Al Ain
Al Ain, the Garden City of the UAE, is named for its lush oases and endless palm farms. It feels completely different from Dubai and the rest of the country, quieter, greener, and more traditional. The city’s old architecture still carries the heritage of the UAE, with earthy tones and simple designs. Life here moves at a slower, more peaceful pace modest, calm, and deeply authentic.
Al Jahili Fort
Al Jahili Fort is one of Al Ain’s most famous landmarks. Built in the late 19th century to protect the city and palm groves, it’s an impressive mudbrick structure with towers and a central courtyard.
Forts have never been my thing, and I had lots of stress that day that I didn’t want to force it. So instead, I chose to visit a palm farm nearby.
Palm Farm
We visited Al Ain during another trip to the UAE, right in the middle of the COVID period. At that time, getting the Pfizer vaccine was a real struggle. We had already tried in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and we heard that maybe Al Ain could help, so we headed there, hopeful. But when we arrived, they told us there was a shortage. I remember feeling so nervous and angry, worried about how we’d get vaccinated and go back home.
Later that day, we visited a palm farm, and as I walked between the tall palm trees, all that stress and frustration slowly faded away. In some places, small streams of running water brought a sense of freshness, I touched the water, listened to it flow, and felt surrounded by calm and quiet. There was only nature, only palms, and for a moment, everything felt peaceful. I entered that place like a zombie and left almost like an angel. That’s the power of mother nature, it heals you without saying a word.
Jebel Hafeet
After the palm farm visit, I felt completely zen and ready to explore more, so we headed to Jebel Hafeet. It was amazing just seeing the mountain ahead as we drove toward it: flat green, trees on both sides, and the mountain standing tall like a king on a throne. We were so excited to see the views from above.
The road up was winding and beautiful. We passed the Mercure Grand Hotel, tucked into the mountain with some truly stunning hidden viewpoints. When we reached the top, the view was breathtaking. But Jebel Hafeet isn’t just beautiful, it’s also historically important. The mountain and its foothills are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to ancient tombs that tell the story of civilizations that lived here thousands of years ago.
We walked around, took photos, and then sat in a small coffee shop, sipping tea as the sun slowly set. As the city lights began to twinkle below, the view turned utterly romantic.
I remember at the café I was secretly entertained watching the couple next to me more than the view. The lady was blasting a loud movie on her iPad, the husband endlessly scrolling on his phone, both puffing on shisha, and not a single word passed between them. I kept thinking, how did they even get here? Sitting in the best spot to enjoy the sunset, yet glued to their screens as if the mountain didn’t exist. I was so shocked, and so entertained, that for a while, all my worries about vaccines… ohooh, who even remembers them now?
Ras Al Khaimah
When you see Dubai, you can’t imagine that the country has mountains, until you go to Ras Al Khaimah. The winding roads almost made me feel sick, twisting past rocky red peaks and stretches of desert dotted with camels. We drove all the way to the Jebel Jais viewpoint, a beautiful spot with a few cafés where you can relax and take in the scenery. From there, you can even see Oman, and we couldn’t help but wish the borders were open so we could continue the adventure.
Jebel Jais
For thrill-seekers, Jebel Jais is home to the world’s longest zipline, soaring over the mountains with breathtaking views, not for the faint of heart. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping spots if you want to spend more time surrounded by the rugged beauty of these stunning northern mountains. It’s amazing how different the landscape is from the skyscrapers of Dubai, yet just a couple of hours away.
Sharjah
From Ras Al Khaimah, we hit the road back toward Dubai passing by Khorfakkan, a coastal city in Sharjah, about 2 hours and 30 minutes away. The drive itself was beautiful, winding through mountains and desert stretches, giving us a taste of the UAE’s diverse landscapes.
Sharjah is another emirate, often called the cultural heart of the UAE. It has a completely different vibe from Dubai, quieter, more traditional, and full of family-friendly spots. What I really liked is how it stays true to the country’s roots and religion. A simple example: on Fridays during prayer time, all the stores close, something you don’t see in Dubai anymore.
Khorfakkan
Khorfakkan is famous for its amphitheater and waterfall, two attractions that blend culture and nature in a way you don’t expect in the desert. The amphitheater was new but built in stunning Roman style with pillars and Islamic arches, curved seats and a majestic vibe that makes you want to sit and watch a performance even if nothing’s happening. Right next to it, the waterfall looked so real that you’d never guess it was man-made if no one told you, water cascading down the rocks, surrounded by greenery that felt completely natural. Together, they made Khorfakkan a perfect stop to enjoy both culture and nature in one glance.
Al Qasba Canal and the Waterfront
Al Qasba Canal is one of my favorite places in Sharjah, a peaceful waterfront lined with cafés, restaurants, and lights reflecting on the water. You can walk along the canal, take a boat ride, or hop on the big Ferris wheel, the Eye of the Emirates, for great views of the city.
Al Noor Island
Al Noor Island is a man-made island connected to Sharjah by a pedestrian bridge. It’s home to the Butterfly House, a warm glass garden filled with colorful butterflies flying freely. But that’s not all, the island also has beautiful walking paths surrounded by palm trees, art installations, modern sculptures, and night lights that make the whole place glow. There’s even a small café where you can sit by the water and just enjoy the calm.
Souk Al Markazi
Souk Al Markazi, also known as the Blue Souk, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Sharjah. I remember being drawn to it by its arched windows and blue tiles, so I asked our friend what it was, turns out, it’s a souk. Inside, you’ll find everything from local crafts to sparkling gold and diamond stores.
Tips For Your Visit to UAE
- Best time to visit: between November and March, the weather is perfect, sunny but not too hot, great for walking around, sitting outdoors, and exploring cities or the desert.
- Accommodation:
The UAE has everything from luxury resorts to simple hotels and Airbnbs. I highly recommend Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi, click here .In Dubai, we stayed at Best Western, click here but honestly, the quality didn’t match the Best Western standards we knew from North America except for location it was great. check it out anyway, maybe they changed the management So, choose carefully, in Dubai.
- Transportation: The best way to explore the UAE is definitely by renting a car, the roads are great, everything is well-connected, and you’ll have the freedom to visit different emirates at your own pace. But within Dubai, I highly recommend taking the Hop-On Hop-Off buses instead. You’ll find their booth right at Dubai Mall.
- Shopping: Dubai is a shopper’s paradise beyond just Dubai Mall. Here are the most important malls you should know: Mall of the Emirates ( Famous for Ski Dubai), Ibn Battuta Mall (My favorite) Great for a mix of shopping and culture, The Outlet Village (Perfect for discount shopping), Dubai Festival City Mall.
- Jeep Safari: Try a jeep safari in the Dubai desert, feel the thrill of the rolling dunes and soak in an unforgettable adventure.
- Camping:
Go camping and experience the magic of a Dubai desert night, enjoy delicious dinners, lively dances, and cozy tents under the stars.
- Dress Code & Etiquette:
Many places in the UAE, like Qasr Al Watan (the palace), or the mosques, have a strict dress code. Be prepared, for men, pants are a must, and for women, a long dress and scarf are required, you can carry them in your bag. - Book in advance: Some attractions may require tickets booked in advance (Miracle Garden, Burj Khalifa, Jebel Jais zipline).
- Explore: The UAE is full of attractions for all ages and tastes, from family-friendly spots to vibrant nightlife. There’s so much to see and do that it’s impossible to cover it all in one trip. I only shared the places I’ve been to, so go out there, explore on your own, and make your own memories.
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