10 ways the UAE leads the world in style and innovation

The United Arab Emirates is known for its endless sunshine, vast golden dunes, and some of the most groundbreaking, luxurious architecture of our time.

But it’s not just about towering skyscrapers and vast deserts. Founded just 47 years ago by the visionary Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE is now a melting pot of over 200 nationalities and a global leader across numerous industries.

Every year, millions of visitors from around the globe are drawn to discover the vibrant and diverse experiences that make this Arabian jewel so unique.

Here are 10 reasons why the UAE stands out as a top travel destination:

Your safety comes first

Feeling anxious about traveling? Rest assured, the UAE is a place where you can feel completely safe.

The UAE is especially welcoming for solo female travelers, with luxurious hotels like Dubai’s Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Dukes Dubai offering exclusive female-only floors and staff.

It’s no wonder that for the past two years, Abu Dhabi has surpassed cities like Vienna and Tokyo to be crowned the world’s safest according to the online crime index, Numbeo.

We’re committed to keeping it that way, which is why visiting us means passing through a highly secure and meticulous customs process.

Prepare to meet 944 inspection systems, including 23 drug and explosives detectors, as well as 700 radioactivity sensors, when you travel through Dubai International Airport.

Bringing the world together

Despite being a relatively young nation, the UAE has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing aviation hubs.

Strategically located between Oman and Saudi Arabia, the UAE serves as the perfect link for travelers journeying between the West and the East.

For four years running, Dubai International Airport has held the title of the world’s busiest airport for international travelers, with over 88 million passengers passing through last year alone—almost ten times the city’s resident population of 9.4 million.

But travelers don’t just pass through—Dubai International Airport offers luxury amenities such as a five-star hotel, an outdoor pool, and a peaceful Zen garden, all without ever leaving the terminal.

While other global aviation hubs are stepping up their game, we have big plans too, aiming to expand Dubai's airport to accommodate an astonishing 220 million passengers by 2050.

So, if you're searching for the new Dubai, look no further—it's here.

The ultimate shopping destination

Sure, we’ve got vast sand dunes and endless outdoor adventures, but let’s be real—it’s incredibly hot out there.

With a tropical desert climate, we spend most of our time indoors, enjoying the cool comfort of air conditioning, especially during those humid summer months.

This is why shopping malls in the UAE are more than just retail spaces—they’re social hubs for meeting friends, staying fit, relaxing, and yes, of course, shopping.

The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai features an indoor ski park with the world’s largest indoor ski slope, set on an 85-meter-high indoor mountain.

And it’s not just about skiing—it also houses real-life penguins.

Dubai Mall, the world’s second-largest shopping destination, is home to the largest indoor aquarium on the planet, housing over 33,000 sea creatures and standing as one of Dubai’s top tourist attractions.

Unforgettable adventures await

Malls aren’t the only places keeping visitors entertained here.

Take Abu Dhabi’s Warner Bros. World, for instance. As the world’s largest indoor theme park, it features six immersive zones, including the iconic Gotham City from Batman. Warner Bros. is part of the same parent company as Dinogo—AT&T's WarnerMedia.

Culture enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Sharjah, home to Sharjah Fort. This historic royal residence, built in 1823 from coral stone, has been meticulously restored and converted into a museum showcasing the region’s royal family’s defense strategies.

Nestled on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah is our go-to spot for diving and basking in the sun.

Back in Abu Dhabi, you’ll find the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque—third largest in the world and a breathtaking masterpiece with its pristine white domes, grand chandeliers, and stunning marble columns.

For those seeking an adventure, head to Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island. At the Arabian Wildlife Park, you might be lucky enough to encounter giraffes, cheetahs, and gazelles up close.

Cuisine fit for royalty

The UAE is quickly becoming known across the Arab world for its vibrant and growing restaurant scene—and for good reason. You won’t find a better chai than at any of the local corner chai cafes, perfect spots to take a break and cool off from the desert heat in their air-conditioned comfort.

While we might not have the same global reputation as Paris, we’re confident that you’ll be thoroughly impressed with our upscale dining options.

World-renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Jamie Oliver have brought their culinary expertise to the UAE, raising the bar for our food scene.

UAE nationals are also playing a major role in the country’s flourishing dining scene, with many local restaurateurs and entrepreneurs taking their brands global.

Emirati food entrepreneur Shayma Fawwaz, the visionary behind the popular Gossip Café, took her business global by opening MlkCake by Gossip in London’s Covent Garden in 2017—though the original UAE locations still hold a special charm.

Ministries dedicated to enhancing quality of life

The UAE is home to numerous world firsts and largest achievements, including pioneering government roles like the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Minister of Tolerance—positions never seen before in any other country.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE's prime minister and ruler of Dubai, believes the creation of a Minister of Tolerance will contribute to the nation's “intellectual reconstruction.”

The appointment of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence is part of the UAE’s ambitious strategy to lead in technological innovation, save billions on infrastructure and development, and enhance the quality of life for people worldwide.

Don’t just take our word for it—come and experience the UAE lifestyle for yourself and see what you think.

Stunning architecture that will leave you in awe

The first thing that will catch your eye when you arrive in Dubai are the stunning skyscrapers that line Sheikh Zayed Road on both sides.

They light up the night sky, creating a dazzling scene that will leave you wishing your smartphone could capture the magic.

The UAE is home to the world’s tallest building, adding another superlative to its collection: Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

But perhaps even more impressive is Abu Dhabi’s Capital Gate—standing at a striking 18˚ tilt to the west, it’s four times more inclined than the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

These buildings are not just architectural marvels for the design enthusiast, but also for anyone who enjoys admiring stunning, towering structures. However, one of the country’s most unique and innovative creations isn’t a building at all—it’s a picture frame. Not just any frame, but the largest in the world.

Situated in Zabeel Park, Dubai, this landmark (standing 150 meters tall) is a rectangular frame that offers visitors panoramic views of both old and new Dubai.

Special care for camels

Raising camels has been a cherished tradition in the Arab world for thousands of years. Some of the rare breeds can even fetch millions of dollars.

The Camel Hospital, which opened its doors in Dubai at the end of last year, is one of the few facilities in the world dedicated solely to caring for these iconic hump-backed animals.

Visitors can enjoy camel-riding tours, and camel races are a popular event here. It’s almost impossible to visit the UAE without encountering one of our beloved camels.

Out-of-this-world hotels

The UAE is one of those destinations where tourists far outnumber locals. Last year, the country welcomed 20.7 million international visitors, and its wide array of hotels caters to all kinds of tastes.

Visitors can choose from international hotel brands like St. Regis, Hilton, and Marriott, or opt for something extraordinary, like a stay at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, located in the vast Empty Quarter.

Looking for something a little more unique? Book an underwater suite at Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, where your room offers panoramic views of a lagoon teeming with over 30,000 marine creatures, including stingrays and sharks.

A vibrant cultural scene

Over the past decade, the UAE has seen a surge in interest in the arts. Off the coast of Abu Dhabi lies Saadiyat Island, a cultural hub designed to foster the region’s artistic growth.

For example, this is the location of the world’s second Louvre Museum. While it’s not yet as crowded as its Parisian counterpart, it’s a great spot for those who prefer art without the overwhelming crowds.

Sharjah, just a 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi and 15 minutes from Dubai, is another cultural gem. Home to numerous museums and galleries, including the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum and the Museum of Islamic Civilization, it’s a must-see day trip.

For a taste of the unconventional, don’t miss Dubai’s Coffee Museum in the historic Al Fahidi district or the Women’s Museum. Also, be sure to check out Alserkal Avenue – a burgeoning art scene – where you can grab a ticket for an indie film at Cinema Akil, the first art-house cinema in the Arabian Peninsula.