United Arab Emirates Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

Mosques and forts
Don't miss the many historic mosques and forts dotted around the older parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, notably the former's massive Grand Mosque and White Fort, and Dubai's Al-Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum.

Al-Ain
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 artifacts and Mesopotamian pottery.

Abu Dhabi's islands
Explore the 200 islands of Abu Dhabi, including Qarn Island, Belghilam Island (famous for its gazelle breeding) near Sadiyat Island, and Abul-Abyadh Island. Numerous boat operators offer trips from the city (www.visitabudhabi.ae).

Ras al-Khaimah
Take a trip to Ras al-Khaimah (www.raktourism.com), where there is an old seaport with views over the coast and the Hajar Mountains; and also to the Dhaid and Khatt oases, the latter with mineral springs.

Remote beaches
Discover the more remote stretches of coastline: there are trips available to the natural harbor at Dibba and the beautiful Khor Kalba, one of the most famous shell beaches in the world.

Palm Islands
Marvel at Dubai's Palm Islands, said to be visible from the moon and forming the largest manmade islands in the world. New bridges connect the islands to the mainland in one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken.

Archaeological sites
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.

Hafit Mountain
Head for the Hafit Mountain, south of Al Ain, containing ancient tombs, pottery and swords.

Ancient Hatta
Discover the ancient fortressed villages of Hatta and Wadi Hatta, a lush and attractive valley in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains with superb desert scenery, in eastern UAE.

Bastakiya, Dubai
Stroll through historic Bastakiya and explore the local houses alongside Dubai Creek as well as a modest museum, a sprinkling of cafés, some small art galleries and a new street market every Saturday in this quiet and Bohemian quarter of Dubai's city center.

Top Things to Do

Souks
Go haggling in Dubai's famous souks, magnets for those in search of gold and jewelry bargains, and also for photographers or those who just want to experience the sights, smells and hubbub (www.dubaitourism.ae).

Desert driving
Experience off-road driving in the desert - vehicles are for hire either with or without guides. Numerous operators offer desert driving trips, among them Desert Rangers, which also runs adventure safaris into the wilderness (www.desertrangers.com).

Play golf
Take your golf bag - Dubai is one of the world's top golfing destinations. Venues like the Emirates Golf Club (www.dubaigolf.com) regularly host top international competitions, and others are dotted around the UAE. You can even try your hand at sand golf.

Deep-sea fishing
The waters of the Gulf are excellent fishing grounds. Fully-equipped boats with crew can be hired from Dubai's Jebel Ali Hotel marina for deep-sea fishing trips.

East coast
Head for the East Coast, with its lush coastline, mountains, sandy bays and beaches, ancient fortresses and date palm groves sloping down to the edge of the Indian Ocean. Scuba-diving and snorkeling are very popular here.

Beaches
Sun yourself on Dubai's superb white sandy beaches. Much of the long expanse of Jumeirah Beach in Dubai is dominated by luxury hotels and their facilities but there is a good stretch of public beach available (www.dubaitourism.ae).

Horse racing
Go to the races at the annual Dubai World Cup (www.dubaiworldcup.com), or learn more about the Arabs' passion for horses at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (www.adec-web.com) close to the UAE's capital.

Family fun
If you're traveling with kids, take them to the Magic Planet children's center in the Deira City shopping mall, or to Dubai's Wonderland family fun park (www.wonderlanduae.com), which offers a wide range of watery attractions for the youngsters.

Boat trip
Take a traditional dhow cruise along the Abu Dhabi Corniche - you'll find the boats moored along the city breakwater. Various durations are available, some including food as you cruise (www.visitabudhabi.ae).

Desert dinner
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.