Destination UAE

In recent years, UAE has become the Middle East's defining tourist destination. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have enjoyed a sustained boom, which has resulted in the phenomenal growth of vast cities that cater for Western tastes without ever losing their Arabic sensibility. Both are home to soaring glass tower blocks, five-star resorts and sandy beaches, with an undoubted air of glamor. The lesser-known Emirates, though, are perhaps even more fascinating. Conservative Sharjah has a real charm, while Umm al-Quwain is the perfect escape from the big cities, with oases and dunes that make for an arresting and beautiful landscape.

In recent years, UAE has become the Middle East's defining tourist destination. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have enjoyed a sustained boom, which has resulted in the phenomenal growth of vast cities that cater for Western tastes without ever losing their Arabic sensibility. Both are home to soaring glass tower blocks, five-star resorts and sandy beaches, with an undoubted air of glamor. The lesser-known Emirates, though, are perhaps even more fascinating. Conservative Sharjah has a real charm, while Umm al-Quwain is the perfect escape from the big cities, with oases and dunes that make for an arresting and beautiful landscape.

Karim Sahib/AFP via Getty Images

The wild motor festival that transforms the desert into something ‘like Mad Max’

Each winter, Abu Dhabi’s remote dunes host a month-long motorsport festival where roaring engines, desert races and Emirati traditions combine in a raucous celebration of speed and community.

Gulf Multisport

In this sun-scorched nation, mall runs and night swims are saving the summer

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

Where art, tech and nature collide: teamLab opens an immersive new experience in Abu Dhabi

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