The eight natural islands off the coast of Abu Dhabi include the spectacular Sir Bani Yas, home to the swanky Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa and around 30 free roaming Arabian and African animal species.
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Things to see and do in United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi's islands
Al-Ain
Head east through spectacular scenery from Abu Dhabi or Dubai to the resort and former caravan stop of Al-Ain. The resort includes a camel market, zoo and museum containing old and new artefacts and Mesopotamian pottery. The lush oasis village also offers excellent hiking at nearby Jebel Hafeet.
Ancient Hatta
The ancient fortressed villages of Hatta and Wadi Hatta are close to Dubai, in a surprisingly lush and attractive valley in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains. The area also has a number of naturally formed pools to cool off in.
Archaeological sites
Explore the important archaeological digs at Hili, 10km (6 miles) from Al Ain. The stone tombs, including the famous Great Sepulchre, date back 5,000 years.
Bastakiya, Dubai
The historic Bastakiya alongside Dubai Creek is Dubai’s Bohemian quarter, with some wonderful cafés, eclectic art galleries and a street market every Saturday. It’s particularly pleasant during the evening when the mosques sound their call to prayer.
Beaches
The beaches offer white sand and warm, clear waters but in Dubai, Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, the best are dominated by luxury hotels. In Dubai, you can pay a few dirhams to visit Jumeirah Beach Park, a gated beach with manicured gardens, toilet and barbecue facilities, while there’s a good stretch of public beach available next to the Dubai Marine Resort and the Ritz Carlton. Kite Beach is another favourite for kite-surfers. Also try Al Mamzar beach park in Sharjah – it costs only a few dirhams to enter for three or four stretches of beach surrounded by landscaped gardens. Topless bathing is not permitted anywhere, but women are free to wear bikinis at the beach, though skimpy suits may encourage unwanted attention at public beaches.
Deep-sea fishing
The waters of the Gulf are excellent fishing grounds. Fully-equipped boats with crew can be hired for deep-sea fishing trips from all marinas, via hotels and local tour companies.
Desert dinner
Dine under the stars at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort (www.jumeirah.com) in a traditional Arabic setting, where the mood of old Arabia is captured perfectly through the lively entertainment of belly dancers, henna artists, live bands and falcon displays.
Desert driving
Off-road driving in the desert is excellent for thrill seekers. Vehicles are available for hire either with or without guides at nearly every hotel. Numerous operators offer desert driving trips – one of the most reputable is Desert Rangers, which also runs adventure safaris (www.desertrangers.com).
Dhow cruise
Take a traditional dhow cruise from the Abu Dhabi or Dubai Creek marina. Various durations are available, some including food as you cruise. Or, catch a traditional spluttering abra (small boat) along Dubai Creek for only a few dirhams each way. Yacht trips are also available from the Dubai Marine Yacht Club.
Dubai World Cup horse race
Go to the races at the annual Dubai World Cup (www.dubaiworldcup.com), or learn more about the Arabs' passion for horses at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (www.adec-web.com) close to the UAE's capital.
East coast bays and beaches
The laidback East Coast, with its lush coastline, desolate mountains and beaches is a popular weekend escape from Dubai. There are plenty of historic sites, fortresses and ancient mosques to visit, with thick date palm plantations sloping down to the edge of the Indian Ocean. Scuba-diving and snorkelling are very popular here.
Family fun
Emiratis adore children and the country caters well to travelling families. If you want to entertain the kids, take them to Wild Wadi (www.jumeirah.com) or Aquaventure at The Palm Jumeirah (www.atlantisthepalm.com), both waterparks offer a wide range of soggy attractions for the youngsters.
First class golf courses
Dubai is unequivocally one of the world's top golfing destinations. Venues like the Emirates Golf Club (www.dubaigolf.com) regularly host top international competitions, and there are scores of others dotted around the UAE, though the bulk and the best are in Dubai. You can even try your hand at sand golf.
Icons
At more than 828 metres (2,716.5 feet), Dubai’s Burj Khalifa (www.burjkhalifa.ae) is the tallest building in the world and if you reserve ahead you can visit the observation deck on Level 124. Tours of the sail-shaped Burj al-Arab or Abu Dhabi’s sprawling Emirates Palace hotel (reportedly the most expensive in the world) can also be arranged.
Mosques and forts
Don't miss the many historic mosques and forts dotted around the older parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, notably the incredible Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi and Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai. Non-Muslims are welcome to enter, however women must cover their hair and body. Sheilyas and abayas (traditional garments for women) are available to borrow.
Palm Jumeirah
Dubai’s manmade palm-shaped island is rumoured to be visible from the moon, and it truly does have a wow-factor – especially when seen flying low over the city. The built up areas consist of residential and hotel projects including the awesome Atlantis The Palm, home to Aquaventure waterpark – an absolute must for a hilariously wet, fun day out.
Ras al-Khaimah
Outdoor lovers will enjoy Ras al-Khaimah (www.raktourism.com), which has coastline, the rugged Hajar Mountains and Khatt mineral springs.
Remote beaches
Aside from the main cities, there are remote stretches of coastline to be found dotted around the country – one of the most peaceful parts include the harbour at Dibba (around 90 minutes from Dubai) and Khor Kalba, where you can kayak through mangroves. Umm-al Quwain also has some beautiful beaches with small, coastal hotels offering boat trips and crab-hunting.
Souks
Go haggling in Dubai's famous souks, magnets for those in search of gold and jewellery bargains, and also for photographers or those who just want to experience the sights, smells and hubbub (www.dubaitourism.ae).
Wadis and Mountains
Wadis are dried out river beds and Emiratis love to explore them in four-wheel drive cars, a past time known as wadi bashing. The best areas are in Hatta and Jebel Hafeet mountain in Al Ain, or head for the hills in Ras al-Khaimah.
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