The UAE offers a rich culture, impressive architecture, world-class shopping and great nightlife, but only if you know where to find them. Lauren Steadman shines a spotlight on the best of the seven emirates

 

ABU DHABI AND AL AIN
The UAE’s capital city in the emirate of the same name is home to some of the country’s most exciting attractions. Inland, the oasis town of Al Ain has several wildlife and heritage sites.

Attractions: Yas Island Abu Dhabi (yasisland.ae) is a vast complex on the capital’s outskirts.

It is best known for Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Ferrari World, the planet’s largest indoor theme park (ferrariworldabudhabi.com).

If motoring mayhem isn’t for you, however, enjoy a slice of culture at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (szgmc.ae). Among the UAE’s most spectacular structures, the mosque requires visitors to observe a strict dress code. Women may be asked to wear abayas which can be borrowed free of charge, and men must also cover their knees and shoulders.

The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (falconhospital.com) also offers a culturally rewarding experience. Learn about the noble art of falconry and try your hand at the pursuit in the centre’s grounds.

If you have a day spare, venture out of the city to the Empty Quarter, one of the world’s largest sand deserts. Bigger than France, Belgium and the Netherlands combined, the Empty Quarter is home to spectacular dunes. Ask your concierge for details of organised tours.

The town of Al Ain is also worth visiting for an insight into local ancestry, heritage and culture. Call at Al Ain National Museum and see pottery, jewellery and tools dating back thousands of years.
Hili Archaeological Gardens, 10km outside Al Ain, meanwhile, feature artefacts gathered from a Bronze Age settlement.

Finally, Jebel Hafeet, one of the UAE’s highest mountains, is a popular tourist spot with picturesque views over the town.

Accommodation: Yas Island Rotana and Centro Yas Island are just a few minutes from the Formula One racetrack and The Yas Links golf course. Al Ain Rotana is close to the town’s centre (rotana.com).

DUBAI
In little over 40 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a small trading centre into one of the world’s most futuristic destinations. Its adventurous architecture, shopping malls and diverse nightlife are obvious draws, but there’s more to the city than bling.

Attractions: At more than 828 metres and 160 storeys tall, the Burj Khalifa (burjkhalifa.ae) is the world’s tallest building.

Its observation deck, At The Top, offers unparalleled views of iconic landmarks such as The Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Creek. Book in advance for cheaper admission (AED100, or AED400 on the day).

Once you’ve scaled the giddy heights, head to the adjacent Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping centre, packed with designer names and high-street brands. Those tired of browsing can visit The Dubai Aquarium on the ground floor teeming with sharks and rays.

For more animal antics, Dubai Dolphinarium (dubaidolphinarium.ae) offers close encounters with these much-loved marine creatures. Watch live performances in which they play basketball, paint and even juggle.

Afterwards, stroll to Bastakiya, the emirate’s oldest and most charming district, with cafes, art galleries and traditional wind towers, the original form of air conditioning.The adjacent Dubai Museum is also worth a visit before crossing the Creek via abra (water taxi) to browse the Spice and Gold Souks.

Finally, take a trip into the desert. Oasis Palm Tourism (opdubai.com) offers a number of exciting off-road tours as well as more sedate safaris.

Accommodation: Situated next to The Dubai Mall, Al Murooj Rotana is ideal for shopaholics, while sun worshippers should head to the Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach Residence. Towers Rotana Dubai is geared towards business travellers (rotana.com).

SHARJAH
With traditional souks, archaeological sites and museums, Sharjah has a growing reputation as a heritage destination. The UAE’s third largest emirate is also blessed with mountains and lagoons.

Attractions: Sharjah has several interesting markets, both traditional and modern.
The Blue Souk holds more than 600 shops selling everything from designer clothes to Yemeni and Omani antiques while Al Qasba (alqasba.ae) waterfront development features a range of leisure, dining and cultural facilities making it an ideal family destination.

Kids will also love Sharjah Desert Park. Covering an area of one square kilometre, it is best known for Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, home to baboons, hyenas, wolves and the Arabian leopard.

Sharjah Art Museum is also worth visiting with its collection of more than 300 pieces in a number of styles by local and international artists (sharjahmuseums.ae).

Accommodation: Located near Sharjah International Airport, Centro Sharjah is ideal for those flying through. If you’d rather stay in the city centre, Sharjah Rotana is situated on Al Arouba Street, minutes away from Sharjah and Ajman’s sandy beaches (rotana.com).

RAS AL KHAIMAH 
With historic towns, ancient structures, exotic souks and rich flora and fauna, Ras Al Khaimah is a haven from the stress of city life.

Attractions: Set in an imposing 18th century fort, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah houses interesting exhibits of the Qawassim tribe who lived in the emirate until the 1970s.

Other highlights include Al Dhayah Fort, the Old Souk, Shimal Hill and the archaeological site of Ad Dur. Younger visitors may enjoy Iceland Water Park (icelandwaterpark.com), a penguin-themed amusement centre.

Accommodation: Located on an idyllic water inlet on the Ras Al Khaimah beachfront, The Cove Rotana Resort is an excellent weekend getaway (rotana.com)