Things to see and do in United Arab Emirates

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Outdoor lovers will enjoy Ras al-Khaimah (www.raktourism.com), which has coastline, the rugged Hajar Mountains and Khatt mineral springs.

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).