Top Things to Do and See in the UAE: From Dubai's Icons to the Desert

The UAE packs record-breaking towers, a centuries-old trading creek, world-class museums and empty dunes into a country you can cross in a few hours. These are the sights and experiences worth planning around, grouped by area so you can build efficient days.

Downtown and modern Dubai

• Burj Khalifa: ride up the world's tallest building for views over the city, the Gulf and the desert beyond. Sunset slots are the most sought after.
• The Dubai Fountain: the evening shows on Burj Lake are free to watch from the promenade outside Dubai Mall.
• Museum of the Future: the calligraphy-wrapped ring on Sheikh Zayed Road is as striking outside as in, with immersive exhibitions about life in the decades ahead.
• Dubai Marina and JBR: stroll the marina promenade among the towers, then cool off at the public beach.

Old Dubai: the Creek and the souks

This is where Dubai began, and it feels a world away from the glass towers.

• Wander the wind-tower houses and narrow lanes of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, home to small galleries and courtyard cafés.
• Cross Dubai Creek on an abra, the traditional wooden water taxi, paying a small cash fare to the boatman.
• Browse the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira, where friendly bargaining is part of the experience.

Abu Dhabi: mosques, museums and palaces

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: a vast white-marble mosque with floral inlays and huge chandeliers. Arrive late in the afternoon to watch it change colour as the sun goes down.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: art and objects from across civilisations under a latticed dome that scatters sunlight like falling rain.
• Qasr Al Watan: a working presidential palace whose grand halls and library are open to visitors.
• Yas Island: theme parks, a water park and the Formula 1 circuit for families and thrill seekers.

Into the desert

A trip into the dunes is a highlight for most visitors.

• Desert safari: a typical afternoon includes dune driving in a 4x4, sandboarding, sunset photos and dinner at a desert camp. Quieter options focus on wildlife, stargazing or camel rides instead.
• Liwa: some of the region's tallest dunes rise on the edge of the Empty Quarter. It's a long drive from Abu Dhabi, so it's best done with an overnight stay.

Mountains, oases and the east coast

• Hatta: in the Hajar Mountains, roughly 90 minutes from Dubai, kayak on the turquoise dam lake and ride the mountain-bike trails.
• Jebel Jais: in Ras Al Khaimah, a mountain road climbs to cooler air, viewpoints and a very long zip line.
• Al Ain Oasis: shaded walkways through thousands of date palms, watered by ancient falaj channels.
• Fujairah: snorkel or dive in the Gulf of Oman around Dibba, where the water is often clearer than on the Gulf side.

Booking tips

• Book the Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future and the big theme parks online in advance, especially for weekends, public holidays and sunset slots.
• Entry to the Grand Mosque is free, but check the official site for current visiting arrangements and dress rules.
• From November to March, outdoor sights are pleasant all day. In summer, plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening and spend middays in museums and malls.
• Saturdays, Sundays and holiday periods are the busiest days at popular attractions.
• Choose licensed operators for desert and sea trips, and read recent reviews before booking.

Stay connected in the United Arab Emirates

Most attractions here run on digital tickets and timed entry, so you'll want data to pull up QR codes at the gate, move a booking when plans change or order a ride back from Hatta or a desert camp. A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online between sights. It's a data-only plan you install before departure, and it connects to a local network once you arrive.