The best cities in the UAE are spread across seven emirates, and most of them are only one to two hours apart by road. Dubai gets the headlines, but Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and the smaller emirates each offer something different, from mosques and museums to mountain adventures and quiet beaches. This guide covers 10 places worth visiting, how far each one is from Dubai, what it is best for and how to combine them into a two-day, five-day or ten-day trip.
Which UAE City Should You Visit First?
Start with Dubai for skyscrapers, shopping and beaches, add Abu Dhabi for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and museums, and then pick Sharjah for culture, Al Ain for history, or Ras Al Khaimah for adventure. If you only have a few days, base yourself in Dubai and make day trips to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, because both are easy to reach by car, taxi or bus.
The UAE at a Glance
- Emirates: seven, namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
- Capital: Abu Dhabi, which is also the largest emirate by area
- Founded: 2 December 1971, when the emirates joined as a federation
- Climate: hot desert, with very hot, humid summers and mild winters, and cooler air in the Hajar Mountains. See our climate of the UAE guide.
- Getting between cities: by car, taxi, intercity bus or tour, since distances are short
- Best season: November to March, when the weather suits both cities and outdoor trips
How Far Are the UAE’s Cities From Dubai?
| City | Approximate drive from Dubai | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sharjah | 30 to 45 minutes | Museums, culture and old souks |
| Ajman | About 30 minutes | A cheaper, quieter beach stay |
| Umm Al Quwain | About 55 minutes | Mangroves and a laid-back coast |
| Ras Al Khaimah | About 1 hour | Mountains, beaches and adventure |
| Abu Dhabi | About 1.5 hours | Mosques, museums and theme parks |
| Al Ain | About 1.5 hours | Oases, forts and history |
| Hatta | About 1.5 hours | Mountain scenery and kayaking |
| Fujairah | 1.5 to 2 hours | Snorkelling and east-coast beaches |
| Kalba | About 1.5 to 2 hours | Mangroves and birdwatching |
Drive times depend heavily on traffic, which is worst on the main highways at rush hour and on Thursday and Friday afternoons.
10 Best Cities and Places to Visit in the UAE
1. Dubai
Dubai is the UAE’s most visited city and the easiest base for first-time visitors. It has the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, beaches, desert safaris, old markets and a very wide choice of hotels and restaurants. It is a city on the mainland, built around Dubai Creek, with man-made islands such as the Palm Jumeirah offshore. See our guides to the tourist attractions in Dubai and the Burj Khalifa.
2. Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital and the UAE’s second-largest city. It is calmer and greener than Dubai, with the white marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the 18th-century Qasr Al Hosn and a long Corniche. Yas Island has Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World. Read our guides to Abu Dhabi and the tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi.
3. Sharjah
Sharjah is the UAE’s cultural centre, with the Heart of Sharjah heritage district, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Blue Souk, Al Noor Mosque and a lively waterfront at Al Majaz and Al Qasba. It is only 30 to 45 minutes from Dubai, so it works as a day trip or as a cheaper base. Alcohol is not sold in Sharjah, and dress codes are stricter than in Dubai. See our guides to Sharjah, attractions in Sharjah and Dubai or Sharjah.
4. Al Ain
Al Ain, in the Abu Dhabi emirate near the Oman border, is known as the Garden City, and its cultural sites are the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage listing. The Al Ain Oasis has more than 147,000 date palms and a centuries-old falaj irrigation system, and the city also has Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Zoo and the Mubazzarah springs. Jebel Hafeet, the mountain just outside town, has a scenic road with views over the city. Evenings are noticeably cooler than on the coast. See our guide to the Al Ain Palace Museum.
5. Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah sits between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf and is the UAE’s adventure capital. Jebel Jais, at 1,934 metres, is the highest peak in the country, with hiking trails, a viewing deck and Jais Flight, the 2.83-kilometre zipline billed as the world’s longest. Tickets start from around AED 400 in recent listings and must be booked ahead. The emirate also has beaches, mangrove kayaking and a small old town. Jebel Jais is about two hours from Dubai. See our guide to the attractions in Ras Al Khaimah.
6. Fujairah
Fujairah is the main emirate on the Gulf of Oman, so its mountains and beaches look different from the rest of the UAE. Highlights include Al Bidyah Mosque, described as the oldest in the UAE, the restored Fujairah Fort, snorkelling and diving at Snoopy Island and the Friday Market on the mountain road. It is a good choice for a relaxed beach break. See our guide to the attractions in Fujairah.
7. Ajman
Ajman is the smallest emirate, and it is quiet, affordable and close to Dubai, which makes it a good base for travellers on a budget. The Ajman Museum is housed in an old fort, the Corniche is lined with cafes and the Dhow Yard still builds traditional boats. Ajman has no commercial airport, so most visitors arrive through Dubai or Sharjah. See our guide to the attractions in Ajman.
8. Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is the quietest of the emirates, with mangroves, flamingo-watching, a laid-back coast and the Dreamland Aqua Park. It has kept more of its fishing-town character than its neighbours because it has not urbanised as fast. See our guide to the attractions in Umm Al Quwain.
9. Hatta
Hatta is a Dubai exclave in the Hajar Mountains, about 90 minutes from the city. It has the turquoise Hatta Dam, where you can kayak, the Hatta Heritage Village and the Hatta Wadi Hub for hiking, mountain biking and glamping. It is a cool, scenic change from the coast, particularly in winter.
10. Kalba
Kalba is a Sharjah exclave on the east coast, known for the Khor Kalba mangroves, which are an important habitat for the white-collared kingfisher. It suits birdwatchers and travellers who want a quiet nature stop, and you will need a car to reach it.
Which UAE City Is Right for You?
- For first-time visitors: Dubai, with Abu Dhabi as a day trip
- For culture and museums: Sharjah and Abu Dhabi
- For history and oases: Al Ain
- For adventure: Ras Al Khaimah, with Hatta for kayaking
- For beaches and snorkelling: Fujairah and Kalba
- For a budget or quiet stay: Ajman, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain
- For families: Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island and Dubai’s water parks
How Much Do UAE Cities Cost?
- Highest: Dubai, particularly for hotels and big attractions, and Abu Dhabi’s luxury resorts
- Mid-range: Abu Dhabi city, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
- Lowest: Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, where hotels and food cost noticeably less
Prices change by season, so check current rates and book winter stays early.
Best Time to Visit the UAE
- Best overall: November to March, when the weather is mild and outdoor trips are comfortable
- Hot season: June to September, which is very hot on the coast, so focus on indoor attractions or the mountains
- Mountain escapes: Jebel Jais, Hatta and Jebel Hafeet are cooler than the coast all year
See our Dubai weather guide for month-by-month details.
How to Plan Your UAE Trip
If you have 2 days
Spend one day in Dubai and one on a day trip to Abu Dhabi, with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as the main stop.
If you have 5 days
Spend three days in Dubai, one in Abu Dhabi and one in Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah.
If you have 10 days
Add Al Ain, Hatta and Fujairah, and stay one or two nights in Abu Dhabi and on the east coast so that you spend less time in the car.
Practical Tips
- Rent a car or book tours for Al Ain, Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Kalba, because public transport is limited.
- Dress modestly in mosques and traditional areas, particularly in Sharjah.
- Check opening hours during Ramadan and public holidays.
- Carry water and sun protection on mountain and desert trips.
- Check visa rules before you travel. See our guide to the types of UAE visas.
- If you are thinking about living in the UAE rather than visiting, see our guide to the best cities to live in the UAE.
Cities in the UAE: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of the UAE?
Abu Dhabi is the capital. Dubai is the largest and most visited city.
What are the seven emirates?
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Which UAE city is best to visit after Dubai?
Abu Dhabi is the best next stop, followed by Sharjah for culture and Ras Al Khaimah for adventure.
How far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
About 130 to 140 kilometres, usually around 1.5 hours by car.
Is Al Ain worth visiting?
Yes, especially for history lovers. Its oasis and heritage sites are UNESCO-listed, and the evenings are cooler than on the coast.
Which UAE city is cheapest?
Ajman, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain are generally the cheapest places to stay.
Is the UAE tropical?
No. It has a hot desert climate, with the coast humid in summer and mountain areas cooler.
Final Thoughts
The UAE is small enough that you can see several very different cities in one trip. Choose a base, add one or two day trips and leave time for the mountains or the east coast if you want a break from the city. For more ideas on where to start, read our guide to the Dubai Mall and our list of islands in the UAE.
