjah, and Dubai is about 30 minutes to 1 hour by bus or taxi! True, there may be traffic jams in the morning and evening, take this into account.
The beaches are clean and the entrance to the sea is smooth. The bottom is sandy and flat, so you can relax in Sharjah even with an infant - just like almost everywhere else in the UAE.
Beach in Sharjah (Photo © sophiemachin / flickr.com) However, Sharjah has strict laws - you can sunbathe in a swimsuit only on hotel beaches, where entry is paid if you do not live in this hotel. Men are not allowed to come to public beaches on Mondays.
Alcohol is also prohibited, but you can drink in the hotels. For some, this is, on the contrary, a plus.
What to see? This is the oldest emirate, so there are many museums here - archaeological, ethnographic, historical. For children - Al Majas Green Park, Desert Park, national park, themed Adventureland, aquarium and water park.
Sharjah Desert Park (Photo © unsplash.com / @chinkinthearmour) Beach holiday in Fujairah
Here's where it's best to relax in the UAE for families with children or lovers of solitude! The emirate of Fujairah is very, even too calm and quiet - mass tourism has not yet reached here and there are no noisy entertainments. But in the capital of the emirate and in the resorts next to it there are many good hotels, including all-inclusive ones.
Snoopy Island, Fujairah (Photo © nate2b / flickr.com) It's worth going to Fujairah just for beach holiday, snorkeling and diving. The emirate is wide and clean sandy beaches- all belong to hotels. The best beaches are in the north, where it is better to snorkel and dive. Tourists prefer the beaches of Al Aqah Beach, Dibba Al Fujairah and Shark Island. The climate is milder, and you can relax at any time of the year, except summer.
What to see? See the fort and old city, Fujairah Museum and ethnographic park Madhab, mosque and
Heritage Village. Visit gardens, waterfalls and healing springs.
Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah (Photo © _ _steven.kemp_ _ / flickr.com) Beach holiday in Ajman
Ajman is an alternative to beachfront Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Yes, there are no amazing skyscrapers, grand mosques or amusement parks here. However, if you just want a calm and relatively inexpensive holiday in the UAE by the sea, then this emirate is for you.
The beaches are clean, with fine white sand. Private closed beaches They clean well, there is all the infrastructure there. Many hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Beach strip in Ajman (Photo © tutanh_blog / flickr.com) Another advantage is that the laws are not as strict as in Sharjah, plus you can buy alcohol in a bar, restaurant or store.
Things to do? The list of entertainment is meager: go to historical Museum and an ancient fort, admire the mosques and shipyard, visit camel racing and mineral springs. If you get bored, go to Dubai or Sharjah - they are nearby.
Camel on the beach in Ajman (Photo © Shelley M Lantz-Burrell / flickr.com) Beach holiday in Ras Al Khaimah
In this little popular among tourists, but very colorful emirate of the UAE, you can have a good rest - there are the same long beaches as anywhere else on the Persian Gulf. And also - a beautiful canyon of the Hadjar Mountains, sand dunes, desert villages, ancient valleys (wadis) with oases and archaeological excavations, mangroves and picturesque hills.
There are no skyscrapers or luxury malls here yet, but there is a lot of nature and cultural and historical attractions. The infrastructure is developed - hotels, shops, cafes, there is enough of everything. You can stay in regular hotels on the first line, or in non-standard accommodation - for example, live in a nature reserve or in a Bedouin tent in the middle of the desert. In general, if you are bored with other emirates and don’t know where to go on vacation in the UAE, come to Ras al-Khaimah - a very authentic emirate!
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah in Al Wadi Desert (Photo © booking.com / The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert) Beach holiday in Umm al-Quwain
Where else can you relax in the UAE in a variety of ways? The emirate of Umm al-Haiwain offers more than just a relaxing beach holiday. There is a lot of entertainment for almost all categories of tourists. The infrastructure is very developed, but the resort is quiet and peaceful.
What to do and what to see? If you are interested in historical sites, see the excavations of the cities of Tel Abraq and Ad-Dur, an old fort with a museum and watchtowers, a 19th century mosque and a market. If you want an active tourist, try diving, sailing, windsurfing, horse riding or fishing. You can ride a catamaran, boat and water ski.
Beach in Umm al-Quwain (Photo © niketa579 / flickr.com) When is the best time to vacation in the UAE?
The Emirates has a dry subtropical climate and almost never rains. Starting in May, the heat is unbearable and lasts until September. Despite the fact that prices for tours are reduced at this time, better in summer Do not travel to the UAE - air temperatures can exceed +50°C in the shade.
It is better to vacation in the UAE in October and November, when the thermometer drops to +30°C. Holiday prices during these months are the highest.
In December, January, February and March, the cost of tours decreases, as does the temperature - up to +25°C. The water also cools down a little, but for many this is not critical. In April, the heat gradually begins to return to the Emirates.
Review of Dubai beaches
Introductory image source: © unsplash.com / @darceybeau.
Most tourists believe that holidays in all resort areas located within the same country will be absolutely equal. However, this opinion may be objective for most warm countries, but in relation to the United Arab Emirates it is wrong. Each emirate welcomes its guests in its own way and provides them with its own unique benefits. That is why, when getting ready to travel, travelers ask the question: “?”
Could it be better to relax in Dubai?
Dubai has been the most popular holiday destination among foreigners for a long time. Its distinctive feature is that legal relations here are regulated by the most secular legislation, which makes it extremely popular. Clean beaches, warm water, lots of entertainment and huge scope for shopping - Dubai has it all.
Abu Dhabi for the best holiday
The proud and beautiful capital of Abu Dhabi is perhaps the second most popular tourist destination in the UAE. Great amount attractions, gorgeous fountains, beautiful embankments and the residences of the rulers turn the holiday into a continuous excursion. Modernity and flavor, business charm and relaxing idleness are surprisingly intertwined here. It’s not for nothing that this city is called the Arab Manhattan.
Holidays in Sharjah
Sharjah has the strictest rules. Strict prohibition, control over appearance and many other small restrictions sometimes frighten foreign guests. However, this is where they are best beaches UAE for holidays. The most famous museums, traditional Arabic architecture, dozens of historically valuable places, beautiful fountains and a large number of parks where you can take a walk are also the undeniable advantages of this emirate.
For those who prefer peace and quiet, it is best to relax in Ajman. This is the quietest resort in the UAE. There's just enough of everything here: a small number of shops, museums and entertainment.
Ras Al Khaimah
The main feature of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is the presence of lush and beautiful flora, which is so pleasing to the eye. There are also famous thermal springs here, which are popular with tourists.
Fujairah
Fujairah is located on the picturesque shores of the Gulf of Oman. This is simply a paradise for those who love to exercise. Wealth underwater world this resort area can blow anyone away. Other highlights of the emirate include bullfights and the Friday market.
Umm Al Quwain
For the perfect beach holiday, head to Umm Al Quwain. Also, camel racing is held on its territory - a quite interesting and exciting spectacle.
It is very difficult to make a choice in favor of one place or another and decide where is the best place to relax in the UAE. Each of the emirates is attractive and interesting in its own way. But when going to the UAE, it is worth remembering that no matter where you go in the country, you are guaranteed a luxurious and memorable vacation that will give you a lot of pleasant moments and emotions.
Since then, oil and trade revenues have been used in Dubai to build the largest artificial harbor in Jebel Ali, the tallest building in the world, the largest fountains, the largest and dozens of smaller shopping centers, hundreds of skyscrapers and luxury hotels, dozens of parks and entertainment facilities. Naturally, all these objects were built not by Arab citizens, but by visiting workers from different countries.
Who will you meet in Dubai - population
The population of the UAE is 10 million people, of which only just over a million (10%) are citizens. The remaining 90% are migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Malaysia and other countries. Read our article “”.
In Dubai, the percentage of citizens is even smaller - about 5%. Indians are the most numerous people here, and tourists most often meet them at hotel receptions, behind the counter in shops, driving taxis and as waiters in restaurants.
The composition of the population depends greatly on the area of the city. For example, many citizens and Europeans live here, while Indians and Pakistanis only work here. It is very rare to meet an Arab citizen.
The official language of Dubai (as well as the entire UAE) is Arabic, but almost everyone here communicates in English. Knowledge in English in the UAE - a big plus for a tourist, otherwise you will have to communicate in sign language.
What do residents do - economics
The GDP of the Emirate of Dubai is 82.87 billion US dollars (according to the 2016 report). This is the second figure after Abu Dhabi (367 billion). Dubai's economy does not depend on oil, unlike Abu Dhabi, where oil accounts for 60% of GDP.
Many tourists mistakenly believe that everything in Dubai was built with oil money. However, this is a big misconception, because oil has never been the main source of income for the emirate; trade has always brought more. Now oil provides only 4% of GDP.
The largest sector of the Dubai economy is retail trade, which accounts for 29.2% of GDP. The role of a “shopping mecca” brings enormous profits. In 2016, total retail revenue was $45 billion, topped only by London.
A significant portion of GDP comes from construction. Dubai is considered one of the best places to live in the world; real estate here is in great demand and is constantly becoming more expensive. In some areas of the city, foreigners are prohibited from buying property to prevent speculation and investment purchases.
Another important area is tourism, which we discussed in detail at the beginning of this article. Other developed industries: services, industry, fishing, financial services, insurance. Thousands of companies are registered in Dubai due to its low taxes.
Neighborhoods of Dubai
Below you can see a map of city districts, click on the map to enlarge.
Jebel Ali is a port and industrial area. There are many wonders here - the world's largest artificial harbor, the world's largest desalination plant. American aircraft carriers can often be seen in the port. But tourists will not be able to see these places; entry is only for staff.
Marina (Marina)- This is an area visited by tourists; upon completion, it will have the largest artificial pier in the world. They're building here Jumeirah Beach The Residence (JBR) is a luxury residential area whose waterfront is set to eclipse Abu Dhabi. JBR Beach is popular among tourists.
Al Barsha- This is the area behind Sheikh Zayed Road. It is almost uninteresting for tourists, except for the fact that the Mall of The Emirates shopping center is located here. Moreover, to visit the Mall of The Emirates you do not need to go deeper into the Al Barsha area, since the shopping center is located right next to the metro station. Al Barsha area has many budget hotels along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Al Quoz- this area is very similar to Al Barsha, only it is located to the east along the Sheikh Zayed Road. Interesting for tourists inexpensive hotels and many art galleries located in former warehouses. The most famous: Carbon 12 Dubai, Isabelle Van den Eynde Gallery, Green art gallery, FN Designs, The Mine.
In addition to those listed above, there are dozens of other districts and suburbs in Dubai. But for tourists they are not of great interest, we will not talk about them.
Attractions
To see all the more or less interesting places in Dubai you need a month or even more. Usually tourists come to Dubai for a week and see only the main attractions. Below we present our list of the TOP 10 most important attractions.
10th place – Burj Al Arab hotel
One of the tallest and most luxurious hotels in the world, the building height is 321 meters. Located on a small island 150 meters from the coast, thanks to this the building is visible from almost every beach in Jumeirah. The blue color and sail-shaped design has made the Burj Al Arab a well-recognized symbol of Dubai.
This attraction is not of much use to tourists. The tours only include a short stop near the hotel to take photos with the background. Those who want to visit inside can book a room, the price at the best promotion is 1000 USD per night. Regular price – from 2000 USD per night.
Another way to get inside is to make a reservation at one of the restaurants in Burj Al Arab. The best experience is the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor. A table can be reserved by anyone, not necessarily a hotel guest, but advance reservations are required.
Read more in our article "".
9th place – Legoland park
Imagine an amusement park built from 60,000,000 construction kits. For Lego fans, this attraction is a must see. The park opened in October 2016, and many tourists and residents of Dubai do not yet know about it, as there are still few visitors here (note: this article was written in 2017).
The park has 60 attractions for visitors of all ages. The most extreme is The Dragon Coaster, a roller coaster up to 16 meters high, accelerating up to 60 kilometers per hour. The park consists of two parts - an amusement park and a water park.
The amusement park is divided into 6 thematic zones: KINGDOMS, IMAGINATION, ADVENTURE, LEGO CITY, FACTORY and MINILAND. In the LEGO CITY zone, children can ride one of 45 electric cars and learn the rules traffic and obtain a LEGOLAND Driver's License.
In the MINILAND zone, models of famous landmarks of the UAE and the world are assembled from Lego bricks, including Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and 20,000,000 parts were spent on these models. In the FACTORY zone you can see how construction parts are made and get your own personal Lego brick.
If you want to take away something as a souvenir, then check out The BIG SHOP - the largest Lego store in the Middle East. All new items are always available here, the supported range is more than 600 sets of all series.
Ticket to a park or water park – 235 dirhams, combo park + water park – 285 dirhams.
Opening hours: from 10-00 to 18-00.
Legoland is located in Jebel Ali. Take the metro to UAE Exchange station, then take a taxi, the trip will cost about 30 dirhams.
8th place – Dolphinarium and Creek Park
Creek Park in the southeast of Bur Dubai is considered one of the best places for family recreation. There is a dolphinarium, Wonderland amusement park and Children's City children's park. It is easy to get to Creek park by metro - Dubai Healthcare City station is 500 meters from the park.
The main attraction in Creek Park is the Dubai Dolphinarium, where you can watch not only a show of dolphins and seals, but also a performance of exotic birds, walk through a mirror maze, watch a movie in a 5D cinema and ride on several attractions.
Shows are held at 11:00, 15:00 and 18:00. Ticket price is from 50 to 140 dirhams.
Wonderland Amusement Park is currently closed. It will be completely rebuilt by 2020, the project cost is 1.8 billion dirhams. It is expected that there will be something big here.
Children's City Children's Park is designed for children from 2 to 15 years old. Its building is easily recognizable by its bright Lego-like style, although its creators call it an “educational center.”
Here children in different zones can explore natural phenomena, conduct physical experiments, visit the planetarium and look at models of spaceships.
Opening hours: from 9-00 to 21-00 on all days except Friday. On Friday – from 15-00 to 21-00. Entry price is from 10 to 50 dirhams.
7th place – Wild Wadi water park
Wild Wadi Waterpark is considered one of the best in Dubai, along with Aquadventure. But Wild Wadi definitely takes first place in terms of ticket price - 310 dirhams for an adult visitor.
Here, visitors will find a 32-meter-high JUMEIRAH SCEIRAH slide, a group attraction BURJ SURJ, a 360-meter-long artificial river and a magnificent children's area. Wild Wadi has two wave pools - the first for surfers, the second for those who like to calmly ride the waves.
The “highlight” of the park is the Master Blasters slide, on which guests do not roll down, but rise up, pushed by jets of water from pumps.
You can get there by metro – Mall of The Emirates station, then by taxi (costs about 10 dirhams).
Opening hours: from 10-00 to 19-00 in all months except November and December. In November: from 10-00 to 17-30, in December: from 10-00 to 17-00.
Visitors to luxury hotels near the water park have free admission. By the way, given the price of visiting the Wild Wadi water park, it makes sense to stay in one of these hotels for one day. Pay about $300 for a room, but you'll save on the water park. Consider this option.
6th place – Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai
The second largest shopping and entertainment center in Dubai, second only to the Dubai Mall. Boasts the largest Carrefour hypermarket in the city.
The numbers are impressive: 233 thousand sq. meters of retail space, 630 retail outlets, 90 restaurants, fast food outlets and cafes, two food courts were needed to accommodate them.
The shopping center is home to four hotels, including the five-star Sheraton and Kempinski.
On the ground floor there is the first in the Middle East and so far the largest artificial ski slope– Ski Dubai. Here you can ride a alpine skiing or snowboarding, children can chat with penguins, ride a bungee or take a short course in alpine skiing. Ticket price: 275 dirhams.
The easiest way to get there is by metro – Mall of The Emirates station. If you are vacationing in the Jumeirah area, you can take advantage of free bus, which collects tourists along the line of hotels and brings them to the Mall of the Emirates.
5th place – four famous markets of Deira
The Deira region is famous in the world primarily for its markets.
The most famous “The Gold Souq” specializes in trading gold jewelry. Tourists often come here not to buy gold, but just to look. Dozens of stores are trying to amaze visitors with unusual decorations on their windows.
The second market “The Perfume Souq” not only looks colorful, but also smells colorful. They sell perfumes and other perfumes from all over the world and all brands. Prices are often cheaper than in Duty Free, there are almost no counterfeits, this is strictly monitored by the Dubai authorities. Tourists come here to buy Arab perfumes.
The third market, “The Spice Souq,” specializes in spices. Here you can buy seasonings from all over the world. Tourists love to buy cheap saffron and Arabic bezar mixture at Spice Souq.
The fourth market is “Fish Market”, or rather, there are two such markets in Deira, choose any one. Here you can see all the fauna of the Persian Gulf. We do not recommend coming here to those tourists who cannot stand the smell of fish.
4th place – Atlantis Hotel: water park and oceanarium
Atlantis The Palm Hotel is located at the farthest point artificial islands Palm Jumeirah. The hotel is expensive - from 300 dollars per night. The hotel has a large Aquaventure water park and the Lost Chambers aquarium, which any tourist can visit without having to book a room.
The Aquaventure water park boasts slides that go through shark tanks for an adrenaline-pumping ride. Read more in our article “”.
At Atlantis The Palm you can interact with dolphins for a fee.
You can get there by metro – Dubai Internet City station. Then you can transfer to the monorail, but it is better to get there by taxi (costs 35 dirhams).
Ticket price is 260 dirhams for the water park, 310 dirhams for the water park + aquarium.
3rd place – Burj Khalifa skyscraper
The tallest building on our planet with a height of 830 meters and 160 floors. The first 40 floors are occupied by the 5-star Armani Hotel, and if you want to live in the Burj Khalifa, then expect from $500 per night.
Tourists come to see and take pictures in front of the Burj Khalifa and visit one of the observation decks. There are three of them: on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors. To climb the highest one costs 500 dirhams. In fact, it is the most expensive attraction in Dubai.
In 2017 with observation deck opens interesting view Dubai's construction projects make the city look yellow and seem boring to many tourists. Is this experience worth Dh500? The question is open.
The easiest way to get there is by metro – Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. A covered pedestrian bridge leads from the station; you need to walk along it to the Dubai Mall, and from there you can use a special passage to go to the Burj Khalifa.
It’s easier to buy tickets online through the official website. Keep in mind that the ticket is purchased for a specific time, we do not recommend being late. Read our detailed article “”.
2nd place – Dubai Fountains
Located in the artificial lake Burj Khalifa in the heart of Downtown. These are the largest dancing fountains in the world; Dubai has surpassed even Las Vegas in this regard.
Watching the Dubai Fountains show is free, for this reason we put them in 2nd place in our rating. There are two shows during the day at 13-00 and 13-30 and nine shows in the evening from 18-00 to 22-00. You can view it from the embankment near the Dubai Mall or Souk al-Bahar market.
Another option is to reserve a table at the restaurant of the Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa, from where you can clearly see the entire semi-arc of the fountains.
The fountains cost Dubai a record 800 million dirhams; the fountains lift up to 100 tons of water into the air at the same time, and the height of the jets reaches 150 meters. It is unforgivable to visit Dubai and miss such a show, especially since it is free.
It is convenient to get there by metro – Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. From there, take the pedestrian bridge to the Dubai Mall. Next, go out to the embankment, the fountains will be in front of you. Read about the best place to view the Dubai fountains in our article “”.
1st place – Dubai Mall
The largest shopping and entertainment center in the world. Total area – 1,124,000 sq. meters, total area stores – 350,000 sq. meters. More than 1,200 stores and 200 catering outlets.
The Dubai Mall is no longer famous for its shops, but for its entertainment component. If we talk about shopping, then prices in the Dubai Mall are always inflated.
In addition, in the Dubai Mall you can go ice skating at the Dubai Ice Rink and see a real dinosaur skeleton. All these entertainments, together with 1,200 shops, put Dubai Mall at the top of our ranking. About the shopping center itself, read our article “”.
Have a great time visiting Dubai and read our interesting articles about the UAE ( links below).
The United Arab Emirates captivates with the unique unity of the traditional Arab way of life, European service and the sharp contrast between major cities and harsh desert terrain. However, before you go on a tour, it is better to decide on the best place to relax and how to save money in the UAE. It is better to choose an emirate based on personal preferences. If necessary, a tourist can always change the noisy and crowded Dubai to the calm and patriarchal Sharjah.
Abu Dhabi
The political and federal center of the country is known for its grandiose business deals. It, like the nearby YaS Island, is no less famous as a holiday destination for guests of the country. Respectability and variety of leisure places, this is how tourists briefly describe their stay in this emirate. At the service of vacationers theme park Italian supercars Ferrari, which not only hosts one of the Grand Prix, but also many attractions that allow you to drive these famous cars. In addition, those interested in the history of this brand can visit the museum, which displays all the cars created since the 50s of the 20th century.
Ferrari Park in Abu Dhabi
Interesting places for a family holiday will be both the beaches on Yas Island and one of the best zoos in the world, with children's animation and special entertainment for young visitors. Well-equipped city beaches, including separate ones for men and women, are not suitable for married couples who do not want to be separated. Therefore, Yas Island is better suited for a beach holiday, to which various ships depart at short intervals.
Taking an evening promenade along the Carniche embankment or climbing the Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel, visiting shopping centers and nightclubs, staying in hotels with exorbitant hotel room prices and the same luxury, you will not only everywhere smell the big money that permeates everything around you , but you will also feel like a real sheikh.
Dubai
This emirate is called an island by many people, both locals and tourists. Western world surrounded by Muslim traditions. Never tired of surprising holidaymakers, this emirate has become a Mecca for both shopping lovers and entertainment seekers. Shopping enthusiasts are provided with a free shuttle that picks up shopaholics from the hotel and heads along a route that includes the city's largest shopping malls.
Burj Khalifa in Dubai
For those wishing to splash in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf and soak up the Middle Eastern sun, the Marina area is at your service, with its beach parks, which provide everything for a comfortable stay and plenty of entertainment for children and parents. But if you like a relaxing beach holiday, then change the warm sand on Friday and Saturday and find another place for leisure. These weekends, all beaches without exception are crowded due to official holidays.
Sharjah
For vacationers who are less wasteful and more relaxed in manners and preferences, the emirate of Sharjah opens its doors. Due to the smaller size and popularity of this part of the United Emirates among guests of the country, the cost of living, especially if you stay in a hotel on the first or second line, is significantly lower than in neighboring Dubai.
In addition, the emirate is famous for its strict behavior and adherence to Muslim traditions, less entertainment, but greater comfort and patriarchal sedateness in the environment. If you get tired of taking a break from the crowd and want to shake things up, then any taxi or bus will take you to the center of entertainment created by the Arabs in just twenty minutes.
Ajman
This emirate is more loyal to drinkers, but most of all it is suitable for people who want to get acquainted with the past of this Middle Eastern country. Locals preserve the memory of their past through stories and share their history with visitors from other countries in museums. The exhibitions feature ancient artifacts that testify to rich history and collections of ancient weapons with which the ancestors of modern Arabs defended their independence and defended their own honor.
In addition to museums, the emirate of Ajman is known for the friendliness of local residents and the atmosphere of hospitality they create. These features of the area fully compensate for the lack of metropolitan glitter, shopping bustle and skyscrapers, which are located in the more popular holiday destinations in the Emirates.
Located in the northern part of the country, this emirate is the best choice for people sensitive to heat or dry air. The average annual temperature and air dryness in this area are lower than in other emirates. Since this part of the country appears relatively little in the offers of travel agencies, there is the most optimal balance between the cost of accommodation and entertainment and their quality and variety. It is in this emirate that there are villas of local rich people who chose the area not for advertising purposes. Located on the territory of the emirate, they are ready to offer the concept of All inclusive service to foreigners vacationing there.
Despite its little popularity among vacationers, in terms of the number of various entertainments, Ras al Khaimah can compete with the more “European” Dubai and fashionable Abu Dhabi. Hiking in mountainous areas for lovers of “harsh” recreation, diving for fans extreme sports, cultural monuments, which are the same age as Ancient Egypt for history buffs and visits to local villages for lovers of Arab culture, delicious gourmet dishes and much more the emirate is ready to offer its guests. In addition to entertainment, people come here to improve their health in the hot mineral springs of the emirate.
Fujairah
This youngest emirate among the rest is also not ignored by guests from other countries. Its protection from the hot desert winds and the 90-kilometer coastline, turned into a continuous beach with gentle days, create all the conditions for a comfortable family holiday on the beach. The entertainment offered by the locals is influenced by their traditional occupation and landscape, as they are known as the most skilled fishermen among the inhabitants of the entire United Emirates.
In addition to diving underwater, where divers will find almost ideal conditions to get acquainted with the diversity of the underwater world, vacationers can take part in fishing or night fishing crabs The prey they catch can be served on the table at the slightest hint. An alternative to a beach holiday is a visit to Ain Al Madhab Gardens, Ain Al Ghamour Hot Springs or Al Wurrayah Waterfalls.
Umm Al Quwain
The most modest emirate in size is also ready to receive guests. The cleanliness and size of the beaches will delight people who come with the whole family, the endless groves date palms will give you a relaxed holiday in the Arabian style, and the colorful sand dunes will refute the stereotype about the “boring” and monotony of the desert. In addition to admiring the surroundings, you will be offered a visit to the Dreamland water park, the local dolphinarium, or a ride on another traditional Arab “transport” - horses.
The small number of foreigners is explained by the little attention that residents of the emirate pay to advertising the area as a holiday destination. The tourist infrastructure here is rather developing, but this does not mean worse conditions for recreation. Situated between the commercial and bustling Dubai and the official and fashionable Abu Dhabi, this emirate guarantees the same level of comfort as in more famous places accommodation and entertainment for tourists. In addition, the tiny size of the emirate itself and its favorable location will allow you to visit any of the emirates within a few minutes if necessary.
The variety of entertainment venues, Arabian imagination and ingenuity, as well as the rapid growth and development of the country make it impossible to give an unambiguous answer to the question of where is the best place to vacation in the UAE. Each of the guests of this Middle Eastern country will find his own corner in which he will forget about the worries that previously accompanied him and plunge into a world of calm and tranquility. Come to the United Arab Emirates and find a place where you will return more than once.