23 Best Tourist Places In UAE

Located in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE comprises seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

From sightseeing and strolling around beaches to exploring its rich culture and history, this place has plenty of tourist attractions to keep you busy throughout your trip. Keep reading to visit the top tourist places in the UAE if you are planning a trip to the country soon.

Currency in UAE - The official currency in the United Arab Emirates is UAE Dirham. 1 United Arab Emirates Dirham equals 22.55 Indian Rupee as on 22 Jan 2023*

*Currency rates change are subject to the market exchange rate.

Below is a list of top tourist places to visit in the UAE. This comprises top sights, beaches, theme park adventures, such as zoos, gardens, safaris, which will serve as a perfect guidebook during your travel.

UAE has several popular tourist attractions, and the nation receives millions of tourists each year. This list includes places and destinations across UAE that you must visit! 

1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is one of the top attractions in Dubai, UAE. Known as one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, it is a must-visit for many tourists to complete their trip. Completed in 2010, the Burj Khalifa is a landmark building in Dubai. This magnificent feat of engineering is located next to the Dubai Mall, with 163 floors. Visitors enjoy the panoramic view of the city from observation towers available on the 124th, 125th and 148th (the highest) floors.

• Location: Dubai, UAE
• Timings: 24/7
• Entry Fee: 154 AED

2. The Museum of The Future, Dubai

Dubai's Museum of the Future is one of the top 5 places to visit when in the UAE. Bridging the gap between the present and what lies ahead of us, this infrastructure blends technology with traditional art forms, attempting to collaborate with ecologists, researchers, financers and the general public to create solutions for a brighter future. The Museum is split into three zones: the green hill, the building, and the void.

The museum was built to touch, see, and shape the future with an expansive environment that will engage all senses.

• Location: Dubai, UAE
• Timings: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
• Entry Fee: AED 149

3. Dubai Mall, Dubai

Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping mall and the perfect destination for leisure and entertainment. Located next to the Burj Khalifa, the mall stretches across 1 million square metres and has over 1,200 outlets with fashion ranging to top-end designer stores like Versace, Burberry, and more! Some sections you cannot miss when in the mall are the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice-Rink (the size of Olympic Ice Rinks), indoor cinema complex, Diplodocus longus dinosaur skeleton, kids zone ‘Kidzania’ and the indoor fountain.

• Location: Dubai, UAE
• Timings: 10.00 am to 12.00 am
• Entry Fee: Free

4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and the largest in the UAE. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan erected this brilliant specimen of contemporary Islamic architecture in honour of his late father.

The loomed carpet adorning one of the prayer halls is the biggest in the world. In addition to being a place of worship, the mosque is also a centre of education and culture. Its architecture attracts a lot of international tourists.

• Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street، - 5th St - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
• Timings: 9 am to 10 pm 
• Entry Fee: Free of cost

5. Louvre, Abu Dhabi

This stunning museum is a must-see for all art and history lovers. Located on Saadiyat Island, the museum is home to a collection of artworks from various civilisations and periods of the country. The museum's architecture is also a sight to behold, with its iconic dome-shaped roof.

• Location: Saadiyat - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
• Timings: 10 am to 6.30 pm
• Entry Fee: AED 63

6. Etihad Towers Observation Deck, Abu Dhabi

A popular attraction in Abu Dhabi, the Observation Deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. At 300 metres above the ground, it is the highest sightseeing point in Abu Dhabi. Situated by the coastline, the deck stands on the 74th level of the second Jumeirah at the Etihad Towers skyscraper. 

• Location: Tower 2, Level 74, Etihad Towers - Corniche W St - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
• Timings: Always open
• Entry Fee: AED 95

7. Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Watan is a popular tourist attraction located in Abu Dhabi. Known for its show casement of UAE’s rich culture and heritage, this presidential palace highlights the mesmerising past of the country. Inside the Qasr Al Watan palace, you can experience the light show, visit the library, enjoy a wide range of culinary and shop! Its design pays a tribute to Arabian heritage and artistry.

• Location: Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Timings: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
• Entry Fee: AED 65 for adults and AED 30 for children

8. Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah

Located in Sharjah, this museum is one of the leading art institutions in the Persian Gulf Area. It is a significant attraction highlighting Islamic history with over 5,000 rare and timeless Islamic artefacts, manuscripts, ceramics, weapons, swords, coins, and astrolabes. The Sharjah Art Museum is home to one of the most diverse ranges of artefact collections in the UAE. The Art Museum holds exhibitions for prominent and up-and-coming artists throughout the year.

Most art pieces in the Sharjah Art Museum are from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, showcasing contemporary art forms from various middle eastern and European artists who based their work on Arabian culture or history.

• Location: Sharjah, UAE
• Timings: 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

9. Souk Madinat, Jumeirah

most popular marketplaces located next to the Burj Al Arab. It offers a plethora of options to shop, from locally made jewellery and artefacts to spices and perfumed scents.

When entering the Souk, it gives you the perfect feel of Middle Eastern culture. You can get exquisite souvenirs to take back home from here. Souk Madinat also has 25 restaurants and cafes with international cuisines and snack bars. To top this off, you can also enjoy the beautiful view of Jumeirah Beach. 

• Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
• Timings: Shops open from 10.00 am to 11.00 pm. Restaurants open from 8.00 am to 2.00 am
• Entry Fee: Free

With more than 13 theme parks located all over UAE, we’ve listed the top 3 places you just can’t miss for an adrenaline packed outing!

10. Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi

The world's biggest indoor park, this Ferrari-themed attraction stands on Yas Island. A heaven for adventure enthusiasts, it is home to the fastest roller-coaster in the world - Formula Rossa.

In addition, the park offers a Ferrari factory tour and a gallery exhibiting a vast collection of different Ferrari automobile models. Ferrari World also features some excellent restaurants and a large shopping area selling an exquisite selection of Ferrari accessories.

• Location: Yas Island - Yas Leisure Dr - Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
• Timings: 11 am to 8 pm
• Entry Fee:  AED 310 For Adults and 240 for children

11. Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi

With long expanses of sandy beaches ideal for lounging in the sun, Yas Island is one of Abu Dhabi's top luxury hotel locations. The island is also home to the Yas Marina Circuit, the venue for Abu Dhabi's annual Formula One racing event.

Yas Waterworld, a water theme park with over 40 attractions and slides, is the perfect stopover when the sun gets too hot. In addition to the Jebel Drop, a water slide with a free-falling speed, it also offers the biggest surfable sheet wave in the world.

• Location: Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Timings: Yas Marina Circuit - 9 am to 11 pm | Yas Waterworld - 10 am to 7 pm
• Entry Fee: AED 270 for adults and 220 AED for children

12. Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros. World, the newest and biggest theme park on Yas Island, is an indoor amusement park. Apart from 29 amazing rides, it features live interactive shows, several multi-cuisine restaurants, and retail stores. The rides are all based on characters from the Warner Brothers Universe.

This park is divided into six themed areas: Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Warner Bros. Plaza, and Gotham City.

• Location: Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
• Timings: 11 am to 8 pm
• Entry Fee: AED 310

Sitting off the coast of the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi- the capital city of UAE, has plenty of beaches you can explore. Not just that, Dubai and the Saadiyat Island are also home to beaches one can go to relax and take in the beautiful skyline. Take a look at the list below.

13. Jumeirah Public Beach, Dubai

Sightings from the beautiful Jumeirah Beach (aka the Sunset Beach) include the Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Water Park, Madinat Jumeirah and more; the Jumeirah Public beach is one of the most sought-after beaches because of the free entry. Tourists and visitors enjoy the golden sand, palm trees, and have plenty of space and liberty to indulge in activities like cycling, jogging, swimming, surfing, or simply chilling!

• Location: Dubai, UAE
• Timings: 7.30 am - 5.30 pm
• Entry Fee:  Free

14. Al Mamzar Beach Park, Dubai

Perfect for a family outing, Al Mamzar Beach Park holds five pristine beaches, which are ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Palm trees adorn the shores of Al Mamzar, where visitors can relax and enjoy plenty of amenities such as barbecue areas, gardens, restaurants, snack bars, and many more. The beach also has an amphitheatre to host musical events. Al Mamzar Beach is open only for women and children on Wednesdays and Mondays.

• Location: Dubai, UAE
• Timings: 8.00 am - 10.00 pm
• Entry Fee:  AED 5

15. Marina Beach, Dubai

One of the most scenic views, Marina Beach in Dubai, is a top spot for tourists. The beautiful blue waters adorned with the mesmerising horizon, soft sand, and an array of cafes and restaurants attract large crowds all year round. Jet skiing is one of the primary things to do while at Marina Beach. This place is perfect for calming strolls by the waves, be it sunrise or sunset.

• Location: Dubai, UAE
• Timings: 24/7
• Entry Fee:  Free

16. Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi

Overlook the Arabian Gulf while on the shores of Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi. With turquoise waters, soft, white sand, beautiful seaside boardwalk, Corniche Beach offers a pristine, claiming view of Lulu Island and the Abu Dhabi Skyline. This beach was also awarded the Blue Flag status for its taintless and secure ambience.

• Location: Abu Dhabi
• Timings: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm
• Entry Fee:  AED 10 for adults. AED 5 for children. Kids under five years of age are allowed free entry.

17. Kai Beach, Saadiyat Island

While enjoying the top places to visit in the UAE, we must make it a point to spend time at Saadiyat Island, home to the most stunning beaches. On one side of this picture-perfect, white-sand beach, we can see the blue ocean, while the city skyline flanks its other side. To make the most of the day, go for water activities, retail therapy sessions, and visit the lovely bistros.

• Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Timings: 7 am to 6:30 pm
• Entry Fee:  AED 75 for adults and AED 35 for children

18. Al Hamriyah Beach, Ajman

For a more quiet, less crowded area, visit Al Hamriyah Beach in Ajman. When visiting the Ajman region in UAE, its white sandy shores falling into clear water is a sought-after location. The beach is easily accessible and free to the public. Al Hamriyah Beach makes for a perfect relaxation spot as it remains partially crowded compared to other popular beaches, even during peak season.

• Location: Ajman, UAE
• Timings: 24/7
• Entry Fee: Free

UAE has a beautiful landscape with the desert sands, water bodies and mountain ranges one can visit. Take in the alluring landscape of UAE by visiting these places listed below.

19. Desert Safari, Dubai

One of the best-loved UAE tourist attractions, this desert safari in the southern part of UAE is unmissable. Some activities are available here, including sand boarding, quad biking, dune bashing, camel riding, dining under the stars, and camel farm visits. Tourists can also stay in one of the many desert camps that have popped up in recent years.

• Location: Khalidiya Tower - Khalidiya Tower Mezzanine Floor Room No. 32 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
• Timing:  8:30 am to 10:30 pm
• Entry Fee: AED 145

20. Emirates Park Zoo, Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Zoo allows us to get up close and personal with as many as 1700 animal species, including rare white tigers, giraffes, elephants, zebras, and Siberian bears. Additionally, there is a primate area with different monkey species, a flamingo park, and a sea lion enclosure. Children can pet and feed domestic animal breeds at the petting zoo. 

• Location: 12th St - Al Bahia - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
• Timings: Tuesday to Thursday - 9 am to 8 pm and Friday to Monday - 8 am to 9 pm
• Entry Fee:  AED 50 for adults and free for children below three years

21. Heritage Village, Abu Dhabi

The Heritage Village is one of the few tourist places in the UAE that offers a peek into the life of the people residing in the Gulf region before the discovery of oil changed everything.

It is a recreation of a traditional Emirati village with mud-brick houses, palm frond roofs, etc. You can see the people going about everyday activities like pottery, carpet weaving, and making traditional bread. You can also shop for souvenirs in the many shops selling Emirati handicrafts.

• Location: Near Marina Mall - Abu Dhabi Theatre Rd, Corniche - Breakwater Rd - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
• Timings: 9 am to 4 pm
• Entry Fee: Free of cost

22. The Hajar Mountains, UAE

The Hajar Mountains follow the trail in north-eastern Oman and the eastern United Arab Emirates. They are the highest mountain range in the east of the Arabian Peninsula. Nature lovers are in for a thrilling adventure in the Hajar Mountains, where one can hike, trek, bird-watch, and more along the vast picturesque wadis or dry riverbeds. Higher elevations typically have temperatures 10-15°C lower than Muscat on average, and although snow is infrequent, snow occasionally falls there.

This magnificent mountain range is the perfect location for those looking for a breath of fresh air and a challenge, and it is only a short day's journey from Dubai.

• Location: Spread across the borders of UAE and Oman
• Timings: 24/7
• Entry: Free

23. Jebel Hafeet, Tawam

On the outer parts of the Al Hajar Mountains, you can find Jebel Hafeet - one of the highest mountains in UAE. Known for its several cave systems, archaeological findings and history, this mountain has ridges stretching to the city of Al Ain. Rising 1200 meters above sea level, a drive through Jebel Hafeet is a daring and adventurous experience. At the top, you can experience stunning views of the sunrise/sunset while also catching a glimpse of the beautiful garden city. Along the way, you can also pause to explore the tombs at the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park.

• Location: Tawam, UAE
• Timings: 24/7
• Entry: Free