Exploring the Top Cities in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is one of the most spectacular destinations in the world and offers some of the finest curated experiences, enough to satisfy every traveller across the globe. The country holds a rich heritage, from being a merely desert to emerging as one of the iconic places where people flock to explore the places for tourism, business, and loads of job opportunities. But, do you know how many cities there are in the UAE? The seven independent city-states that together make up the United Arab Emirates comprise Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah.

Each of the cities in the UAE holds its own unique charm and distinctive features that differ from others. These UAE states offer a delightful experience while displaying their own personalities. You can find tons of fascinating history and culture, and the modern attractions are no less. These boast attractions packed with state-of-the-art technologies that are enough to satisfy your travelling adventure.

Before you hop on a plane to explore the top cities of the UAE, know the UAE capital and currency The capital of the UAE is Abu Dhabi, known as the popular hub of culture, sport, and leisure, and the currency is the dirham or AED. Here are the top cities to visit in the United Arab Emirates for your next trip.

Dubai

The magnificent city of the UAE, Dubai, is the ultimate definition of glamour and luxury. People across the world flock to Dubai to enjoy its one-of-a-kind experience, which offers numerous attractions, vibrant culture, mouthwatering delicacies, and a rich cultural heritage. This city has over time become one of the major hubs of a leading global environment, offering a wide range of opportunities in every sector, drawing people to come and explore Dubai.

However, Dubai is mostly known for its luxury and soaring skyscrapers with lavish and incredible architectural styles. The city offers countless things to do and see. Starting from the world-famous Burj Khalifa, the largest mall—Dubai Mall, the largest musical fountain—Dubai Fountain, the Dhow Cruise, the Museum of the Future, Dubai Miracle Garden, Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah Beach, to the oldest parts of Dubai, including souks in Deira, Al Fahidi neighbourhood, and what not! You just can't get enough of this glamorous city in the world.

Abu Dhabi

The gorgeous capital of the UAE and also the national capital of the federation, Abu Dhabi, is a splendid place to spend your time. It might not be as famous as Dubai, but it still holds the charm to wow its visitors. Abu Dhabi occupies most of a tiny triangular island which is located just off the Persian Gulf coast. The city connects to the mainland by a short bridge. The places here are brimming with rich culture and history and are best known for their traditional Emirati experience.

Abu Dhabi You can explore the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque and admire its architectural brilliance, which is the most popular attraction in Abu Dhabi. The next stop to the Louvre Museum is worth your time, where you can find over 600 works of art, including the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Giovanni Bellini, Claude Monet, and more. For a fun time, visit Yas Island or Ferarri World to spend your time packed with thrills and entertainment.

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most scenic emirates in the UAE, covering 27 miles of stunning coastline embraced by beautiful lagoons and sandy beaches. Without the presence of oil fields, this city has significantly evolved to become a prominent business centre by emboldening revolution, dynamism, and your talents and entrepreneurial culture.

Ras Al Khaimah is surrounded by varied topography, including mountains, beaches, deserts, and lagoons, giving it a distinct character and setting it apart from other emirates. You can witness Bedouin settlements in the deserts, while the contemporary lifestyle in the city. Ras al Khaimah tourist places offer a perfect balance of culture and modernism to visitors. Here, you can visit Jebel Jais, which is home to the world’s longest zipline, or you can explore the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah to understand the roots of the city.

Fujairah

Another famous destination of the UAE, Fujairah sits on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, which lies along the beautiful Gulf of Oman. It is renowned for its world-famous beaches and the Hajar mountain, which can't be missed on your trip. Since it is located away from the hustle and bustle of most metropolitan atmospheres, it is calm and serene.

Prominently serving as a business hub and commercial centre of the United Arab Emirates, it is often overlooked by most travellers due to its massive Hajar Mountain, which offers enchanting views. The city carries its own culture with a fascinating mixture of 70km of coastline and rugged mountain ranges, while those beaches support a heavy time on several maritime activities including rowing, sailing, yachting, deep-sea fishing, water surfing, and swimming almost through the year. Fujairah is also the host of the annual powerboat racing championships.

Sharjah

Sharjah, the art capital of the United Arab Emirates, is teeming with history and heritage with its numerous museums, diversity of landscapes, and conservative lifestyle. In 1998, the city earned its title of Cultural Capital of the Arab World, from UNESCO. Tucked away from all the glamour and grandeur of Dubai, Sharjah has its own heritage to offer.

The city offers numerous things to do with loads of entertainment and amusement options where you can explore the well-preserved museums, stunning mosques, souks, and numerous parks. Do visit the National History Museum and Desert Park, where your little ones will enjoy petting animals, and the Science Museum is packed with exhibits and interactive units. Sharjah is also known as "paradise, selling gold, silver, rugs, Arabic rugs, and other precious stones at Souq Al Arsah and Blue Souq, two prominent markets in the city housing 600 shops.

Ajman

Ajman is the smallest city of all seven emirates and is famous for its scenic beauty and gorgeous beaches. The city also has a booming economy, offering numerous sightseeing options, including museums, forts, and shopping complexes. The city is located along the western coast of the United Arab Emirates, snuggled on the Arabian Gulf with around 16 km of beautiful coastline.

Besides being a booming commercial hub, Ajman has also seen a surge in shopping culture and other tourism activities. Visitors experience a sunny and pleasant vacation and an elevating cultural and historical experience. For most of them, spending time on beaches is the major highlight of Ajman, with its white-sandy shorelines lined with cooling palm trees. You swim, enjoy, play, or go on a picnic with your loved ones while making barbeque to cherish the moments.

Al Ain

The United Arab Emirates' fourth-largest city, Al Ain, is a popular tourist attraction. The name Al Ain means ‘the spring’ in Arabic, which answers every reason why it is known as the Garden City. It is easily accessible from other metropolitan cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi and just takes over half an hour to reach.

Al Ain offers a range of historical, cultural, and natural splendours to visitors. The city enjoys pleasant spring weather year-round while you get a chance to explore the natural springs, verdant plantations, and stunning oases. You can visit the Al Ain Zoo, which features various animals in their replicated natural environment, or explore Jebel Hafeet, which offers wonderful terrain and surrounding scenic beauty. There are also numerous public gardens spread across the city.

Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain, the smallest city among the seven emirates, is the least populous of all. At first glance, you can see how the sudden impact of evolution and modernization has not impacted this southern emirate, making it a quaint and retro village. You can still fish as its primary occupation with the lack of luxury hotels, malls, and other grandeur.

Umm Al Quwain still holds the essence of a fishing village with its culture. There are dhows carved out of mangroves that represent the country before the discovery of oil, glamour, and glitz. You can explore the aesthetic sheesha bars as there are no luxury malls or resorts, in contrast to its neighbours. However, there is an island named Al Siniyah situated right off the coast. It is protected by a lagoon and welcomes a variety of seabirds every year.

The United Arab Emirates is much more than never-ending deserts and ancient forts. When visiting here, you get to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Emirates while the sweeping skylines take your breath away. From its glamorous cities packed with extravagant infrastructure, malls, and lavish hotels to the quaint parts following its old customs and traditions, you get to explore every essence of the country in a distinct manner. So, if you are planning to visit the United Arab Emirates, make sure to explore these seven cities with seven different vibes.