The Burj Al Arab is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the UAE, often referred to as the world’s most luxurious hotel. Shaped like the sail of a ship, it rises from its own artificial island off the Jumeirah coastline. This iconic building has become a global symbol of Dubai’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and bold architecture.

Staying at the Burj Al Arab is an experience of pure indulgence, with all-suite accommodations, private butlers, and access to some of the most exclusive services in the city. Even if you are not staying there, you can visit the hotel by booking high tea, dinner, or a spa session. These experiences allow you to explore the stunning interior, complete with gold accents, fountains, and panoramic views.

One of the highlights is the Skyview Bar and the restaurants that sit high above the city and the sea. Dining here combines world-class cuisine with unforgettable views. The hotel also features a private beach, a terrace with pools and cabanas, and access to luxury yacht services.

A must-see spot for photography is from the public beach nearby, especially at sunset when the structure glows against the sky. It is one of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Interesting fact: The Burj Al Arab was built to resemble a billowing sail and is constructed on an island connected by a private bridge. Its helipad has hosted tennis matches and car stunts, making it famous beyond the hospitality world.

The Burj Khalifa, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, is the tallest building on the planet, soaring an incredible 828 meters into the sky. Opened in 2010, this iconic skyscraper is not just a feat of engineering but a symbol of Dubai’s rapid transformation into a global city. Surrounded by luxury hotels, shopping malls, and the Dubai Fountain, the Burj Khalifa stands as a centerpiece of modern urban design.

Visiting the Burj Khalifa is a must for any traveler to the UAE. The experience begins with a multimedia presentation detailing the history of the building’s construction. Elevators then whisk visitors up to the observation decks — “At the Top” on the 124th and 125th floors, or even higher to the exclusive 148th floor. From these levels, you’re treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of Dubai, the desert, and the distant Persian Gulf.

What makes the visit unforgettable is not just the height, but the feeling of standing above the clouds in one of the most ambitious structures ever built. The best times to visit are during sunset or at night, when the city below sparkles with life.

Don’t miss the Dubai Fountain shows at the base of the tower. These take place in the evenings and are synchronized with music and lights — a magical way to end your visit.

Interesting fact: The Burj Khalifa’s tip can be seen from over 90 kilometers away on a clear day, making it a true beacon of architectural achievement.

Rising like a monumental picture frame amidst the cityscape, the Dubai Frame stands 150 meters tall and nearly 95 meters wide. Located in Zabeel Park, this golden structure is a celebration of Dubai’s journey—from its modest beginnings to its gleaming modern skyline. It serves as a symbolic gateway, framing the old and new sides of the city in one striking view.

A trip to the Dubai Frame offers a fascinating visual narrative. Take the high-speed lift to the top, where you arrive on the Sky Deck. From here, you can gaze southward at the historic neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai, and northward at the ultramodern towers of Downtown, including the Burj Khalifa. This juxtaposition creates a powerful sense of the city’s transformation over just a few decades.

Inside the Frame, a multimedia exhibition guides you through Dubai’s evolution. Interactive displays, timelines, and immersive visuals bring the emirate’s rapid growth to life. It’s a great way for visitors to gain insight into the creative vision and hard work behind Dubai’s extraordinary rise.

One must-see is the glass-floor section on the Sky Deck—a thrilling moment for anyone unafraid of heights, offering a vertigo-inducing view straight down. The panoramic vistas beyond the glass are unforgettable.

Interesting fact: Dubai Frame was designed to reflect the shape of an Emirati frame—symbolizing not only a window into the city’s past and future, but also resembling a traditional Emirati picture frame used to display treasured photographs.

Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is a grand luxury hotel set beside a pristine private beach and surrounded by lush gardens. It showcases traditional Arabian architecture with ornate domes, sweeping corridors, and exquisite marble finishes. The palatial design reflects the cultural heritage and opulence of the UAE’s royal vision.

Visiting Emirates Palace is an experience in elegance and indulgence. Whether you stay the night or simply explore as a guest, you will be welcomed with the iconic gold cappuccino and attentive service. Guests can stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds, enjoy the private beach, or relax in the world-class spa and wellness facilities.

Must-see features include the stunning central atrium with its glittering chandeliers, the elaborate domed ceilings, and the serene water features that run through the property. Dining here is extraordinary with several fine restaurants offering Arabic, European, and Asian cuisine event spaces that often host gala dinners and cultural performances.

A walk along the beach at sunrise or sunset offers both calm and beauty against the backdrop of the palace silhouette. For families, the kid‑friendly pool and beach club provide a playful yet refined atmosphere.

Interesting fact: To reflect its name and status, Emirates Palace has over 1,000 chandeliers and more than 300 varieties of marble sourced from Italy, Greece, India, China, and Austria.

Emirates Towers is a striking pair of skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai comprising a triangular office tower and a matching hotel tower built side by side. Their mirrored steel and glass design stand out against the skyline, symbolizing the city’s futuristic ambitions.

Visiting means experiencing cutting-edge architecture and a vibrant urban hub. The complex includes the Emirates Office Tower and the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel. Whether you work there, stay overnight, or dine in one of the restaurants, you become part of a dynamic business and leisure environment.

Must-see areas include the spacious lobby of the hotel tower, filled with art and high ceilings, and the outdoor plaza between the buildings which hosts cafes and seasonal events. The surrounding landscaped gardens offer a peaceful contrast to the busy road nearby.

Dining here ranges from elegant international cuisine to casual cafés, appealing to both business travellers and tourists. The hotel also features a spa and fitness centre for relaxation.

Interesting fact: Despite their differing functions, the two towers were built to the exact same height of 305 meters to create a harmonious visual pair that reflects balance in design.

Etihad Towers is a striking ensemble of five skyscrapers gracing the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Completed in 2011, the complex features a mix of residences, offices, and a luxury hotel housed in Tower 1. Tower 2 rises to an impressive 305 meters, making it one of the city’s tallest buildings.

A visit to Etihad Towers combines luxury and panoramic beauty. Guests at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers (formerly Jumeirah) enjoy elegant rooms, several high-end restaurants, a spa, and direct access to the Observation Deck at 300. Don’t miss wandering through The Avenue, an upscale retail promenade featuring boutiques like Cartier, Armani, and Aston Martin.

A highlight for all visitors is the Observation Deck at 300 on Tower 2’s 74th floor. At 300 meters above ground, it offers 360-degree views of the Corniche, city skyline, and Arabian Gulf. Enjoy afternoon high tea complete with TWG blends and scenic surroundings for a memorable, elevated experience.

Must-see moments include savouring a sunset from the observation deck, dining in one of the tower’s world-class restaurants such as Ray’s Grill, and exploring the elegant lobby and glass lifts, which provide a sense of grandeur .

Interesting fact: Etihad Towers was a filming location for Furious 7, featuring the iconic scene where a Lykan HyperSport jumps between towers, cementing its place in cinematic history

Madinat Jumeirah is a luxury resort and entertainment complex along Dubai’s Jumeirah coastline that evokes the charm of an old Arabian town. It comprises boutique hotels, winding waterways, lush gardens, and a traditional-style souk, all carefully designed to mimic the region’s cultural heritage within a contemporary setting.

Visiting Madinat Jumeirah offers a blend of luxurious relaxation and cultural immersion. Guests can navigate the resort via traditional abras along its narrow canals or wander through the atmospheric souk lined with artisan shops, boutiques, and cafes. Unlike most resorts, it feels like a self-enclosed heritage village.

Highlights include the terrace restaurants overlooking the waterways, where you can enjoy international cuisine with the backdrop of Burj Al Arab. The serene private beach and serene pool areas complement the vibrant market precinct. A stroll through the resort’s landscaped gardens during sunset creates a magical and tranquil ambiance.

One must-see area is the central souk, where handcrafted items, spices, and artwork reflect the region’s traditional trading culture. Live music at sunset adds to the nostalgic yet elegant atmosphere, giving a memorable sensory experience.

Interesting fact: Madinat Jumeirah uses traditional wind tower architecture in its design These wind towers were once the primary method of cooling homes in the Gulf and are integrated here to enhance aesthetics and comfort without relying solely on modern air conditioning.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is one of the most magnificent religious structures in the world. It was built to honour the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. The mosque is a peaceful and awe-inspiring place, open to visitors of all backgrounds who want to learn about Islamic culture and admire its breath-taking beauty.

This mosque features stunning white marble walls, 82 domes, and reflective pools that create a sense of serenity. It can hold over 40,000 worshippers and welcomes millions of tourists each year. Its design blends traditional Islamic architecture with modern craftsmanship, making it both spiritual and artistic.

Visitors are encouraged to take a guided tour to understand the mosque's design and significance. Must-see features include the intricate floral mosaics, the massive hand-woven carpet in the main prayer hall, and one of the largest chandeliers in the world, adorned with Swarovski crystals.

The mosque is especially beautiful at sunset, when the light softens and the structure glows in golden hues. It is a popular spot for photography and reflection.

Interesting fact: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's carpet is the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world, crafted by more than 1,200 artisans and covering over 5,000 square meters.

The desert in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offers a completely different side of the UAE, filled with golden sand dunes, vast silence, and unforgettable adventures. It is a perfect escape from the city and a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty and Bedouin heritage.

A popular destination for desert experiences is the Lahbab Desert near Dubai, known for its tall red dunes ideal for sandboarding and dune bashing. In Abu Dhabi, the Liwa Desert stretches along the edge of the Empty Quarter, offering a more remote and dramatic landscape.

Activities include 4x4 dune drives, camel rides, falcon shows, and watching the sun set over rolling dunes. Evening safaris often end with a barbecue dinner and traditional music under the stars.

For luxury stays, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi is a top choice, combining comfort with a truly remote setting. Dubai’s Bab Al Shams Desert Resort offers a similar mix of heritage and elegance.

Interesting fact: The Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, which touches the edge of Abu Dhabi, is the largest continuous sand desert in the world and was once part of ancient trading routes.

The Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most ambitious engineering projects, shaped like a giant palm tree stretching into the Arabian Gulf. This man-made island is home to luxury villas, high-end resorts, and a collection of world-class dining and entertainment options. At its crown sits the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, a grand resort known for its striking architecture and ocean-themed attractions.

A visit to The Palm is like stepping into a different world. Whether you're relaxing at one of the exclusive beach clubs or enjoying a scenic drive along the crescent, the entire island offers a sense of luxury and innovation. For stunning views, head to The View at The Palm, an observation deck offering a full aerial perspective of the palm-shaped layout.

Atlantis, The Palm is more than just a hotel. It houses the Aquaventure Waterpark, one of the largest in the world, with adrenaline-pumping slides and a lazy river. The Lost Chambers Aquarium is also a must-see, with its immersive underwater tunnels and thousands of marine creatures.

Dining options are plentiful, from celebrity chef restaurants to casual beachfront lounges. It’s a great destination for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for fun, relaxation, or photo-worthy moments.

Interesting fact: The Palm Jumeirah is so large it can be seen from space. It added over 100 kilometers of new coastline to Dubai and was built using 94 million cubic meters of sand—without a single rock or concrete slab.