Burj Khalifa

Dubai's landmark building is the Burj Khalifa, which at 829.8 m is the tallest building in the world. For most visitors a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor here is a must-do while in the city. The views across the city skyline from this bird's-eye perspective are simply staggering. The slick observation deck experience includes a multi-media presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other. Night-time visits are particularly popular with photographers due to Dubai's famous city-lights panoramas. Buy your Burj Khalifa 'At the Top' Entrance Ticket in advance to avoid long line-ups, especially if you are planning to visit on a weekend.

For more information: http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/index.aspx

Heritage and Diving Village

Dubai's architectural, cultural and maritime heritage is showcased at the Heritage and Diving Village, with displays related to pearl diving and dhow building - two of old Dubai's historic economic mainstays. There are also recreations of traditional Bedouin and coastal village life, with Persian homes, a traditional coffeehouse and a small souk where potters and weavers practice their handicrafts at the stalls. Local music and dance are performed from October to April and visitors can get advice from practitioners of traditional medicine.

For more information: http://www.dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/Live-Our-Heritage/Pages/Heritage-Village.aspx

Palm Island

Palm Island Dubai (Jumeirah Palm Island) is one of the most ambitious real-estate developments on earth, heralded as the 8th wonder of the world as it can be seen from space along with another major landmark. It is one of three islands called the Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira) which extend into the Arabian Gulf. Jumeirah Palm island features themed hotels, villas, apartment buildings, beaches, marinas, restaurants, and a variety of retail outlets. The most popular feature being 5 star aqua themed hotel Atlantis.

For more information: http://www.dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/Live-Our-Heritage/Pages/Heritage-Village.aspx

Al Qasba

Al Qasba is the most important tourist attraction in the city. It has a lot of recreational facilities that make it an unparalleled entertainment spot. The Al Qasba Development Authority offers high-class and modern entertainment, cultural and leisure attractions, which are based on Arab values and traditions.

For more information: http://www.alqasba.ae/

Central Souq (Blue Souq)

The Central Market, also known as Central Souk, Blue Souk, Twin Souq or Old Gold Souq, is an indoor shopping center opened in 1979, located next to Khalid Lagoon. The twin column-shaped shopping center has over 600 shops split over two levels and its two columns are connected by overhead enclosed walkways. The east column features antiques, gifts, and electronics, while the west column and walkways features jewelry shops.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

The first Sharjah Islamic Museum opened its doors in the Heritage Area in 1996. Its extensive collections were moved to the impressive building of the traditional Souq Al Majarrah to be reinterpreted and redisplayed. The new Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization was opened on June 6, 2008. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization holds thousands of rare and important Islamic artifacts, Here; you can admire the timeless achievements of Islamic civilization and its universality, learn about aspects of Islamic faith, science, discoveries and culture, and cherish the beauty of Islamic art.

For more information: http://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/Our-Museums/Sharjah-Museum-of-Islamic-Civilization.aspx

Ajman Museum

It was firstly established as Ajman Fort; one of the main historical attractions in the United Arab Emirates. It succeeded, over the years, to convey the reality of UAE life in different eras. This fort was the stronghold of the leadership, representing the political authority in the emirate and the first line of its defense. This historical landmark stands tall as a record of the exploits of ancestors and their immortal heritage, and thanks to a generous gesture of HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and ruler of Ajman, he gifted this fort to the people of the United Arab Emirates by converting it into a fully-fledged museum displaying models of antiquities and traditional industries and artifacts as well as images portraying the way of life in the past.

For more information: http://www.ajmantourism.ae/en/Disc/Pages/Culture--Heritage-3.aspx

Masfout

Discover the rugged landscape of the Hajar Mountains – a hiker's dream and a refreshing escape from the city heat. Masfout is a summer retreat for residents of Ajman city; its elevated altitude and distance from the city offer cooler climes and a fresh breeze, making it a welcome escape from the oppressive heat of the warmer months. Human activity in the area has been traced back more than 5,000 years thanks to archaeological finds, including an ancient rock carving – a depiction of which is at Ajman Museum The rocky countryside surrounding the town is ideal for walking, mountain biking, picnics and wadi exploration. The landscape hides resilient flora and fauna and was once home to leopards, gazelles and foxes. There are plans to attract more visitors to Masfout's beautiful natural surroundings with the development of hotels and parks.

For more information: http://www.ajmantourism.ae/en/Disc/Pages/Masfout.aspx

Al Zorah Nature Reserve

With a 7km waterfront, embracing the changing shades of the Arabian Gulf Sea and a 2km silky and pure sand beach, A Zorah natural reserve allows discovering yet other natural wonders: lucent lagoons, creeks and an inviting natural mangrove forest swarming with 58 bird species. A highest priority is given to the management and preservation of Ajman's coastal treasure: the mangrove forest. Extending over 2 square km of biologically and ecologically rich wetland, the mangrove area is also the first nursery of the coast. By contemplating the Al Zorah coastline, nature lovers will get to discover many species, including the emblematic pink flamingo. Regular and migratory birds inhabit the marine zones, turquoise lagoons, mangrove and dunes areas.

For more information: http://www.ajmantourism.ae/en/Disc/Pages/Sight-Seeing-3.aspx

Umm Al-Quwain Fort and Museum

Umm Al-Quwain Fort once guarded the entrance to the old town by overseeing both the sea and the creek. The facade, with its two rounded towers, has been well restored. The fort now houses the town museum. Inside, the exhibits focus mainly on local archaeological sites including finds from Al-Dur. There are also ethnographic exhibits introducing local life and traditional customs.

Padi Scuba Diving Centre

Not far from the UAQ central market, a few hundred meters from the Al Khour R/A (locally called Fish R/A), is UAQ’s favourite spot for water-based activities. Facing the lagoon, this Club provides facilities for wind surfing, water skiing and sailing. Visitors can pitch their tents on the Club grounds and barbeque all night. Freestyle Divers operate from locations in Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain and offer an amazing range of various courses for everybody to enjoy; whether it’s your first time or you’re already a Dive Master. Freestyle Divers has something for everyone!

For more information: http://www.uaqmarineclub.com/padi-scuba-diving-centre/

Falaj Al Mualla

You could easily spend a day or two at Falaj Al Mualla and leave wanting more. If you are not particularly interested in extreme sports such as dune bashing or dune buggy rides, simply walk around the town with its wide, clean streets, low villas nestling at the foothills of big red sand dunes or spend the day at the park swimming and relaxing under the lush green trees. The people of this area are very friendly and polite and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome if you happened to run into them in the small town or wander into the farms. As a matter of fact, a farm visit is highly recommended – you are likely to learn more about the local way of life and farming (and be lucky enough to return with a basketful of fresh veggies and farm eggs). Do not refuse their hospitality. The local people love to share –be it coffee, agricultural produce or stories of Aladdin-style genies appearing out of old wells, but you will leave more knowledgeable than before.

Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum

The Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum is located in a fort that was the residence of the ruling family up until the early 1960s. The museum houses an excellent collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts. The Qawasim Room on the 1st floor is particularly interesting with a collection of documents, manuscripts and treaties between the rulers of Ras Al-Khaimah and Great Britain. There are also exhibits of traditional weapons belonging to the ruling family, and archaeological displays about the earliest settlers in the area up to the late Islamic period. The museum's ethnographic section introduces traditional life in the emirate, including architecture, pearl diving, date growing, farming and fishing.

For More information: http://www.rakheritage.rak.ae/en/pages/rakmuseum.aspx

Iceland Water Park

Iceland Water Park is heaven on a scorching hot day with an Arctic theme for its rides. If you don't fancy the bustle, steer clear of weekend days when the park is packed with families all trying to escape the heat.

For More information: http://www.icelandwaterpark.com/

Ras Al-Khaimah Pearl Museum

Pearl diving was once one of Ras Al-Khaimah's major industries and this museum does a good job of explaining the dangerous job. Pearl diving equipment is on display as well as information about how pearl harvesting played a major role in the emirate's economy. Upstairs is a collection of the beautiful pearls.

Al-Bidyah Mosque

North of Fujairah city, the mud-brick Al-Bidyah Mosque is the oldest in the United Arab Emirates and was named after the town that once surrounded it. The engineering features are a major accomplishment for the period of construction. The mosque consists of a prayer hall decorated with arches and featuring ventilation openings, and a mihrab (prayer niche pointing to Mecca). A central pillar divides the internal space into four squares of similar dimensions, covered by domed ceilings. The site surrounding the mosque has been excavated to reveal that it has been inhabited for 4,000 years. A large Islamic graveyard just to the north contains a massive tomb dating back to the Iron Age, which when unearthed revealed fragments of pottery, metal arrowheads and other artifacts dating back to at least 1000 BC.

Fujairah Museum

The Fujairah Museum has an excellent collection of artifacts dating from the early Bronze Age that were unearthed during archaeological digs at Qidfa and Bithnah. Exhibits include Bronze and Iron Age weaponry, painted pottery, carved soapstone vessels and pre-Islamic silver coins. One of the museum's prized pieces, discovered at Qidfa, is a bowl made from ostrich egg dating back 2,200 years. There is also a good ethnography section with displays of traditional Emirati life.

For more information: http://www.fujairahtourism.ae/index.php?action=Museum%20And%20Forts

Wadis

Due to the topography of the area, the region around Fujairah is well known for its wadis. In Arabic, a wadi is essentially a dry riverbed (that can contain water after a heavy rain) but can also refer to any valley oasis. Wadi-bashing (four-wheel-driving or hiking through the wadis) is one of the major things to do during a visit. Among the most beautiful wadis in the areas are Wadi Siji, Wadi Saham and Wadi Mai. Wadi Ham is the longest valley and Wadi Al Tawain is fun to visit just as much for the stunning mountainous route it takes to reach it. North of Fujairah, Wadi al-Wuraya is also a main tourist attraction. Here you'll find waterfalls plummeting down to a beautiful pool, perfect for bathing.

For more information: http://www.fujairahtourism.ae/index.php?action=Natural%20Sites