The country United Arab Emirates appeared in 1971. Seven emirates ruled by sheikhs became parts of a single state. Their borders were clearly marked only 8 years after the creation of the country. To determine where one emirate ends and another begins, two Englishmen helped, who traveled all over the country and asked the inhabitants of all the villages they met about their sheikhs. Such a clear distinction was required because oil was found in the Persian Gulf, which means that the sheikhs suddenly received incredible wealth. Desert villages, where fishermen and pearl gatherers lived in small huts, turned into luxurious megacities in a matter of years.
The sights of the UAE can be conditionally divided into two groups: one includes ancient tombs, ancient cities and temples, that is, monuments of the past; to the other - ultra-modern skyscrapers built by brilliant engineers and architects, artificial islands, amusement parks - everything that has appeared in the last two decades, but has already become an Arab legend. Once in the UAE, you need to see as much as possible: having arrived in one emirate, book excursions to neighboring ones.
What sights of the United Arab Emirates are worth visiting?
Top attractions in the UAE
1. Mount Jebel Hafeet
Mount Jebel Hafeet
Mount Jebel Hafeet rises near the city of Al Ain, which means "Empty Mountain". Residents of the emirate of Abu Dhabi have turned this mountain, standing on the border with Oman, into an interesting attraction. At the foot of the mountain there is a network of interesting caves open to the public, and at its top there is a convenient observation deck.
2. Zoo in Al Ain
Zoo in Al Ain
The largest zoo in the UAE is located in the city of Al Ain, near Jebel Hafeet Mountain. It was opened in 1969 on an area of 400 hectares. Open enclosures with animals are located in the middle of a blooming oasis. It contains 180 species of birds and animals. The zoo is divided into 3 zones: the feline sector; terrarium; a pavilion for representatives of the desert fauna who are active at night. Twilight always reigns there.
3. Amusement Park "Hili Fun City"
Amusement Park "Hili Fun City"
The place where you can come with the whole family and spend a fun and easy all day here is the Hili Fun City amusement park in the vicinity of Al Ain. It offers about 30 different attractions, several swimming pools, an ice rink, playgrounds and shady gardens.
4. Camel market in Al Ain
Camel market in Al Ain
You can travel back several centuries in the past by being on the last camel market in the UAE. This is an open area with pens for animals, where everyone can buy a camel of any color. Travelers come to this market not for shopping, but to see one of the rare non-tourist places in the Emirates and take spectacular photos.
5. Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi
The majestic snow-white mosque with 4 minarets and 82 domes in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, got its name in memory of the founder of this country, Sheikh Zayed. The mosque, on the construction of which more than half a billion dollars were spent, received the first believers in 2007. It is one of the six largest Muslim temples in the world. The mosque is open to the Gentiles.
Top 10 attractions in Abu Dhabi
6. Amusement Park "Ferrari World" in Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Amusement Park in Abu Dhabi
The largest indoor amusement park on the planet was founded by Ferrari, so most of the local attractions are dedicated to their cars and speed. There is a roller coaster, an exhibition gallery with Ferrari cars, a cinema, a racing school for children and much more.
7. "Leaning" tower of Abu Dhabi
"Leaning" tower of Abu Dhabi
There is no need to look for the Capital Gate building on the map of Abu Dhabi, or "Capital Gate", 160 meters high, which tourists and locals ironically call the "falling" tower: it can be seen from anywhere in the city. Architects invited from London were responsible for its construction. The original skyscraper is tilted 18 degrees to the horizon. The tower houses a luxury hotel, while the remaining premises are occupied by the offices of various companies.
8. Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi
Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi
The facades of two twin skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi are equipped with special protective cells, which, depending on the location of the sun in the sky, can open, letting light into the building, or block its path, creating a saving coolness in the premises. The work of these parts is automated. The towers are the headquarters of one of the financial companies in Abu Dhabi.
9. Sir Bu Nair Island
Sir Bou Nair Island
In the emirate of Sharjah, 110 km from the coast, there is the island of Sir Bou Nair, turned into a nature reserve. Until recently, tourists were not allowed on its territory. The island is considered home to huge sea turtles and some species of waterfowl. There is a coral reef near the island, which can be seen during snorkeling and diving.
Top 10 attractions of Sharjah
10. Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek
The narrow 14-kilometer bay cuts deep into the land and serves as a natural dividing line between two districts of Dubai: Bur Dubai and Deira. You can get from one side of Dubai Creek to the other through one of three bridges, a tunnel or by water taxi. The bay ends with a small lagoon - a mini-reserve, where migratory birds live at certain times of the year.
11. Ancient city of Ad-Dur
Umm al-Quwain
In one of the seven emirates of the country, called Umm Al-Qivain, there is the only ancient city of the ancient Greek era in the UAE. In a relatively small area, ancient burials, the remains of a fortress and a temple were found. On the dilapidated walls of the fortress, you can see a partially preserved floral ornament and traces of paint. Previously, this city stood on the seashore, but then it retreated, and the inhabitants left their homes.
12. Al Noor Island, Sharjah
Al Noor Island, Sharjah
Nature lovers should definitely visit the park, laid out on the Al Noor island in Sharjah. The main tourist attraction of the park is the Butterfly Pavilion, built of glass and covered with 4 thousand aluminum plates painted with gold paint and resembling either flowers or fluttering insects. The pavilion is home to about 500 butterflies, which were brought here from Asian countries.
13. Montazah theme water park
Montazah theme water park
An amusement park with an area of 126 thousand square meters. m is located in Sharjah. It receives up to a million guests annually. Montazah Center is famous for its swimming pools, children's area, original water slides. His description would be incomplete without mentioning an interesting attraction that offers to feel like a gladiator and perform a number of "feats". The park is ideal for families.
14. The village of El Jazeera El Hamra
The village of El Jazeera El Hamra
The abandoned village of El Jazeera El Hamra is located in the small emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, rich in natural beauty. It was abandoned long ago by its inhabitants, who earned their living by fishing and pearling. A dilapidated fortress, watchtowers and old houses remained in the village. It is said that genies live in abandoned houses, which are especially dangerous at night.
Top 10 attractions in Ras al-Khaimah
15. Al Jahili Fortress
El Jahili Fortress
The fortress in the city of Al Ain resembles a castle built of sand in its appearance. Currently, the fortress has been turned into a museum. It displays a collection of photographs of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, taken in the 40s of the last century. But tourists pay more attention not to the museum's exposition, but to the building itself with thick walls that protect from the heat and earthen floors.
16. Dome of the Rock in Abu Dhabi
Dome of the Rock in Abu Dhabi
A slightly smaller replica of Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock, one of the main Muslim shrines, was built in Abu Dhabi in 2010. The architects have even taken care to recreate the picturesque ruins that surround the original temple in Israel. In the evenings, the mosque is beautifully illuminated.
17. Emirates Palace Hotel
Emirates Palace Hotel
The Emirates Palace was conceived as a place where meetings of the government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi could be held. Its construction cost the sheikh $ 3 billion. Subsequently, the palace, surrounded by beautiful gardens, was transformed into a magnificent comfortable hotel, the cost of rooms in which is so high that rest in it is available only to the powers that be.
18. Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa
The building, formerly known to the world as Burj Dubai, was renamed Burj Khalifa in 2010. It is the tallest structure in the world, towering 828 meters above Dubai. The skyscraper, as conceived by the architects, was supposed to resemble a stalagmite. In Burj Khalifa, where private apartments, offices and a hotel are located, there are four viewing platforms from where the entire city and islands on the coast are visible at a glance.
Top 10 attractions in Dubai
19. Palm Islands
Palm Islands
Three man-made islands in the form of palm leaves, built up with luxury real estate, appeared on the coast of Dubai not so long ago. The first island, Palm Jumeirah, was created in 2001-2007. It accommodates about 4 thousand luxurious villas. They were sold out within 72 hours after they were put up for sale. The largest island is Palm Deira. The islands have significantly increased the coastline of Dubai.
20. Ski complex Ski Dubai
Ski complex Ski Dubai
You should not give up skiing if you are in the hot Arabian desert. For lovers of winter sports and for those who want to cool off a bit in the stifling heat, the indoor ski complex Ski Dubai was built in Dubai, the air temperature in which is maintained at around -5 degrees. Snow cover is produced by snow cannons. Up to 1,500 people can ski and snowboard at the same time.
21. Sail Hotel (Burj Al Arab)
Sail Hotel (Burj Al Arab)
The main calling card of Dubai, the most original hotel in the city, built in the form of a sail and marked with seven stars, is the Burj Al Arab, that is, the Arab Tower. It rises to a height of 321 meters on an artificial island connected to the mainland by a bridge. The hotel has a restaurant and several bars where you can have a bite to eat, and at the same time inspect the building from the inside.
