Roavina

Country guide

United Arab Emirates

A photograph of United Arab Emirates
Photograph · Tonenight · CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

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

Planning a visit

  1. January: no seasonality data recorded
  2. February: no seasonality data recorded
  3. March: no seasonality data recorded
  4. April: no seasonality data recorded
  5. May: no seasonality data recorded
  6. June: no seasonality data recorded
  7. July: no seasonality data recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: no seasonality data recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

Filter the list

53 places match
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Category

Historic monuments 2 Museums 25 Places of worship 0 Nature sites 4 Viewpoints 0 Food and drink 0 Markets and shopping 1 Entertainment 8 Nightlife 0 Family attractions 9 Art and culture 0 Activities 4

Typical visit duration

Up to 1 hour 86 1 to 2 hours 53 Half a day or more 5

Interests

History 20 Art 0 Museums 18 Nature 0 Sea and beach 0 Viewpoints 0
  1. Burj Al Arab Burj Al Arab
    01 2 hours

    Burj Al Arab

    Burj Al Arab is Jumeirah's sail-shaped luxury hotel on Dubai's coast.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Dubai
  2. Burj Khalifa Burj Khalifa
    02 1 hr 30 min

    Burj Khalifa

    برج خليفة

    Burj Khalifa is the 828-metre tower that Emaar opened in Downtown Dubai on 4 January 2010, and what a visitor actually buys a ticket to is a small part of it.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Dubai
  3. Abu Dhabi Corniche Abu Dhabi Corniche
    03 2 hours

    Abu Dhabi Corniche

    The Abu Dhabi Corniche is an eight-kilometre stretch of waterfront promenade along the northwestern shore of Abu Dhabi Island. It extends from the Emirates Palace area to Mina Port, forming one of the city's most prominent public spaces.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Abu Dhabi
  4. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
    04 2 hours

    Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

    Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is a landmark luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi, situated on the Corniche. Originally opened as Emirates Palace, it became part of the Mandarin Oriental group.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Abu Dhabi
  5. Dubai Creek Dubai Creek
    05 2 hours

    Dubai Creek

    Dubai Creek is a natural saltwater inlet that historically divided the city into Deira and Bur Dubai.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  6. Dubai Miracle Garden Dubai Miracle Garden
    06 2 hours

    Dubai Miracle Garden

    Dubai Miracle Garden is a seasonal outdoor floral attraction in Dubailand, Dubai. It claims status as one of the region's larger flower gardens, displaying elaborate arrangements and structures covered in blooms.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  7. Yas Marina Circuit Yas Marina Circuit
    07 2 hours

    Yas Marina Circuit

    Yas Marina Circuit is a motorsport race track located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It was designed by Hermann Tilke and opened in 2009.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Abu Dhabi
  8. Jumeirah Beach Jumeirah Beach
    08 2 hours

    Jumeirah Beach

    Jumeirah Beach is a public coastal stretch along the Persian Gulf in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The local name is شاطئ الجميرة. The beach lies in the Jumeirah district, a well-established residential and hospitality area.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  9. Ras Al Khor Ras Al Khor
    09 1 hr 30 min

    Ras Al Khor

    Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wetland area in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The local name is محمية رأس الخور للحياة البرية. It is recognized as an important habitat for migratory birds and indigenous wildlife.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  10. Dubai Frame Dubai Frame
    10 1 hr 30 min

    Dubai Frame

    برواز دبي

    Dubai Frame is a picture frame built at architectural scale in Zabeel Park, and it is run by Dubai Municipality rather than by a commercial operator.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  11. Louvre Abu Dhabi Louvre Abu Dhabi
    11 1 hr 30 min

    Louvre Abu Dhabi

    Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi

    Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The institution opened in 2017 as a collaboration between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Abu Dhabi
  12. Al Bastakiya Al Bastakiya
    12 1 hr 30 min

    Al Bastakiya

    حي الفهيدي التاريخي

    Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood stands on the Bur Dubai bank of Dubai Creek, a few streets of low coral-stone houses left standing while the rest of the city went vertical.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Dubai
  13. Etihad Museum Etihad Museum
    13 1 hr 30 min

    Etihad Museum

    متحف الاتحاد

    Etihad Museum, known locally as متحف الاتحاد, is a cultural institution in Dubai dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the United Arab Emirates.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  14. Saeed Al Maktoum House Saeed Al Maktoum House
    14 1 hr 30 min

    Saeed Al Maktoum House

    Saeed Al Maktoum House is a historic Dubai residence associated with the Al Maktoum ruling family. The house offers a direct connection with the emirate’s pre-oil past and with the traditional architecture of the Gulf.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  15. Wild Wadi Water Park Wild Wadi Water Park
    15 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
  16. Zayed National Museum Zayed National Museum
    16 1 hr 30 min

    Zayed National Museum

    مَتْحَف زَايِد ٱلْوَطَنِي

    The Zayed National Museum is a national museum in Abu Dhabi dedicated to the life, legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Abu Dhabi
  17. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
    17 2 hours

    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

    عالم فراري

    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a mostly indoor theme park on Yas Island built around Ferrari’s racing history, road cars and engineering.

    • Must see
    • Entertainment venue
    • Abu Dhabi
  18. IMG Worlds of Adventure IMG Worlds of Adventure
    18 2 hours

    IMG Worlds of Adventure

    آي إم جي عالم من المغامرات

    IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor theme park in Dubai. The local name is آي إم جي عالم من المغامرات. It is marketed as one of the largest indoor theme parks globally.

    • Must see
    • Entertainment venue
    • Dubai
  19. Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House
    19 1 hr 30 min

    Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House

    Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House is a heritage building in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It represents traditional Emirati architecture and serves as a cultural landmark preserving the emirate's historical built environment.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  20. Dubaï Moving Image Museum Dubaï Moving Image Museum
    20 1 hr 30 min

    Dubaï Moving Image Museum

    متحف دبي للصور المتحركة

    The Dubai Moving Image Museum is a cultural institution in Dubai dedicated to the history and evolution of moving images. It traces the development of visual storytelling from early precursors of cinema through to modern filmmaking technologies.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  21. Dubai Coffee Museum Dubai Coffee Museum
    21 1 hr 30 min

    Dubai Coffee Museum

    Coffee Museum

    Dubai Coffee Museum is a compact cultural museum in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, housed in a traditional wind-tower building.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  22. Legoland Dubai Legoland Dubai
    22 2 hours

    Legoland Dubai

    ليجولاند دبي

    Legoland Dubai is a family theme park at Dubai Parks and Resorts, designed around the Lego construction system and aimed especially at children aged 2–12 with their families.

    • Must see
    • Entertainment venue
    • Dubai
  23. Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif
    23 1 hr 30 min

    Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif

    Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif is a historic majlis in Dubai’s Jumeirah area. A majlis is a traditional meeting or gathering space, and this building represents the social and architectural heritage of an earlier Dubai.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  24. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
    24 1 hr 30 min

    Dubai 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
  25. Dubai Municipality Museum Dubai Municipality Museum
    25 1 hr 30 min

    Dubai Municipality Museum

    Dubai Municipality Museum is a cultural institution operated by Dubai Municipality, the government body responsible for city services and urban planning.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  26. Motiongate Motiongate
    26 2 hours

    Motiongate

    موشنجيت دبي

    Motiongate Dubai is a film-themed amusement park at Dubai Parks and Resorts, bringing together lands inspired by major Hollywood studios. The attraction combines rides, shows and character-led experiences around stories from DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate.

    • Must see
    • Entertainment venue
    • Dubai
  27. Dubai Butterfly Garden Dubai Butterfly Garden
    27 1 hr 30 min

    Dubai 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
  28. Hatta Heritage Village Hatta Heritage Village
    28 1 hr 30 min

    Hatta Heritage Village

    Hatta Heritage Village is a reconstructed traditional mountain settlement located in the Hatta enclave of Dubai, within the Hajar Mountains.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  29. The Green Planet The Green Planet
    29 1 hr 30 min

    The 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
  30. Dubai Safari Park Dubai Safari Park
    30 1 hr 30 min

    Dubai 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
  31. Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai Dolphinarium
    31 1 hr 30 min

    Dubai 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
  32. Dubai Coins Museum Dubai Coins Museum
    32 1 hr 30 min

    Dubai Coins Museum

    Coins Museum

    Dubai Coins Museum is a specialised numismatic museum focused on the history of currency. Its displays connect coins with trade, political authority, economic life and cultural exchange.

    • High
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  33. Real Madrid World Real Madrid World
    33 2 hours

    Real Madrid World

    بوليوود باركس دبي

    Real Madrid World is a football-themed entertainment destination in Dubai associated with the Spanish football club Real Madrid.

    • High
    • Entertainment venue
    • Dubai
  34. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
    34 2 hours

    Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

    عالم وارنر براذرز أبو ظبي

    Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is a fully indoor, air-conditioned theme park on Yas Island. Six themed lands bring together DC superheroes, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera characters and Warner Bros.

    • High
    • Entertainment venue
    • Abu Dhabi
  35. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
    35 1 hr 30 min

    Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

    ياس وتر ورلد

    Yas Waterworld is a water theme park located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The local name is ياس ووتروورلد, also rendered as ياس وتر ورلد.

    • High
    • Family attraction
    • Abu Dhabi
  36. Women's Museum Women's Museum
    36 1 hr 30 min

    Women's Museum

    Women's museum

    The Women's Museum in Dubai is a cultural institution dedicated to documenting and celebrating the contributions of women to the United Arab Emirates. Located in the historic Al Fahidi district, it occupies a renovated traditional house.

    • High
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  37. Jameel Arts Centre
    37 1 hr 30 min

    Jameel Arts Centre

    Jameel Arts Centre is a contemporary art institution on Dubai’s Jaddaf Waterfront. It is a place for exhibitions, commissions, research and public programmes, with a quieter atmosphere than the city’s large entertainment venues.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  38. The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
    38 1 hr 30 min

    The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

    ناشونال اكواريوم ابوظبي

    The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is a major marine life attraction in the Al Qana entertainment district. It represents one of the largest aquariums in the Middle East, housing diverse aquatic ecosystems across multiple themed zones.

    • Notable
    • Family attraction
    • Abu Dhabi
  39. Al Marmoom Heritage Village
    39 1 hr 30 min

    Al Marmoom Heritage Village

    Al Marmoom Heritage Village is a Dubai cultural attraction set within the wider Al Marmoom desert landscape. It presents elements of Emirati heritage and the traditional way of life that developed before the emirate's rapid modern growth.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  40. Al Shindagha Museum Al Shindagha Museum
    40 1 hr 30 min

    Al Shindagha Museum

    Al Shindagha Museum is a cultural institution situated in the historic Al Shindagha district along Dubai Creek.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  41. Dubai Crocodile Museum
    41 1 hr 30 min

    Dubai Crocodile Museum

    Dubai Crocodile Museum is a specialist attraction devoted to crocodiles and wildlife education. The museum offers a focused alternative to Dubai’s better-known skyscrapers, shopping centres and entertainment complexes.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  42. Global Village Global Village
    42 2 hours

    Global Village

    القرية العالمية

    Global Village is a seasonal cultural and entertainment destination in Dubai. It brings together pavilions representing numerous countries, each showcasing traditional crafts, merchandise, and culinary specialties from their respective regions.

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Dubai
  43. Heritage Village Heritage Village
    43 1 hr 30 min

    Heritage Village

    Heritage Village is a reconstructed oasis settlement on Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater, beside Marina Mall on Marina Mall Island. It is an interpretive cultural attraction rather than an original historic settlement preserved in place.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Abu Dhabi
  44. House of Artisans House of Artisans
    44 1 hr 30 min

    House of Artisans

    House of Artisans is an Abu Dhabi heritage venue devoted to Emirati craft traditions and the knowledge embedded in making. Its focus is the relationship between maker, material, technique, and cultural memory, rather than a broad survey of modern art.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Abu Dhabi
  45. Love Lake Love Lake
    45 1 hr 30 min

    Love Lake

    Love Lake is a man-made lake attraction in Dubai’s Al Qudra desert area. Its signature design consists of two interlocking hearts, a shape best understood from above and a memorable subject even from ground level.

    • Notable
    • Family attraction
    • Dubai
  46. Miraj Islamic Art Centre
    46 1 hr 30 min

    Miraj Islamic Art Centre

    Miraj Islamic Art Centre is an independent Islamic art collection set within Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi. The venue’s defining character is this pairing of a focused art destination with one of the city’s major park settings.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Abu Dhabi
  47. Museum of Illusions
    47 1 hr 30 min

    Museum of Illusions

    متحف الغموض

    The Museum of Illusions in Dubai is an attraction dedicated to optical illusions, visual tricks, and perceptual phenomena. It presents interactive exhibits that challenge visitors' understanding of reality through carefully constructed rooms, installations, and displays.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  48. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
    48 1 hr 30 min

    Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

    Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is a scientific and cultural institution in Saadiyat Cultural District. Its galleries trace 13.8 billion years from the formation of the universe through the evolution of life and the environments of the present day.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Abu Dhabi
  49. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
    49 2 hours

    SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

    SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is an indoor marine-life theme park on Yas Island and the first SeaWorld park built outside the United States.

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Abu Dhabi
  50. Souk Madinat Jumeirah Souk Madinat Jumeirah
    50 2 hours

    Souk Madinat Jumeirah

    سوق مدينة جميرا

    Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a purpose-built covered marketplace inside the Madinat Jumeirah resort, in the Jumeirah district a short way south of the Burj Al Arab.

    • Notable
    • Market
    • Dubai
  51. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
    51 1 hr 30 min

    teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

    teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is an immersive digital art museum under development in Abu Dhabi, conceived by the Japanese interdisciplinary art collective teamLab.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Abu Dhabi
  52. The National Gallery The National Gallery
    52 1 hr 30 min

    The National Gallery

    The National Gallery in Dubai is an art institution presenting collections and exhibitions to the public. It operates as a cultural venue within the city's developing arts landscape.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Dubai
  53. Woo-hoo!
    53 1 hr 30 min

    Woo-hoo!

    وو-هوو!

    Woo-hoo! is listed as a visitor attraction in Dubai and is included in the city’s tourism landscape. Its name gives the place a playful identity, while the available description places it among Dubai’s broad range of visitor experiences.

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Dubai

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

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.