The Most Unique Experiences In The UAE

Although the UAE is a fairly small country, there’s no shortage of unique experiences here. Having been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records many times suggests there are plenty of unique and unforgettable things to do here. So, add one or more of the following things to your visit for an unforgettable time.

Go on a Desert Safari Tour

Although this is one of the most popular tourist tours in Dubai, desert safaris are singular experiences. Safaris give an insight into what life was like in the UAE before the skyscrapers and mega projects. The tour consists of dune bashing, which is not for the faint of heart, so don’t eat too much before hopping in the car. Visitors then watch the sunset from the desert, and are finally taken to a replica Bedouin camp, where they can watch belly dancing shows, eat a traditional Arabic barbecue, try on traditional Emirati dress, smoke shisha and more.

1. Ride the Fastest Roller Coaster in the World

Park

For adrenaline lovers visiting the UAE, there’s no experience more exhilarating than riding Formula Rosa in Ferrari World. This indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi has the fastest roller coaster in the world. Formula Rosa accelerates to 240km/hr in only five seconds, making this a hair-raising ride. The park in itself is a sight to see, with several Ferrari themed rides and some very eye-catching cars.

Beware, only the bravest of visitors should indulge in this experience! Ghost Town in Ras Al Khaimah is an abandoned village, now in ruins. Its real name is Al Jazirat Al Hamra, and it dates back to the 14th century. It is widely believed that the Ghost Town is home to jinns, which are prominent figures in Islamic and Arabic folklore. Several urban myths surround Al Jazirat Al Hamra, but one of the most popular is that people who visit can see jinns in the shape of animals. As the village is now full of wild goats, it’s easy to be spooked.
Al Jazirat Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah

Watch the Sunset from the Largest Artificial Island in the World

The Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest artificial island, and the palm-shaped archipelago spreads out from the Dubai shore into the sea. It houses some of the city’s best restaurants and hotels. However, what not many people know is that this is one of the best places in town to watch the sunset from. From here, visitors have an awe-inspiring view of the sea and sunset, making it one of the most special places in the UAE to end the day.
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

2. Visit the UAE’s Oldest Mosque

Building, Mosque

Al Badiyah Mosque is located in the Emirate of Fujairah, and is believed to date to the 15th century. As the UAE itself is only 45 years old, it is extremely rare to find any building in the country this old. It’s only a couple of hours’ drive from Dubai, located in the only Emirate on the east coast of the UAE. The small mosque is a worthwhile trip for those looking to better understand the country’s history.

3. Work Out at a Formula 1 Racing Circuit

Sports Center

The Yas Marina Circuit has made headlines worldwide for its Formula 1 races, as some of the biggest names in racing have burned rubber on this circuit. However, what is truly unique about this high-end racing track is that people can also come here to jog and cycle, completely free of charge. The venue even lends complimentary bikes to those who don’t have their own.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.