United Arab Emirates · Ras Al-Khaimah
The Cove Rotana Resort: A Sprawling Family Beach Retreat
A large Ras Al-Khaimah resort praised for its private beach, varied food, family activities and attentive staff.
Dubai and the UAE: best hotels, resorts and things to do
Dubai runs three very different hotel markets at once: Jumeirah and Palm beach resorts, Downtown and Marina skyline towers, and desert camps an hour inland. Add Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE has one of the highest concentrations of five-star rooms anywhere. Our reviews sort them by what the location actually gets you.
Beach and Palm resortsSkyline hotelsDesert staysYear-round luxury supply
When to go
November to March. July and August are extreme heat, with rates to match.
Cities and islands
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25 Dubai and the UAE reviews
United Arab Emirates · Jazeerat Al Marjan
Family-focused island resort with standout service
Strong service, spotless rooms and extensive children’s facilities make this Jazeerat Al Marjan resort particularly appealing to families.
United Arab Emirates · Palm
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort: Lagoons and Family Appeal
Strong service, lagoon accommodation and a sociable pool scene underpin this well-reviewed Palm resort.
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Sofitel Dubai The Palm: Polished service and strong dining
Public reviews point to a comfortable Dubai hotel where attentive hospitality and consistently praised restaurants shape the stay.
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Atlantis The Palm: Big Family Fun With a Few Friction Points
Public reviews praise the resort’s scale, family attractions and polished surroundings, though check-in costs and service delays can frustrate.
United Arab Emirates · الفجيرة
Wadi Wurayah Reserve: Check Access Before Travelling
A nature reserve associated with moderate hiking, but repeated reports of permits, closures and blocked access make advance confirmation essential.
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Global Village Dubai: Culture, Food and Family Entertainment
Global Village brings international food, shopping, cultural displays and family activities together in a lively outdoor setting.
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Dubai Old Village: Creekside walks and traditional design
Public reviews praise this atmospheric old-Dubai area for its wind towers, sand-coloured architecture and peaceful walks beside Dubai Creek.
United Arab Emirates · Mleiha
Mleiha Archaeological Centre: desert history and scenery
A compact museum serves as the starting point for guided archaeology, rugged landscapes, wildlife sightings and evening desert experiences.
United Arab Emirates · Ras Al-Khaimah
Dhayah Fort: A Short Climb to Sweeping RAK Views
Public reviews praise this historic Ras Al-Khaimah fort for its manageable hill climb and panoramas of farms, mountains, villages and sea.
United Arab Emirates · Al Ain
Qasr Al Muwaiji: A Focused Look at Emirati History
This carefully restored Al Ain fort pairs traditional architecture with an accessible account of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed’s early life.
United Arab Emirates · Fujairah
Fujairah Fort: Traditional Architecture and City Views
A preserved hilltop fort where traditional construction, accessible interiors and broad views connect visitors with Fujairah’s past.
United Arab Emirates · Al Ain
Al Jahili Fort: Mudbrick Heritage in Al Ain
A carefully restored fort, landscaped grounds and photography exhibitions make this a rewarding introduction to Al Ain’s cultural history.
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Dubai Old City: Heritage Streets, Souks and Evening Atmosphere
Traditional architecture, cultural sites, shops and dining make Dubai Old City a rewarding contrast to the city’s modern districts.
United Arab Emirates · Wadi Shehah
Jebel Jais: Scenic Drives and Cooler Mountain Air
The UAE’s highest mountain draws families and friends for winding roads, broad views, camping, barbecues and high-altitude adventure.
United Arab Emirates · Al Ain
Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tombs: Bronze Age Al Ain
Ancient stone tombs, desert scenery and flexible access make this a rewarding short outing for history-minded Al Ain visitors.
United Arab Emirates · Al Ain
Hili Archaeological Park: family space with ancient remains
Al Ain’s Hili Archaeological Park combines archaeological displays with lawns, playgrounds, exercise areas and facilities for family barbecues.
United Arab Emirates · Ras Al-Khaimah
Al Jazeera Al Hamra: A Coastal Village Preserved in Time
Old homes, narrow alleys and coral-rich walls make this Ras Al Khaimah heritage site a rewarding place for an unhurried historical walk.
United Arab Emirates · Hatta
Hatta Heritage Village: Emirati history in the mountains
Restored homes, watchtowers and everyday objects offer a calm introduction to traditional Emirati life against the Hajar Mountains.
United Arab Emirates · Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Hosn: Abu Dhabi’s historic heart
A preserved fort, thoughtful heritage displays and striking skyline views make Qasr Al Hosn a rewarding cultural stop in central Abu Dhabi.
United Arab Emirates · أبو ظبي
Al Ain Oasis: Shaded Paths and a Calmer Side of Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Oasis pairs palm-lined walks with cycle and buggy options, earning praise as a peaceful break from the UAE’s urban pace.
United Arab Emirates · Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Watan: Grand Halls and Golden-Hour Gardens
Abu Dhabi’s presidential palace draws praise for monumental architecture, ornate interiors, expansive gardens and its evening light show.
United Arab Emirates · Abu Dhabi
UAE Presidential Palace: A Monumental Abu Dhabi Landmark
Qasr Al Watan impresses visitors with vast ceremonial halls, intricate Islamic patterns, white marble and richly worked golden details.
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Old Dubai on Foot
Restored wind-tower houses, quiet lanes, museums and cafés offer a compact introduction to Dubai’s architectural and cultural past.
United Arab Emirates · أبو ظبي
Emirates Heritage Village: a compact cultural overview
Traditional houses, craft displays and a small beach make this a worthwhile short stop, though some visitors want richer historical interpretation.
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