Surroundings of Dubai
Like all famous cities, Dubai has in its immediate surroundings destinations of great beauty and interest that are worth visiting in a tourist getaway in the capital of the emirate. The most popular excursion for travelers arriving in Dubai is to Abu Dhabi, the city that today symbolizes luxury and opulence. It is 140 kilometers south of Dubai and can be visited in a single day. It is the most important city in the United Arab Emirates and is home to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the largest in the world; the most expensive hotel on the planet, the Emirates Palace, and the Heritage Villa, an open-air museum that will allow you to appreciate what life was like for Emiratis before the arrival of oil and enjoy models of traditional buildings.
Fujairah, capital of the emirate of the same name, is also worth a visit. It is 122 kilometers from Dubai and is one of the most beautiful cities in the United Arab Emirates and the only one located in the Gulf of Oman. With 130,000 inhabitants, it has grown from a fishing and farming village to a major cargo port and a destination that aims to be a tourist hotspot despite prohibiting foreigners from owning more than 49% of a business.
If you get to Fujairah, you should visit the Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE; the Fujairah Fort, built in 1670; the Fujairah Museum, with a magnificent collection of Bronze Age artifacts; and the Al-Hayl Castle, located in a remote but beautiful location.
Another possible tourist destination is Al Ain, where you will find oases, palaces, history and a spectacular camel market. Located in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, next to the border of Oman, it is the fourth largest city in the Emirates and is known as the “Garden City of the Gulf” due to its abundance of parks, boulevards and traffic circles. This city is 146 kilometers from Dubai and has the particularity that it does not allow the construction of buildings with more than four heights.
If you have the chance, do not miss Sharjah, capital of the emirate of the same name, located 35 kilometers from Dubai, as it was declared Cultural Capital of the World by UNESCO. It is famous for its annual Book Fair, which brings together publishers from all over the world. Here the sale, consumption and transportation of liquor are strictly prohibited.
And if you are passionate about Formula 1 cars, do not miss Ferrari World, the theme park of the legendary car brand, ideal for speed lovers. It is located in Yas Island, in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, 112 kilometers from Dubai, and was inaugurated in 2010 in an area of 200,000 square meters. One of its most famous attractions is the Formula Rossa roller coaster, which reaches a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour in 6.5 seconds, but it has 18 other fun attractions, one of which is aquatic, as well as themed restaurants with different environments related to Italy and Ferrari.
In case you prefer art, direct your steps to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a museum opened in November 2017 that is located on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, 135 kilometers from Dubai, along with three other museums and an entertainment center. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum covers an area of 24,000 square meters and cost more than 100 million euros. Nothing more and nothing less.
Related plans
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Tips for travelling to Dubai worry free
If you are thinking about travelling to Dubai, be sure to check the following recommendations relating to documentation, visas, currency, the best time of year to travel and safety.
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Dubai desert — an enjoyable excursion to a nearby attraction
A tour of Dubai desert is an enjoyable experience, and it’s not far away — just on the outskirts of this metropolis of glass skyscrapers.
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Dubai’s beaches, sandy areas with plenty of atmosphere
Dubai’s beaches are one of the emirate’s best-kept secrets. They’re well-kept spaces with fine sand, warm water, water sports, bars, and stylish chill out spots in the surrounding areas.