The map of the Emirates

A fully indoor theme park across six lands, which makes it a summer-proof day out.

An island wildlife reserve with free-roaming giraffe, cheetah and Arabian oryx.

Manuscripts, astronomy and craft across the Islamic world, under a gold dome.

Gulf reef species shown alongside the fishing heritage of the lagoon beside it.

A protected lagoon inside the city where flamingos feed at close range from hides.

The city's oldest stone building, begun as a watchtower over the freshwater well.

Kayak channels through protected mangrove forest on the edge of the capital.

The oldest fort in the country, above the old town and its restored quarter.

A dhow-shaped auditorium in Downtown staging opera, ballet and concerts.

Seasonal flower gardens laid out in sculpted arches and figures, open in the cooler months.

A 150-metre picture frame linking the old city on one side with the new on the other.

The story of Dubai Creek and the city that grew along it, in restored waterfront houses.

A landscaped island of light works and a butterfly house on Khalid Lagoon.

A coral-block pearling town left largely as it was when its families moved on.

A long promenade and swimming beach facing directly into the sunset.

A Moroccan hammam and open-air treatment village across the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah.

2 kilometers of untouched white sand coastline bordered by 1 million sqm of mangrove forests.

Serene shallow beach lagoon frequented by flocks of wild pink flamingos and migratory waterfowl.

Golden sand beach on the Indian Ocean coast, framed by dramatic Hajar mountain peaks.

Pristine turquoise waters and protected coastal dunes home to endangered Hawksbill sea turtles.

Vibrant beach hub for kitesurfing, beach volleyball, Salt food trucks, and views of Dubai skyline.

Pristine white sand beach offering postcard views of Burj Al Arab, sunset swimming, and beachside jogging.

217-hectare wildlife park and world's largest man-made safari featuring white lions, rhinos, and giraffes.

Home to the famous 'Big Red' sand dune, offering high-octane quad biking, buggy desert runs and desert glamping.

Serene turquoise mountain lake encircled by Hajar peaks with floating kayak docks and historic fort ruins.

The legendary British ocean liner transformed into a floating luxury hotel, museum and dining destination in Port Rashid.

Roman-inspired 1,700-seat granite amphitheatre and 45-meter artificial waterfall carved into coastal cliffs.

UNESCO-nominated Bronze Age tombs, iron age forts, and thrill desert buggy safaris around Fossil Rock.

19th-century mud-brick castle perched on a golden hill overlooking date palm oases and the Gulf coast.

147,000 date palms fed by 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system beneath the majestic Jebel Hafeet mountain peak.

Unspoiled barrier island home to Arabia's oldest Christian monastery discovery, gazelles and socotra cormorants.

Coastal fortress once guarding the entrance to the old city displaying royal artifacts and Ed-Dur relics.

Glide past 58 species of migratory birds including pink flamingos in 1 million sqm of protected mangroves.

18th-century fortress turned museum showcasing pearling history, manuscript archives and ancient weaponry.

Iconic rock island named after Snoopy, offering vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles and blacktip reef sharks.

The oldest operating mud-brick mosque in the UAE, built in 1446 AD beneath ancient watchtowers.

Traditional Arabian pearl diving farm nestled in serene mangrove lagoons surrounded by Hajar mountains.

Home to the Guinness World Record longest zipline, soaring at 150 km/h over mountain canyons.

Walk through a continuous downpour of water without getting wet using 3D motion-tracking sensors.

The cultural capital of the UAE with restored coral-limestone forts, art foundations, and Souk Al Arsah.

Host track of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offering venue tours and supercar driving.

Active presidential palace showcasing Arabian craftsmanship, royal halls, and national heritage exhibits.

Jean Nouvel floating dome museum showcasing human civilization artwork surrounded by turquoise waters.

Monumental white Greek marble mosque with 82 domes, gold chandeliers and world's largest hand-knotted carpet.

Iconic sail-shaped landmark hotel on a private man-made island symbolizing modern Dubai opulence.

The world's largest dancing fountain system shooting water 150m into the air set to classical and Arabic music.

Venture deep into red dunes on 4x4 land cruisers, falconry shows, camel rides and starlight BBQ dinner.

Wander through 19th-century wind-tower courtyards and take a traditional wooden abra boat across Dubai Creek.

Architectural wonder adorned with Arabic calligraphy exploring futuristic innovation and space exploration.

The world's tallest skyscraper standing at 828m with observation decks over Arabian Gulf.

Forty-odd slides and a surfable wave on Yas Island, built around an Emirati pearl-diving story.

Small island with a Grand Prix car-racing circuit, amusement parks, a beach & a golf course.

A wind-tower house in Al Fahidi where Emirati custom is explained over a shared meal, questions included.

Sharjah's Central Souq: two blue-tiled halls of carpets, gold and antiques under barrel-vaulted roofs.

A marine-life park and research centre on Yas Island, with the region's largest multi-species aquarium.

Ras Al Khaimah's white congregational mosque, its domes visible from the coast road into the city.

The morning catch from the Gulf sold off the quay — hammour, kingfish and shrimp, weighed and argued over.

A protected dune reserve inland of Ras Al Khaimah, with Arabian oryx, gazelle and falconry at dusk.

This sleek palace where Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born has guided tours & exhibits.

Artificial, palm tree–shaped island featuring high-end hotels & apartment towers, plus beach clubs.

The dhow leaves Dibba for the Musandam fjords — cliffs straight out of the water, and swimming stops in between.

Upscale resort on a polo estate with sleek quarters, sophisticated dining & an outdoor pool.

Upmarket resort complex with hotels, a modern souk, restaurants & bars, plus a private beach.

A popular picnic destination, this dam with scenic mountain views features a big lake for kayaking.

Fujairah's largest mosque — six minarets and 65 domes on the road out of the city, open to visitors outside prayer.

Under the red roof on Yas Island: Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster in the world, and the cars behind it.

Huge shopping and leisure centre, with department stores, plus an ice rink, aquarium and a cinema.

Open sacks of saffron, frankincense and dried hibiscus in the alleys beside the Deira creek wharfs.

Deira's covered gold market: a wooden-roofed lane of jewellery windows, and the trade the creek grew around.

Residential island known for its modern apartment complexes & proximity to the city center.

Monumental mosque inspired by Istanbul's Ottoman-era Blue Mosque, with tours for non-Muslims.

A four-island shoreline of white sand and calm water, home to the resorts where the Grand Tour spends its Ras Al Khaimah nights.

Desert resort featuring luxe suites with private pools, plus free breakfast, 2 restaurants & a spa.

Elegant fortress, built in the 1890s, featuring landscaped gardens, exhibitions & a bookshop.

Stalls for crafts, perfumes & woven garments on narrow lanes, plus a landmark central coffee shop.

City beach with international clean-water status & ropes limited the available swimming distance.

The range that runs the length of the east coast, and the switchback road that climbs its highest peak.