The iconic skylines, the advanced developments, and the charming beach resorts in the UAE make it an ideal vacation destination.
Millions of visitors venture out to the emirates every year, exploring its glamorous landscapes, massive shopping centers, top-notch resorts, and eateries. The Gulf nation is a popular holiday choice for many families living abroad. It may be due to the fact that the country is home to family-friendly activities ... or the fact that #FamilyVibes are just naturally in the air.
If you're planning a family escape to the UAE, here are eight things you need to do while you're there:
1. Visit the famed Burj Khalifa (Dubai)
One of the most famous buildings in the UAE is Burj Khalifa. The soaring sky-highland mark of Dubai snatched "the tallest freestanding structure of the world" title. The Burj Khalifa includes 300 homes, nine hotels, and plenty of offices.
Its construction began in 2004 and ended in 2009. The panoramic view of Dubai from the observation deck "At The Top" is a sight you'd most definitely want to see.
2. Roam the sandy dunes
If you have an adventurous streak, then a desert safari is your answer.
Four-wheel-drive-trips, sand boarding, camel treks, hiking, and dune buggy journeys are just some of the activities you can enjoy while absorbing the striking beauty all around. Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Dubai have excellent bases for desert sightseeing.
For dune bashing, check out the Desert Safari Dubai.
3. Cruise the Dubai Creek like a local (Dubai)
The famous skyline view from Burj Khalifa is exceptional, but it's not the most iconic. The most scenic way to explore Dubai is via a traditional cruise on Dubai Creek that slices through the city. Dubai Creek, a 14-km length water inlet, divides the city into Deira and Bur Dubai.
4. Dip your toes in the sand at Jumeirah Beach (Dubai)
Stretching over the south side of the coastal city, Jumeirah Beach is known for its smooth stretch of white sand. The beach is perfect for anyone looking to sunbathe, relax, scuba dive, windsurf, sail, and water-ski.
The seven-star sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Hotel is surrounded by Jumeirah Beach. The hotel is home to nine world-class restaurants and bars and over 200 luxurious rooms.
5. Spend a night, or four, at Emirates Palace (Abu Dhabi)
The Emirates Palace is a seven-star hotel located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. With 92 suites and 300 rooms, you'll feel more than at ease at all times.
The hotel is home to a spa, health center, tennis court, and exclusive beach entries. The world's most expensive Christmas tree - valued at $11 million - lives inside this hotel.
6. Get your heart pumping at Ferrari World (Abu Dhabi)
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, located in the heart of Yas Island, is a massive indoor theme park that tells the story of Ferrari through every corner.
Voted as the Middle East's leading theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi invites all thrill-seekers for an experience of a lifetime. The park is home to the world's fastest roller-coaster aka "Formula Rossa" and more than 36 other record-breaking rides and attractions.
7. Go on a shopping spree at Dubai Mall (Dubai)
Dubai is home to the world's largest structures, and its malls are no different. The Dubai Mall is the world's largest mall, spreading across 12 million square foot (which is approximately the combined size of 50 football fields).
The mall is not only a shopping haven, but also boasts a number of attractions including the Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Ice Rink, to name a few.
8. Admire the architecture at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi)
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE, has been hailed for its mind-blowing architecture time and again.
With delicate glass work, intricate carving, and mosaic tiling, the mosque has a uniquely designed interior and exterior. It was under construction for 20 years and was then reopened in 2007.