United Arab Emirates – Homely Ease Mixed with Exotic Savor

Do you recall the glamorous cities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjahan? Well, it is mainly because of such modern and cultural cities that the UAE is so famous even from a holiday perspective. If you ask a Western visitor, he/she will tell you that UAE is quite a secure Middle East destination.

In general, a keen visitor’s dream is to explore all its heritage sites, beautiful beaches, coral-filled waters, exclusive shopping with a good bank balance, superb dining, camel ride on the desert sands, and much other common activities. If you want, you can combine all of them to feel the real UAE experience.

United Arab Emirates Tourist Attractions

Dubai, UAE

This is the city of glamour and fantasy. Obviously, it goes without saying that it offers all VIP services and expects one to also respond (spend) like a VIP. With its invention of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), VIP relationships are becoming even stronger. Here, we visited the following places.

• Hindi Lane:
  This is the place of Hindu worship behind the Grand Mosque in Bur Dubai. A staircase will take you to the Shri Nathje Jayate Temple, also called the Krishna Mandir (Krishna Temple). Shri Nathji is a form of Lord Krishna.
• Al-Ahmadiya School:
  This is the first school since 1912 set by Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Dalmouk. It was made to teach the Holy Quran, grammar, Arabic calligraphy, mathematics, literature, and astronomy. Others need to pay, while the paupers’ fees were given by the sheikhs. It is worth visiting due to its architecture – the elaborate carving within the courtyard arches and the gypsum panels besides the entrance.

• Al-Mamzar Park:
  This is one of the veiled gems that expands a few kilometres located at the opening of Khor al-Mamzar. Here, you can find some beautiful white sandy beaches, swimming pool, barbecues, open spaces for kids, a wooden castle, and kiosks. Friday is a crowded day.
• Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque:
  This is a glorious mosque in the textile area of Bur Dubai Souq. It is adorned with bulbous domes and a tapering minaret. Visit this lit monument at night from Baniyas Rd in Deira opposite of the Creek.
• B21 Gallery:
  Come here to see the energetic work of the Palestinian artist Jeffar Khaldi and other rotating exhibitions of local and regional art including Ramin Haerizadeh’s unclear photography. However, call up and then go for a visit.
• Bastakiya Quarter:
  Located on the seaside east of Bur Dubai Souq, this is surely a mysterious exploration with its tangled lanes and traditional wind-tower architecture.

• Bur Dubai Souq:
  This is an atmospheric place to visit, more particularly in summers, when the cool breeze comes from the wooden-latticed arcades. Friday is the most hustling day with shopping screams and crowded lanes.
• Children’s City:
  Take your children here to have fun with many learning and innovative activities in a colorful building in Creekside Park.
• Creekside Park:
  This is a beautiful and largest waterfront park in the city extending from Al-Garhoud Bridge to Al-Maktoum Bridge. On offer here are the play areas, rides, dhow cruises, kiosks, restaurants, an amphitheatre, and beaches – but not for swimming. In addition, enjoy the 2.5 km cable-car ride (adult/child – Dh25/Dh15 nearly) at 30 m above Creek’s shore for captivating sceneries.
• Courtyard:
  This is the land of myriad of galleries that houses changing exhibitions related to painting, calligraphy, miniatures, rare Persian carpets, local, Middle East, and international sculptures, handicrafts stores, and some businesses.
• Deira Gold Souk:
  This is the market of gold and jewelry, but is worth a visit even without shopping due to its stunning size and hundreds of shops.

• Dhow Wharfage:
  Dhows refer to long and wooden marine vessels using which mariners used to sail in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. These have been at the Creek right from the 1830s.
• Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre:
  This is the ideal art centre in the UAE with the capacity to hold 543 people, studio theatre, art gallery, rehearsal rooms, and pottery workshop.
• Dubai Museum:
  This small museum worth visiting tells us about the interesting history, culture, and traditions of Dubai.

• Dubai Wildlife & Water bird Sanctuary:
  Also called the Al-Khor Nature Reserve, this offers platforms to have a close glance at the birds using a pair of sharp binoculars. However, you are not allowed to disturb those birds. In particular, pink flamingos can be spot in winters when they migrate to the end of the Dubai Creek in winters.
• Grand Mosque:
  Built just in 1990s, this mosque holds the tallest minaret in the city.

• Heritage & Diving Villages:
  This is a must to see during the festive season where burqa-clad Emirati women make dosa (flat bread of flour and water), Bedu men take you for a camel ride, and strange traditional activities stun you. Otherwise, this place is not at all live and is without tourists.

Sharjah, UAE

This is the cultural capital, but exactly opposite to Dubai, except for the waterways. No alcohol and no sheesha smoking, this third-largest emirate has many engaging activities.

• Arts Area:
  Located behind the souqs on the opposite of Burj Ave, this offers the most imposing art gallery, the Sharjah Art Museum exhibiting modern local and foreign artists’ works including the excellent Sharjah International Art Bienniale.
• Bait Obeid al-Shamsi:
  Situated opposite the art museum, this is a rebuilt mansion, now an international artists’ studio. The worth visiting are the elaborate pillars on the upper level.
• Bait Sheikh Sultan Bin Saquer al-Qassimi:
  This is a beautiful traditional house full of traditional costumes, jewelry, ceramics, and furniture.
• Emirates Fine Arts Society:
  This offers the works of local artists.
• Heritage Area:
  Look for the attractive restored historic buildings from the Corniche between Burj Ave and Al-Maraija Rd. These are reconstructed using sea rock, coral, and gypsum. Above all, visit the striking Al-Hisn Fort that offers historical collection inside followed by the Literature Square and the House of Poetry.

• Islamic Museum:
  Come here by walking from the Sharjah National Theatre to explore its huge and interesting collections of coins belonging to the Islamic world and several worthy handwritten Qurans. Friday evening is only for women.
• Sharjah Archaeological Museum:
  Perched in a beautiful building located in manicured gardens besides the Science Museum near Cultural Sq., here you can find many archaeological findings along with the audiovisual interpretations dating from 5000 BC. In addition, check out for modern coins, jewelry, pottery, and weapons. Wednesday afternoon is reserved for women only.

• Sharjah Desert Park:
  This is the ideal zoo in the entire Middle East along with the attractive Arabia’s Wildlife Centre. Spot out the indoor aviary, flamingos, Houbara bustards, Indian rollers, Sacred baboons, striped hyenas, Arabian wolves, Arabian leopard, Nubian ibex, Arabian oryx, ostriches, and sand gazelles.
• Very Special Arts Centre:
  As the name suggests, this is a gallery for the disabled artists.

Best Time to Visit UAE

October, November, February, and March

UAE Accommodation

Accommodation in UAE, Dubai:

• Orchid Hotel – 3 star – $61
• Landmark Plaza Hotel – 3 star – $95
• Ramada Hotel – 4 star – $97
• Sheraton Deira – $106