From trendy cafes and restaurants to breathtaking spots, unforgettable experiences, and beyond…
When you think of the UAE, your mind probably goes straight to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, or the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque. But the UAE is also home to a ton of hidden natural gems that are definitely worth discovering.
Cafes and restaurants
1484 by Puro, Ras Al Khaimah
Nestled at the summit of the UAE’s tallest peak, Jebel Jais, 1484 by Puro is Ras Al Khaimah’s ultimate hotspot. Kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast, featuring everything from savory egg dishes to tempting sweet treats. As the day unfolds, 1484 by Puro offers a laid-back vibe for long lunches or an unforgettable sunset dinner with a menu that’ll wow you. It’s reservations-only, so make sure to book ahead!
1484 by Puro, Jais Adventure Park, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, 8am to 10pm daily. Tel: (0)7 244 5018. @1484_by_puro
Turtle Beach Bar, Dibba
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Right on the beachfront of Dibba’s laid-back Royal Beach Hotel & Resort, you’ll find a chilled beach bar that’s perfect for unwinding and soaking in the stunning sea views. With a nautical vibe, the spot extends right onto the sand, letting you kick back in a white wooden chair and dine with your toes in the sand. The coastal setting also inspires a seafood-centric menu, featuring dunkable calamari, fresh catches of the day cooked to perfection, and grilled tiger prawns—perfect for enjoying while watching boats drift by.
Turtle Beach Bar, Royal Beach Hotel & Resort, Dibba, Fujairah, 11am to 1am daily. Tel: (0)9 244 9444.
@turtle_beach_restaurant_bar
The View by Wave, Khorfakkan
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(@theviewbywave)Planning to check out the breathtaking Khorfakkan views? The View by Wave, which opened last year at Rabi Tower, is the ideal spot to refuel. With amazing vistas over Khorfakkan and a welcoming vibe, the place offers a bright, airy indoor dining area, but if the weather’s on your side, the outdoor terrace is where you’ll want to be. Whether you’re soaking in views of the beach and sea or the surrounding mountains, you can enjoy a light breakfast or lunch after your hike along the Rabi trail.
The View by Wave, Rabi Tower, Khorfakkan, Sharjah, 7am to midnight daily. @theviewbywave
Casa Mikoko, Umm Al Quwain
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Bringing a taste of Zanzibar’s laid-back, barefoot vibes to Umm Al Quwain, Casa Mikoko is a restaurant and café set against a stunning mangrove beach. This dog-friendly gem is the ultimate escape for anyone craving a break from the hustle. With traditional African patterns and engravings adding to its rustic charm, the split-level spot blends perfectly into the natural surroundings. Head upstairs via a wooden staircase that wraps around a towering tree, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the mangroves. When you’re not indulging in creamy pastas or perfectly crispy pizzas, Casa Mikoko doubles as the perfect launchpad for a kayak or stand-up paddleboard adventure.
Casa Mikoko, Khor Al Yeefrah, Umm Al Quwain, 9am to 12am daily. Tel: (052) 729 3060. @casamikoko.uaq
Waves Café, Sharjah
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Making a splash (pun intended) on Instagram, this chill seaside café in Sharjah’s Dibba Al Hisn has quickly become a must-visit since opening in 2020. Its stunning oceanfront terrace, shaded by a soft coffee-colored awning that flows with the breeze, gives off a calming wave-like effect. And the mountain views? Definitely an added bonus. The menu offers all-day bites like fresh farm salads, juicy beef sliders, and pizzas, alongside a killer selection of coffee and cakes to sweeten the deal.
Waves Café, Dibba Al Hisn, Sharjah, 8am to 12am daily. Tel: (054) 487 9991. @wave.ad
Scenic spots
Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens in Kalba, Sharjah, spans an impressive 1.6 million square feet and is home to over 100,000 trees. You’ll find lush green spaces, vibrant flowers on the terraces, and even a refreshing waterfall. For those looking to relax and take in the scenery, there’s a charming restaurant built with traditional wooden architecture. Its classic semi-circular design offers stunning views of the gardens and waterfall. For the little ones, there’s a dedicated recreational area designed for three different age groups. And for adults, lace up your hiking boots and explore the climbing routes that wind through agricultural terraces, waterfalls, dense greenery, and colorful blooms.
Kalba Beach
This charming seaside town in Sharjah, nestled on the eastern coast of the UAE, is best known for its Bird of Prey Centre, dedicated to rehabilitating native raptors. Visitors can get up close with a variety of bird species and learn about the vital conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. Kalba is also home to several gorgeous beaches, including the popular Kalba Corniche Beach. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, the beach offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Oman, making it the perfect spot to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the UAE’s coastline.
Noor Island
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Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon is home to Noor Island, a peaceful escape known for its stunning gardens and striking outdoor art installations. One of the island’s standout attractions is the Butterfly House, where hundreds of vibrant and exotic butterfly species from across the globe flutter about. Visitors can stroll through the immersive exhibit, designed to mimic the butterflies’ natural habitat, while learning about their lifecycle and behaviors. The island’s thoughtfully curated landscape fosters a tranquil vibe, with plenty of benches and seating areas where guests can kick back and soak in the serene surroundings.
UAE Flower Farm
Nestled in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, the UAE Flower Farm is renowned for its vibrant collection of exotic blooms. The farm reopened on December 27, making now the perfect time to visit, with a stunning array of flowers in full bloom. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the gardens, enjoying the sights and scents of local plants like anthuriums, heliconias, orchids, and bromeliads. There’s also the chance to learn about the farm’s operations and even pick up some fresh, local flowers to bring home as a keepsake.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Located in Abu Dhabi, this protected mangrove forest and wetlands area is a haven for diverse wildlife and bird species. A hotspot for eco-tourism and nature lovers, the park offers a variety of activities to explore its natural beauty. Visitors can join guided tours through the mangrove forests, either walking along the scenic boardwalk or kayaking through the tranquil waterways. The park also boasts activities like cycling, birdwatching, and fishing. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of bird species, including flamingos, herons, and kingfishers, as well as wildlife like crabs, turtles, and fish. It’s the perfect destination for anyone keen to immerse themselves in nature and wildlife.
Al Ain Oasis
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Al Ain Oasis, located in Al Ain, is one of the UAE’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. This expansive oasis has been in use for over 4,000 years and spans more than 1,200 hectares, home to over 147,000 date palms, alongside other crops like vegetables, fruits, and grains. It’s a thriving agricultural hub that offers a rare glimpse into the traditional farming practices that have sustained the region for centuries.
Unique experiences
Take a walk on the wild side on a private Abu Dhabi island
Ever dreamed of waking up to the African sunrise? Or sipping your morning coffee while watching a gazelle graze just a few meters away? Maybe even spotting a giraffe leisurely munching leaves at eye level? Well, you can experience all of that at Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This wildlife haven feels more like a bucket-list safari than a typical staycation, with over 11,000 animals as your neighbors. Spanning 87 square kilometers—larger than Abu Dhabi city itself—the island offers three distinct resort experiences. Managed by Anantara, the Desert Islands Resort is the entry-level option, while the more luxurious Al Sahel Resort features forest lodges, and Al Yamm Resort offers beachside villas. No matter where you stay, you’ll have access to all the island’s restaurants, pools, and exciting experiences, including wildlife drives, wadi hikes, horse riding, and cultural tours.
anantara.com/sir-bani-yas-abu-dhabi
Embrace mountain living in a luxe glamping lodge
Hatta’s glamping scene is seriously impressive, with the upscale Damani Lodges standing out as the perfect choice for family getaways packed with fun. Nestled in the Hatta mountains, these rustic yet luxurious lodges offer stunning hilltop views overlooking the action-packed Hatta Wadi Hub activity park. Each lodge comes with a private terrace, full hotel amenities—including a separate bathroom, Wi-Fi, and a TV—but the real draw is the outdoor adventure right at your doorstep. From kayaking and archery to hiking and zorbing, the possibilities for outdoor fun are endless, making it the ideal place to disconnect and dive into nature.
Discover the history of the emirates on a pearl farm
Before the UAE’s oil boom, pearl diving was the heart of its economy. While this tradition has faded into the past, you can still experience this slice of history at Suwaidi Pearl Farm in the quiet fishing village of Al Rams. Just 10 minutes offshore, the farm was founded by Abdulla Al Suwaidi, whose grandfather was one of the last pearl divers in the region. Operating since 2005, the 4,000-square-foot farm lies at the base of the majestic Hajar mountains. To get there, you’ll hop on a pearling boat and head out to the waters where Arabian Pearls are now being farmed for the first time. Visitors can explore the farm’s history via a two-story boat, which serves as a hub for guided tours that dive deep into the pearling legacy of Ras Al Khaimah. Tours start at Dhs250 per person.
Embark on an iconic voyage without leaving Dubai
The iconic QE2, once a legendary ocean liner, spent a decade docked in Dubai before being transformed into the city’s first floating hotel. Now part of the Accor Hotel group, stepping aboard this maritime gem is like traveling back in time, offering guests a unique blend of history, culture, and old-school charm, all wrapped in a retro getaway. The ship has 224 rooms, where modern touches have been carefully integrated—think 49-inch flatscreen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and USB sockets—though traditional porthole windows keep the nostalgic vibe alive. Some areas, however, remain just as they were. Guests can still dine at one of the most renowned restaurants at sea, The Queen’s Grill, or enjoy a pint at The Golden Lion, a classic pub with racing green accents and dark wood. To complete the historic experience, a heritage tour takes guests on a journey through the ship’s storied past, following in the footsteps of celebrities, politicians, and even royalty across the 13 decks.
Drift over the dunes in Ras Al Khaimah
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There’s a fresh new way to take in the sweeping desert vistas of Ras Al Khaimah: a hot air balloon ride with Action Flight, the first of its kind in the adventure-packed emirate. With early morning pickups from both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, you’ll head out to the desert drop-off point just as the sun starts to rise. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll be soaring through the sky on a scenic, hour-long flight, drifting gently over the dunes. Keep your eyes peeled for camels, get up close to the towering sandy peaks, and enjoy views stretching all the way to the ocean, all while floating peacefully across the desert as the sun lights up the horizon. But the adventure doesn’t end there. After landing, head to Tower Links Golf Course for a bubbly breakfast, complete with a spectacular falconry show to round off the experience.
Hikes
Wadi Shawka
Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah offers a stunning hike through a valley nestled within the Hajar Mountains. The trail is moderate in difficulty, making it accessible for hikers of all levels. As you trek, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, along with the wadi’s unique rock formations and tranquil water pools. Depending on your pace and how many scenic stops you make, the hike can take a few hours to complete, making it the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Wadi Abadilah
This Fujairah wadi is renowned for its rugged landscape and dramatic rock formations, making it a stunning destination for hiking. Along the trail, you’ll encounter several natural water pools—perfect for a refreshing swim—and a few small waterfalls that add to the scenery. The trail itself is easy to moderate and takes you through lush agricultural farmland, where you’ll pass banana trees, mango trees, date palms, and other vibrant greenery. It’s an ideal hike for those looking to explore nature’s beauty while enjoying a peaceful and scenic adventure.
Hatta Dam
This easy hike takes you along a beautiful route around Hatta Dam, with stunning views of the crystal-clear turquoise water and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you might spot some local wildlife, including lizards and various bird species. Once you’ve wrapped up the hike, why not hop in a kayak to explore the waters up close? Alternatively, you can rent a pedalo or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding for a fun day on the water.
Rainbow Valley
Rainbow Valley, nestled in the Hajar Mountains of Fujairah, is famous for its vibrant sandstone formations, creating a truly striking backdrop for your hike. The trail itself is moderate to challenging, with some steep ascents and descents, making it a rewarding adventure for seasoned hikers. Since the trail isn’t marked, it’s advisable to hike with a guide or join a local hiking group to navigate the route and avoid getting lost. The stunning scenery and colorful rocks make every step worth it on this unique trek.
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