Discover the UAE beyond the glitz! Explore 12 fun and unexpected things to do, from trekking mountain wadis to kayaking through serene mangroves and wandering through ancient ghost villages. Dive into a different side of the Emirates, where history, nature, and culture come alive in ways you won't find in typical guidebooks.
Beyond the world-famous skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls, the UAE offers a wealth of unique and surprising experiences. These activities provide a deeper look into the country's culture, nature, and history that you won't find in most standard tourist guides.
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Just outside of Sharjah, the Al Madam Ghost Village is an abandoned settlement being slowly reclaimed by the desert sand. You can walk through the eerie, sand-filled homes and a mosque, offering a hauntingly beautiful and surreal photography experience. The story behind why the village was abandoned remains a local mystery.
Trade the desert for a serene paddle through the UAE's vital mangrove ecosystems. Places like the Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi and the mangroves in Umm Al Quwain and Ajman offer guided kayaking tours. You'll get to see diverse birdlife and marine creatures in a tranquil environment far from the city's hustle.
The Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah is a UNESCO World Heritage site that takes you back thousands of years. It features ancient tombs, Stone Age artifacts, and Bronze Age relics. You can join a tour to see paleontological remains and learn about the region's pre-Islamic history.
Rather than just dining in a fancy restaurant, get an authentic cultural experience at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Dubai. They host traditional Emirati meals, where you can eat and chat with a local host, ask questions about Emirati culture, and learn about the customs firsthand.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah is a hidden gem. It offers hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through rugged mountains and lead to natural pools. It's a great spot for a day trip, especially during the cooler months, and provides a peaceful escape with stunning views.
Located in Fujairah, the Al Bidya Mosque is the oldest mosque in the UAE, dating back to the 15th century. This humble mud and stone structure is a stark contrast to the country's modern architecture, offering a glimpse into its deep-rooted history and Islamic heritage.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Al Ain Oasis is a sprawling palm grove with over 147,000 date palm trees. You can walk or cycle along shaded pathways and learn about the ancient falaj irrigation system, which still brings water to the trees.
Right on the edge of Dubai's bustling city, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wetland reserve. It's famous for its large population of flamingos that migrate here. You can observe the birds from designated hides, offering a surprisingly wild experience amid the urban landscape.
Falcons hold a special place in Emirati culture, and at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, you can get an intimate look into this tradition. The world's largest falcon hospital, it offers guided tours where you can learn about falconry, watch a demonstration, and even hold a falcon yourself.
In the emirate of Umm Al Quwain, the Ed-Dur Archaeological Site is one of the most significant ancient cities in the country. It was once a major trading hub and features the remains of a Roman temple and a large settlement, offering a fascinating look at life in the region over 2,000 years ago.
Off the coast of Fujairah, Snoopy Island is a small rocky islet named for its resemblance to the famous cartoon dog. The area is known for having some of the clearest waters and best marine life for snorkeling and diving in the UAE, with vibrant coral reefs and turtles.
In Ras Al Khaimah, Al Jazirah Al Hamra is an abandoned pearling village with a mysterious past. Sometimes referred to as a ghost town, its old coral and mud houses are slowly deteriorating, providing a fascinating and eerie look into the traditional life of coastal communities before the oil boom.
