Emirate-wise breakdown: Popular tourist attractions in the UAE
From enormous skyscrapers to the biggest mall in the world, wildlife sanctuaries and a range of internationally acclaimed theme parks — when it comes to places to visit in the UAE, visitors are spoilt for choice. To make your first visit to the country that little bit easier, we have come up with a comprehensive list of all the major attractions that you should be adding to your travel bucket list. Here are our top picks for the best attractions in the UAE, categorised according to the emirate.
1 – Top tourist attractions in Dubai
The entertainment capital of the country is bursting with a monumental amount of awesome places to visit in the UAE. Read on for Dubai-based attractions that should be high on your “must-visit list”.
Popular indoor tourist attractions in Dubai
IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE
Apart from being one of the best theme parks in the UAE, IMG Worlds of Adventure is also the biggest temperature-controlled indoor amusement park in the world! The rides here are inspired by hugely popular characters from pop culture like those from the epic Marvel Universe, as well as Cartoon Network’s finest.
- Location: E311, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai
- Price of entry:
- General Admission: AED 335
- IMG Kids Zone One hour – AED 50 | Full day – AED 100
- Annual Membership Pass: AED 525
- VIP Package: AED 7,350
THE DUBAI MALL
For shopaholics, a visit to The Dubai Mall is very much a rite of passage….and with good reason. Firstly, it has all the brands you can possibly think of and a myriad of entertainment options all under one roof. Secondly, you get bragging rights for visiting one of the biggest shopping centres in the world.
- Location: Financial Center Street, next to the Burj Khalifa
- Price of entry: Free
SKI DUBAI
Skiing in Dubai? Sounds nuts right? Well, you can do exactly that with Ski Dubai UAE. It’s one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, this resort is hugely popular with families. Apart from skiing, visitors can also get acquainted with penguins, explore a snow park or imitate a rolling snowball in a zorb ball. You can also hurtle down a zip line suspended 16ft above the ground on the thrilling Snow Bullet ride.
- Location: Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha 1
- Price of entry: Varies for different attractions
- Opening hours: From Sunday to Saturday: 09:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: skidubai.com, +971-600-599-905
THE GREEN PLANET
Ever wanted to visit the Amazon rainforest? The Green Planet is the next best thing. This manmade indoor rainforest is impressively similar to its natural counterparts and features several areas where visitors can get up-close and personal with many different animal species — including Burmese pythons, squirrels, sloths and more.
- Location: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai
- Price of entry: AED 120 at gate | Different packages for the chosen attractions
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
Popular outdoor attractions in Dubai
GLOBAL VILLAGE
Visit Dubai and not plan for a trip to Global Village? Perish the thought. This annual shopping, entertainment and tourist hub attracts millions of visitors every year. You don’t want to miss out on this one.
- Dates: Until 10 April 2022
- Location: Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
- Price of entry: AED 15 | free entry for kids less than three and senior visitors above the age of 65 | Free for people of determination with one caretaker
- Opening hours: Until April 10, 2022: Saturday – Wednesday: 4:00pm – 12:00am
THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN
The Dubai Mall already features on this list in its own right, but one of its most prized attractions certainly deserves its own entry. The Dubai Fountain is epic in scale and spectacular on the senses. Take the whole family and watch this half-hourly dancing fountain festival burst into life!
- Location: The Dubai Mall
- Price of entry: Viewing fountain is free | Prices vary for different attractions
- Opening hours: 24 hours | Show timings from 06:00 pm to 11:00 pm (every 30 minutes)
PALM JUMEIRAH
The man-mad archipelago has been making waves in the city’s tourist industry since it was finished in 2007. Counted as a daring and innovative development, the Palm Jumeirah is a haven for vacationers.
- Location: Jumeirah coastal area
- Price of entry: free
BURJ AL ARAB AND BURJ KHALIFA
The Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab are considered two of the most famous structures on the list of famous buildings in Dubai. The former is the tallest building in the world, whilst the latter defied all odds to become the only seven-star hotel in existence. These two are absolute no-brainers for any list of the best places to visit in the UAE.
- Location: Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim 3 (Burj Al Arab) |Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard (Burj Khalifa)
- Price of entry: Varies for different activities
DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN
Proudly owning the title of the world’s largest flower garden, the Dubai Miracle Garden houses over 150 million flowers from more than 120 different varieties. Take an Insta-worthy trip to the garden and see what all the hype is about.
- Location: Al Barsha South, Dubailand
- Price of entry: AED 55 (adults aged above 12) | AED 40 (aged three to 12) | Child below three is free
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm | 09:00 am to 11:00 pm (Weekend)
DUBAI SAFARI PARK
The recently revamped Dubai Zoo Safari is better than ever. See your favourite animals up close in an African Village, Kid’s Farm and more. Elephants, lions, Arabian oryx, gibbons and moon bears are just some of the animals you’ll encounter!
- Location: Al Qarqa’a 5
- Price of entry: AED 50 | AED 20 (kids) | Free for children under 3 years old, people of determination + two companions
- Opening hours:
- Everyday 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
- Last entry at the main gate at 03:30 pm
- Last bus for the Safari journey departs at 04:30 pm
Night Pass
- Sunday – Thursday 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday 06:00 pm to 12:00 am
Honourable mentions go to other excellent places to visit in Dubai, like the Dubai Autodrome, Dubai Parks and Resorts, La Mer and more. A new spot scheduled for public opening soon is the Dubai Mangrove Forest.
2 – Top places to see in Abu Dhabi
The best places to visit in the UAE are also plentiful in the country’s capital. From spectacular amusement parks to a stunningly grand and beautiful mosque, here are some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Popular indoor attractions in Abu Dhabi
FERRARI WORLD
Adrenaline junkies will be happy to know that the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, resides right here at Ferrari World. The first theme park by the legendary Italian car manufacturer has something for everyone, with the vast majority of attractions being indoors.
- Location: Yas Island
- Price of entry: AED 295 (Single-day ticket)
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm
- Contact: +971-600-511-115
WARNER BROS. WORLD
See your kid’s face light up as they meet with their favourite cartoon characters and superheroes at Warner Bros. World. This ultra-popular UAE attraction is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, offering an epic 29 exhilarating rides and attractions.
- Location: Yas Island
- Price of entry: AED 295 (Single-day ticket)
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Popular outdoor attractions in Abu Dhabi
YAS WATERWORLD
Make a splash at Yas Waterworld! The waterpark features over 40 themed rides and is especially popular during the spring and summer months.
- Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Price of entry: AED 270 | AED 220 (kids)
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
The massive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi represents a perfect blend of Islamic architecture and the country’s rich history. This stunningly beautiful and iconic place of worship should be near the top of any ‘places to visit in the UAE’ list.
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Saeed Street
- Price of entry: Free
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm | 03:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Fridays)
LOUVRE ABU DHABI
Always wanted to visit the Louvre in France? The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the next best thing. The iconic art gallery has a changing roster of fascinating exhibits and is an essential visit for art aficionados.
- Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
- Price of entry: AED 63 | From AED 31.5 for UAE government employees, teachers and others | Free for Under 18s, above 60+
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 6.30 pm (Tuesday – Sunday), Monday: closed Mondays | Last entry time slot: 05:30 pm | visitors must depart at 06:30 pm
EMIRATES PALACE
With coverage of 850,000 sq. mt., the Emirates Palace is truly a sight to behold. Apart from luxury rooms and suites, visitors here can also enjoy the exceptional cuisine at the hotel’s high-end restaurants.
- Location: West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
QASR AL WATAN PALACE
The Abu Dhabi presidential palace, referred to as Qasr Al Watan, is open to the public. From beautiful Islamic art installations to superb architecture, this stunning locale has so much to marvel at.
- Location: Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
- Price of entry: AED 60, AED 30 (kids)
- Opening hours: Open: 11:00am
- Last entry: 05:30 pm
- Palace closes: 06:45 pm
- Last tickets for the show: 06:30 pm
- Palace in Motion Show: 07:00 pm
3 – Top places to visit in Sharjah
Considered by many to be the cultural capital of the country, Sharjah makes several notable additions to our list of the best places to visit in the UAE. Among the places and things to do in Sharjah, here are some of the most popular.
Popular indoor attractions in Sharjah
AL NOOR MOSQUE
With a design based on Ottoman architecture, Al Noor Mosque is often a staple addition to mosque tours in Sharjah. The mosque can accommodate up to 2,200 worshippers and also welcomes tourists/visitors.
- Location: Buhairah Corniche Street, Al Majaz 1
- Price of entry: Book on website
- Opening hours: Refer to the official website for timings
SHARJAH ART MUSEUM
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the exhibits at the Sharjah Art Museum. The facility is considered one of the finest art galleries in the Gulf region with permanent collections and paintings from world-renowned artists.
- Location: Sharjah Art Museum
- Price of entry: Free
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | 04:00 am to 08:00 pm (Friday)
- Contact: +971-6-568-8222
ADVENTURELAND SHARJAH
Looking for kids attractions in the UAE? Visit Adventureland Sharjah. There is something for every age group in this indoor theme park, from a jungle-themed bumper car ride to a roller coaster that runs at hair-raising speed.
- Location: Sahara Centre, Level 1, Al Nahda Interchange, Dubai-Sharjah Road, Al Nahda
- Price of entry: Subject to the chosen package
- Opening hours:
- Sun-Wed: 12:00 pm – 09:00 pm
- Thu: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Fri: 01:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Sat: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
SHARJAH CLASSIC CARS MUSEUM
The United Arab Emirates is renowned for being home to the latest and greatest automobiles. However, it has also retained its love for vintage cars that were all the rage in their respective eras. The Sharjah Classic Car Museum has many prime examples of fantastically fine automobiles.
- Location: Airport road, next to Sharjah International Airport, opposite Sharjah Discovery Centre
- Price of entry: AED 10 | AED 5 (kids aged two to 12) | Free for kids under two, seniors aged 60 and above and differently-abled guests
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Friday: 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
SHARJAH HERITAGE MUSEUM
Those who want to know more about the country’s heritage and Emirati culture may visit the Sharjah Heritage Museum. Located in the Heart of Sharjah, the museum is set in a restored pearl merchant’s 18th century home.
- Location: Heart of Sharjah, next to Bait Al Naboodah, opposite Al Arsah souq
- Price of entry: AED 10 (Adults) | AED 5 (kids aged two to 12) | Free for kids under two, seniors aged 60 and above and differently-abled guests
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm (Friday)
Popular outdoor attractions in Sharjah
SHARJAH DESERT PARK
Those searching for natural UAE attractions may consider the Sharjah Desert Park. The park is a conservation centre for the region’s endangered flora and fauna. It also features a botanical garden and an Arabian Wildlife Centre.
- Location: Al Dhaid Road
- Price of entry: N/A
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 05:30 pm | 02:00 to 05:30 pm (Friday) | 11:00 am to 05:30 pm (Saturday)
- Contact: +971-6-531-1411
AL NOOR ISLAND
From a butterfly house to art installations and a café, Al Noor Island is a lovely family-friendly waterfront destination.
- Location: Buhairah Corniche Road, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah
- Price of entry: Refer to the official website
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 11:00 pm (Weekdays) | 09:00 am to 12:00 am (Weekends)
PARKS IN SHARJAH
Island paradise and nature reserves aside, the many parks in Sharjah are also extremely popular with residents and visitors. Popular parks include Al Ittihad Square Park, Sharjah National Park and Al Majaz Park.
- Location: various locations in the city
- Price of entry: Free entry in some parks
- Opening hours: Subject to park
4 – Top places to visit in Ajman
Ajman may be the smallest of the seven emirates, but it has no shortage of places to visit. Here are some of the top places to visit in Ajman.
Popular indoor attractions in Ajman
AJMAN MUSEUM
Explore the country’s history at the Ajman Museum. The museum has several themed exhibits based on the country’s history as a fishing hub.
- Location: Al Bustan
- Price of entry: AED 5
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Friday: 02:30 pm to 08:00 pm
FAIRMONT AJMAN
The Fairmont Ajman is popular for both short staycations and longer getaways. This gorgeous beach resort offers a range of luxurious options to its guests, including stunning swimming pool facilities, a state-of-the-art gym, and access to a paradise-like private stretch of beach.
- Location: Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Al Nakhil 2, Ajman
MAGIC PLANET
The popular kid-friendly entertainment brand has several branches across the United Arab Emirates, and the outlet in City Centre Ajman is as popular as any of its counterparts.
- Location: City Centre Ajman, Ground floor – Ajman
- Price of entry: Subject to the chosen game card
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Thursday to Friday)
- Contact: +971-600-599-905
MALLS IN AJMAN
The City Centre Ajman is the most popular shopping mall in the emirate. Additionally, visitors seeking retail therapy can visit other malls in Ajman such as Ajman China Mall and Dana Mall.
- Location: Various locations across Ajman
- Price of entry: Free
- Opening hours: Subject to different mall hours
Popular outdoor attractions in Ajman
AL ZORAH NATURE RESERVE
Al Zorah Nature Reserve is another one of many renowned natural attractions in the UAE and a perfect choice for an outdoor attraction in Ajman. It’s home to over 60 species of birds, including egrets and pink flamingos.
- Location: The Pavilion Al Zorah, Al Ittihad Road
- Price of entry: Free entry | Prices vary for different activities
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
- Contact: +971-6-701-4700
AJMAN BEACHES
Ajman is known for some of the prettiest beaches in the UAE. You can also visit any of the several beach resorts that hug the coastline, each of which has its own stretch of private beach.
AJMAN CORNICHE
Visitors to the emirate often make a beeline towards the Ajman Corniche, a popular waterfront destination, for good reason. Sun and surf aside, some of the restaurants in Ajman Corniche are beachside and hence immensely popular.
- Location: Ajman Corniche
PARKS IN AJMAN
The beaches in Ajman are rivalled by its beautiful parks. Some of the notable ones are Al Helio and Al Jurf Park. Apart from these parks in Ajman, there is also a ladies park that is exclusively for female visitors.
5 – Top places to visit in Fujairah
Fujairah is the only emirate with a coastline on the Gulf of Oman and none on the Persian Gulf. Its unique location along the UAE coastline make it a top tourist hotspot for nature lovers. Here are some of the many attractions in Fujairah you can explore.
Popular indoor attractions in Fujairah
AL BIDYA MOSQUE
Al Bidya Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the UAE and a testament to the cultural heritage of Fujairah. This historic structure dates back to the 15th century and is frequently visited by history buffs.
- Location: Coastal road between Khorfakkan and Dibba
- Price of entry: Free
- Opening hours: No hours for mosque tours
FUJAIRAH MUSEUM
Glimpse into the history of the emirate with a visit to the Fujairah Museum. This archaeology and local history museum showcase life in the emirate from yesteryear.
- Location: Near Fujairah Fort and Heritage Village
- Price of entry: Refer to the official website
- Opening hours: 08:00 am to 06:30 pm | 02:30 am to 06:30 pm (Friday)
Popular outdoor attractions in Fujairah
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE FUJAIRAH
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah is the second largest mosque in the UAE. Its central location makes it accessible from anywhere in the emirate and it should definitely make your personal list of the best places to visit in the UAE.
- Location: Bin Matar Road close to Hamad Bin Abdulla Road
- Price of entry: Free
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 12:00 pm | Closed for visitors on Fridays
SNOOPY ISLAND
Shaped like the titular cartoon character, Snoopy Island is a haven for snorkellers and scuba divers. Professional scuba diving training is also available for those who want to explore the depths around the island.
- Location: Off the Fujairah coast, near Sandy Beach Hotel
- Price of entry: Free
KHORFAKKAN BEACH
A trip to Fujairah isn’t complete without a visit to the Khorfakkan Beach. With activities like diving, snorkelling and parasailing, it’s one of the top tourist attractions in the UAE.
- Location: UAE east coast
- Price of entry: Free | prices vary for different activities
FUJAIRAH CORNICHE
The Fujairah Corniche is a hub of recreational attractions and eateries, much like the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Once you’ve had your fill, catch a movie at the cinema or indulge in some window shopping at the stores.
- Location: Corniche Road, Fujairah
FUJAIRAH ADVENTURES PARK
The Fujairah Adventures Park is located in the heart of the city, so you don’t have to worry about travelling hours out of town to experience the area’s natural wonders. The park offers activities like mountain climbing, paragliding, kayaking and more.
- Location: Al Faseel area
- Price of entry: Prices vary for activities
6 – Top places to visit in Umm Al Quwain
Situated on the Arabian Gulf, Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is popular for historical landmarks such as centuries-old forts. Our list of things to do and places to visit in UAQ will help you plan your trip there.
Dreamland Aqua Park
With ride names like Twisting Dragons, Hippo’s Island and Kamikaze, a day spent at Dreamland Aqua Park is anything but ordinary. The Umm Al Quwain-based waterpark also offers camping facilities.
- Location: Al Shebeakah, Umm Al Quwain
- Price of entry: AED 160 (adults) | AED 100 (kids)
- Opening hours: Subject to different months
Emirates Motorplex
Calling all motor-heads! Watch your favourite drivers go head-to-head in scheduled races at the Emirates Motorplex.
- Location: E11, Meshara, Umm Al Quwain
- Opening hours: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm (Closed on Friday and Saturday)
- Contact: +971-6-768-1166
UAQ National Museum
A museum that is also a fort? It’s the UAQ National Museum! The museum was once home to the emirate’s ruling family and now houses exhibits that showcase the region’s war history.
- Location: Al Lubna Road, UAQ
- Price of entry: AED 4 (adults 15 years or older)
- Opening hours: 07:00 am to 08:00 pm
Explore the islands nearby
Unlike major emirates like Dubai, Umm Al Quwain focuses more on promoting natural heritage. This includes a series of beautiful mangrove-surrounded islands located off the UAQ coast. Examples include the Al Sinniyah islands and other smaller islands.
7 – Top places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah
The northernmost emirate is also one of the top places to visit in the UAE, especially for adventurists. From an exquisite island to a fantastic zoo, here are some of the popular attractions in Ras Al Khaimah:
RAK Zoo
The RAK Zoo is the third largest zoo in the UAE and is home to various animal species, including white tigers, black panthers, wolves, antelope and different species of birds.
- Location: Al Digdaga, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport Street
- Price of entry: From AED 20 (On average)
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm
Jazirat Al Hamra public beach
The beaches in the northern emirate are undeniably gorgeous. A prime example is the Jazirat Al Hamra public beach. After frolicking in the surf, you can explore the Jazirat Al Hamra ghost town nearby. It is one of the most popular outdoor places to visit in the UAE.
- Location: Jazirat Al Hamra coastline
Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan Island features three beach resorts and hosts a bi-annual music festival. A day pass will also give you access to a private beach.
- Location: Al Marjan Island
Dhayah Fort
Dhayah Fort is an 18th-century fortification and is a popular destination for travellers who like to explore the emirate’s history and rugged landscape. It is one of the best places to visit in the UAE for free.
- Location: Northern – Al Rams – RAK
- Price of entry: Free
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day
Hajar Mountains
Several tour companies in the UAE offer organised tours in the Hajar Mountains. Take a tour of the highest mountain range in the Arabian Peninsula. Among the range is the towering Jebel Jais Mountain, the tallest peak in the UAE. Apart from ziplining, there are other things to do in Jebel Jais that are enjoyable for the whole family.
- Location: Hajar Mountains
- Price of entry: Prices vary for activities
FAQs ABOUT BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UAE WITH FAMILY
Do I have to observe a dress code in the country?
The major religion in the UAE is Islam, so visitors are encouraged to dress modestly in the country. For a better idea, check out our guide on the dress code in Dubai.
Will the attractions be open during the holidays?
Not all the places to visit in the UAE are open during public holidays. It’s better to contact your chosen venue in advance of your visit.
Are ticket prices different for varying age groups?
Most entertainment facilities in the United Arab Emirates offer reduced prices on tickets for children under a certain age. Furthermore, toddlers, seniors above 60 or 65, and people of determination are often given free admission.
That’s all for our comprehensive list of the beautiful and new places to visit in the UAE. Looking to spend your vacation in Dubai? Make your trip memorable by visiting the best tourist attractions in Dubai.
If your holiday destination is the capital city, our extensive list of things to do in Abu Dhabi will help you make the most of your trip.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on all the exciting activities and best leisure hubs in the country!
