The United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Western Asia is home to a federation of seven emirates, including its capital, Abu Dhabi, and the vibrant tourist destination of Dubai. These cities are the largest in the country and offer incredible sights of futuristic buildings, a variety of cultural activities and flawless beaches. Discover their hidden gems as well as those in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and the newest addition to the emirates, Ras Al Khaimah.
If you are not already convinced that this is the holiday for you, we have highlighted the main attributes that make the United Arab Emirates the place to be in 2021! 
Iconic Sights
An unmissable sight is, of course, the famous Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Reaching an incredible 160 stories high, this building has been the tallest in the world since 2009 and offers breath-taking views across the city. Take in the beauty of the Dubai Fountain and stay at the luxurious 7-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, or catch a glimpse of it from the Jumeirah al Naseem hotel – boasting 5 stars and flawless, modern interior.
In Abu Dhabi resides the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. This architectural masterpiece features 82 domes, a thousand columns and countless glamorous chandeliers. This spectacular monument is open to tourists and is the country’s main place of worship, welcoming over 41,000 people during Eid. Just a 20-minute drive away is the stunning Emirates Palace hotel, where you can stay to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and a variety of places to dine nearby.
Stay at the lavish Royal M Hotel Fujairah Mall in Fujairah where you can visit the uniquely designed Al Bidya Mosque, one of the most ancient mosques in the country.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Exciting Activities
With a mix of sightseeing, shopping and thrilling water sports, you are guaranteed to fill your itinerary swiftly and keep yourself entertained throughout your holiday.
In Dubai, splash out on a shopping trip at Dubai Mall and take a relaxing stroll around the Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest flower garden filled with vibrant colours and unique floral displays. Spend a day out at the Atlantis Adventure Waterpark where you can experience over thirty attractions including ziplining and sliding through shark-filled lagoons!
Take a walk through the beautiful garden around the mosque at Al Majaz Park in Sharjah and enjoy family attractions, gorgeous fountains and exquisite restaurants at the waterfront. Stay at the Chedi Al Bait hotel during your visit, a 5-star resort with 53 luxurious rooms and suites featuring warm, Arabic-style interior.
Immerse yourself in the heat of the sandy desert in a camel ride in Abu Dhabi, a quad bike desert tour or experience a bird’s eye view of the cities from a hot air balloon! If you’re keen to splash in the crystal blue ocean, most of the cities also offer speedboat tours and cruises.
Chedi Al Bait Hotel
Beaches & Beach Clubs
One of the main reasons that the United Arab Emirates is the ideal holiday destination for 2021 is the smooth white sand beaches and glittering waters, as well as the luxury experiences available at the beach clubs.
Relax at Saadiyat Beach Club in Abu Dhabi for the ultimate VIP experience in the city’s best venue, offering exceptional service and quality as well as the ideal location of Saadiyat Island. Visit JBR Open Beach, the best and largest in the city with everything you need at your fingertips, including places to eat and drink. Absorb the sunshine on the golden sand or swing in the sea hammocks with endless views of the ocean, before throwing yourself into the variety of water sports such as jet skiing or flyboarding!
Al Mamzar Beach Street and Beach Park in Sharjah are must-visits, as well as Jazirat al Ghubbah and Snoopy Island in Fujairah and Al Hamriyah Beach in Ajman.
Natural Hidden Gems
Take your trip to the next level by discovering beautiful hidden gems that are often overlooked, such as the Umm Al Quwain Mangroves which are unspoiled mangroves often admired from boats or guided water sport tours. Visit from the immaculate 5-star Barracuda Beach Resort on the coast of the lagoon in Umm Al Quwain.
Discover the new treasure of Shees Park, Khorfakkan in Sharjah, featuring a beautiful artificial waterfall, long paths, and an outdoor theatre. Find the hidden Al Wathba Fossil Dunes in Abu Dhabi and admire its flawless formations, which is unheard of even to some locals despite featuring in a few movies.
Capture unique views of Dubai and sail or snorkel in the clear waters at Moon Island, located 50km off the coast of the city which can be accessed by boat. Don’t miss the only UNESCO World Heritage site in the country – Al Ain Oasis, the spectacular mountain landscape of Hatta Dam and a sea of flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai.
By Layla Maguire
KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
