10 Breathtaking Hidden Gems in the UAE You Need to Explore

Hidden Gems in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates as we know it – a country of tall skyscrapers and extravagant shopping malls – has much more than just Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, all these cities symbolize modernity, and there is much more to the UAE that most people do not know. Apart from the cities, that are already familiar to every traveler, Hidden Gems in the UAE there is a lot of hidden and very beautiful places that can give you an idea of the nature and history of the country. Beautiful sandy deserts, isolated beaches, old castles and even calm mountain ranges, all of which can be found in the UAE.

The idea of off the beaten path destinations is interesting in this case because it gives a potential tourist a view of the UAE that they might not see if they just stick to the usual tourist routes. These beautiful and tranquil spots offer a nice break from the bustle and hustle of the city and give you a chance to enjoy the nature, culture and history of the area. Whether you are moving around lush green oases, walking the beautiful mountains, or visiting the archeological sites that are hundreds of years old, Egypt is so much more than this. The best part? These beautiful places still are not very popular among tourists; thus you can travel to the UAE and enjoy these amazing places alone.

In case you are interested in something that is off the beaten tourist track and in search of things that are not quite typical for the UAE, there are numerous gems that will be interesting and exciting for any traveler. These gems range from desert reserves that offer stunning views and opportunities for hiking, to mountainous terrains that give the adventurous a peek into the UAE’s less explored terrain. Therefore, Hidden Gems in the UAE let’s open the map and start traveling through the less known parts of the UAE that are still waiting for you!

Here are the 10 Breathtaking Hidden Gems in the UAE You Need to Explore

1. The Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

Hidden Gems in the UAE

Al Marmoom is located just on the outskirts of Dubai and is a protected area of the desert that will give a break from the noise of the city. This large piece of land has features like the Arabian oryx and the gazelles in the area. There are other fun activities that can be done in this area such as a peaceful desert tour, bird watching or sand bording. Among all the pearls of the UAE, still unknown to many tourists, Al Marmoom is one of the most beautiful and calm places.

2. Fujairah’s Al Bidya Mosque

Hidden Gems in the UAE

If you are interested in the history then Al Bidya Mosque is the place to go to. This mosque is the oldest one in the UAE and it was built in the 15th century, however, it is situated in Fujairah. It is very humble and elegant construction of mud and stones that would give you a sense of culture that exist in UAE. The mosque is located in a beautiful area that is free from noise and has magnificent views of the mountains, therefore it is an ideal place to pray.

3. Jebel Jais

Hidden Gems in the UAE

Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah is the ultimate destination for adventure, and every traveler should consider it. This is the tallest mountain in UAE and has a royal look with wonderful views to be seen. For those who love hiking, zipline or just admiring the natural beauty of the country then Jebel Jais is one of the most notable attractions in the UAE. It is a place for adventure and high energy but at the same time, a place to relax after the stresses of city life.

4. Khor Fakkan

Khor Fakkan is a beautiful town situated along the Gulf of Oman and is part of Sharjah. This is a relatively unknown destination that is famous for the beautiful sand, clear water and impressive rocks. This is a perfect place for swimming, or snorkeling or even sunbathing by the shore of the water. There is also cultural center and historical site known as Khor Fakkan Heritage Village to explore the town’s history.

5. Hatta Dam

Hatta Dam is another perfect place to visit and it is situated in Hajar Mountains, this area provides the overview of the clear water of the dam surrounded by high rocks. It is an excellent place for a kayaking, paddle boating or driving around the dam in the area. Hatta also provides beautiful hiking routes for people who like to walk in the nature, so it is one of the most picturesque and but secret place for tourists in the UAE.

6. The Floating Village in Al Zorah

6. The Floating village in Al Zorah

Located in the unknown Ajman, the Floating Village in Al Zorah provides a fantastic experience. This sustainable tourism resort includes overwater bungalows, located amidst the mangrove forest and clear waters. It is a tranquility sanctuary that provides a natural experience of the environment with the comfort of a smart hotel. It makes for a great weekend destination because there is so much to see and do within the village.

7. Mleiha Archaeological Centre

Those who are cultural buffs and loves archaeology should not miss to visit the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. This is an unexpected treasure trove for learning about the historical background of the UAE, from the Stone Age to the period before the advent of Islam. Visitors can also visit tombs, forts, archeological sites as well as learn more about this old desert area.

8. Wadi Shawka

Wadi Shawka, which is situated near Ras Al Khaimah, is also one of the best places for hiking and other adventurous activities. This cryptic valley is located at the backdrop of towering cliffs and accommodated with enormous vegetation cover. The best thing is to go and immerse oneself in the wilderness, as there is opportunity to trekking, take a natural shower in some pools, learn about the variety of plants and animals. Wadi Shawka is one of the most serene and least visited destinations in the UAE.

9. Al Jahili Fort

Al Jahili Fort is a historical structure of Al Ain that is a wonder of traditional architecture of the emirate. This one was constructed during the nineteenth century to protect the oasis town from invasion; however today it is a museum of the area. Located amidst these gardens, it provides relatively serene environment for visitors to tour through.

10. Louvre Abu Dhabi

While not exactly a secret, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is one that is easily overlooked when choosing what to see in the city. This museum is one of the most beautiful of contemporary architecture and houses a great number of pieces of art from different countries. This place is one of the most beautiful in the UAE, presenting the best samples of culture and modern art.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the UAE is a much richer country than the famous cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi only. The off the beaten path destinations are also a plus for travelers seeking to have a different experience of a different kind. If you are looking for lonely and calm desert, interesting historical places such as forts, Hidden Gems in the UAE or beautiful mountain views, the off-the-beaten-track of the UAE reveals totally different and unique side of this country. These places are ideal for every traveler who wants to get acquainted with the Emirates’ authentic atmosphere but is not going to be surrounded by tourists.

Therefore, the next time you will be planning a trip to the UAE, do not limit yourself to visiting only popular tourist attractions, and explore some of the most fascinating offbeat places in the UAE. Whether one is interested in the outdoors, history, best attractions in UAE or just some excitement these off the beaten path places are guaranteed to provide memories of a lifetime. You should not leave the opportunity to visit these places and discover the side of the UAE that many tourists do not see.

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