For most people, the United Arab Emirates means just one place: Dubai, the sci-fi-esque city of iconic skyscrapers, palm-shaped islands, city-sized malls, indoor ski slopes and palatial beach resorts. But beyond the glitter awaits a diverse mosaic of six more emirates, each with its own character and allure.
It’s well worth climbing the zigzagging staircase (🎟️free) to this twin-towered hilltop fortress to enjoy the sweeping 360-degree vistas of the Rak area, a vast date-palm oasis, and the Hajar Mountains. Built in the early 19th century, the fort was the site of the last battle...
We drove up to the highest peak in the UAE (1934m) for our overnight. Jebel Jais is even occasionally dusted with snow. A switchback road snakes up the mountainside, delivering vistas of barren, eroded cliffs, deep canyons, and warped escarpments around every bend. There are pullouts for...
We left our car behind just next to the Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort and got lost in the tangle of narrow lanes and heritage coral-hewn buildings of the Al Fahidi Historic District, some of the last in Dubai. Across the creek from the bustling Spice Souq and a quick walk from the...
We admired the city’s sparkling coastline on a private 60ft yacht cruise (1200 AED / 2 hours) from Dubai Harbour, a seafront district in Dubai Marina that boasts the most advanced cruise terminal and the largest marina in the region. Conveniently located near Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters...
Just a few steps from Marina, we found this clean, wonderful playground with plenty of facilities, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms housed in distinctive paneled pods. Kids can keep cool in a splash zone, and there’s even an outdoor gym for pumping. Since it’s...
We loved Dubai’s southernmost district, brimming with luxurious beachfront resorts, restaurants, and some of the city’s most glamorous see-and-be-seen nightclubs. Daytime, we strolled along the Dubai Marina waterfront; we enjoyed The Walk at JBR and, of course, The Beach at...
We encounter the world at the deliciously kitschy Global Village (🎟️23 AED). The carnival-like Global Village is like a “world fair” for shoppers. Each of the 35-something pavilions spread over a massive space showcases a specific nation’s culture and products. Aside...
Dubai loves to shop. The city has just about perfected the art of the mall, the excellent air-conditioned “town commons,” where to go with the family, hang out with friends, and take in some entertainment. So what kind of goods should you look for? We’ve got the lowdown...
We parked in the garages of Souk Al Bahar, where the first few hours were free. Then we walked to the lake with great views of Burj Khalifa. It is a stunning feat of architecture and engineering, with two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors and a restaurant on the 122nd. The...
It’s challenging to take photos of Dubai’s most iconic hotel and a global icon of Arabian luxury. You can explore it from the private beach in front of the hotel or the boat. You can also visit the hotel on a guided tour or book a room there. We wandered around Souk Al...