Things to do in  United Arab Emirates

The Burj Khalifa soars 2,717 feet (828 meters) high with more than 160 stepped floors that narrow as it climbs syringe-like to the sky. Designed to pay homage to the complex geometry of Islamic art, the Burj Khalifa brings a new meaning to the term skyscraper and is a highlight of the massive downtown Dubai complex.

Dubai Marina is one of Dubai’s iconic leisure destinations. A purpose-built canal flowing into the Persian Gulf, its emerald-hued waters are flanked by wow-worthy skyscrapers, luxury yachts, smart restaurants, and numerous other attractions, including the high-end Dubai Marina Mall. Visitors stroll the scenic Dubai Marina Walk, enjoy sightseeing cruises and water sports, and shop and dine by the water—all in close proximity to the neighboring Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) district.

The instantly recognizable Burj Al Arab is Dubai’s poster child: a world-famous symbol of its wealth and architectural flamboyance. Rising 1,053 feet (321 meters) from a private islet, this sail-shaped icon offers luxurious all-suite accommodation, a sea-deck pool terrace, shops, and fine-dining restaurants. Uniting them like a gift bow is its lavish, gold-draped decor, crowned by a towering atrium of gilded pillars, marble, and crystals.

Abu Dhabi’s showstopping Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the first sights that greets travelers crossing over from the mainland. It’s nothing short of spectacular: a gleaming expanse of white marble adorned with 82 domes, four sky-high minarets, and lashings of gold. There’s space for more than 40,000 worshippers—twice the crowd at a sold-out Madison Square Gardens concert—making it the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.

Running along the northwest side of the city, the Corniche (also known as Corniche Road) is a stretch of land on the waterfront perfect for a stroll or bike ride. The 5-mile (8-kilometer) promenade has dedicated cycling and pedestrian areas as well as family-friendly beaches, children’s play areas, cafes, restaurants, and shopping.

Palm Jumeirah is Dubai at its showiest. Shaped like a date palm, this stunning human-made island stretches into the Persian Gulf from Dubai, unfurling top-notch hotels, villas, beaches, malls, and entertainment along its spine, fronds, and outer crescent. Luxury-lovers and fun-seekers head for its showpiece attractions, from the Atlantis, The Palm hotel and Aquaventure World to the Palm Tower’s observation deck. And that’s not to mention its glamorous beach clubs, spas, and dining spots.

Set on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the race car–themed Ferrari World features 20 rides and attractions—everything from the toddler-friendly carousel of Ferrari prototype cars to cutting-edge racing simulators that will please older kids and teens. The largest indoor theme park in the world is also home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, a hydraulic-powered thrill ride that sees visitors strapped into a Ferrari Formula One-like coaster car and launched at speeds of up to 150 miles (240 kilometers) per hour.

Home to hundreds of gold and jewelry shops, Dubai’s Gold Souk offers a fascinating window into old Dubai. Nestled inside the city’s traditional Deira quarter, this wood-trellised market boasts indoor and outdoor lanes ablaze with shops crammed with gold, silver, pearls, and precious metals. Absorb the dazzling displays and bag bargains by checking the daily gold price and haggling with vendors. It’s worth buying here: Gold is quality-assured and competitively priced.

Opened in 2005, the 5-star Emirates Palace hotel is one of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions for its sheer scale and grandeur. The multi-domed luxury hotel, part of Kempinski Hotels, sits on the beachfront in palm-sprinkled gardens and makes a lavish retreat for guests and a must-see for Abu Dhabi visitors.

Located south of Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai is one of Dubai’s oldest districts, with a traditional atmosphere to match. Extending from Al Raffa in the west to Al Jaddaf in the east, it’s home to an array of sights, from the Bastakia Quarter—also called the Al Fahidi Historic District—to souks, parks, and several top museums.

Featuring displays consisting of more than 150 million flowers, Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the UAE’s most original attractions. Branded the world’s largest natural flower garden, its seasonal gardens feature magnificent displays of blooms, including a heart tunnel, a floral clock, a fairy-tale castle, and even a flower-covered jumbo jet. Spread over an area the size of 14 football fields on the outskirts of Dubai, it’s an extravaganza of color and scent.

The Dubai Mall is no ordinary shopping center. Sitting under the megatall Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai, this is the world’s biggest mall by land area, and a shopping, dining, and sightseeing colossus. Containing more than 1,200 shops, two department stores, and 200-plus food outlets, it also boasts big leisure attractions, including the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, and the entrance to the Burj Khalifa itself.

Tucked into Dubai’s Deira district just north of Dubai Creek, the Dubai Spice Souk offers some of the city’s most rewarding shopping. Here, covered alleyways brim with stalls that sell all manner of Arabian and Asian spices, herbs, and delicacies, making the souk ideal for souvenir hunters and anyone hoping to get a sense of old Dubai.

Few places epitomize old Dubai better than Dubai Creek. Winding inland from the coast for about 9 miles (14 kilometers) between historic Deira and Bur Dubai, this natural saltwater creek sparked the growth of the original city’s maritime trades. Today, its banks lead to bustling souks, wind towers, mosques, and Asian and Arabian eateries, while its waters buzz with wooden dhows and abras (taxi boats). To experience the authentic Dubai, it’s your first and best port of call.

Sitting on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Breakwater, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is a reconstruction of an authentic Arabian village. The site offers everything from craft workshops to a replica souk and museum, as well as providing a window into desert life before the 20th-century oil boom.