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  • From Skyscrapers to Sands: The Best Places to Visit in UAE

    Frances Tan
    Frances Tan
    Last updated 26 Mar 2024
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    Image credits to Aleksandar Pasaric, Denys Gromov, and Shukhrat Umarov on Pexels.

    Welcome to the mesmerizing United Arab Emirates. Envision a destination where cutting-edge sky-high structures intersect with ancient customs—that's precisely what you'll find in the UAE. Let’s embark on a thrilling expedition through its most prized possessions: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Trust us, these cities are not just the best places to visit in the UAE but also rank among the world's foremost tourist destinations! Let us start delving into Dubai:

    Dubai, The City of Gold

    Dubai, The City of Gold
    Explore the sandy cities of Dubai! Image credits to The Lazy Artist Gallery on Pexels.
    Dubai, often dubbed the 'City of Gold', is like that friend who always has a surprise up their sleeve. From sky-touching towers to vibrant markets, Dubai's got a bit of everything. There’s a lot of things to do in Dubai, making it one of the best places to visit in UAE!
    Palm Jumeirah at The View
    Experience a 360 degree view of the Palm Jumeirah at The View at the Palm! Image credits to Klook.
    Kick off your adventure with a day trip at The View at the Palm, a spectacular observation deck offering sweeping views of the city. Take a ride to the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower and witness the iconic landmarks that make Dubai unique. This breathtaking experience allows you to see the Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline like never before.
    Evening Desert Safari
    Get on a thrilling ride through the Evening Desert Safari! Image credits to Klook.
    For the thrill-seekers, the Evening Desert Safari is a must-try activity that blends adventure with cultural entertainment. Set out on a thrilling journey across the golden sands of the Arabian desert in a 4x4 vehicle. Experience the excitement of dune bashing as the skilled drivers maneuver through the dunes, creating an exhilarating ride. And as the sun dips, the desert transforms into a cultural haven. Camel rides, henna, BBQ under the stars, and the hypnotic dance of belly dancers. Pure magic!
    Burj Khalifa
    Climb up the Burj Khalifa with the world’s fastest elevator! Image credits to Klook.
    And naturally, one mustn't overlook the Burj Khalifa, standing tall as the planet's loftiest edifice. This iconic marvel soars to an astounding height of 828 meters and boasts an observation deck situated on its 148th floor, offering breathtaking vistas of the cityscape beneath. As evening descends, behold as this metropolis transforms into a terrestrial constellation.
    Madame Tussauds
    One of the world’s famous wax museum—the Madame Tussauds. Image credits to Klook.
    Ever dreamt of mingling with the stars? Madame Tussauds is where dreams come true! Get up close and personal with your favorite A-listers, sports stars, and historical figures for a fun-filled photo session. Pose, pout, and snap away with lifelike wax figures of legends.

    Local Delicacies in Dubai

    Local Delicacies in Dubai
    Take a bite of the savory delight of Shawarma! Image credits to RDNE Stock project on Pexels.
    Hungry? Dive into the local flavors! Grab some Shawarma, a beloved Middle Eastern dish consisting of thinly sliced meat wrapped in a soft pita, and filled with fresh veggies and flavorful sauces. It's the perfect on-the-go treat that locals and visitors adore.
    Another delightful Emirati dish you must try is Al Harees, usually served during Ramadan and Eid. This age-old recipe is a product of affection, utilizing wheat, meat, and an array of spices, simmered slowly in a pottery vessel till perfection. The outcome is a delectable concoction with indulgently tender meat that will undoubtedly leave you yearning for seconds.

    Abu Dhabi, The Capital City

    Abu Dhabi, The Capital City
    Where timeless tradition meets modern marvels. Image credits to Diego F. Parra on Pexels.
    Abu Dhabi isn't just the capital; it's where the soul of the UAE resides. Grand mosques, redefined luxury, and adventures at every corner—making this one of the best places to visit in UAE! Now, let’s jump right in to our Abu Dhabi itinerary:
    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
    Experience the thrill of speed and luxury at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi! Image credits to Klook.
    For the speed demons, one of the things to do in Abu Dhabi is to feel the rush of high-speed rides at Ferrari World—the world's first Ferrari-branded theme park! Experience the thrill of Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster on the planet, or challenge yourself at Flying Aces, with its stunning loop-the-loop ride. It's not just about cars; it's about heart-stopping, jaw-dropping fun!
    Warner Bros Abu Dhabi
    Warner Bros—Abu Dhabi's ultimate entertainment destination. Image credits to Klook.
    For those seeking an enchanting escape, Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi is a dream come true. Step into a world of magic and wonder as your favorite Warner Bros. characters come to life. From thrilling rides to live shows and interactive attractions, this theme park is perfect for families and fans of all ages.

    Local Delicacies in Abu Dhabi

    Local Delicacies in Abu Dhabi
    The perfect blend of spices and tender rice. Image credits to HLPhoto on Adobe Stock.
    Abu Dhabi's culinary panorama presents an amalgamation of both traditional and global flavors. Don't miss out on trying Majboos, a traditional spiced rice dish made with flavorful chicken, lamb, or fish. The combination of aromatic spices and tender meat makes it a delicious and comforting meal that reflects the essence of Emirati cuisine.
    Local Delicacies in Abu Dhabi
    Luqaimat, the golden bites of pure happiness! Image credits to ClaudiaRMImages on Adobe Stock.
    For dessert lovers, Luqaimat is a must-try treat. These delectable miniature dumplings are meticulously fried until they possess a golden hue; subsequently drenched in a luscious date syrup or honey with a sprinkling of sesame seeds. The outcome manifests as an enchanting confection that skillfully harmonizes saccharine sweetness with satisfying texture.

    How to Get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

    Traversing between two of the best places to visit in the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a venture that can be easily accomplished. The choice of either taking public transportation or availing oneself with a rented vehicle solely depends on individual preferences.

    Public Transport

    Public Transport
    Check out these public trams to travel between the two cities comfortably! Image credits to Denys Gromov on Pexels.
    Opting for public transport not only allows you to relish an authentic local experience but also helps save a few bucks along the way. Picture this: as you comfortably sit aboard a bus, your eyes wander over the vistas changing rapidly outside its windows; within just a couple of hours, you find yourself in an entirely different city! The Dubai RTA's E100 and E101 buses are your chariots. They're frequent, reliable, and will set you back just about AED 25. Not bad, right?

    Car Rental

    Car Rental
    Discover the wonders of Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the freedom of your own wheels! Image credits to Patryk Kosmider on Adobe Stock.
    For those of us who love the wind in our hair and the freedom to stop wherever we want, renting a car is the way to go. Picture this: you're cruising down the highway, your favorite tunes playing, and the majestic sights of the UAE unfolding before you. And with Klook, renting a car is a cinch!
    When it comes to driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, anticipate covering approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on the road—a duration subject to occasional traffic congestion. Moreover, when deciding upon where to collect your rental car, rest assured that there are two options available: pick-up at either the airport itself or any of the numerous conveniently situated locations within the city's boundaries.
    Just a friendly reminder: read over the terms and conditions of your rental agreement quickly, and take attention to any time constraints. Think about the times for both pickup and delivery. Considering the majority of car rental companies operate round-the-clock hours, it would be wise to ensure that if you pick up your vehicle at 10 AM, you return it by the same time the following day in order to avoid any additional charges. It is crucial not to overlook carrying important identification documents like your credit card and driver's license.
    Now that you're acquainted with these two cities, are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? From towering skyscrapers to traditional marketplaces known as souks, thrilling amusement parks and delightful local cuisine; these cities offer a unique fusion of experiences. So why wait? Begin planning your adventure and discover the best places to visit in UAE with Klook!