The Top 10 Sights in the United Arab Emirates

Travel to the United Arab Emirates without any tourist traps: Here you will find the top 10 sights of the UAE. Read which highlights and attractions you must not miss on your holiday in the United Arab Emirates!

The undisputed main attractions of the United Arab Emirates are the two metropolises Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Besides incredible skyscrapers, gigantic shopping malls and artificial islands, they also offer picturesque beaches and idyllic bays.

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But the other 5 emirates are also worth a visit. More pristine and, above all, less expensive, they also offer the fascinating flair of tradition and modernity, attract visitors with interesting museums and a rich cultural scene, and delight seaside holidaymakers with wonderful beaches and stable weather.

Sheikh Zayid Mosque in Abu Dhabi

The magnificent Sheikh Zayid Mosque of snow-white marble in Abu Dhabi is one of the most magnificent mosques in the world, UAE - © liseykina / Shutterstock
© liseykina / Shutterstock

The magnificent Sheikh Zayid Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the third largest mosque in the world. The Sheikh Zayid Mosque was built of snow-white marble and decorated with floral elements, precious stones and mother-of-pearl. The architect received specific instructions from the Sheikh, which were taken from the descriptions of paradise in the Koran.

Article: Sheikh Zayid Mosque in Abu Dhabi
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Palm Island Jumeirah in Dubai

Jumeirah was the first of the famous artificial palm-shaped islands to grow into the sea from the Dubai coast, UAE - © SMIRNOVA IRINA / Shutterstock
© SMIRNOVA IRINA / Shutterstock

The Palm Islands in Dubai are the largest man-made artificial islands. The controversial project is one of Dubai's most prominent landmarks. The Palm Islands have often been called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" by the Western media.

To prevent the islands from being washed away over time, they are surrounded by gigantic breakwaters made of boulders that can withstand waves up to 4 metres high.

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Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah

On March 16, 2009, Wadi Wurayah and a total of 129 square kilometers of its surroundings became the first mountain protected area in the United Arab Emirates - © FRASHO / franks-travelbox
© FRASHO / franks-travelbox

Wadi Wurayah in the Emirate of Fujairah boasts a waterfall in the middle of the desert and is one of the few permanent water sources the United Arab Emirates has to offer. The amount of rainfall in winter is enough to fill the water holes for the whole year.

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Corniche and Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi

In the cooler hours of the day, the Corniche is the most popular promenade in Abu Dhabi, UAE - © Philip Lange / Shutterstock
© Philip Lange / Shutterstock

The Corniche with the extensive Corniche Beach is the most popular promenade in Abu Dhabi. For around 8 kilometres, the beach and sea stretch out on one side, while the other side is lined with cafés, restaurants, green spaces and children's playgrounds.

The tallest buildings and the most luxurious hotels in Abu Dhabi can be found here. The Corniche is a perfect setting for a relaxing day on holiday in Abu Dhabi.

Article: Corniche and Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi
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Dubai Marina in Dubai

Dubai Marina, southeast of the city centre, is an imposing composition of man-made waterway, sleek yachts and monumental buildings, UAE - © Naufal MQ / Shutterstock
© Naufal MQ / Shutterstock

The Dubai Marina is an impressive composition of monumental buildings, artificial waterways and countless sleek yachts. The marina leaves every visitor's mouth open in amazement, especially at night. Then the buildings, streets and ships are bathed in the multiple light of lamps and spotlights.

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Paradise Gardens in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

In the Paradise Gardens of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, around 10 million flowering plants form pyramids, hearts and geometric patterns, UAE - © Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock
© Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

In the Paradise Gardens of Al Ain you will find a flowering splendour of the extra class. Around 10 million flowering plants form pyramids, hearts, geometric patterns and decorate paths, flower beds and sculptures. The Paradise Gardens of Al Ain contribute significantly to the fact that the "Garden City" of Abu Dhabi is the city with the highest water consumption in the United Arab Emirates. The visit is free of charge.

Article: Paradise Gardens in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

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Burj Khalifa in Dubai

The Burj Khalifa houses the world's first Armani hotel, office space, suites and 124th floor observation deck, Dubai, UAE - © FRASHO / franks-travelbox
© FRASHO / franks-travelbox

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is currently the tallest building in the world with a massive height of 828 metres. At its foot, full of glitz and glamour, lies Dubai's new city centre - "Downtown Dubai". The design of the overwhelming building comes from the American architect Adrian Smith.

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Wadi Shaam in Ras al-Khaimah

Wadi Shaam is located in the United Arab Emirates in the far north of Ras al Khaimah - © FRASHO / franks-travelbox
© FRASHO / franks-travelbox

Wadi Shaam is located in the Hajar Mountains in the north of Ras al Khaimah in the border mountains to the Omani peninsula and exclave of Musandam. It is characterised by vegetationless mountains and spectacular cliffs. It can be reached by car from Ras al Khaimah city in just under half an hour.

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Dubai Fountain in Dubai

The Dubai Fountain at the foot of the giant Burj Khalifa is the largest music-controlled fountain in the world, Dubai, UAE - © Laborant / Shutterstock
© Lab Technician / Shutterstock

The Dubai Fountain at the foot of the gigantic Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai is the world's largest music-controlled fountain. The monumental fountain comes from WET Design, the builders who also designed the famous fountain in front of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The gigantic "fountain" is 275 metres long.

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Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi

Whether you're a Ferrari fan or not, a visit to Ferrari World is a must on any trip to Abu Dhabi, UAE - © Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock
© Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

The world's largest Ferrari Park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi delights young and old and is considered a landmark of the city of Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World is an absolute must for Ferrari fans. Even the theme park in Ferrari's hometown of Maranello is not as extensive as the diverse Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. Tickets can be reserved online in advance.

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