Northern Emirates

Sharjah is the third largest emirate and Dubai's direct neighbor — the two cities merge seamlessly, so many commuters live in Sharjah and work in Dubai. Culturally, however, the difference couldn't be greater: Sharjah is the most conservative of the seven emirates and at the same time the most cultural.

In 2014, Sharjah was named the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO — deservedly so, as no other emirate has invested so much in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. At the same time, there is a strict alcohol ban here (throughout Sharjah, even in hotels) and stricter dress codes than in Dubai.

Museums & Culture

• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Fantastic collection of Islamic art, science, and calligraphy in a former souk building by the creek. The dome hall with the gilded mosaic dome is spectacular. 20 AED (5 EUR).
• Sharjah Art Museum: The largest art gallery in the Gulf region with works by Arab and international artists. Free. The Sharjah Biennial takes place every two years — one of the most important art events in the Arab world.
• Rain Room: Interactive art installation where it rains around you, but you stay dry — sensors stop the rain where you stand. Spectacular for photos. 25 AED (6 EUR). In the Sharjah Art Foundation Complex.

Souks

Sharjah's souks are more authentic and less touristy than those in Dubai:

• Blue Souk (Central Souk): The landmark of Sharjah — a blue-tiled building in Islamic style with over 600 shops. Specializes in carpets, antiques, jewelry, and souvenirs. Bargaining is an art here.
• Souk Al Arsah: The oldest souk in the UAE, lovingly restored. Traditional crafts, perfume, incense. In the courtyard, there is excellent Arabic coffee.

Ras Al Khaimah (short RAK) is the northernmost emirate and a rising star in UAE tourism. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi focus on skyscrapers and luxury, RAK scores with nature, adventure, and authenticity — and at significantly lower prices.

Jebel Jais

The Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the UAE at 1,934 meters — and a surprising contrast to the desert landscapes. A spectacular serpentine road leads almost to the summit and offers breathtaking views of rugged limestone cliffs, deep gorges, and (rarely) even snow in winter.

At Jebel Jais, you'll find the world's longest zipline: The Jais Adventure Peak Zipline stretches over 2.83 km with a height difference of over 500 meters. You shoot across the gorge at up to 150 km/h — an absolute adrenaline rush. From 350 AED (87 EUR) per person.

Other activities at Jebel Jais:

• Jais Sledder: Summer toboggan run with a length of 1,885 m (from 85 AED/21 EUR)
• Jais Sky Tour: 7 ziplines over the mountain landscape (from 320 AED/80 EUR)
• Hiking: Several marked trails, including the Jebel Jais Stairway (from 150 AED/37 EUR)
• Bear Grylls Explorers Camp: Outdoor survival experience and overnight stay in tents on the mountain (from 450 AED/112 EUR)

Beaches & Resorts

RAK has some of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in the UAE — kilometers of white sand, much emptier than in Dubai. Top hotels like the Waldorf Astoria RAK, the Rixos Bab Al Bahr, and the Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort offer 5-star luxury at prices unthinkable in Dubai (from 400 AED/100 EUR per night instead of 1,000+ in Dubai).

Fujairah is the only emirate that lies entirely on the east coast by the Gulf of Oman — and that changes everything. Instead of the shallow, warm Persian Gulf, you find deeper, clearer water here with a richer underwater world. The Hajar Mountains drop directly to the sea, forming dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and picturesque wadis.

Diving & Snorkeling

Fujairah is the diving center of the UAE. The visibility (10–20 meters) and biodiversity are significantly better than in the Persian Gulf:

• Snoopy Island (Al Aqah): The most famous snorkeling spot in the UAE — a small, Snoopy-shaped island off the Sandy Beach Hotel. Turtles, blacktip sharks, rays, colorful reef fish, and octopuses are common here. Rent snorkeling gear on site (from 30 AED/7.50 EUR). Accessible from the beach (100 m swim).
• Dibba Rock: Underwater rock formation with soft and hard corals, moray eels, octopuses, and schools of barracudas. Popular with beginners and advanced divers.
• MV Dara Wreck: For experienced divers: the wreck of a British passenger ship that sank in 1961 at a depth of 20 m. Impressively overgrown.
• Dive Schools: Al Boom Diving (from 350 AED/87 EUR for 2 dives), Freestyle Divers, Scuba 2000. PADI courses available (Open Water from 1,800 AED/450 EUR).

Wadis

The wadis (dry valleys) in the hinterland of Fujairah are spectacular natural experiences:

• Wadi Wurayah: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a year-round flowing waterfall — the only permanent waterfall in the UAE. Hike to the waterfall about 2 hours (easy to medium). Swimming in the natural pools is possible.
• Wadi Al Bidyah: Picturesque valley with the oldest mosque in the UAE (Al Bidyah Mosque, 15th century) — four small domes made of mud bricks, no minaret. Atmospheric and historically unique.

Fujairah Fort & Heritage Village

The Fujairah Fort (17th century) is the oldest fortress in the UAE and sits atop a rock overlooking the city. Next to it, the Heritage Village with traditional architecture and a small museum. Free.

The two smallest emirates — Ajman (259 km²) and Umm Al Quwain (720 km²) — are the least visited in the UAE. That's precisely their charm: Here you experience authentic Gulf Arabia, far from the tourist crowds.

Ajman

The second smallest emirate borders directly on Sharjah and offers:

• Ajman Museum: In the former ruler's fort (18th century) — a compact museum about the history of pearl diving, traditional life, and the archaeology of the region. 5 AED (1.25 EUR).
• Ajman Beach: Quiet, wide sandy beach, much less visited than Dubai. The Ajman Saray (luxury resort) offers a day pass with pool and beach access (from 150 AED/37 EUR on weekends).
• Dhow Yard: Traditional wooden dhows are still hand-built at Ajman Creek — a craft over 2,000 years old. You can watch the boat builders at work. Free and fascinating.

Umm Al Quwain (UAQ)

The sleepiest of all emirates, with charm:

• Dreamland Aqua Park: One of the oldest and most affordable water parks in the UAE (from 160 AED/40 EUR). Not as modern as Aquaventure, but less crowded and fun for families.
• Mangroves & Flamingos: The mangrove islands off the coast of UAQ host a rich birdlife, including flamingo colonies. Boat tours available from the old harbor.
• Al Sinniyah Island: Offshore island with archaeological sites (2,000-year-old settlement). Access by permission only, but the view from the coast is worth it.
• UAQ Fort & Museum: Small, charming museum in the old fort. Showcases the history of the emirate, pearl diving, and traditional weapons. 4 AED (1 EUR).

Barracuda Beach Resort

The Barracuda Beach Resort in UAQ is a curiosity: one of the few places in the northern emirates where alcohol is freely served. All-inclusive from 450 AED (112 EUR) per night — popular with expats from Sharjah and Ajman who want to enjoy a beer on the beach.

Al Ain (literally "The Spring") is the fourth largest city in the UAE and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the only city in the UAE with this title. Located about 160 km east of Abu Dhabi, on the border with Oman, Al Ain is the green heart of the UAE: oasis palms, historic forts, natural springs, and a climate that is slightly cooler than the coast thanks to its elevation (about 300 m).

Highlights

• Al Ain Oasis: The largest oasis in the city (1,200 ha) with over 147,000 date palms, crisscrossed by a traditional Falaj irrigation system (UNESCO World Heritage). Shaded walking paths under the palm canopy — at 45°C outside temperature, the oasis feels 10°C cooler. Free.
• Jebel Hafeet: The second highest mountain in the UAE (1,249 m), accessible via a 12 km long serpentine road, which is one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the Middle East. At the top: 360° view over the desert and the border with Oman. At the foot of the mountain: the Green Mubazzarah Hot Springs (natural hot springs, free).
• Al Ain Zoo: The largest zoo in the UAE (400 ha) with over 4,000 animals, including many endangered Arabian species (Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle). Safari tour in a jeep through a recreated African savannah enclosure. From 63 AED (16 EUR).
• Hili Archaeological Park: Archaeological site with tombs and settlement remains from the Bronze Age (3000–2000 BC). UNESCO World Heritage. Proves that the region has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. Free.
• Camel Market: The last traditional camel market in the UAE — early in the morning, you can watch Bedouins trading dromedaries. It doesn't get more authentic than this. Free, but get up early (6–8 am).