Dubai may be the main attraction and the second largest of the seven emirates that come together under the banner of the UAE, but each has its own unique appeal and, depending on your preference for city life or countryside calm, they are all worth a visit. Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah offer everything from craggy mountain ranges to archaeological sites, and no city, town or village is more than a few hours’ drive from Dubai.
ABU DHABI CAPITAL APPEAL
Abu Dhabi city is the capital of the UAE and the largest emirate in terms of land mass. It is 90 minutes’ drive from Dubai. The city is also home to the Federal National Council and is known for its abundance of embassies and oil companies. A more sedate pace of life makes navigating the city a pleasure and it is home to modern malls, green parks and first-class restaurants. The emirate is also undergoing rapid development, especially on its profusion of offshore islands that will house cultural attractions including the Louvre and the Guggenheim, eco-resorts and even a Ferrari World, in the next few years. The city’s seafront Corniche is one of the most popular attractions for visitors and residents, and the multimillion dollar Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi is a world-renowned luxury destination, dominating the skyline at the far end of the Corniche.
AL AIN THE GARDEN CITY
A favourite place of the late Sheikh Zayed, former president of the UAE, Al Ain is the second city in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and touches the border with Oman at the enclave of Buraimi. Boasting the region’s largest oasis, Al Ain is the greenest city in the Emirates with shrubfilled parks, palm-lined highways and colourful flowers in the cooler months.
The city is also home to one of the UAE’s highest mountains, Jebel Hafeet, easily accessible via a 13-kilometre highway, although if you want to ascend on foot the choice is yours! The view from the summit offers a 360-degree panorama over the low-lying city and surrounding desert and there’s a hotel in Al Ain just below the summit for a mountaintop lunch. Al Ain also boasts an array of old forts – some restored and some picture-perfect in their ruinous state – as well as a central souk, dog racing track (winter only), zoo and hot springs. Hili Fun City and the adjacent archaeological gardens are partamusement park, part-historic site, complete with children’s rides, preserved tombs (4th millennium) and an ice rink.
FUJAIRAH EAST COAST ADVENTURE
Fujairah is renowned for its beautiful, golden, sandy beaches washed by the waters of the Gulf of Oman. An emirate on the verge of development, Fujairah is still a peaceful retreat from hectic city life, fronted by the expanse of ocean
with the impressive Hajjar mountain range as the backdrop. Fujairah town is a low-rise destination with a mixture of casual restaurants and cosy hotels. Further along the coast are the five-star Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort and the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, popular weekend spots for city escapees and visiting tourists. The emirate is also a major magnet for scuba diving fans, thanks to its numerous coral reefs and sunken wrecks, which are a haven for marine life on the east coast, with sharks, turtles and manta rays. There are several historical sites to see including a 300-year old fort, the oldest mosque in the UAE at Al Bidayah, and there are still the remains of ancient watchtowers dotted around, which are easily reached by car, bike or by hiking. Hot springs and waterfalls are hidden in the mountain scenery and visitors are advised to explore the area only with a licensed tour company or experienced and well-equipped local contact. Fujairah hosts the annual Power Boat Racing World Championship every October, and the unusual sport of bull butting can still be seen every Friday close to the city centre. And on the trip back be sure to stop off at the Friday Market in Masafi (open every day) for fruits, vegetables, plants and even carpets.
HATTA HERITAGE IN THE HILLS
Hatta is renowned for its landscape and solitude, offering a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of fast-paced life in Dubai. A 75-minute drive from Dubai, it’s a great day trip and has more attractions than first meet the eye.
The last waypoint in the UAE before reaching the border with Oman – a mere 10 kilometres further on – Hatta is a point of entry and exit for residents and visitors alike. The town is set in a dramatic location at the foot of the looming
Hajjar mountains with a picture postcard opportunity at every turn. One of the major points of interest is the old fort which dates back to 1790, as well as the Hatta Heritage Village, which provides an authentic insight into local life before the discovery of oil in the region. A favourite weekend retreat for UAE residents is the Hatta Fort Hotel, which has great outdoor activities on offer including desert excursions, mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery and tennis.
OMAN CULTURAL NEIGHBOUR
Oman has a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that complements the cosmopolitan nature and fast-paced development of the Emirates. A four- to five-hour drive from Hatta, or a 45-minute flight from Dubai is Muscat, the capital of Oman, an ancient seaport sandwiched between mountain and sea. The city is full of atmospheric attractions from grand mosques and ancient forts to castle ruins, traditional houses, fascinating souks and themed museums. The old port area is the site of the Sultan’s main palace and is an intriguing locale in which to while away a few hours, watched over by the Jalali and Mirani forts (built by the Portuguese), which dramatically guard the palace entrance. The main Muttrah Souk is another firm favourite where top picks are nuggets of frankincense and Omani silver items.
SHARJAH CITY OF CULTURE
Sharjah is the nearest emirate to Dubai’s city centre, a direct drive – traffic permitting. A word of warning though: avoid the Dubai- Sharjah highway during rush hour or you could find yourself on the road for an hour or more. Dedicated shoppers must pencil in a visit to the famous Blue Souk, whose distinctive architectural style with its Islamic influence is a major city landmark. Traditional purchases from the souk include brass coffee pots, Oriental carpets, hand-carved furniture and a wealth of trinkets and treasures from the near east to the subcontinent. Another retail attraction is the wonderful Souk Al Arsah in the heart of the restored museum district. One of the emirate’s oldest souks, it was renovated in traditional style incorporating shells, coral, wood and palm leaves. Items on sale include silver jewellery, coffee pots, wooden chests, spices and perfume. The city’s cultural arts and entertainment hub is Al Qasba.
Its waterfront setting is reminiscent of Venetian waterways and there is an excellent choice of local stores selling everything from gifts to clothes, restaurants, theatre shows and its pièce de résistance, the Eye of the Emirates big wheel. In 1998, UNESCO named Sharjah the cultural capital of the Arab world in recognition of its commitment to art, culture and heritage preservation. The emirate has a number of fascinating museums, including archaeology, coins, natural history, science, Islam and heritage.
UMM AL QUWAIN
Escape to the tiny emirate of Umm Al Quwain and discover the perfect place to cool off and chill out. Located less than 30 minutes from Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain is a tranquil destination as yet unaffected by the hurried pace of its city neighbours. The major draw of the area is the Dreamland Aqua Park, a familyfriendly waterpark with more than 30 rides spread over 250,000 square metres of landscaped gardens. The space bowl sends you hurtling through a twisting tube to be dumped into a giant bowl, while the kamikaze slides say it all. More sedate experiences include the high-salinity pool and lazy river. If you’re attracted to high altitudes, you can also try paragliding or skydiving at the local flying club.
RAS AL KHAIMAH MOUNTAIN AND SEA
A rugged landscape bordered by lofty mountains and sand-swept desert, Ras Al Khaimah is an action adventure emirate with an exciting range of activities from the sedentary to the adrenalin-led. The emirate has a rich heritage showcased in its historical sites, forts and abandoned villages. International excavations have revealed a history dating back to 5000 BC. Primed for development, a spate of recent projects has seen the launch of the Al Hamra Village, with 1,350 residential units, four five-star resort hotels, a marina, an 18-hole championship golf course and an upmarket retail arena. The Khor Qurm Project is another major leisure development, set on a pristine 13 kilometre-long coastal strip. When complete, the development will boast numerous resort hotels, an Arabian AdventuresTheme Park, a thalassotherapy centre, marina and an eco-friendly hotel in the middle of a nature conservation area.

