A Complete Tour of the UAE: Exploring All Seven Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country of two faces – high-tech buildings and age-old towers, sand and sea, the East and the West. This interesting country is made up of seven emirates and each of them has different attractions to offer. From the modern wonder of Dubai to the peaceful shores of Fujairah the seven emirates of UAE offer a rich experience in history, culture and geography. Whether the visitor is interested in the lavishness of the Emirates, the thrill of dune bashing or the richness of the Middle Eastern culture, the UAE has it all for everyone.

Travelling through the 7 emirates of UAE is like peeling an onion, where each layer is a different shade of the same color. Dubai is the nation’s capital city and a centre of culture and politics, while Sharjah is the city of heritage and arts. Ajman is as peaceful as it can be, Ras Al Khaimah has sharp rocks, and Umm Al Quwain is as unspoiled as it can get, thus making them great places to visit if you are tired of the over-the-top luxury of Dubai. Combined, the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates tell a tale of cohesion in the region, where the best of Arabian culture and contemporary trends are displayed.

Touring all the seven emirates in UAE is not just a sightseeing of the country’s cities and attractions; it is a search for a country’s spirit. Whether you want to shop in traditional souks and explore old mosques, relax in opulent hotels and indulge in exciting desert trips, each emirate will welcome you to discover the UAE in different perspectives. This guide will therefore provide you with a brief overview of each emirate to make sure your trip is as unique as the country itself.

Here, A Complete Tour of the UAE: Exploring All Seven Emirates

1. Abu Dhabi: The Cultural and Political Capital

Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate of the UAE and is currently the political and cultural capital of the country. It is the place of numerous incredible sights and is renowned for combining the best of the contemporary with the best of the past.

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: This is one of the biggest Mosques of the world and a fine example of Islamic architecture. You can walk through its white marble pavements, beautiful mosaics and large space for prayers.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an epitome of cultural exchange and is a hub for art enthusiasts. It hosts art from different civilizations and boasts of impressive galleries, temporary exhibitions and a unique design in line with cultural development of the emirate.
• Yas Island: Those who love the adrenaline rush, Yas Island offers Ferrari world, Yas Water world, and Yas Marina Circuit for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• Saadiyat Island: This cultural district will include the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi to the cultural attractions of the emirate.

2. Dubai: The Glittering Metropolis

Dubai, one of the seven emirates in UAE, is a world city that is famous for its glamour, splendid architecture and rich culture. It is a model of the contemporary world and includes some of the best known sights of the planet.

• Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the whole world provides great views of the city. You should not leave the 148th floor without visiting the observation deck.
• Palm Jumeirah: This man made island is a hub of beautiful resorts such as the Atlantis The Palm. The tourists can have a good view of the beaches, good foods and water sports.
• Dubai Mall: Dubai Mall is one of the biggest shopping mall in the world and has over 1200 outlets, an aquarium, an ice skating ring and fun facilities for children and adults.
• Dubai Creek: For a glimpse of the old Dubai, the dhow cruise Dubai Creek gives you an insight of the traditional souks and buildings.
• Dubai Desert Safari: A must for any visitor to the 7 emirates of UAE, this safari will take you into the desert where you can indulge in dune bashing, camel riding and Bedouin style dinners.

3. Sharjah: The Cultural Capital of the UAE

Sharjah is the third largest emirate of UAE and the cultural capital of the UAE where traditions are preserved and promoted through art and culture. This is famous for its museums, galleries and Islamic architecture.

• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: This museum has a collection of over 5,000 artifacts from the Islamic world with which one can get an idea of the history of this civilization.
• Al Noor Island: An amalgamation of art, nature, and architecture in Al Noor Island, it has had a beautiful garden area, interactive art sculptures, and the Butterfly House.
• Al Majaz Waterfront: It is a great place for a family visit with parks, cafes, and the Sharjah Fountain which is a light and water show at night.
• Sharjah Heritage Area: Visit the Al Eslah School which is a school of traditional architecture, follow it up with a visit to the Al Midfaa House which is a house of traditional architecture and end with a visit to the Al Arsa Souq which is a traditional bazaar where you can shop traditional souvenirs such as hand made crafts and spices.

4. Ajman: A Relaxing Escape

Ajman is the last of the seven emirates in UAE and it is comparatively quiet and less crowded than the other emirates. It’s also endowed with long sandy beaches and historical features, which makes it amongst the best kept secrets in the UAE.

• Ajman Beach: This is a perfect beach for sun bathing, swimming or even spending the day in solitude at the shore.
• Ajman Museum: The Ajman Museum is located in the restored fort and is devoted to the presentation of the history of the emirate, the culture, and artifacts of the region, and the life of traditional Bedouins.
• Al Zorah Nature Reserve: This is an assemblage of protected area that is a natural environment for flamingos and other wildlife and provides an opportunity for a kayaking and bird watching.

5. Umm Al Quwain: The Untouched Paradise

Umm Al Quwain is one of the most beautiful and historical emirates of the United Arab Emirates. However, it is less touristy than the others, which is great for those who want to avoid large groups of tourists.

• Dreamland Aqua Park: The largest water park in the UAE, Dreamland Aqua Park offers fun for the whole family or anyone who wants to experience a thrilling water ride or swim in wave pools or lazy rivers.
• Khor Al Beidah: A nature reserve that features mangrove forests and birds and has boat riding services in the calm waters.
• Umm Al Quwain Fort: This fort which has now been converted into a museum gives information about the history of the emirate and its position in the history of the region.

6. Ras Al Khaimah: Adventure and Nature

It is an outdoor tourism destination with adventure and nature tourism products such as mountains, deserts, and beach products.

• Jebel Jais: The tallest mountain in UAE with beautiful hiking trails and other adventurous activities including the longest zipline in the world. It is worth to note that the views from the top are simply breathtaking.
• Ras Al Khaimah Beach: The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has a long coastline where tourists can practice water activities and sunbathe.
• Al Hamra Village: The Al Hamra village is a beautiful neighborhood with a beautiful beachfront that has a golf course, luxurious hotels, and shopping centres.

7. Fujairah: Coastal Beauty and History

Fujairah is the only emirate of the UAE located on the eastern coast of the country and washed by the waters of the Gulf of Oman. It is famous for its mountain terrains, ancient forts and scenic beaches.

• Al Bidyah Mosque: Al Bidyah Mosque is the oldest mosque in the UAE and was built in the 15th century; historical and architectural tours should include this mosque.
• Fujairah Fort: A fine example of architecture from the 16th century, Fujairah Fort is a historical building that opens a window on the past of the emirate and offers a breathtaking view of the mountain and the valleys.
• Fujairah Beaches: Fujairah has incredibly clean sandy shores where tourists can engage in water sports and other water exercises in the Gulf of Oman.

Conclusion

All the 7 emirates are different so no matter what tourists are looking for they can always find it – whether it is luxury in Dubai, culture in Sharjah, or nature in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. If you have the opportunity to travel to the seven emirates of UAE you are in for a ride of a lifetime that will make you appreciate the uniqueness and warm hospitality of this country. Be it towering skyscrapers or cultural attractions or stunning natural treasures, it is possible to travel endlessly in the 7 emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Take a trip that is a true representation of the UAE and see what these incredible emirates have to offer.

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