Things to Do in United Arab Emirates: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Burj KhalifaMustEmirate of Dubai4.7(173,000)

This is Dubai's essential skyline experience, best used for the view rather than as an all-day activity. Reserve an early or late slot, then build the surrounding Downtown evening around it.

1.5h Book aheadTake the first morning slot for clearer views and less time in queues.

Book several days ahead for preferred sunset and evening slots; prime times can sell out sooner.

Pairs with: The Dubai Fountain · Dubai Frame · Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

#2Sheikh Zayed Grand MosqueMustEmirate of Abu Dhabi4.8(62,000)

The mosque is the UAE's most affecting monumental interior and a necessary counterweight to the country's glossy resort image. Allow time to walk its courtyards and galleries at an unhurried pace, observing the entry dress code.

1.5h FreeGo at opening or near sunset; allow extra time for security and entry procedures.

Pairs with: UAE Presidential Palace · Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental · Louvre Abu Dhabi (Art museum)

#3Jumeirah Burj Al ArabMustEmirate of Dubai4.7(31,000)

Its sail-like outline remains the visual shorthand for luxury-era Dubai, whether or not you enter the hotel. View it from the public beach area, or book the formal inside tour if the architecture and interiors matter to you.

45m Book aheadVisit around late afternoon, when the exterior is best lit and beachside heat has eased.

Exterior views are free; reserve the inside tour or a restaurant visit in advance if you want access beyond the gate.

Pairs with: Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah · Ski Dubai · Aquaventure World

#4Louvre Abu Dhabi (Art museum)MustEmirate of Abu Dhabi

This is the UAE's leading art museum and an architectural destination in its own right, with a collection designed for broad, cross-cultural browsing rather than specialist study. Give it a deliberate half-day, not a rushed stop between Yas Island activities.

2.5h Timed entryArrive near opening for quieter galleries and cooler time under the dome.

Reserve online for a preferred arrival time, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

Pairs with: UAE Presidential Palace · Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental · Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

#5Emirates Palace Mandarin OrientalShouldEmirate of Abu Dhabi4.8(33,000)

More palace-like landmark than conventional hotel sight, it captures Abu Dhabi's ceremonial, extravagant side. Use it for an exterior look, a coffee or meal, and a waterfront stroll rather than treating it as a destination that needs hours.

1h Walk upLate afternoon is most comfortable for the grounds and exterior photographs.

Pairs with: UAE Presidential Palace · Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque · Louvre Abu Dhabi (Art museum)

#6The Dubai FountainShouldEmirate of Dubai4.8(139,000)

The choreographed fountain is an easy, free Downtown spectacle that works best as punctuation after a viewpoint, dinner, or walk. It does not need a special expedition, but it is a satisfying part of a first evening near Burj Khalifa.

30m FreeWatch from the promenade shortly before the first evening performances, or book a waterside meal if viewing comfort matters.

Pairs with: Burj Khalifa · Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

#7Dubai FrameShouldEmirate of Dubai4.6(74,000)

The frame gives a legible view of old and new Dubai in one short visit, making it more useful than its novelty premise suggests. It is a good alternative for travelers who want a skyline perspective without committing to Burj Khalifa's ticket and crowds.

1h Timed entryChoose a clear weekday morning or a late-afternoon slot for softer light.

Book a timed slot online on busy weekends and holiday periods.

Pairs with: Burj Khalifa · Dubai Gold Souk

#8Dubai Gold SoukShouldEmirate of Dubai4.4(11,000)

The Gold Souk is one of the clearest surviving old-Dubai experiences, even if you are not shopping for jewelry. Walk it with the surrounding trading lanes and creekside area to understand the commercial city that predates the towers.

1.3h FreeGo in late afternoon or evening, when more shops are open and the lanes are cooler.

Pairs with: Dubai Frame · Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

#9UAE Presidential Palace (Tourist attraction)ShouldEmirate of Abu Dhabi

Known as Qasr Al Watan, this is an unusually accessible expression of the UAE's state architecture, with lavish halls that reward visitors interested in design and governance. Pair it with the nearby waterfront landmarks rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.

1.8h Timed entryVisit in the later afternoon and stay for the exterior lighting if schedules allow.

Buy online for a preferred entry window; same-day availability is often possible outside peak periods.

Pairs with: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental · Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque · Louvre Abu Dhabi (Art museum)

#10Al Ain OasisShouldEmirate of Abu Dhabi

The shaded paths and working oasis landscape reveal a quieter, older Emirati environment far removed from the coast's high-rises. Use it as the anchor of an Al Ain day, ideally with time for the city's forts and mountain views outside this list.

1.5h FreeWalk early in the morning or close to sunset, when the paths are most pleasant.

Pairs with: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

#11Jebel JaisShouldEmirate of Ras al Khaimah

The mountain roads and stark Hajar scenery provide the UAE's most dramatic escape from city spectacle. Go for the drive, views, and cooler air; adventure activities are optional and should not overshadow the landscape.

3h FreeSet out early for clearer mountain views and easier parking at the viewpoints.

#12HattaShouldEmirate of Dubai

Hatta is Dubai's practical gateway to mountain scenery, reservoir views, and outdoor activity, offering a useful change of pace from the city. Treat it as a day trip for hiking, kayaking, or a scenic drive rather than a brief detour.

5h FreeStart early, especially on weekends, when roads, parking, and water activities fill up.

#13Al Fahidi Historical NeighbourhoodShouldEmirate of Dubai

The restored creekside lanes offer the most useful introduction to mercantile-era Dubai and are far more revealing than another mall stop. Wander without overplanning, then continue toward the souks by abra or on foot.

1.5h FreeArrive in the morning for quieter lanes, or come near sunset and continue toward the creek.

Pairs with: Dubai Gold Souk · Dubai Frame

#14Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (Tourist attraction)If timeEmirate of Abu Dhabi

This is the strongest choice on Yas Island for visitors who want headline rides rather than a generic amusement-park day. It is worth prioritizing only if thrill rides, cars, or indoor family entertainment are genuinely part of the trip.

5h Book aheadArrive at opening and tackle the signature rides before midday.

Buy online ahead for better pricing and check ride availability before committing to a date.

Pairs with: Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (Tourist attraction) · Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

#15Dubai Miracle Garden l دبي ميراكل جاردنIf timeEmirate of Dubai4.6(95,000)

The garden is a playful, intensely photogenic seasonal diversion rather than a defining cultural sight. Choose it if you are visiting while it is open and enjoy elaborate floral displays; otherwise do not displace core Dubai sights for it.

1.5h Walk upGo at opening on a weekday, before tour groups and afternoon heat.

Pairs with: Global Village · Ski Dubai

#16Dubai Aquarium & Underwater ZooIf timeEmirate of Dubai4.5(80,000)

The aquarium's huge public-facing tank is worth seeing while passing through Downtown, while the paid underwater zoo is a family-oriented add-on. Pay for entry only if marine-life exhibits are a priority; otherwise enjoy the free exterior viewing area and move on.

1.3h Timed entryUse an early entry slot to avoid the busiest indoor shopping-hour crowds.

Book online for a chosen entry window during busy periods; packaged experiences cost more and are rarely essential.

Pairs with: Burj Khalifa · The Dubai Fountain

#17Global VillageIf timeEmirate of Dubai4.6(145,000)

This seasonal evening fair is a lively, unapologetically theatrical mix of food stalls, performances, shopping, and country-themed pavilions. It suits families and repeat visitors more than travelers with limited time, but it can be great fun on a cool evening.

3h Walk upGo on a weekday soon after opening; weekend evenings are particularly congested.

Pairs with: Dubai Miracle Garden l دبي ميراكل جاردن · Ski Dubai

#18Ski DubaiIf timeEmirate of Dubai4.5(43,000)

An indoor snow park in the desert is a distinctly Dubai diversion, not a reason to skip the city's outdoor landmarks. It works well for families, summer heat relief, or travelers who find the improbable setting part of the appeal.

2.5h Book aheadWeekday mornings are calmer than after-school and weekend sessions.

Reserve online for popular sessions and check what clothing and activities are included in the ticket.

Pairs with: Jumeirah Burj Al Arab · Global Village · Dubai Miracle Garden l دبي ميراكل جاردن

#19Aquaventure WorldIf timeEmirate of Dubai4.6(40,000)

This is Dubai's most substantial water-park day, with enough rides and beach time to justify a full outing for water-park fans. It is less compelling for a short first visit unless you are traveling with children or specifically want resort entertainment.

6h Book aheadBe at the gate before opening and take popular rides first.

Buy online in advance, particularly for weekends and holiday periods, and arrive early for popular slides.

Pairs with: Jumeirah Burj Al Arab · Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah

#20Mleiha Archaeological CentreIf timeEmirate of Sharjah

Mleiha makes sense of the UAE's deep pre-oil past through archaeology, desert landscape, and guided site visits. It is a rewarding choice for travelers who want history beyond Dubai's heritage districts and are willing to leave the main urban corridor.

2.5h Book aheadBook an early or late guided activity to avoid the harshest desert conditions.

Reserve guided archaeological or desert activities ahead, particularly for weekend sessions.

#21Al Bidya MosqueIf timeEmirate of Fujairah

This compact earthen mosque is one of the UAE's most evocative historic religious sites, especially in contrast with the grand scale of Abu Dhabi's mosque. Make it a brief stop on a Fujairah coastal and mountain-road excursion, not a standalone cross-country journey.

30m FreeVisit early or late in the day, and dress respectfully for a functioning religious site.

#22Yas Waterworld Abu DhabiNicheEmirate of Abu Dhabi4.5(21,000)

A polished water-park option on Yas Island, best chosen by families or visitors building a resort-entertainment day. It is not a core Abu Dhabi sight, so select it over Ferrari World only if water rides are the stronger fit.

5h Book aheadArrive at opening, before queues build on the headline slides.

Book online ahead for weekends, holidays, and any premium cabana or fast-track option.

Pairs with: Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (Tourist attraction) · Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (Tourist attraction)

#23Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (Tourist attraction)NicheEmirate of Abu Dhabi

This indoor theme park is the better Yas Island pick for families with younger children and fans of its characters. For most adults on a first UAE trip, the mosque, museum, and city landmarks should come first.

5h Book aheadWeekday opening hours offer the easiest access to the busiest rides.

Pre-book online for weekends and school holidays, when popular attractions can develop long waits.

Pairs with: Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (Tourist attraction) · Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

#24Wild Wadi Waterpark JumeirahNicheEmirate of Dubai4.4(18,000)

Its location beside Burj Al Arab makes this a convenient water-park add-on, but it is smaller and less destination-worthy than Aquaventure. Choose it for convenience or younger children, not because it is a first-timer essential.

4h Book aheadWeekday mornings have the shortest waits and the gentlest heat.

Book online for busy weekends and confirm operating hours, which can vary seasonally.

Pairs with: Jumeirah Burj Al Arab · Aquaventure World