Joanna James
The Emirates isn't just about cutting-edge glamour and larger-than-life glitz, there is also a myriad of mindful, vibrant, atmospheric experiences for self-discovery amidst enriching nature and heritage enclaves. Here are some must-visit destinations in UAE's string of desert jewels.
A boldly beautiful desertscape city with all the ethereality of a mirage, Dubai is an adrenaline-rich Emirate that doesn't spare any thrills for even the most blasé of globetrotters. Whether you're most looking forward to racing 4-WDs up mountains of sand, Bedouin-style campouts under star-spangled skies, illusory museums for mind-bending edutainment, scaling the Burj Khalifah for fine dining and unparalleled views of Dubai's spectacular skyline, or indulging in some bougie retail therapy at the behemoth Dubai Mall, this state-of-the-art city is brilliantly engineered to facilitate your wildest dreams.
A mesmerising opal embedded into a sea of wind-whipped dunes, Abu Dhabi is the perfect blend of surreal antiquity and bonafide modernity that stuns the senses, stimulates the intellect, and satisfies the heart. From the intricate harmony of traditional and contemporary architecture gracing the lovely Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the imaginative sci-fi futurism of Masdar City to Ferrari World, where amateur racers can accelerate their dreams, retro-chic souqs hawking kaleidoscopic sensations, and soothing sunset kayaking through dusky mangrove forests, Abu Dhabi expertly and elegantly caters to every brand of wanderlust. If you're looking for outstanding serviced accommodation & hotels proffering prime access to diverse Emirati enticements, venture no further than those offered by popular brands such as Discover ASR.
A stunning island with a wild and free spirit, Sri Bani Yas is perfect for adrenaline addicts and indulgent unwinders alike, with its up-close-and-personal Safaris, astounding selection of terrains to explore with free-roaming wildlife as your guides, from windswept salt domes and untouched coastline to African savannahs and lavish grassland, and classy resorts where you can float in the pool watching the graceful grazing of wild gazelle.
One of the rare places where all that glitters is real gold, Deira not only showcases the world's largest gold market where thousands of sparkle lovers flock to buy affordable jewellery pieces of breathtaking craftsmanship, but it is also a mosaic of souqs irresistibly overflowing with aromatic cascades of spices, luxuriant Arabian rugs, jewel-toned lanterns, heady oud, plush textiles (with tailors on hand), and other artisan souvenirs well worth your bargaining skills.
A garden city elevated by ruggedly gorgeous mountains, Al Ain is full of raw and regal splendour and rustic charm with a twist of sparkling fun. Whether you're more enamoured by classic car museums, steamy natural hot springs, fragrant date groves, timeless palaces, or joyous adventure parks, this lushly intriguing city is idyllic for making nostalgic memories.
Despite sporting the UAE's largest shopping mall decked with 34000 square metres of bespoke local and international brands, along with its most tranquil beaches, exquisitely ambient resorts, and dreamy heritage forts, the smallest Emirate is still considered an off-the-beaten-path adventure, and you can benefit from fewer crowds and more intimate exposure to its striking allurements.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
