Things to do in the United Arab Emirates

Dubai is the best-known city, with the towers of Downtown and the Marina, beaches and malls alongside the old souks and abra boats of its creek. Abu Dhabi, the capital, is home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, and Sharjah next door is the cultural heart of the country, with restored heritage quarters and museums.

To the north, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain are quieter coastal emirates of beaches, lagoons and mangroves, and Ras Al Khaimah rises to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the country. Across the Hajar Mountains, Fujairah looks out over the Gulf of Oman, with coral reefs and old forts, while inland Al Ain is a green oasis city of palm groves beneath the ridge of Jebel Hafeet.

Everywhere the desert is close at hand, with dunes, camel farms and starlit camps. Emirati food features spiced rice dishes, grilled fish, dates and cardamom coffee, alongside cooking from across the world. The cooler months from late autumn to early spring are the most comfortable, while summer is intensely hot and humid on the coast.