The United Arab Emirates pairs record-setting modern sights with older desert and seafaring traditions: the white marble domes of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the view from Burj Khalifa, wooden abras crossing Dubai Creek to the spice and gold souks, and an evening out in the dunes. Most first trips split their time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Etihad Rail trains link the two cities' stations in about an hour.
This page starts with our ranked picks for a first visit, best first, each with a practical tip on timing, booking or what to wear. Below them you will find every sight we cover in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, city by city, with opening notes and checked entry fees where we have them, followed by answers to the questions travelers ask most.
The 18 best things to do in United Arab Emirates
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- 1Abu Dhabi
Visit the marble courts of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is Abu Dhabi's great landmark and a working place of worship that welcomes visitors of every background. Its 82 white marble domes and four minarets of about 107 m frame a courtyard that may be the largest marble mosaic artwork in the world. The main prayer hall, which holds about 7,800 worshippers, is covered by the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, made by about 1,200 artisans, under crystal chandeliers inspired by the date palm. Cultural tours run in Arabic and English, and Sura night tours show off the moon-inspired lighting. Wahat Al Karama, the national memorial, stands opposite.
Tip: Pre-book an online access pass and dress to the mosque's code: loose clothes to the ankles, sleeves to the wrists and a head covering for women, and long trousers with no sleeveless or tight tops for men.
Search tours on KlookSources: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre; Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre; Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre; Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (visitabudhabi.ae)Free to visit - 2DubaiBook ahead
Ride to the top of Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 828 m and 163 floors, was officially inaugurated on 4 January 2010, six years after construction began. Its Y-shaped plan, by the Chicago firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, is an abstraction of the Hymenocallis desert flower. The standard visit, At the Top, takes you to Levels 124 and 125, about 456 m up, with viewing telescopes and an outdoor terrace. At the Top SKY on Level 148 adds refreshments, and The Lounge spreads over Levels 152 to 154 at 585 m. To get there, take the metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station and follow the footbridge.
Tip: Plan your visit for late afternoon so you can come down for the Dubai Fountain show on Burj Lake, which starts at 6 PM and repeats every 30 minutes.
Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Burj Khalifa (Emaar); Burj Khalifa (official, Emaar); Burj Khalifa (official, Emaar); Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism); Burj Khalifa (Emaar)At the Top, levels 124 and 125: AED 189 (about $51) · Book a time slotLast verified
- 3Dubai
Watch the Dubai Fountain dance on Burj Lake
At the foot of Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain is the world's tallest dancing fountain, its jets swaying in time to a range of melodies across Burj Lake. Shows run every 30 minutes from 6 PM until 11 PM daily, so you can catch one before dinner and another after. You can watch from around the lake, step onto the floating boardwalk to get close to the jets, or see a show from the water on a traditional abra ride. Because it lies right at the foot of the tower, it fits easily into an evening in Downtown Dubai after a trip up Burj Khalifa.
Tip: Shows repeat every half hour, so if the lakeside is packed at 6 PM, eat first and catch a later show when the crowd thins.
Search tours on KlookSources: Burj Khalifa (Emaar); Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism)Free to visit - 4Dubai
Cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra
The abra, part boat and part raft, has carried people across Dubai Creek for centuries, and its name comes from the Arabic word 'abara', meaning to cross. It is still the most common way for people on foot to get across the creek, and the short ride gives you a water-level view of old Dubai on both banks. Abras run from 6 AM until midnight every day from stations along the creek, and the boat from Bur Dubai lands a short walk from the Spice Souk. The nearest metro stations are Al Ghubaiba and Sharaf DG on the Bur Dubai side, and Al Ras, Baniyas Square and Union in Deira.
Tip: Carry coins or small notes, since you pay for the crossing in cash.
Sources: Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism); Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (visitdubai.com)Pay as you go - 5Dubai
Browse the Spice and Gold Souks of Deira
On the Deira side of the creek, the old trading district still runs on its souks. The Spice Souk is a traditional market where herbs, spices, teas and saffron spill from baskets along narrow lanes, and it is open daily from before 8 AM until after 9 PM, though it closes during the day on Fridays. Nearby, the Gold Souk is Dubai's most famous market for gold jewelry, gemstones and pearls, and its merchandise is government regulated, so what you buy is genuine. Allow well over an hour to walk the lanes. Al Ras Metro Station is about eight minutes away on foot.
Tip: Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes, since the creekside lanes are narrow, the walking adds up and the air can be humid.
Sources: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (visitdubai.com); Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (visitdubai.com)Free to visit - 6Dubai
Wander the wind-tower lanes of Al Fahidi
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is Dubai's restored old town, a 31,000 square meter maze of wind-tower buildings, galleries and museums near Dubai Creek. Its winding alleys hold more than 50 'houses' to explore, including the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding and the Coins Museum. Close by stands Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai, built in the late 18th century to guard what was then the city boundary. The waterfront Al Seef area, with heritage-style streets, shops and creekside restaurants, is nearby. Sharaf DG Metro Station is about 700 m away.
Tip: Ask before you photograph people in the lanes, since not everyone is comfortable appearing in your pictures.
Sources: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (visitdubai.com); Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (visitdubai.com)Free to visit - 7Abu Dhabi
See art from every era at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi grew out of a 2007 cultural agreement between the UAE and France, and it is the Arab world's first universal museum. Its galleries run in chronological order rather than by region, so you walk from prehistory to the present day. Architect Jean Nouvel designed it as a museum-city of 55 buildings, 23 of them galleries, surrounded by water on Saadiyat Island under a silvery dome 180 m across. Sunlight filtering through the dome's 7,850 stars creates the 'rain of light', inspired by palm leaves. Galleries open at 10 AM and close at 6:30 PM Monday to Thursday and 8:30 PM Friday to Sunday.
Tip: Stay on after the galleries close, since the dome itself remains open until midnight, with last entry at 11 PM.
Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Louvre Abu Dhabi (official); Louvre Abu Dhabi (official); Louvre Abu DhabiAdults 18+: AED 70 (about $19) · Pay at the entranceLast verified
- 8Dubai desert
Spend an evening in the desert on a safari
A trip into the dunes is one of Dubai's classic experiences. Depending on your pickup point, it takes around 30 to 45 minutes to reach the desert, and the drive to camp can take up to another hour, with dune driving and sandboarding along the way. At camp, tours usually include camel rides, live performances such as traditional dances, henna and a meal of Emirati dishes. Most safaris last five to seven hours: evening trips collect you between 3 PM and 4 PM and drop you back by 9 PM to 10 PM, and some leave early to catch the sunrise or stay overnight.
Tip: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring a scarf against sun, sand and wind, and pack a warm layer for winter evenings, when the desert cools down after dark.
Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism) - 9Abu Dhabi
Tour the grand halls of Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is a working presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, built to host leaders and dignitaries, that opens its doors to visitors as a cultural landmark. Inside, you walk through halls usually reserved for official summits and learn how the UAE was formed, how it is governed and what Arab scholars have contributed to knowledge. The Qasr Al Watan Library and the House of Knowledge hold books and manuscripts about the country. Each night from 8 PM, Palace in Motion, a 15-minute light show, plays at the palace. You arrive at the Visitor Centre near the Corniche, and a shuttle runs from there to the palace entrance.
Tip: Cover your knees and shoulders and leave big bags at your hotel, as there are no lockers and bags larger than 50 by 35 cm are turned away at security.
Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism); Qasr Al WatanAdult, from: AED 65 (about $18) · Book a dated ticket; off-peak tickets enter 1 PM to 4 PM. Cover knees and shoulders.Last verified
- 10Dubai
Learn Dubai's story at Al Shindagha Museum
Al Shindagha Museum sits on the banks of Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai, in one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, and tells how Dubai grew from a fishing village into a city known around the world. It was developed as part of a plan to turn the historic creek into a center for culture and tradition. Its pavilions cover living off the sea and land, creativity and well-being, and governance and society, with a welcome center, a children's pavilion and the Perfume House among the highlights. The museum is open from 10 AM to 8 PM, with last entry at 7 PM, and Al Ghubaiba Metro Station is a 3 to 4 minute walk away.
Tip: Book online for your preferred date and time, since it is a popular stop and advance booking is recommended.
Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Al Shindagha Museum (Dubai Culture, official); Al Shindagha Museum (Dubai Culture, official); Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism)AED[fee] - 11Abu Dhabi
Meet the UAE's founder at Zayed National Museum
Zayed National Museum, in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District, tells the story of the United Arab Emirates and its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Its building, designed by Foster + Partners, is inspired by the wing of a falcon. Six permanent galleries cover ancient and modern history, and the outdoor Al Masar Garden follows Sheikh Zayed's life through native plants in desert, oasis and urban zones. The country's archaeology story starts in the late 1950s, when Danish archaeologists found a Bronze Age site on Umm an-Nar Island and an Iron Age site at Jebel Hafit. It opens from 10 AM to 8 PM, with last entry an hour before closing.
Tip: Dress modestly and leave large luggage at your hotel, since oversized bags are not allowed inside.
Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Zayed National Museum; Zayed National Museum (official)Adult: AED 70 (about $19) · Book a dated entry ticketLast verified
- 12Dubai
Take Etihad Rail between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Etihad Rail, the UAE's first national passenger train, launched in 2026, and its network now links Dubai and Abu Dhabi with Fujairah and Al Dhaid. Trains from Dubai Station to Abu Dhabi Station take about an hour. Dubai Station is at Jumeirah Golf Estates, with a transfer bridge to the metro, taxi ranks and a bus stop, and Abu Dhabi Station is in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, opposite Dalma Mall. Comfort Class has Wi-Fi, power at every seat and space for luggage, while Premium Class adds wider seats, extra legroom and refreshments. It makes an easy way to split a trip between the two cities.
Tip: Book on the Etihad Rail website or app, up to four weeks ahead, and check the live schedule on the day.
Sources: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (visitabudhabi.ae); Etihad Rail; Etihad RailBook online, up to four weeks ahead - 13Dubai
Stroll Dubai Marina Walk and the beach at JBR
Dubai Marina Walk runs in a loop of about seven kilometers around the marina's waterfront, lined with more than 300 shops and dozens of restaurants with outdoor tables. Right beside it, The Walk at JBR is an open-air promenade of shops, restaurants, hotels and cafes along a beachside boulevard, running parallel to The Beach, a waterfront leisure complex. Come in the morning for a quiet walk, or in the evening, when the strip is full of people. The Dubai Tram stops at Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, JBR1 and JBR2, and connects with the DMCC and Sobha Realty stations on the metro's Red Line.
Tip: Visit between October and April to catch the open-air Covent Garden Market on Marina Walk.
Sources: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (visitdubai.com); Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (visitdubai.com)Free to visit - 14Dubai
See Palm Jumeirah from The View
The View at The Palm is an observation deck in The Palm Tower, the highest vantage point on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's world-famous man-made island. Your visit starts at the Palm Jumeirah exhibition, where interactive displays tell how the island was built. A high-speed elevator then reaches Level 52 in 45 seconds, opening onto a 360-degree open-air deck 240 m above sea level. From there you see the island, the Arabian Gulf and the skyline from Burj Al Arab to Atlantis The Royal and Ain Dubai. For a little more height, The Next Level on the 54th floor sits at 250 m.
Tip: Choose The Next Level ticket if you want the highest view on the island, two floors above the main deck.
Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: The View at The Palm (official); The View at The Palm (official)Adult, from: AED 115 (about $31) · Book a dated time slotLast verified
- 15Dubai
Frame the old and new city at Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame stands at Gate 4 of Zabeel Park, between Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Rashid Road, and sets out to put Dubai's past, present and future into one picture. Its immersive galleries tell the city's story, and up top you get panoramic city views and a glass Sky Deck underfoot. It is open all year, including weekends and public holidays, though hours can change during Ramadan and on holidays. You can reach Zabeel Park by metro from Al Jafiliya Station.
Tip: Leave large bags and strollers at the Gate 4 counter before you go up.
Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Dubai Frame (Dubai Municipality); Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (visitdubai.com)Entry: AED 50 (about $14) · Pay at the entranceLast verified
- 16Dubai
Spend a beach day on Kite Beach
Kite Beach in Jumeirah is one of Dubai's best public beaches, with the Burj Al Arab in view. It stretches for more than 2.3 km from Tent Jumeirah toward the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, and the sand comes with a running track, skate park, volleyball, a kids' water park, an outdoor gym and food trucks. Watersports are the big draw, from kite surfing to paddle boarding, and night swimming is allowed too. There is no metro station nearby, so come by bus or taxi, or drive via the Umm Al Sheif exit off Sheikh Zayed Road.
Tip: Swimwear is fine on the sand, but cover up before you leave the beach, since swimming attire should only be worn on beaches or at pools.
Search tours on KlookSources: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (visitdubai.com); UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (GOV.UK)Free to visit - 17Dubai
Explore Souk Madinat Jumeirah by abra
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is modeled on an Arabian market of old, with indoor alleys of souvenir, spice and handicraft shops inside the larger Madinat Jumeirah resort, which also takes in hotels, summer houses and waterfront restaurants. It is open to everyone to wander, and it is known for its restaurants and for abra boat rides along the winding waterways between the buildings. Shops, cafes and boat rides make it an easy place to spend an evening. It sits at the junction of Umm Suqeim Street and King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, best reached by car or taxi.
Tip: Ride the metro to Mall of the Emirates Station and take a short taxi from there, since the souk has no station of its own.
Sources: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (visitdubai.com)Free to visit - 18Abu Dhabi
Walk or cycle the Abu Dhabi Corniche at sunset
Abu Dhabi's Corniche stretches for eight kilometers along a landscaped waterfront, with separate paths for cyclists and walkers, children's play areas, cafes and restaurants. Its centerpiece is the 2 km Corniche Beach, which holds Blue Flag status for clean, safe water and is split into three sections, including a public stretch and two fenced family areas, with showers and changing rooms. A seaside boardwalk with gardens and benches looks out over the Arabian Gulf, and bike rental stations along it hire out everything from city bikes to bikes that carry passengers. Qasr Al Watan stands close by.
Tip: Swim earlier in the afternoon and stay on for sunset photos, since the lifeguards are on duty only until sunset.
Sources: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (visitabudhabi.ae); Qasr Al WatanFree to visit
Every sight, city by city
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Eight kilometres of waterfront paths with cafes, restaurants and a lifeguarded beach along the city center.Entry: Free to visitLouvre Abu Dhabi
A universal art museum on Saadiyat Island under a vast latticed dome, with art from antiquity to today.Entry: Pay at the entranceSearch tickets and tours on KlookMamsha Al Saadiyat
A beachfront promenade of restaurants and cafes on Saadiyat Island, a short walk from Louvre Abu Dhabi.Entry: Pay as you goManarat Al Saadiyat
Abu Dhabi's cultural hub and community art center in the Saadiyat Cultural District.Entry: Free exhibitions and talksSearch tours on KlookMina fish market
The fish souk at Mina Zayed, where fishermen land their catch every morning, with a produce souk across the road.Entry: Free to visitQasr Al Watan
The Presidential Palace, open to visitors, with its Great Hall, presidential gifts and a library.Entry: Book a dated ticket; off-peak tickets enter 1 PM to 4 PM. Cover knees and shoulders.Search tickets and tours on KlookSheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the world, in white marble with more than a thousand columns and reflecting pools.Entry: Free to visitSearch tours on KlookThe Souk at Qaryat Al Beri
A canal-side Arabian souk with restaurants and cafes that look across the water to the Grand Mosque.Entry: Pay as you goWahat Al Karama
The national memorial to Emirati martyrs, directly opposite the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.Entry: Free to visitSearch tours on KlookZayed National Museum
The story of the UAE and its founder, Sheikh Zayed, in six permanent galleries and the Al Masar Garden.Entry: Book a dated entry ticketSearch tickets and tours on KlookAl Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
A creekside quarter of wind towers and narrow lanes that shows Dubai in the mid-19th century.Entry: Free to visitAl Seef
A heritage-style leisure district on Dubai Creek with restaurants, cafes and shops next to Al Fahidi.Entry: Pay as you goAl Shindagha Museum
A museum in Dubai's historic Shindagha district that tells the city's story, culture and traditions.Entry: AED[fee]Search tickets and tours on KlookBurj Khalifa, At the Top
The observation decks on levels 124 and 125 of the world's tallest tower, 456 m up, with an outdoor terrace.Entry: Book a time slotSearch tickets and tours on KlookDubai Fountain
A choreographed fountain on Burj Lake that performs every 30 minutes in the evening below Burj Khalifa.Entry: Free to visitSearch tours on KlookDubai Frame
A 150 m picture-frame tower in Zabeel Park with a glass-floored sky deck between old and new Dubai.Entry: Pay at the entranceSearch tickets and tours on KlookDubai Marina Walk
A seven-kilometre palm-lined promenade around the marina, lined with cafes and restaurants.Entry: Free to visitGold Souk
One of Dubai's oldest markets, with long shaded lanes of gold, pearl and jewelry shops in Deira.Entry: Free to visitKite Beach
A free public beach in Umm Suqeim with a long running track, water sports and views of the Burj Al Arab.Entry: Free to visitSearch tours on KlookSouk Al Bahar
An Arabian-style souk by Burj Lake with restaurants and the Time Out Market food hall facing the fountain.Entry: Pay as you goSouk Madinat Jumeirah
A modern Arabian souk on waterways, with crafts, lanterns, over 25 places to eat and abra boat rides.Entry: Free to visitSpice Souk
A traditional Deira market of spices, herbs, teas, nuts and saffron sold by weight from open sacks.Entry: Free to visitThe Dubai Mall
The giant mall next to Burj Khalifa and the fountain, with shopping, dining and entertainment.Entry: Pay as you goThe View at The Palm
An observation deck 240 m above sea level with 360-degree views over Palm Jumeirah and the coast.Entry: Book a dated time slotSearch tickets and tours on KlookThe Walk at JBR
A 1.7 km beachside boulevard at Jumeirah Beach Residence with restaurants, cafes, shops and the beach.Entry: Free to visitWaterfront Market
Dubai's largest food market, the successor to the Deira Fish Market, with fresh seafood and waterfront restaurants.Entry: Pay as you goQuestions travelers ask
What are the best things to do in the United Arab Emirates for a first trip?
In Dubai, ride up Burj Khalifa and watch the Dubai Fountain below it, cross Dubai Creek by abra to the Spice and Gold Souks, walk the old lanes of Al Fahidi and spend an evening on a desert safari. In Abu Dhabi, visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and Zayed National Museum. Etihad Rail links the two cities, so it is easy to give each its own stay.
Sources: Burj Khalifa (Emaar); Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism); Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism); Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre; Etihad RailHow many days do you need in the UAE?
A week covers both main cities comfortably. Give Dubai three or four days for Downtown and Burj Khalifa, the creek and souks, a beach and a desert evening. Then allow three to five days for Abu Dhabi, the minimum recommended for the capital and its attractions. Trains between Dubai Station and Abu Dhabi Station take about an hour, so a day trip is possible, but the mosque, Louvre and palace easily fill more than a day.
Sources: Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism); Etihad RailWhen is the best time for sightseeing in the UAE?
October to April is the most comfortable season, with sunny days averaging about 24 to 30°C in Dubai, and visitor numbers peak then. December is a lovely month in Abu Dhabi, with pleasant days and cooler evenings. From May to September, daytime temperatures sit in the high 30s and low 40s, so plan outdoor sights for early morning or evening. January is the coolest month, with nights around 14°C, and the little rain that falls comes mostly from January to March.
Sources: Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism); Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism)Which UAE attractions should you book ahead?
Pre-book an online access pass for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and book private tours there at least 24 hours ahead. Qasr Al Watan, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Burj Khalifa's observation decks all sell tickets online, and booking your date and time ahead is advised for Al Shindagha Museum, a popular stop. Etihad Rail tickets open up to four weeks before travel. Desert safaris start from a pickup point in the city, so arrange yours before the day.
Sources: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre; Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism); Louvre Abu Dhabi; Burj Khalifa (Emaar); Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism); Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (visitabudhabi.ae); Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism)How do you get around Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
In Dubai, the metro's Red and Green Lines reach most major sights; buy a Nol card at any station and tap it at the start and end of each trip. The tram serves Dubai Marina and JBR, and abras cross the creek. Licensed taxis are cream with colored roofs. In Abu Dhabi, use the silver taxis, ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber, or the Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus, which runs eight routes between the main areas. Etihad Rail connects the two cities.
Sources: Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism); Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism); UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (GOV.UK); Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism); Visit Abu Dhabi (Department of Culture and Tourism); Etihad RailWhat should you wear and avoid doing in the UAE?
Dress modestly in public places such as malls, with shoulders and knees covered, and keep swimwear for beaches and pools. Mosques and the presidential palace have stricter codes. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and you can be arrested for kissing in public. Never photograph people without their permission. Alcohol is served in licensed venues such as hotel bars, but drinking in public is illegal, and Sharjah bans alcohol entirely. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daytime.
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (GOV.UK); Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre; Qasr Al Watan