The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The largest of these emirates and one of the most popular as well is Abu Dhabi, following by Dubai. The other emirates members are Sharjah, ʿAjman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.
While travelling starts to open again, the United Arab Emirates asks all their visitors to have and show a negative PCR test before arriving into the country. Regardless of the vaccination situation of each visitor, they have to take another PCR test arriving into the UAE. Quarantine dispositions will vary on the place, but fully vaccinated people do not need to follow through with the quarantine.
Even though it is an Islamic nation, they are very open regarding clothing with tourists, but a special dress code is asked when visiting temples and religious places. Before scheduling a visit make sure you have checked the dress code so you can enjoy a good time.
There are incredible places that can be visited here, it holds many historic ones mixed with the modern and technology that is just amazing how both coexist in one of the richest countries of the world.
Burj Khalifa
At 828 meters stands this amazing architectural structure; that is not only the tallest building in the world but holds some other titles and records, most of them regarding its incredible height. Into the many attractions this building offer, you can visit any of their two observatory decks where you will have an incredible view of the city plus some refreshments and a guided tour if you choose the Top Sky option. On the 122nd is located the world’s highest restaurant Atmosphere at 442 meters you will enjoy good food with exceptional views, there is also a lounge bar on the next floor that offers more affordable dining options with great views as well. The first fifteen floors of this building are the Armani Hotel, the first one designed and developed by Giorgio Armani.
This building also offers exclusive corporate suites, where some businesses have their offices, a direct lift takes the visitors directly from the entrance floor of the building to the lounge lobby of the corporate suites on floor 123.
Between level 19 and 108 of the Burj Khalifa stand The Residences, exclusive studios, one-, two-, three- and four- bedroom suites. These homeowners have exclusive access to different amenities offer in the building and exclusive Sky Lobbies.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
This enormous modern mosque located in Abu Dhabi has an incredible beauty and it is open to everybody. During these times they are requiring that all their visitors must be vaccinated and download their app to show their status, booking is also necessary and respect and follow the mosque’s dress code that includes visitors certain type of clothing and women must wear a headscarf.
The mosque is open for visitors all days of the week from 9am to 10pm, except of Fridays that is only open for worship until 3pm that opens for all. Cultural tours are available during the open hours of the mosque and offered in Arabic and English.
The most impressive thing about the mosque it’s its structure, it has columns embedded with 1096 amethyst and jasper, 82 white marble domes, Swarovski chandeliers, reflective pools, and its courtyard features one of the largest marble mosaic artworks in the world. The mosque also holds a Guinness World Record for the largest hand coven carpet. Inside the hollows of the domes, it's etched quotes of the Quran, a beautiful piece of art along with many things inside this breath-taking mosque. In its construction was used artisans, craftsmen and materials from many and different parts of the world, in a way to show the unity around it.
Al Fahidi Quarter
This small old town is what still left of old Dubai, before big skyscrapers rise above the city. This neighbourhood maintain traditional buildings in a typical Arabian architecture style. Most of these buildings have been turned into craft shops, small museums, and art galleries; so you can enter the houses and see how the typical Arabian interiors used to be.
This fort was built in 1787 and served as the headquarters for the Ruler of Dubai. Years later, this fort was turned into an arsenal for artillery and weapons, later on it was used as a prison for the outlaws.
The fort is open daily from 8:30am to 8:30 pm, except for Fridays that opens later at 2:30pm. The admission fee depends on the age of the visitor but is a very accessible one, plus you can get tourism guidance for free. It is a good way to see and get to know the old history of Dubai and see on first-hand how it used to be.
Jebel Hafeet
This mountain located in Abu Dhabi, rising to 1,249 meters is the second highest peak in the United Arab Emirates and the first highest in Abu Dhabi; here you will appreciate beautiful sightings from here, specially amazing views from the sunset and sunrise.
In 2011 the Jebel Hafeet was recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, these archaeological remains include remnants of the Neolithic period from 8000 years ago, to the 5000-year-old Jebel Hafeet Tombs which mark the beginning of the Bronze Age in United Arab Emirates, along this tomb have been found evidence of ceramic vessels and copper artifacts. This area holds and preserve great history in it and visitors can be spectators of how this whole place has change along the years.
Jebel Hafeet is always open but if you plan to go to the desert part you need to schedule your visit to be between 11am and 11pm. You can definitely climb the mountain but yourself if you are adventurous enough or have some climbing knowledge; but if this does not convince you or you do not feel safe enough, you can hire a tour guide to take you around the mountains and show you the best spots.
Souks
A must to have a completely real Arabian experience, you cannot forget to visit the souks, traditional markets or bazaars. Here you will find everything and can even seize the moment and buy some souvenirs. Do not forget to bargain when you are shopping and to take cash with you, is most probably that this type of stores will not accept credit or debit cards.
Do not believe if locals try to sell you a tour to the souks, they will try to take advantage that you are a tourist. There are souks in all of the Emirates, and you can ask a taxi to take you there or take the public transportation. To have a pleasant experience, try to arrive early, before midday, so you can find everything fresh and avoid the crowd and the later heat of the Arabian days.
Rub' al Khali
Also known as the Empty Quarter, it is the world's largest uninterrupted sand mass where you will experience a one in a life serene silence. Now here can be found a five-star oasis that seems taken out of a tale, it is in the middle of the dessert but offers great amenities where you can have an amazing experience.
You can find your perfect dose of adventure, whether it is a camel trekking, a middle of the dessert campfire, fat-tire biking ride, or simply a dawn desert walk, the memories in this dessert will be unforgettable.
You need to meet the UAE Tourist Visa requirements in order to apply successfully before you travel, such as your passport, official Health Declaration Form, and the name of the hotel where you will be staying. The UAE eVisa will allow you to stay for a short period, maximum 30 days, that will be most than enough to enjoy and discover.
AdminPUBLISHED ON 16 Nov 2021
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