What is the UAE famous for? You’ve definitely heard that question before, and the answer is: quite a lot of things.
The country is responsible for its fair share of slack jaws and looks of astonishment thanks to world famous feats of engineering like the mighty Burj Khalifa and the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
It also boasts a litany of world records, but there is so much more the UAE is famous for.
Here we give you a run down of the awe inspiring feats, cloud-touching buildings and super cool pastimes that have put your patch on the map. Are you ready?
Here are 20 things the UAE is famous for.
Absolutely bonkers brunches
Where else in the world would you walk into a swanky restaurant or sophisticated bar at noon and eat and drink as much delish food and drink as you want for hours on end? Brunch is a way of life here, and there is a price and taste to suit everyone, from cheap and cheerful outings at La Tablita in Dubai and 49ers in Abu Dhabi to the super fancy get-togethers at Brasserie 2.0 and Frangipani on Zaya Nurai Island. You asked what the UAE is famous for and we are telling you, it’s brunching.
For more brunches in Dubai click here.
For more brunches in Abu Dhabi click here.
Banging boat parties
Move over Miami, the UAE is the world’s captain of boat parties. With plenty of companies based in the country, ready to show you a great time, the UAE has become famous for epic shindigs out on the sea. All aboard.
Looking to live it up on the big blue? Check out these yacht companies to hire from here.
Expo 2020 Dubai mania
An entry that hasn’t (officially) commenced yet but will arguably be the biggest celebration the country has ever thrown. Expo 2020 Dubai will see more than 190 nations flock to the UAE in a festival of cultural sharing and innovation, with many countries showcasing a pavilion on how their little corner of the world is contributing to the planet’s most hotly-discussed topics. We’ll be there and so should you.
Need to know more about Expo 2020 Dubai? For the ultimate guide click here.
First on the grid for Formula 1
In terms of sporting events, what is the UAE famous for? The answer is Formula 1 and the crescendo of the racing calendar comes at the world-renowned Yas Marina Circuit. Set as a day / night race (the first in the history of F1), famous movie stars, music artists the biggest names in the world of sport and, of course, us here at Time Out attend the Yas Island racetrack when the F1 roadshow comes to town.
Gold souks full of treasure
The UAE enjoys its fair share of lavish living, with mega hotels, belt busting brunches and perfect pool days all part of the great experience. So the fact that there are souks stacked full of glorious gold jewellery shouldn’t come as any surprise. The most famous of gold souks resides in Deira, The Dubai Gold Souk, where you can pick up a sparkling bracelet, blinging watch or shining chain from one of the hundreds of jewellery stores that line interior.
Iconic hotels to make you feel like a star
The UAE doesn’t do things by half and when it comes to placing your head for the night, you know you won’t have to bundle up your jumper for an extra pillow. From the seven-star Burj Al Arab with its eiderdown duvets and 17 types of pillows, and Emirates Palace with its gold-infused spa treatments, to The FIVE Palm Jumeirah and its lively parties, there is no country that comes close to the UAE’s hotels in terms of class, opulence and all round fun, and is another tick on the checklist for what the UAE is famous for.
It’s summer, so it’s time to book your next hotel getaway. Check out all the best summer offers here.
Malls at which to fill your boots (and bags)
Those who love a browse will tell you that shopping is a sport, and in the UAE you will need a certain level of fitness to take on its malls. The UAE is world famous for its malls, where you can find any brand from anywhere on the planet (and some you have never heard of). The list is impressive with Mall of The Emirates, Yas Mall and The Galleria just some of the shopping centres where you will see the vast majority of the population pounding the marble floors looking for a bargain. However, The Dubai Mall, the biggest shopping centre in the world with more than 1,500 shops and 200 restaurants, is the jewel in the UAE’s shopping crown (just remember to download the QR code so you don’t get lost).
Moreish feasts at Time Out Market Dubai
From super shawarma and fantastic falooda on the streets to sizzling steakhouses and bustling burger joints packed with meats, the UAE is famous for having a truly global food scene, and where you can catch all these culinary cultures coming together under one roof is Time Out Market Dubai. Located in Souk Al Bahar, Time Out Market Dubai is the first food hub of its kind in the region and brings together 17 of the finest taste bud ticklers in Dubai to serve up a range of their famous dishes to all that cross the threshold of the city’s top entertainment spot.
Open Sat-Wed noon-midnight, Thu-Fri noon-1am. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai.
Oiling the wheels that turn the country
If we’re talking about what the UAE is famous for then it would be impossible not to mention this black liquid from the ground. Oil has transformed the country into one of the world’s most advanced states. Producing more than 2.9 million barrels a day, the UAE has about six percent of the world’s oil reserves. That should keep the lights on for a while yet, even if plans are afoot to reduce the dependency on it.
Punching with heavyweights for the UFC
The UAE doesn’t take part, it takes over. And thanks to the resounding success of Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, the UAE is no the destination of choice for the UFC. The likes of Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier have all graced the octagon in the UAE’s capita,l and there are more famous nights to come with the signing of a five-year agreement between the UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Rocking road trips
Escaping the bright lights of the city and hitting the road to explore wonderful hidden gems; road trips are another famous feather in the UAE’s hefty cap. From Hatta at the bottom of the Dubai emirate to Jabel Hafeet, the third most snapped road trip on Instagram, the UAE is built for getting behind the wheel and going for a road adventure.
Safety first means exactly that
Probably not what you were expecting from the ‘what is the UAE famous for’ rundown, but when your country is top of the tree in terms of safety, it’s definitely something to shout about. According to a quality of life index by Numbeo, Abu Dhabians can go for a stroll along the Corniche at the dead of night knowing they are in the safest city in the world. But don’t worry if you find yourself in Sharjah and Dubai as each city placed sixth and seventh on the list.
Shawarma to get your lips smacking
Any epicure in the UAE will tell you when it comes to food, shawarma is what the UAE is famous for. Perfect for a quick bite at lunch or to finish off a night out, the wonderful wrap consists of Arabian bread filled with meat and pickles served with garlic dip and a side of chips. We usually get two.
Sky scrapers to make your neck hurt
What is the UAE famous for? Neck cricks. Okay, we’re joking, but when you enter into Dubai and Abu Dhabi your neck gets a real workout from all the gazing upwards it has to facilitate. We’re looking at the Etihad Towers and Andaz Capital Gate (the world’s further leaning man-made tower) in Abu Dhabi to Cayan Tower and Princess Tower in Dubai: the sky really is the limit when it comes to construction in the UAE. And how could we forget the Burj Khalifa. Standing more than 2,700 feet (nearly 830 metres), it is the tallest building on the planet and is a must snap for any visitor (that’s if you can fit it all in).
Super cars that put you in the fast lane
You’ve probably seen them on all the travel programmes, but the thunderous roar of a super car on the highway is a sight (and sound) that is synonymous with the UAE. Lambos, Ferraris, Porsches, whatever, if it’s fast, expensive, loud and on four wheels, then it’s most likely going to found in the UAE. Think you can handle that horse power? Check out how to rent a super car in the UAE here.
The marvellous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
When it comes to the postcard picture of Abu Dhabi (or fridge magnet), the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is number one. A mosque that is the most famous in the UAE and arguably the planet, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has become a real hit for visitors with its magnificent architecture, marble floors and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet (plus it’s free to enter).
Upgrade your living standards to luxe
Anyone will tell you that living your best life is what the UAE is famous for. From going on fancy staycations where hotels say ‘yes’ to your every need to pool days that help you beat the heat, you would be forgiven for thinking Zara Larsson was on holiday in Dubai or Abu Dhabi when she released Lush Life.
Interest piqued in a staycation in the UAE? Click here for the best deals around the country.
Vast deserts full of fun
Have you even been to the UAE if you haven’t conquered the desert? Like the optical illusion it produces, the activities to do in the desert are endless. You can trek the great sand dunes either on horse or camel back, ride sandboards or get the adrenaline pumping in a 4×4. There’s also unbelievably cool desert lakes to check out, including Moon Lake and Plant Lake, plus the magnificent engineering feat that is Expo 2020 Lake and Love Lakes. Anything else you ask? The deserts of the UAE have also been the setting to some major movies on the big screen, including Syariana, The Kingdom and Stars Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens. If you’re looking for a famous thing to do in the UAE, then the desert should definitely be on your hit list.
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World records galore
From mega-sized building projects like the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and the globe’s largest shopping centre, The Dubai Mall, to the stunning largest world floral arrangement in Dubai Miracle Garden and the fastest rollercoaster ride on the planet at Ferrari World, when there is a record set by another country, the UAE is famous for smashing right through it.
Year-round sunshine to make you smile
We end our list of what the UAE is famous for with a bright spark (literally). With the number of days of rainfall limited in these parts, you are guaranteed numerous chances to top up the tan when you’re in the UAE. The great weather allows residents to enjoy an outdoor life with there never being any fear of having to use deep heat to warm up the muscles. Sun equals smiles, and you will see a lot of pearly whites thanks to the regular appearance of Mr Sun.
The UAE also has some pretty cracking sunrises which you can see here.
Looking for more things to do in the UAE? Click here.
