Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, had an unmatched vision that turned the country’s future from sand to gold dust. Even now, as the UAE rises to become one of the most important nations in the middle east, these comments ring true. Undoubtedly, all 7 emirates in UAE have been working together to achieve this victory.
The seven emirates of the UAE, with a modest start in camel rearing, pearl harvesting, and fishing, provide an intriguing blend of adventure, history, culture, and entertainment for everyone. So what distinguishes the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates? Lets find out together in this list of UAE emirates:
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the glamorous neighbor of affluent Dubai, welcomes guests with mesmerizing luxury. The capital of the United Arab Emirates is a diversified city that balances beautiful white beaches with historical sites, theme parks with secluded areas of nature, and five-star hotels with enormous shopping complexes.
Abu Dhabi, which is an hour’s drive from Dubai along the well-known 14-lane highway, makes an entrance through the impressive Sheikh Zayed suspension bridge, which was designed by Zaha Hadid. From here, you can see the glistening coastline on one side and the imposing domes of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque upon the opposite side. The city of Abu Dhabi is actually spread across 200 islands, including the island on which it sits just 250 meters from the mainland.
Abu Dhabi is the largest of all emirates in UAE, and it is wealthy, modern, and prosperous. It has tall skyscrapers, upscale shopping malls, luxurious hotels, and pristine beaches. Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s biggest city, is also the UAE’s capital. The leader of the United Arab Emirates is also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi remains to invest heavily in tourism development, business hotels, and extravagant resorts to this day. There are numerous museums, gorgeous parks, outstanding athletic venues, as well as one of the city’s most expensive hotels, the Emirates Palace Hotel, whose interiors are frequently mistaken for a true Sheikh’s palace.
If you decide to spend your vacation in this emirate, you will be immersed in a fairy tale, albeit a very wealthy fairy tale. There will not be as many skyscrapers or structures on the water’s surface that there are in Dubai. However, you will be able to remain in luxury and enjoy an atmosphere of grandeur and elegance.
The capital of the emirates in UAE
- The name Abu Dhabi comes from Arabic as “land of the gazelle.”
- According to legend, the name was given when a juvenile gazelle led a tribe in search of fresh water to an island with 300 palm frond homes (barasti), some coral structures, and a fort. The clan made a home there, which was the start of contemporary Abu Dhabi.
- The first settlement in the area dates to the third millennium B.C., which is one of Abu Dhabi’s most intriguing facts.
Some of the best places in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the 7 emirates in UAE include:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- The beautiful Islamic architecture gets recognition at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, thought to be one of the biggest mosques in the world, combines the rich history of the UAE and the principles of Islamic traditions with majesty and splendor.
- Whatever time of day you decide to come, this stunning mosque is a pleasure to behold.
- Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St., is the location.
Qasr Al Hosn
- The former residence of the reigning family was Qasr Al Hosn, also known as the Al Hosn Palace.
- It houses an observation tower that was the first permanent building in Abu Dhabi and was erected in the 1790s to guard the villages on the islands.
- The fortress has been transformed into a museum today that features artifacts from 6,000 B.C.
- Location: Al Hisn.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the spot to be if you want the rush of really fast speed!
- For visitors of all ages, this park offers thrilling, adrenaline-inducing rides and attractions.
- The Formula Rossa roller coaster, one of the fastest in the UAE, is among the impressive list of rides at this top-notch amusement park.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
- The first worldwide museum in the Middle East, the Louvre Abu Dhabi sits in the center of the Saadiyat Cultural District.
- The museum’s galleries feature artifacts from history, sociology, and culture.
- The gallery has items like dancing shivas and astrolabes.
- Additionally, the museum plans excursions and exhibitions. Kayaking tours at the Louvre Abu Dhabi are especially fun for thrill-seekers.
- Location: Saadiyat Island.
Mangrove Park
- The abundance of mangroves in Abu Dhabi is one of its defining characteristics.
- You can see the lush foliage and the thriving ecology it supports directly whether you choose to kayak through the Eastern Mangroves or set off to discover the Jubail Mangrove Park.
Beaches
- Abu Dhabi’s beaches stand out for being tidy and comfortable, and they are deserving of special consideration.
- They feature a very clear sea, fine soft sand, and a shallow approach to the ocean. Small artificial islands that block the waves surround the ocean, making them ideal for families with young children.
Dubai
Dubai is the most opulent, vibrant, and cutting-edge of the UAE 7 emirates, home to several wonders and untold world records. Buildings there are incredibly beautiful, and the number of entertainment and luxury hotels there is simply astounding.
Dubai is the ideal location for making your first trip to the United Arab Emirates. However, a lot of visitors keep coming back here on their other excursions. Even those who saw the emirate just 7–10 years ago do not fully qualify to say, “I saw Dubai,” as the city consistently has new surprises in store for both locals and visitors.
What distinguishes Dubai is its wide range of activities to suit all tastes. There, you may essentially plan any kind of vacation: a beach vacation at one of Dubai’s hotels with a private beach, a cozy family vacation, or an unforgettable trip for an entire group. You may also be confident that this city (which is also one of the 7 emirates in UAE) has the best tourism infrastructure and offers exceptionally high levels of service.
Dubai is the perfect destination for individuals looking for fun and those who like to fill their days with lots of activities and action. For those who enjoy elegance, cutting-edge technology, sophistication, delicacies, mind-blowing views, and unfathomable attractions, it is the perfect vacation spot.
The most popular water attractions in the world, the most distinctive palm tree-shaped man-made islands, the tallest structure and Ferris wheel, the quickest elevator, these are just a few examples. Dubai strives to lead the way in everything, and it succeeds admirably!
A multicultural destination
Of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the nation’s most affluent and largest city, with over 2 million residents. The Emirate is growing significantly as a result of trade and tourism. It is noteworthy as it is the most modern of the 7 emirates in UAE. Dubai serves as an alpha city due to its robust economy.
- Multi-cultural individuals from more than 200 different countries reside in Dubai.
- The emirate is famous for its opulent landmarks, contemporary skyscrapers, star-studded skyline, lively nightlife, and upscale retail opportunities.
- Real estate and leisure are the emirate’s two largest industries. This was not always the case, though. One of the fascinating facts about Dubai is that up until the 1700s, fisheries and pearling were two of the city’s main economic drivers.
- The history of Dubai’s architecture is also very fascinating.
Dubai is a popular vacation spot for a variety of reasons, but these are some of the greatest.
Burj Khalifa
- There is no need to introduce Burj Khalifa. It is currently the highest building in the globe and will likely keep that title for a very long time, standing at an astounding height of 828 meters.
- At Burj Khalifa, there are a ton of activities available. You can choose between an afternoon tea break and an overview of Dubai from the highest point of the Burj.
- At the very top (124th and 125th floors) and at the sky (148th level) are the two observation decks on the Burj Khalifa.
Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future is the next stop on our list. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has referred to this museum as the “most gorgeous structure on Earth” and assures all fortunate guests an exciting experience.
Here, you can learn more about the potential applications of AI and other cutting-edge technology.
Ain Dubai
The world’s tallest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, is a striking addition to Dubai’s extensive list of “must-see attractions”:
- The duration of a trip on this rotating wheel is about 48 minutes. Ride this Ferris wheel in Dubai to experience the emirate’s famous structures, including the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa, like never before.
- There are 40 standard-view cabins with complete air conditioning on Ain Dubai.
- Anybody under the age limit of 16 must be under the adult’s supervision.
Palm Jumeirah
- One of the largest man-made islands in the world, Palm Jumeirah is designed to resemble a palm tree with branches and a trunk. One of the most fascinating facts about the Palm Jumeirah is this.
- Residents of the opulent complex can enjoy luxury riverfront living close to all lifestyle facilities and recreational opportunities.
Dubai Mall
- The Dubai Mall, which is located Downtown Dubai, is where you may get the best possible shopping experience:
- At the mall, you may discover restaurants, shops selling national and international brands, and a lot of attractions. Ice cream stores in the Dubai Mall are a must-see.
- In addition to these activities, Dubai Mall also offers ice skating and access to the Zoo and Underwater Aquarium.
Al Fahidi District
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, sometimes referred to as Fahidi District or Al Bastakiya, is an old section of Dubai with low-rise structures and meandering, narrow streets.
- The area is a reminder of the emirate’s past as a pearl trading center.
Dubai Opera
- Dubai Opera is a famous performing arts center that offers a variety of events, such as conferences, concerts, shows, ballet performances, and more.
- You may watch performances from the Dubai Opera with family and friends.
Dubai Souks
- There are many souks in Dubai that offer a classic shopping experience.
- If you enjoy jewelry, visit the Dubai Spice Souk or the Deira Gold Souk, often known as the Deira Gold Souk.
Beaches
- Despite Dubai’s extensive length along the coast, not all of it consists of up of beaches. Additionally, not all areas of the beachfront are open to the public.
- Hotels and recreational facilities sit along the coastline’s most desirable sections. The daily fee of admission to such a club is from 150 to 300 AED, but it can be as high as 500 to 750 AED for really prominent locations.
- Of course, there are many beach areas that take a more equitable approach to pricing, with entrance fees ranging from 5 to 10 AED or even being free. These locations will be less pleasant and busy, but the price difference will be apparent.
There are countless attractions in Dubai, and the list is always growing. A new development almost every month adds to the reasons to visit this lovely city.
Sharjah
Of the three emirates that are developing the fastest (along with Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Sharjah is the most affordable. It also has more conservative laws, such as a stricter dress code, an alcohol ban, and a ban on wild gatherings, which not everyone appreciates.
However, most families with kids enjoy it because a holiday in Sharjah is consistently peaceful, relaxed, and culture-focused. In addition to numerous museums and attractions, there are also beaches, dancing water fountains, aquariums, theme parks, and water parks.
Due to affordable hotel rates and a few good beaches with sand that is as white as powder, out of all the emirates of UAE, it is a popular location for beach vacations. And Dubai is close by with many of tours and activities if you want to be entertained or enjoy the architecture.
The lack of hotels, especially those by the sea, is the only drawback of this emirate.
For what kinds of travelers is Sharjah most suitable? It is a great destination for those on a tighter budget, families with young children, and anybody who prefers a beach holiday but does not want to blow their entire savings.
Cultural hub
- Among the 7 emirates in UAE, Sharjah is the largest sponsor of art, culture, and history as well as the one with the most extensive cultural heritage.
- Sharjah was named the Cultural Center of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998, and the emirate is home to stunning mosques, historical sites, museums, and art galleries. The best characteristics of Islamic and cultural history combine in Sharjah, which has a view of the Arabian Gulf.
If you want to experience Sharjah at its finest, you must visit these attractions:
Khalid Lagoon
- The Khalid Lagoon is a man-made water body that has resulted in the construction of a corniche – Al Noor Island. This archipelago has a plethora of family-friendly activities.
Sharjah Art Museum
- Visitors to the Sharjah Art Museum should have a real appreciation for many artistic styles.
- The museum offers renowned regional and local artists a venue to exhibit their work through a combination of permanent and seasonal shows.
Sharjah Safari Park
- The world’s largest safari park outside of Africa is the 8000-hectare Sharjah Safari.
- This beautiful park includes exciting and exotic animals like lions, black rhinoceroses, and giraffes.
Al Noor Mosque
Beautiful mosques can be found in all seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, but Al Noor Mosque stands out due to its conventional Ottoman-style architecture:
- One of the most well-known religious destinations in the UAE, Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah offers guided mosque tours.
- The mosque is a great venue to learn more regarding Islamic history and culture in addition to serving as a place of worship.
Beaches
- Sharjah lacks the boisterous entertainment found in Dubai, but it does have plenty of greenery and great beaches.
- The sea entrance is smooth, and the beaches are lovely and clean. The entrance is mild, and the bottom is sandy.
- The best aspect is that Sharjah is a great destination for winter travel since, for instance, Al Mamzar beach sits in a harbor that shields the area against winds.
Ajman
Ajman, the smallest of the 7 emirates in UAE, has about 258,000 residents, making it the fourth fastest growing emirate overall. The primary tourist destinations in this region include hotels, retail centers, and cultural sites. The commercial sector in that state is likewise highly established.
The city is home to the Ruler’s office, numerous banks, and approximately fifty domestic and foreign retail stores. Sheik Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuami founded Ajman in 1803.
Luxurious coastlines, Arabian design, a charming ancient city, low-cost seafood eateries, and a wide variety of museums may all be found here. In place of oceanfront Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, there is Ajman. Nevertheless, the absence of eye-catching skyscrapers, opulent mosques, and theme parks is true.
But if all you want is a peaceful, reasonably priced vacation by the sea, this region is for you. Additionally, it will be simple and pleasurable to explore all 7 emirates of the UAE, including Dubai, if you rent a car for the duration of your trip.
Traditional meets modern
- Ajman, the smallest of the UAE’s seven emirates, is home to a number of natural treasures and centuries-old customs.
- This area has a landscape with various beautiful beaches and other attractions that is flanked by the Arabian Gulf on one end and the Hajar Mountains on the other.
- The emirate deftly strikes a balance between its traditions and modernized services and UAE urban growth.
These are some of the more popular spots in Ajman.
Ajman Museum
- The Ajman Museum is a fort from the 18th century that formerly housed the reigning family of Ajman and operated as a police station.
- This was transformed into a museum in 1981, and ever then, historical exhibits have allowed visitors to learn more about the emirate’s way of life and culture.
UAE Pygmy Zoo
- The UAE Pygmy Zoo, which calls itself the “first petting zoo in the region,” lets visitors feed and pet adorable birds, puppies, camels, and horses.
- At the zoo, you can also go camel or horseback riding.
Al Zorah Nature Reserve
- The Al Zorah Nature Reserve is a stunning bird refuge with pristine lagoons, peaceful beaches, and a vibrant mangrove ecology.
- This is a great location for birdwatching and non-motorized activities. Here, you can see pink flamingos, egrets, and herons.
Beaches
- If you wish to spend your beach vacation in Ajman, you should stay at the Ajman Saray hotel and the Oberoi beach hotel across the harbor.
- Ajman does not have a long list of attractions. This emirate is primarily about a leisurely vacation with days at the beach and evening strolls along the waterfront and picturesque embankment. There are mostly 4-5 star hotels with excellent service that operate on a “all-inclusive” basis.
Ras al-Khaimah
Ras al-Khaimah is the UAE’s northernmost emirate, located between the beautiful the Persian Gulf to the west and Hajar Mountains to the east.
It did not receive much attention for quite some time, but that is no longer the case. This emirate is currently actively promoting its tourism business in order to attract tourists. It’s becoming a more popular location for foreigners with each passing year. The primary cause for this is the abundance of beautiful hotels and beaches.
Aside from beaches, this emirate has several more intriguing things to offer.
There are no skyscrapers or lavish experiences in Dubai. Ras Al Khaimah holidays, on the other hand, are an assortment of pleasant and tranquil time among the blue sea and pristine white coastlines, desert sand dunes and the spectacular Hajar Mountains.
Ras al-Khaimah sits to the north of the United Arab Emirates and borders the Musandam region of Oman. There are 205,000 people living in this emirate, with Emiratis making up the majority of the population. Ras al-Khaimah has focused on building its industrial sector because it lacks oil.
The real estate, tourism, building materials, utility, and agricultural sectors are some of Khaimah’s most important economic sectors. The most popular types of activities in this emirate include shopping, amusement parks, nature, parks, and water attractions. The majority of the residents of the Ras al-Khaimah emirate reside in the emirate’s capital, which is also known by that name.
The adventure zone
- The most northern emirate of the United Arab Emirates is Ras Al Khaimah, which means to “top of the tent” in Arabic.
- Ras Al Khaimah is a robust, occasionally hilly place that provides a wealth of outdoor sports.
The following are some of the emirate’s most notable attractions:
Jebel Jais
- Jebel Jais, the ideal adventure location, is a lot more than an imposing 2,000-meter peak.
- There is so much to discover and do here, including camping, zip-lining, and ice skating, to mention a few.
Wadi Shawka
- In the Hajar Mountains, next to numerous long-abandoned towns that are now national heritage sites, is an agricultural region called Wadi Shawka.
- The wadi, which contains pools naturally formed by the region’s high rainfall, looks out over the Shawka Dam.
- Due to its abundance of natural beauty, Wadi Shawka is one of the simplest hiking paths in the United Arab Emirates and an increasingly popular tourist attraction.
The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
- The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is likewise a historic fort that formerly housed the royal family, like most other museums in the UAE’s seven emirates.
- In 1987, it underwent a transformation into a museum, displaying an astonishing array of historical, archaeological, ethnographic, and traditional artifacts.
Ice Land Water Park
Visit Ice Land Water Park if you enjoy unique water sports. It has evolved into a multipurpose entertainment center throughout time. In addition to swimming pools and waterparks, the area’s visitors can choose from a wide variety of eateries and coffee shops as well as a sizable retail mall. The water park features a waterfall that is 36 meters high and a stunning manmade reservoir with real coral reefs.
Umm Al Quwain
On a stunning stretch of coastline, this peaceful provincial emirate is 34 kilometers north of Ajman. It features many lakes and bays. Despite occupying a smaller area and being in less desirable condition than those in Ajman or Dubai’s Deira, the old town was able to conserve a significant number of outstanding architectural monuments.
The least developed and quietest emirate is undoubtedly Umm Al-Quwain. Other than a few four and five-star hotels, lush mangroves for exploring, and a lovely beach club, it doesn’t have much to offer tourists.
The enormous Dreamland water park and the sizable fishing port are its two main claims to fame. However, you can discover the genuine customs and way of life of the Arab people here.
With a population of 68,000, this region is the least populous of the 7 emirates in UAE. In contrast to the other emirates, it does not have any coal or oil products. As a result, its economy is primarily dependent on hotel, tourism, and park earnings.
The fishing heaven
- The vast majority of this emirate is still uncharted, but it draws anglers from all around the nation.
- Some of the greatest deep-sea fishing spots are along Umm Al Quwain’s coastline.
The emirate also includes a wide range of other attractions, including:
Falaj Al Mualla Fort
- One of Umm Al Quwain’s most significant locations is the Falaj Al Mualla Fort.
- After being restored in 2015, the fortress now serves as a cultural center.
Ed-Dur Site
You may get a thorough overview of Umm Al Quwain’s history on the Ed-Dur Site:
- There is a notable temple from the initial century in this particular region.
- The remains of towns and cities from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages have also been found during excavations.
Umm Al Quwain National Museum
- The historic home of the emirate’s royal family now serves as the Umm Al Quwain Museum.
- This contains a collection of artifacts that have been at the Ed-Dur site.
- The museum also displays artifacts from earlier conflicts in the area.
Beaches
- Umm Al-Quwain’s beaches are large, sandy, and gradually sloping. On the beaches next to the hotels, there are shades, chaise lounges, bars, and restaurants.
- You can take a boat trip through mangrove forests after sunbathing on the nearby islands that are accessible from the Old City.
Fujairah
On the Indian Ocean’s shore and bordering by the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah is the greenest and coldest emirate in terms of temperature. After the commotion of Dubai, Fujairah is a haven of peace for numerous travelers and visitors. This location is a popular weekend destination for UAE residents.
It is the only emirate with a nature unusual for the UAE and quite high precipitation levels by local norms. Fujairah is home to several natural springs, expansive beaches with shimmering sand, gorgeous mountains, grand gorges, and lush valleys. Except for beaches, none of the other emirates have any of that.
In actuality, Fujairah’s mountains are what set it apart from the other UAE emirates. Here, the sea and rocky mountains converge, creating the ideal setting for a quiet getaway.
The weather is often pleasant; in the summer, it is not too hot, and in the winter, it is warmer than elsewhere in the nation. During the highest temperatures of July and August, many visitors make their way to the area because the ocean is colder than that of the Persian Gulf.
Families with children, those who value privacy, and anyone who enjoys a peaceful getaway at a top-notch hotel amidst breathtaking scenery may consider visiting Fujairah. Both mass tourism and loud entertainment are absent. However, there are several of resorts and lovely hotels, including those that have an all-inclusive approach.
The approximate population of that emirate is 127,000. The economy of Fujairah is not very developed. It depends on the government grants Abu Dhabi distributes. Since the majority of people in this emirate have jobs with the government, foreigners cannot possess more than 49% of any business or corporation.
Wadis and wild waters
Our list of the seven emirates of the UAE concludes with Fujairah, which is the rockiest and resides on the country’s eastern coast.
People who enjoy heritage and historical cultural landmarks will enjoy visiting Fujairah. The fort in the Old City, which was erected in 1670, and the Archaeological Museum, which houses exhibits detailing the past of the emirate going back thousands of years, are what make Fujairah city distinctive.
Here are a few of the emirate’s top sights.
Tim’s Reef
- Tim’s Reef in Fujairah is the single reef break location in the UAE and one of the top spots for surfing.
- For surfers, the reef’s location towards the Indian Ocean produces some amazing waves. So, if you are on the lookout for a place to catch really wild surf, this is it.
Madhab Spring Sulphuric Park
- This Fujairah natural area, or the Madhab Spring Park, features public swimming pools that use water from the neighboring Ain Al Madhab Hot Springs.
- BBQ, badminton, and swimming are just a few of the entertaining activities available at the famous family attraction Madhab Spring Park.
Wadi Wurayah National Park
- In Fujairah, there are many wadis, but Wadi Wurayah, or Wadi Wurayah National Park, is the most popular.
- This lovely wadi, which is tucked between the Bidiyah, Khorfakkan, and Masafi regions, is home to several animals, amphibians, and reptiles.
- In Fujairah, this is the sole terrestrial conservation area.
Beaches
All beaches belong to by hotels, and house guests are welcome to enter for free. The “foreign” beach is open to any outside tourists for a nominal entrance fee of 35–40 AED each person. So, this sum covers the usage of beach amenities like umbrellas, sun loungers, and restrooms.
The beaches in Fujairah are great for snorkeling, scuba diving, or just lounging about with the family. Consequently, tourists deem the northern or emirate beaches to be the greatest, preferring the beaches of Dibba Al Fujairah, Al Aqah, and Shark Island.
Why is the UAE a famous location?
The UAE is famous for many things, including:
- Some of the world’s tallest buildings
- Also, a resort for skiing in the desert
- Unique recreational opportunities
- Cuisines from all over the world
- A vibrant nightlife
- As well as top-notch malls
The UAE stands out from most other countries only because of its tolerance. As a result, the United Arab Emirates is home to a sizable population of individuals with Asian, American, European, and African ancestry.
If you are seeking for sophistication, excitement, rest, or enjoyment, the country is a terrific place to go. Therefore, there are many natural and tourist attractions in the various emirates of the UAE that are an absolute must-see.