Things to Do in UAE – Do you like visiting modern and exotic places? The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven city-states, can be your next holiday destination. UAE includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ajman and Ra’s al-Khaimah.
In this article, we will tell you more about places you should visit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the two most popular destinations in the UAE for tourists.
These cities have tropical desert climates. Thus, many people like to spend time indoors. However, there are also exciting places that you can explore outdoors. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you to explore these exotic cities. 😉
Read more:
- Tourist Attractions in Dubai You Should Visit at Least Once
- These International Destinations are Reopening to Tourists
- Abu Dhabi Itinerary: Enjoying a Luxurious Holiday in 5D4N
Explore United Arab Emirates: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Two options to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, or vice versa, are by bus or taxi. The trip takes about 2.5 hours. You’ll be comfortable because the transportation is usually equipped with AC. If you are planning on a holiday in these cities, our list of top attractions to visit will help you during your journey there.
1. See Spectacular Views from Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world with a height of 830 meters. The building was designed by SWA Group. If you are visiting Burj Khalifa, you can go to the observation deck, located on the 160th floor. At 555 meters high, you can enjoy an unparalleled view of Dubai’s skyline.
What about having breakfast in the clouds? Luckily, you can realize this at Burj Khalifa’s lounge! Enjoy the elegant, modern style decoration in the lounge while sipping the finest coffee or tea, t-mates 🙂
Harga: starts from 149 AED*
Opening hours & days: every day, 24 hours
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
2. Swim and Sunbathe in Jumeirah Beach
Even though Dubai is situated in the desert area, you can still find beaches here. Jumeirah Beach is a popular beach in Dubai and most favored by both local and international tourists.
This tourist attraction is perfect if you’re coming to the UAE with your family. You can relax by the beach while watching beautiful scenery.
To reach the beach, you need to drive for approximately 20 minutes from Dubai city center. It’s also accessible by public transportation so you don’t have to worry about going to and from Jumeirah Beach. If you want to go to other touristy places, Dubai Zoo, Dubai Canal, Sunset Mall, and Mercato Shopping Mall are within vicinity from the beach.
Price: free*
Opening hours & days: every day, 24 hours
Address: Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
3. Visit the Stunning Palm Island
Dubai has a lot of iconic places with interesting building forms. Besides Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, there is also Palm Island which has a shape like a palm tree. This artificial island can be the right place for those of you who want a luxurious vacation in Dubai.
Palm Island provides many exciting places that will definitely make your holiday in Dubai even more memorable. Starting from famous hotels, tourist attractions, shopping malls with branded stores, aquariums, to beautiful beaches.
To get to the island, you can take a monorail that goes directly to the island. Feel the sensation of luxurious vacation while in here!
Price: free*
Opening hours & days: every day, 24 hours
Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
4. Splash the Water at Wild Wadi Waterpark
Looking for a kids-friendly attraction in the UAE? Then go to Wild Wadi Waterpark, which is located in Jumeirah Beach. Your children will totally have a blast here! Not forget to mention that there are some slides and rides that adults can enjoy too.
Wild Wadi Water Park is also known as a waterpark with the most complete facilities. So, make sure to include this into your itinerary!
Price: starts from 259 AED*
Opening hours & days: every day except Monday, 10 AM-6 PM (local time)
Address: Opp. Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah St – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
5. Explore the Historical Site, Bastakia Quarter
The United Arab Emirates is famous for its modern high-rise buildings. However, you can also find the old town area in this city with unique and ancient architecture. To explore, you can come to the Bastakia Quarter in Dubai.
Here, you can find many unique museums, starting from the coin museum, stamp museum, coffee museum, and many more! Want to know more about the history of Dubai’s development? Go to Bastakia Quarter and you’ll find the answer!
Price: free*
Opening hours & days: every day, 7 AM-8 PM (local time)
Address: Bur Dubai – Al Hamriya – Dubai – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
6. Value the Arts at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Another thing you can do in the UAE is to visit The Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum. This museum was inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron. This hidden treasure contains art galleries, exhibitions, children’s museum, outdoor plazas, cafe and boutique.
The must-see piece in the museum is a statue with two heads, dating around 6,500 BCE, which was believed to be the representation of the human form. Visitors can also see Ramses II Pharaoh of Egypt statue and Mari-Cha lion, a bronze piece that is the most important Islamic works of art.
Price: starts from 63 AED*
Opening hours & days: every day except Monday, 10 AM-6.30 PM (local time)
Address: Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
7. A Walk to the Majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
If you are in Abu Dhabi, don’t miss the opportunity to come to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque! This largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates boasts 82 domes, more than 1000 pillars, and a capacity of 41,000 worshipers. The building looks very majestic from afar and it’s even more magnificent when you enter the place.
This white mosque has a mix of Mughal, Moorish, and Arab architecture. On the walls of this mosque, you will see walls and pillars decorated with gold-plated floral shapes. If you’re a Muslim, then you can take an advantage to pray here 😉
Price: free*
Opening hours & days: every day, 9 AM-10 PM (local time)
Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street، – 5th St – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
8. Chill by the Beach at Corniche Beach
Want to relax by the beach in Abu Dhabi? It’s possible — just come to Corniche Beach! Besides relaxing, you can also do sports on this beach, such as volleyball, football pitches, snorkeling, and riding a speedboat.
This beach is also kids-friendly, t-mates. There is a children’s play area around the beach area. In addition, this beach is also divided into 3 parts, namely the Al Sahil zone for tourists who come alone or in groups, gate 2 for families, and gate 3 for families and children. Very well-structured!
Price: starts from 10 AED*
Opening hours & days: every day, 24 hours
Address: Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
9. Play, Play and Play at the Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World features a mix of attractions for visitors. Do you want to get on a thrill ride? Try Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster. With a speed of 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds and heart-racing heights of 52 meters, you will surely be entertained!
There are also family attractions such as the Speed of Magic, where you will be taken on a journey through a 4D fantasy universe. Also, you and your family can try out Tyre Twist. Get on a giant tyre, slide and go for a spin!
How about a different attraction? Try out the Bell’ Italia where you can explore a mini-Italy at leisure with a small scale Ferrari. Tour the city and see famous landmarks and amazing race tracks.
Price: starts from 295 AED*
Opening hours & days: every day, 12 PM-9 PM (local time)
Address: Yas Island – Yas Leisure Dr – Yas Island – Yas West – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
10. Witness the Flowers Bloom at Miracle Garden Dubai
Miracle Garden Dubai is a place where beautiful flowers bloom and scattered! To state the fact, this flower garden has been named the largest flower garden in the world, t-mates. You will be amazed to see the charm of the flowers in this garden in various unique and pretty shapes.
Another uniqueness that you need to know about this park is its irrigation system. This park uses waste water recycling through drip irrigation. So, this flower garden saves up to 75% water as well as energy. Amazing!
Price: starts from 40 AED*
Address: Al Barsha South 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
Additional info: the garden is temporarily closed due to the pandemic*
11. Deep Dive Dubai, the Deepest Pool in the World
For those of you who have never tried to dive before, you can try this activity in a unique way at Deep Dive Dubai. Here, you can dive into the deepest pool in the world — reaching 60 meters.
Don’t worry, there will be instructors who are ready to guide and teach you how to dive well for beginners. Meanwhile, for those of you who already have a diving certificate, you can get a new experience exploring the depths of the water in an artificial pool.
During the dive, you will also be presented with a variety of interesting themes. You can see a sunken and abandoned city which added a dramatic impression of the diving session.
Price: starts from 1,200 AED*
Opening hours & days: Wednesday-Sunday, 12 PM-8 PM (local time)
Address: NAS Sports Complex – Dubai – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
12. Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel, Ain Dubai
Come see the beauty of Dubai in a different way by riding Ain Dubai, a giant Ferris wheel in the city. From above a height of 250 meters, you can see the charm of Dubai with a 360 degrees panorama.
Relax, the facilities available at Ain Dubai are complete and very comfortable. First opened in 2021, this ride has a cabin equipped with air conditioning and there are also many other entertainment facilities that will keep yourself entertained!
Price: starts from 130 AED*
Address: Bluewaters – Bluewaters Island – Dubai – United Arab Emirates (check on Google Maps)
Feel the Unique Experience in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is home to many unique attractions as we have told you above. During the hot summer, it is a good idea to stay indoors and have some fun. But, if you are looking for a great time outdoors, there are also many activities you can do in the UAE.
Hopefully, our guide above can give you some ideas of where to go and what to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Ready for a vacay? Book your accommodation and flight tickets at tiket.com right away! Don’t forget to always comply with the health protocols as well, t-mates.
Time to discover a new way of holiday with tiket.com! Mas on, tiket on!
*The information is valid at the time of writing. Price and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
