The United Arab Emirates often surprises visitors with just how beautiful its natural environment is. Of course, there are the swoon-worthy Arabian desertscapes and glorious beaches that travellers dream of, but the UAE is also home to lush, palm-filled oases and dramatic mountain ranges.
There are plenty of outdoor adventures within easy reach of the UAE’s main tourist hubs, as well as opportunities to get totally off the beaten track in the country’s mountains, wadis and deserts. But you don’t even have to leave the cities to find beautiful sights here – the illuminated mosques, glowing urban skylines and ancient palm groves are equally stunning.
These are some of the most beautiful places in the UAE.
1. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Towering over the north of the country, Jebel Jais is the UAE’s highest mountain and the route to the top is one of its most scenic drives. The road snakes through jagged peaks, opening up to dramatic viewpoints and cooler mountain air. It's all golden rock and sweeping valleys – a world away from the busy city streets. For one of the most adrenaline-pumping ways to experience the landscape, book a ride on the Jebel Jais zipline to glide 2,831m over the peaks and ravines at speeds up to 150km/h.
2. Liwa Oasis, Abu Dhabi
Liwa Oasis is a vast desert wilderness that feels completely untouched. Located on the edge of the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest sand desert on Earth, it’s exactly what you picture when you think of the Arabian desert: date palm groves, camel farms and massive rolling dunes as far as the eye can see. Stay until dusk to watch the sun dip below the dunes and take the ultimate desert sunset snapshots.
3. Hatta, Dubai
Just 90 minutes’ drive from downtown Dubai, Hatta is all rugged peaks, cool breezes and turquoise water. The dam, with its scenic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains, pulls in kayakers and paddleboarders, while the nearby hills are superb for hiking. Hatta is one of the UAE’s best places to go when the cities get too hot. It’s an easy day-trip from Dubai, but there are also terrific places to stay if you want to immerse yourself in the environment – think remote, eco-friendly lodges, glamping sites and deluxe caravans.
4. Al Ain Oasis, Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Oasis is a completely unique place to go – it’s a UNESCO-listed culture site, where you can wander the maze of palm-shaded walkways and view the ancient falaj irrigation channel system. Many of the channels are still functional today, and in the wetter seasons you can see the water trickling through, keeping the whole area verdant and fresh. It’s a cool, green and peaceful day out, plus a fascinating way to explore the region’s heritage.
5. Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
One of the UAE’s most unlikely beauty spots, Sir Bani Yas is the largest island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. While you might expect to find a dry, barren landscape, years of irrigation and conservation have transformed the island into a lush nature reserve. It’s home to free-roaming cheetahs, gazelles and Arabian oryx as well as giraffes and ostriches. Visitors come for game drives, hiking, nature trails and mountain biking in a setting that feels remote and a world away from mainland UAE.
6. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
This iconic mosque is one of the most stunning buildings in the Middle East, with beautiful white marble domes, floral mosaics and towering minarets. There’s plenty to see here, from the world’s largest hand-woven rug that covers the floor of the main prayer hall, to the gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers and reflective pools. Excellent (and free) guided tours are on offer, plus there’s the Light and Peace Museum and Sheikh Zayed Library to explore. There’s a strict dress code for the mosque, and women are required to wear a headscarf (these can be purchased at the mosque shop).
7. Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Beach is one of the UAE’s most pristine stretches of sand, and it’s just a short drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. It’s part of a protected coastline, with carefully managed access to preserve the natural setting and support the nesting of endangered hawksbill turtles. Even the beach facilities – wooden boardwalks, eco-conscious cafes and stylish loungers – blend into the surroundings. The water here is usually calm and inviting, and dolphins are occasionally sighted just offshore.
8. Fujairah’s beaches
Fujairah has a wilder, more rugged shoreline than the UAE’s west coast, with plenty of beautiful, less-touristy beaches to visit. There are few mega resorts or beach clubs dominating the view – just soft sand, dramatic rock formations and an abundance of nature. Al Aqah Beach is the standout, with Snoopy Island just offshore – a rocky islet shaped like its cartoon namesake, and one of the best snorkelling spots in the country. Expect coral reefs, colourful fish and even the occasional turtle. Whether you’re here for diving, kayaking or just stretching out on the sand, Fujairah’s scenic beaches have a character all of their own.
9. Dubai by night
While much of the UAE’s beauty is found in the great outdoors, Dubai deserves a mention for its stunning after-dark cityscape. Once the sun sets, the city glows with glittering towers, illuminated fountains and a dramatic skyline that seems to pulse with energy. Take it all in from a rooftop bar in a downtown hotel, a dhow cruise along Dubai Creek, or a walk around the Dubai Marina where the city’s dazzling lights are reflected in the water. It’s an exhilarating reminder that Dubai is one of the UAE’s most beautiful cities.
