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Top 10 things to do in United Arab Emirates

Make your stay in United Arab Emirates complete with these things to do

Things to do in UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a unique country, a blend of East and West. It possesses upscale luxury with traditional Bedouin culture, Middle Eastern cuisine with flavors from all over the region. It's composed of seven Emirates that make up the UAE, including Dubai & Abu Dhabi.

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  Marvel at the Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

  The Emirates has beautiful mosques that shouldn’t be missed. You will be stunned and in awe at the beauty of its architecture and the calm feeling that overcomes you when standing inside a mosque. It is best to go with a local who can show you the infamous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It is a magnificent sight, but your host will also guide you in the most respectful customs when visiting a mosque.

  They will also share incredible stories about the mosque’s history and Islamic rituals. Entrance points are different for men and women, so we suggest you to go with one of our hosts to get all the insights of this unforgettable experience!

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  Explore the beauty of the Arabian Desert in Fujairah

  No trip to the UAE is complete without a desert safari followed by a delicious Bedouin prepared meal. Although many big tourist agencies offer this experience, you can’t beat the kind of trip you will have with a local host who will provide you with an authentic Bedouin experience. You can do this in any of the Emirates, but we recommend going to Fujairah.

  There you can also see the old fort, stop by the market in Massafi, buy some Persian rugs at the Carpet Souq and then take a camel ride deep into the desert. You will make new friends and experience the magical sights the desert has to offer! Those include breathtaking sand dunes and unrivaled sunsets. The suggested order would follow with a mouthwatering Bedouin prepared local meal of grilled meats and rice, various salads and delicious dessert and tea.

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  Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Arabic music at a local joint

  Music hall in Dubai is a local joint well known for its live music and dancing. It is a true cultural experience! Go with your host and experience the best live music show of your life – you will have the opportunity to enjoy both Arabic classics and contemporary hits as well as Jazz, Rock, Latin, Pop and many other genres.

  Hear the rhythmic beats of the oud and the melodic voices of the Arabic classical style. Not to mention the great food, great company and great dancing. What more can you ask for? It’s a night you won’t forget.

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  Go deep sea fishing in Ras al-Khaimah

  Never been deep sea fishing? Well, it's time to try it! Go with one our local hosts in Ras al-Khaimah, one of the lesser known Emirates and you will have a memorable experience! Deep sea fishing is a local hobby in the UAE and one we think you shouldn’t miss.

  Not only will you experience the excitement of catching rare kinds of fish, but you will also enjoy your catch in a delicious meal afterwards. How much fresher can that get? From the sea to your table. Dinner is served. Make new friends, eat great food, and discover the marvels of the sea.

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  Try the delicious seafood of Sharjah with a local

  So you went fishing and now you want more of that incredible seafood? Have a local host give you a dining tour of the best and freshest seafood Sharjah has to offer. Or even better yet, have a local chef make you delicious wild caught fried and grilled octopus, prawns, shrimp, calamari, and a variety of delicious fish! Are you ready for a seafood feast?

  Sharjah is the neighboring Emirate of Dubai and considered the cultural and historical capital of the UAE. The food there is particularly authentic and delicious. No alcohol is allowed in Sharjah as it is a much more conservative Islamic city than Dubai. But with your host you need not worry about that since they will keep you informed of everything you need to know!

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  Experience the fun of sandboarding

  What? Boarding on sand? Sandboarding is just that, sliding down a sand dune with a sandboard that is similar to a snowboard but made for sand. It is really fun! We think you will very much enjoy it, especially with a local host who can take you to the best of sand dunes.

  Once you slide down the dune you have the fun of hiking back up to the top to do it all over again! We love sandboarding. When you go with a local tour guide you will discover a new place, a new activity and make new friends! Sounds great, right?

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  Spend the day roaming in Al Ain (Oasis and Jebel hafeet)

  The Al Ain Oasis, a historical caravan stop, is a UNESCO heritage site in Abu Dhabi and a place you should not miss seeing in your UAE trip! Spread out over 3000 acres, containing over 147,000 date palm trees with over 100 varieties, you should try the dates!

  You want to see this incredible oasis with a host who can guide you through this expansive beautiful area. It includes a zoo, a camel market, a museum and an ancient pottery among other wonders. Nearby is a gorgeous hiking area in Jebel Hafeet, which you can ask your private guide to include a hike and a picnic in the personalized tour. A memorable and scenic experience!

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  Relax and unwind at Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah

  Beaches, beaches, beaches! The UAE is blessed with several pristine, soft sand, and deep blue water beaches. There are many to visit but we are in love with the Le Meridian Al Aqah Beach Resort alongs the Fujairah coastline. You are two minutes from the beach.

  On one side enjoy the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and on the other the stunning Hajar Mountains. Spend the morning at the beach relaxing and then join one of our local hosts for a beautiful and scenic hike through the Hajar Mountains, to catch some stunning views!

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  Explore the rich historical museums of Sharjah

  Craving some historical background on the various Emirates and on Islam? Sharjah, the heritage capital of the UAE is filled with historical and cultural museums that are best seen with a local host who will be happy to tailor your museum visits to your liking, while showing you throughout the city.

  There are 16 different museums including the Museum for Islamic Civilization and the Heritage Museum about Emirati national history. There is a also a museum for science and art. Going with a local host ensures you don’t miss anything and that your museum experience is tailored to your preferences!

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  Lose yourself in Qasr el Hosn, the White fort

  Qasr al-Hosn in Abu Dhabi was constructed in the 1760s as a coral and sea stone watchtower to defend the city’s only freshwater well. The ruling family of Abu Dhabi, the Al Nahyans lived there for some time until 1966. It is also known as the White Fort. The clean white walls of the fort shine in the desert sun. It’s a beautiful sight!

  The fort is a great place to discover how the UAE came into being. The history of Abu Dhabi and how the discovery of oil changed everything for this small but formidable country, allowing it to build itself from the Desert to the riches. Going to Qasr al-Hosn with a private local guide ensures you have the full story about this country! We suggest you focus on the fascinating and controversial history and not the touristy bubble version!

Cities in United Arab Emirates

Experiences for every interest

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