THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

Ideal for both residents looking to get reacquainted with the UAE’s many wonders and first-timers to the emirates, discover our selection of the country’s most popular sights and attractions

1

STROLL THROUGH THE LABYRINTHINE DISTRICT OF AL FAHIDI

Discover the charms of old Dubai as you lose yourself in the maze of alleyways that make up Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. A tribute to the emirate’s glorious past, these quaint quarters take you back in time. Previously known as Al Bastakiya, the district once played a crucial role in the country’s economy with fishing and pearl diving as the mainstays. Its position along Dubai Creek, with the Arabian Gulf only metres away, allowed international trade to flourish in the region. A walk through this historic neighbourhood reveals traditional structures fashioned out of stone, rustic courtyards and wind towers. Peppered through the lanes are museums and art galleries that showcase traditions practised in the days gone by.  visitdubai.com

2

SCALE THE WORLD’S TALLEST INDOOR CLIMBING WALL

The latest record-breaking attraction to join Yas Island’s collection of immersive experiences, Clymb Abu Dhabi boasts not only the world’s largest indoor skydiving flight chamber but also the tallest indoor climbing wall. Named The Summyt, this record-breaking wall stands tall at 43 metres and is suitable for advanced climbers. Novices, on the other hand, can find their feet on the bouldering wall before scaling through the ranks on their quest to achieve new heights. For those in between, there are three additional challenges varying in height and levels of difficulty.  clymbabudhabi.com

3

GET A FIRST LOOK AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

As the countdown to “the greatest show on Earth” gains momentum, Expo 2020 Dubai has launched its “Pavilions Premier”. This means that residents and visitors in the UAE can get a first look at the site’s thematic pavilions. The first pavilion to welcome visitors earlier this year was Terra - The Sustainability Pavilion, within which guests were able to walk under the shade of manmade trees that harness solar power, wander through lush forests and dive into the depths of the ocean. Before the event officially opens its doors on October 1, 2021, for its six-month run, visitors will also have the chance to get a first look at Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion later in the year.  expo2020dubai.com

EMBARK ON AN AFRICAN-STYLE SAFARI IN DUBAI 4

The sprawling 119-hectare Dubai Safari Park is home to a community of more than 3,000 animals, from indigenous to exotic species. Visitors will be able to feed giraffes, view elephants up close and also see gorillas. The park is divided into three main villages – the African Village, Asian Village and Explorer Village – and at the heart of each is a walking arena, from where visitors can view animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, hippos, crocodiles, baboons, hyenas, antelopes and more. Another unique experience offered at the park is the Arabian Desert Safari that allows visitors to take a trip in an open-top vehicle to see many species of animals from the Arabian Peninsula.  dubaisafari.ae

6

SEE HISTORY UNFOLD IN REAL TIME

Designed by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel, Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is a stunning architectural feat that invites visitors to embark on a journey through time with a walk through its permanent galleries. An inspiring tale of humanity, which artistically unfolds in a series of chapters across 12 galleries, guests can witness history come to life, from prehistoric times through to the contemporary era. Visitors will be able to discover stories that link historic objects and artefacts from a multitude of cultures alongside famous pieces from renowned artists, such as Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.  louvreabudhabi.ae

5

VIEW THE DELICATE MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM IN ACTION

Newly opened in the UAE capital, Jubail Mangrove Park extends over one million square metres on Al Jubail Island. A meandering boardwalk through the park stretches over 2.3 kilometres, allowing visitors to take in its lush setting. For a peek at the abundant marine life that inhabits the crystal waters, viewing platforms are dotted throughout the sanctuary. This gives visitors the chance to get closer to nature for a true sense of escape, where the bustle of the city is completely drowned out by the sounds of migratory birds. Tour the park with a ranger for in-depth information about this delicate ecosystem or canoe through the mangroves for a closer look.  park.jubailisland.ae

7

WITNESS MIDDLE EASTERN ARCHITECTURE UP CLOSE

Qasr Al Watan, housed within the complex of Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace, is a phenomenal tribute to Arabian artistry, with its architecture echoing the aesthetic principles of Middle Eastern art. Both the palace and its gardens are beyond grand and pay homage to the culture of the region. Inside, visitors will find a curation of installations and objects that nod to the local culture. From its majestic hallways and the great hall with its magnificent dome to its cultural exhibitions and massive library, there is much to discover and admire.  qasralwatan.ae

FEEL THE RUSH OF ADRENALINE IN RAS AL KHAIMAH8

The UAE’s northernmost emirate is an adventure seeker’s paradise, set against the backdrop of the Al Hajar Mountains. For the true daredevil, nothing quite compares with Jebel Jais Flight, which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest zip line. Located on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain, it covers a distance of 2.8 kilometres and reaches speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour at a height of 1,680 metres. For a slightly less hair-raising experience, the Via Ferrata offers the chance to experience three smaller zip lines, with a mix of climbing and trekking, along a kilometre-long mountain trail.  visitjebeljais.com

GO CAMPING IN THE DDCR 9

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) was created to preserve the last remnants of pristine desert in the emirate. A stark contrast to the futuristic emirate it is nestled within, these lands were once the home of the Bedouins, who flourished despite the unforgiving terrain. The reserve now takes up about five per cent of the entire emirate and is home to indigenous wildlife, including sand gazelles and the once-endangered Arabian oryx. Access to the reserve is available only through a handful of tour operators but every visit is a rare chance to get up close to these fascinating creatures. Homegrown company Sand Sherpa is the first and only operator in Dubai that organises overnight self-drive camping safaris in the DDCR, complete with all the comforts of glamping but with an authentic, rustic touch.  sandsherpa.com

MARVEL AT THE CITY FROM THE SKIES

Soar above some of the country’s most iconic landmarks with a seaplane flight. Seawings offers aerial tours throughout the UAE, providing a comfortable vantage point from which to admire attractions such as Abu Dhabi Corniche, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Palm Jumeirah. With Cessna seaplanes for up to nine passengers, each seat is by the window for uninterrupted aerial vistas. The water take-off and landing add to the sense of escape but nothing beats the thrill of viewing the UAE’s most remarkable sights from 1,500 feet above the ground.  seawings.ae