What to do in United Arab Emirates
Burj Khalifa
Landmarks
Rising to a height of 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the iconic centerpiece of Dubai's skyline. Visitors can ride the high-speed elevator, traveling at 10 meters per second, directly to the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors. From this vantage point, the contrast between the bustling skyscrapers and the Dubai Fountain on one side, and the vast desert and azure Persian Gulf on the other, is truly breathtaking. It is highly recommended to visit during sunset to experience the city's transition from day to dusk, and finally into a glittering nightscape.
Good to know
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station, and walk through the air-conditioned pedestrian link. Tickets are required for entry; as peak hours get very crowded, booking online in advance is highly recommended. The suggested duration of visit is about 2 hours.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Culture & museums
As the largest mosque in the UAE, this architectural marvel is crafted from pure white marble sourced from around the world. Inside, it houses the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, colossal Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and exquisite geometric and floral mosaics. Whether admiring its pristine white purity by day or its magical blue illumination at sunset and night, the view is breathtaking. It is not only a sacred place of worship but also a masterpiece of ultimate craftsmanship.
Good to know
From Dubai, you can take a bus or charter a car, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. Entry is free, but online pre-booking is required. Female visitors must wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved tops and long pants or skirts that cover ankles and wrists, along with a headscarf. Men must wear long trousers. Dres
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Culture & museums
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, this museum's most striking feature is its massive silver dome composed of thousands of overlapping metal stars. When sunlight filters through, it casts a magical rain of light effect onto the white buildings and water. In collaboration with the Louvre in France and other museums, the exhibits are arranged chronologically to showcase the evolution of human civilization, breaking geographical boundaries to foster a dialogue between Eastern and Western art. It is a must-visit for art and architecture enthusiasts.
Good to know
Located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, it is best reached by taxi from downtown Abu Dhabi. Tickets are required for entry, and booking in advance on the official website is highly recommended to save waiting time. The air conditioning inside can be quite cold, so bringing a light jacket is advised
The Dubai Mall
Shopping
The Dubai Mall is not just a shopping paradise, but a massive indoor entertainment hub. It features the world-class Dubai Aquarium, an indoor ice rink, and the famous indoor human waterfall. Right outside the mall is the Dubai Fountain, which hosts spectacular musical water shows every evening. Whether you are looking for international luxury brands, tasting global cuisine, or enjoying indoor entertainment with your family, this place can easily fill your itinerary for a whole day.
Good to know
Take the Metro Red Line directly to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. The mall is extremely large, so it is highly recommended to download the official app map or use the interactive directories inside. Admission to the mall is free, though some attractions like the aquarium require separate tickets.
Museum of the Future
Landmarks
Shaped like a giant silver ring, this architectural marvel features a stainless steel facade adorned with Arabic calligraphy that doubles as windows, showcasing the pinnacle of modern engineering. Inside, instead of historical artifacts, the museum focuses on the next 50 years of technological evolution, covering space exploration, ecological restoration, and wellness. Through highly interactive, immersive exhibits, visitors are invited to contemplate the future relationship between humanity and technology.
Good to know
Take the Metro Red Line to Emirates Towers Station and walk across the covered pedestrian bridge to reach the museum. Tickets are required and extremely limited, so it is highly recommended to book online weeks or even months in advance. The recommended visit duration is about 2 hours.
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