الإمارات السبع
The seven emirates
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates, each with its own landscape and personality. Here is what makes each one worth the trip.
Abu Dhabi أبوظبي
The capital of grand mosques, island museums and the edge of the Empty Quarter.
Dubai دبي
Record-breaking towers, old creekside souks and a mountain escape in Hatta.
Sharjah الشارقة
The UAE's cultural capital, with restored old quarters and desert archaeology.
Ajman عجمان
The smallest emirate, with an old fort museum and quiet mangrove waters.
Umm Al Quwain أم القيوين
Lagoons, islands and old-town lanes in the least developed emirate.
Ras Al Khaimah رأس الخيمة
Mountains, forts and the highest road in the country.
Fujairah الفجيرة
The east coast, where the Hajar Mountains meet the Gulf of Oman.
How the emirates fit together
Dubai and Abu Dhabi get most of the attention, and for good reason, but the UAE is small enough that you can reach every emirate in a day trip from either city. Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain run in a line up the west coast north of Dubai. Ras Al Khaimah sits at the top, where the Hajar Mountains begin. Fujairah is on the other side of those mountains, on the Gulf of Oman.
A good first trip combines a few days in Dubai, a couple in Abu Dhabi and at least one day out in the mountains or on the east coast. If you have more time, add a night in the Liwa desert. Our sample itineraries show how to put it together.