It is no secret that the UAE has some breathtaking scenery. We are spoiled for attractive locations in the UAE, with its expansive desert, sun-drenched beaches, historic souks, mind-boggling structures, and gleaming shopping malls.
No matter what kind of traveller you are, most places in the UAE offer a range of attractions you can see and explore.
We have picked some attractions that you may not be aware of. A few of the prominent attractions in the UAE that you didn’t know existed are explained. You can plan your visit to the UAE with Etihad Airways booking to Dubai, Sharjah, or Abu Dhabi at the lowest airfare online.
- Moon Island
Dubai has several smaller islands and beaches that are less well-known but provide something distinctive and unusual. Moon Island Dubai is one of the islands that is comparatively less known. Moon Island, which is located away from the mainland, gets its name from how it looks, like a crescent moon.
The calm surroundings and pristine waters are sure to fascinate any visitor. If you are looking for a place that offers water sports, fishing, and sunbathing and is close to nature, Moon Island is the one.
- Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn is one of the most remarkable and historical landmarks in Abu Dhabi. The imposing building, constructed in 1790, overlooked the sea and coastal trade routes while guarding the island’s expanding populace.
Qasr Al Hosn, a national landmark that was converted into a museum, captures the evolution of Abu Dhabi from a fishing and pearling-dependent village in the 18th century to a contemporary, international metropolis.
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Travel to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary if you enjoy being in nature in Dubai. Within the 6-mile stretch, you will be surrounded by 20,000 different bird species, salt flats, migrating birds, pink flamingos, and green lagoons. Visitors can get a closer look at birds in the sanctuary, which is a well-managed area, from 6 am to 6 pm
- Hatta Dam
Surrounded by the Hajjar range of mountains, the water body is situated close to Hatta Wadi Hub, a famous outdoor activity centre, away from the desert sands. Tourists can enjoy taking photographs of the lake and magnificent mountains around them, walking on the edge of the water, and soaking up the scenic beauty of the place.
You can go kayaking at Hatta Dam, for there are paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes available for rent to navigate the calm waters. Further, you can also go hiking on the mountain.
- Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, Abu Dhabi
The protected area of Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, which is an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi, has one of the highest concentrations of fossil dunes in the emirate, with over 1,700 fossil dunes distributed across 7 square kilometres.
These sands are bound together by layers of solid salt crystal deposits formed over time by the natural force of powerful desert winds. These natural marvels have existed since over 4 million years ago, according to geologists. Nonetheless, this is merely one of the numerous brand-new attractions that Abu Dhabi has to offer.
By traversing the 3-kilometre-long, well-lit trails in the reserve, you can soak up the natural beauty of the place.
- Stairway to Heaven, Ras Al Khaimah
The hiking path, Stairway to Heaven, in the United Arab Emirates, was earlier regarded as a dangerous hike. It’s easy to see how this walk earned its notoriety given the narrow gravel trails that wind between sheer cliffs and the 1,800-meter-high peaks of the Hajjar mountains surrounding it.
The UAE’s most difficult peak, Stairway to Heaven, is situated in Wadi Ghalilah near the Oman border. Its exposed trails, elevated at about 1,800 metres, offer a roundtrip distance of 19 km.
- Al Ain Oasis
The UAE’s primary UNESCO World Heritage Site, an oasis of 3,000 acres located east of Abu Dhabi, provides an understanding of how the residents first started domesticating the desert as early as 4,000 years ago.
Positioned in the central place, Al Ain Oasis received water through the conventional falaj irrigation system. A culture and way of life that date back to the prehistoric period are preserved at Al Ain Oasis. It is the biggest oasis in Al Ain, with over 136 hectares. Farmers also tend to different species of date palms and fruit trees.
There are still more hidden destinations tourists from different countries seek to visit in the UAE. You can also be one of them by having your Etihad Airways booking done earlier for the lowest fare.