If you’re looking for a holiday destination with old traditions, glorious beaches and modern skyscrapers, head for the United Arab Emirates. Located on the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula, UAE is a country made up of seven states which are called Emirates or regions.
Each region or Emirate has a unique feel with plenty of things to do and see for visitors from around the world. UAE is one of the best places to visit and stay offering guests superb accommodation in many luxurious hotels.
Ride a camel through the desert and watch the stars in an unspoilt sky, or live in the lap of luxury in one of the glossy shopping malls dotted around this nation. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have much to offer the modern traveller, and their soaring sky lines will lift your spirits (you can certainly get accommodation with a view in this destination).
Top attractions include the Burj Khalifa which is one of the tallest buildings in the UAE and the serenely beautiful Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Contents - Jump to
The Best Regions to Stay in UAE
There is much to discover here, though – and cheap accommodation for everyone who pays a visit. So jump right in and find the best regions for you.
Dubai
Dubai is all it promises to be. From traditional souks to ultra-modern outdoor shopping malls, this bustling city has enormous skyscrapers, beautiful hotels and gorgeous islands off the coast. It’s definitely one of the best places in the United Arab Emirates to visit.
The Burj Al Arab is a must-see. This mind-blowing building can be found just off Jumeirah Road on an artificial island. It has a helipad and Rolls Royce limos driven by chauffeurs, if you fancy a touch of luxury. Dubai is a shopper’s paradise too with fabulous malls which have huge aquariums and indoor ski slopes.
Abu Dhabi
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is a vibrant, exciting city. There are interesting museums to visit, tours, exhibitions and of course delicious cuisine to try. Why not take a desert safari in the evening, have a barbecue and experience a camel ride?
Abu Dhabi has many ancient customs and traditions along with exciting activities like sand boarding or quad biking. An excursion will take you to the Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque which can seat 43,000 people. Walk down the world’s largest carpet here admiring the heaviest chandelier, all 9.5 tons of it.
> Best Areas to Stay in Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Known as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998 and reaffirmed in 2014, Sharjah has a history and culture like no other UAE city. Explore the historic old town to find out more about the heritage and arts. Some of the best places to see are the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, the Desert Park, Al Qasba, a car-free development comprising boat rides, shops, musical fountains and a Ferris Wheel.
The Bait Al Naboodah is well worth a visit too. This former pearl trader’s house built in 1845 has beautiful architecture, fabulous architecture and a lovely courtyard.
Al Ain
Al Ain has many splendid hotels as well as stunning guest houses set in plantations and oases. There are museums, a zoo, forts, lots of heritage sites and beautiful views to enjoy here. The zoo has large horned Barbary sheep, hippos, tigers, Arabian oryx and lions.
With no huge skyscrapers, Al Ain retains an authentic and ancient feel. Take a drive on a mountain road to the peak of the 1,240m high mountain, Jebel Hafeet. It’s a good vantage point to see the magnificent Empty Quarter and maybe red foxes or feral cats.
Sir Bani Yas Island
For this year’s vacation to one of the best cities/regions in the United Arab Emirates, try Sir Bani Yas Island. Located in the Al Gharbia region, the island is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park. All the family can enjoy watching cheetahs, giraffes and gazelles as they roam around this popular tourist attraction.
Sir Bani Yas Island offers top draw accommodation with a selective range of fabulous hotels to stay in. The coast has plenty of beaches where you can chill out, sunbathe or enjoy the various water sports.
Al Aqah
Found on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, Al Aqah boasts five storey resorts and awesome hotels. With its spectacular beaches it’s the perfect place to kick back and relax.
Only a two-hour drive away from Dubai, Al Aqah is a popular getaway from it all holiday region. Breath-taking views of the sea and mountains await you and there’s no shortage of restaurants either.
Fujairah
Fujairah is the only Emirate which is almost totally mountainous, all the others are largely covered by desert. You will find real culture here from caves to archaeology sites which are rich in heritage.
It’s one of the best places to stay and visit especially for beach lovers. Fujairah has some of the finest beaches in the United Arab Emirates. During your stay here, why not visit Bidya, one of the oldest mosques in the world?
The Desert
There are many resorts in the desert to stay in. Places like the Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort, Al Maha Desert and Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa. Make a reservation at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert which is a favourite with visitors from every corner of the world.
These luxurious regions have lots of fantastic hotels to choose from, world-class accommodation just for you. Highly recommended !
