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1 hr 30 min
Wild Wadi Water Park
الحديقة المائية وايلد وادي
Wild Wadi Water Park is a family water park in Dubai’s Jumeirah district, beside the Burj Al Arab.
- Must see
- Family attraction
- Dubai
Country guide
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates has been one country since 2 December 1971, when seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al...
Photograph · Tonenight · CC BY-SA 4.0
6,981
Places
2Cities
Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor
The United Arab Emirates has been one country since 2 December 1971, when seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah — federated. It covers 83,600 km² and held 11,027,129 people in 2024, of whom about 11 per cent are Emirati citizens; the rest came to work, and that shapes the food, the languages and the shape of a week more than any monument does. Abu Dhabi is the capital and Dubai the largest city, close enough to treat as one base. The northern emirates beyond them are quieter and far less built.
Checked 2026-08-25
Cities
Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.
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Dubai
Photograph · Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland · CC BY-SA 3.0
Dubai 4,763 places -
Abu Dhabi
Photograph · Валерий Дед · CC BY 3.0
Abu Dhabi 2,218 places
Practical information
- Language spoken
- Arabic; English is widely used
- National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
- Dialling code
- +971
- International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
- Currency
- UAE dirham (AED)
- Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
- Emergency number
- 999 police · 998 ambulance
- Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
- Plug type
- Type G · 230 V
- Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
- Tap water
- Not recorded
- No verified nationwide drinking-water statement was recorded
Top things to see
Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.
Filter the list
9 places match
Category
Typical visit duration
Interests
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02 1 hr 30 minDubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
دبي أكواريوم وحديقة الحيوانات المائية
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a two-level attraction built into The Dubai Mall and run by Emaar Entertainment, the mall's own leisure arm.
- Must see
- Family attraction
- Dubai
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03 1 hr 30 minDubai Butterfly Garden
حديقة الفراشات بدبي
Dubai Butterfly Garden is a dedicated attraction housing numerous butterfly species within a controlled environment. Located in the Dubailand area, it operates as a separate but related destination near Dubai Miracle Garden.
- Must see
- Family attraction
- Dubai
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04 1 hr 30 minThe Green Planet
The Green Planet is an indoor tropical rainforest biodome in City Walk, Dubai. Its cylindrical glass structure encloses a multi-level environment built around a large artificial tree.
- Must see
- Family attraction
- Dubai
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05 1 hr 30 minDubai Safari Park
حديقة سفاري دبي
Dubai Safari Park is a wildlife attraction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The park serves as a zoological facility housing diverse animal species across themed zones.
- Must see
- Family attraction
- Dubai
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06 1 hr 30 minDubai Dolphinarium
دبي دولفيناريوم
Dubai Dolphinarium is an indoor marine entertainment venue in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its central experience is a live performance featuring bottlenose dolphins and seals in a purpose-built arena.
- High
- Family attraction
- Dubai
Common questions
How long should a first trip to United Arab Emirates be?
Six to eight days is enough for roughly four days in Dubai and two or three in Abu Dhabi. Sharjah can be a separate museum day, while Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah requires dedicated road time rather than being treated as a quick urban extension.
What entry documents are needed for United Arab Emirates?
UAE entry permission depends on nationality and may be arranged in advance or granted under a nationality-specific rule. Confirm the current position through the federal ICP service or the responsible UAE embassy, especially for a stopover itinerary.
What is the best way to travel around United Arab Emirates?
Dubai combines metro, tram, buses, and marine transport; Abu Dhabi relies more heavily on buses and taxis. Travel between emirates remains road-based, so allow for an intercity bus, taxi, or rental car rather than expecting a passenger train.
When is a practical time to visit United Arab Emirates?
November through March gives the most practical outdoor hours for this Dubai-Abu Dhabi route. In hotter months, schedule waterfront and heritage districts early or late and reserve the middle of the day for indoor museums.
What money and payment basics apply in United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates uses the dirham (AED). Cards are widely useful in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but retain an AED backup for smaller fares or deposits and check which currency a card terminal proposes.
What practical safety details should I save for United Arab Emirates?
Police in the UAE can be reached on 999 and ambulance services on 998. Type G sockets supply 230 V; tap-water guidance is not recorded here, so ask the accommodation for the building-specific position.