When you say “UAE,” most people pause. But when you say “Dubai,” they instantly smile, it’s the name that echoes around the world. For many, Dubai is the UAE. But in reality, it’s just one of seven emirates, each with its own character and charm.
The United Arab Emirates has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in modern history, from Bedouin tents to record-breaking towers, desert silence to vibrant cities. Today, it’s home to futuristic skylines, artificial islands, and some of the world’s most luxurious experiences, all while holding tight to its Emirati roots.
In this article, I’ll take you through the parts of the UAE I had the chance to explore
Abou Dhabi
I remember my excitement as we were landing (at 2 PM) forehead pressed against the window, eyes scanning the horizon, looking for the shiny towers of Dubai. Instead, all I saw was beige; beige sky, beige sand, beige buildings. It looked like someone had applied a sepia filter over the entire country.
Then came the heat. I thought I was ready for it, but the second I stepped outside, the humidity smacked me in the face and fogged up my sunglasses like I had walked into a steam room. I couldn’t even see the beige anymore.
We headed straight to Abu Dhabi, where my husband had a job. We checked into the stunning Rotana Hotel, and guess what? Our stay happened to fall during Ramadan, and for the first time in years, I felt the real Ramadan vibes again, the kind I grew up with but hadn’t experienced in so long.
After so many years of only feeling the cozy, festive Christmas vibes in Canada, I was finally feeling the spiritual, peaceful magic of Ramadan again. The quiet mornings. The glowing lanterns. The city slowing down. The call to prayer echoing at sunset.
And the best part? I wasn’t cooking. I wasn’t cleaning. I was living my best life: morning visits, mid-day naps, showing up just in time for Iftar like a Queen. It felt like a Ramadan honeymoon. No Bourek stress. No onion tears. No Kalb Elouz failure. Just vibes.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque completely surpassed my expectations. It was like nothing I had ever seen, not even in my wildest imagination. From the moment we stepped through the gates, it felt like a journey. The architecture unfolded like a 3D drawing, each step revealing something more breathtaking. The domes, the arches, the courtyards, and the artistry, that amazed e the most, the intricate floral patterns, laid into the marble floors and carved onto the columns, weren’t just decoration, they were ‘next-level art’. Something futuristic, not in technology, but in timeless beauty. It felt like the future Alhambra or Mezquita Cathedral of the UAE. I could already picture people a hundred years from now walking these same paths, still speechless.
And then come the mind-blowing details, the kind you wouldn’t believe, The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest in the UAE, with space to welcome over 40,000 worshippers. Inside its main prayer hall lies the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, crafted by more than 1,200 artisans, each knot a quiet testament to devotion and skill. Above, massive chandeliers shimmer with Swarovski crystals, each one dipped in 24-karat gold, casting a soft, regal glow. The architecture itself is a harmonious blend of styles, Ottoman domes, Moroccan arches, Egyptian lines, Persian motifs, turning the entire structure into a living symbol of unity across the Islamic world. And at night, it transforms completely. With the domes bathed in gentle light and perfect reflections on the surrounding pools, the mosque appears to float in the stillness. It’s so beautiful, you actually wish for a red light, just for an excuse to pause, and let it leave its quiet imprint on your soul.
That afternoon, as iftar approached, the scene shifted. I saw buses arriving, bringing people to break their fast. Volunteers were setting up long plastic covers across the floor, tables for hundreds, maybe thousands.
The energy was calm, spiritual, and collective. It wasn’t just a place to pray, it was a place to belong. I was witnessing Ramadan in its purest form, generosity, unity, and peace.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
So, my husband told me we were going to visit a palace, and as someone used to staying at a Best Western or Holiday Inn, I definitely didn’t expect this palace to turn out to be a hotel. A very luxurious one. And when a guard stopped us to say my husband couldn’t enter because he was wearing shorts, I was like, “Wait, is this a sacred site? Are we meeting a Sheikh?” The dress code, the grandeur, the silence, it all screamed palace.
But once we were finally inside (after a quick wardrobe adjustment), we understood. This isn’t just a hotel, it’s an experience. The halls stretch endlessly, glittering with crystal chandeliers, the ceilings soar so high they could have their own weather system, and everything, and I mean everything, is either made of gold, covered in gold, or somehow shining like gold. It is the kind of luxury where even your cappuccino comes topped with 24-karat gold flakes. Like… who drinks gold? Apparently, we do, in Abu Dhabi.
It has its own private beach, a marina, and even a heliport, just in case your arrival calls for something a little extra. We wandered through in awe, pretending we totally belonged there, wondering if real Emirati palaces looked anything like this.
Qasr Al Watan
After the Emirates Palace, I thought we had already seen the peak of Abu Dhabi luxury, but then we visited Qasr Al Watan, which is a real palace, an actual one. And let me just say: if Emirates Palace felt like walking into a five-star dream, Qasr Al Watan took things more over-the-top, next level of luxury. From the outside, it’s already impressive, white granite domes, intricate carvings, and fountains. But when you walk into the Great Hall, it’s hard not to just stop and stare. The scale is massive. The symmetry is perfect. The ceiling, a literal masterpiece. you keep wondering “Is this real?” We learned that Qasr Al Watan is the Presidential Palace, used for official meetings with global leaders and dignitaries. But instead of closing it off, the UAE opened it to the public as a way to share Emirati culture, governance, and knowledge. Which is kind of amazing.
Nothing impressed me more than the Power of Words. It’s a massive golden orb, made entirely out of flowing Arabic calligraphy, and it stopped me in my tracks. The words wrapped around it aren’t just decorative, they’re powerful:
“Wealth is not money or oil. Wealth lies in people, and it is worthless if not dedicated to serve the people.”
A quote by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, and suddenly, you realize this isn’t just about gold and glamour. It’s about vision, values, and legacy.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of those places you absolutely have to visit when you’re in Abu Dhabi, and not just for the museum itself, but for the architecture. That massive dome, floating over everything like a spaceship made of lace, is a masterpiece on its own. When the sunlight filters through it, creating this soft “rain of light,” it is honestly beautiful and kind of magical, even before you see a single painting or sculpture.
Inside, is more impressive. I was casually walking past a Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and ancient artifacts from Egypt, China, and the Islamic world. The way the museum tells the story of humanity across time and cultures is honestly brilliant. It’s peaceful, it’s thoughtful, and somehow it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, the contrast between this quiet fort and the glass skyscrapers surrounding it is wild, like the past and present are shaking hands. It’s so simple and modest that at one point I actually asked myself, Wait, is this really a castle? But yes, this humble structure was once a watchtower, then a ruler’s palace, and eventually the seat of government. There’s no gold, no glitter, just silence, history, and the quiet feeling that you’re standing right where it all began.
Right next to it is the House of Artisans, where traditional Emirati crafts are still alive and thriving. You can watch artisans practicing Al Sadu weaving, Talli embroidery, and other age-old skills, a beautiful reminder that heritage here isn’t just preserved, it’s still lived.
Ferrari World
Ferrari World is definitely a place worth visiting, and honestly, I don’t believe there’s anyone who doesn’t like Ferrari. That red, seductive car, it just has a vibe. We visited late in the evening after iftar, so it was more of a quick tour than a full day out. We had just about an hour and a half, but we still managed to enjoy it, checking out the cars, soaking in the atmosphere, and playing one game with my son, Benno’s Great Race, a fun interactive ride where you drive through a tunnel and cartoon characters pop out to surprise you. It was a perfect choice for a short family visit.
Even though the visit was short, it was so worth it. The energy, the design, and just being surrounded by that much red was an experience on its own.
Right next to Ferrari World, we took a quick walk through Yas Mall, mostly out of curiosity, just to see what it was like, if you like shopping it’s the place to be, international brands, cafes, and more
Yas Waterworld
Even though we had a pool at the hotel, the kids begged for a waterpark, and Yas Waterworld was the perfect choice. We went for a few hours before iftar to cool off and let our son have fun. The park has an Emirati pearl-diving theme, which adds a nice local touch, and plenty of slides, splash zones, and a lazy river. We didn’t stay long, but it was more than enough to escape the heat
Umm Al Emarat Park
We found Umm Al Emarat Park completely by chance while driving around one evening, we stopped just to have a quick look, and ended up loving it. We walked around for a bit, and I still remember the smell of jasmine (el foll) in the air, my favorite. I couldn’t believe those delicate flowers could survive the heat, let alone smell that amazing. The whole park had such a peaceful, gentle vibe. After all the grand buildings and modern marvels, this simple green space felt like a little oasis in the middle of the city.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi Corniche is the perfect promenade, when the weather cooperates. One night we tried to take a nice evening walk, and ended up swimming through the humidity instead. But even then, we couldn’t help but admire it. The Corniche is long, and beautiful, with landscaped paths, beaches on one side, and the glittering Abu Dhabi skyline on the other. You can walk, cycle, or just sit and people-watch while enjoying the sea breeze.
The Healing Power of Travel
Sometimes travel isn’t just about discovering new places; it’s about finally having the space to feel, to breathe, and to heal.
it’s about finally having a good cry in a fancy hotel.
What most people didn’t know was that this trip to Abu Dhabi wasn’t just about sunshine and iftar buffets. It was also my escape, a quiet break after months of holding it all together. I had lost my dear father not long before and hadn’t shed a single tear. His loss broke me so deeply that I lost all sense of feeling, taste, and purpose. I became an empty soul, a body that breathed, moved, and talked, but felt nothing. Like being in a coma while still awake. I was too busy being “the strong one” for my mom and sister. (Worst thing you can do to yourself, by the way.)
Then one afternoon, in that peaceful hotel room, bam. I cried, really cried, ugly cried. The kind of cry that surprised even me.
Turns out, Abu Dhabi gave me what I didn’t even know I needed: space. Space to breathe, to break down, and maybe start healing.