✈️ Where to go in the UAE: 15 resorts for beach, mountains and city

The UAE consists of seven emirates, and each one has its own way of doing vacations. You can book a room next to a water park and an hour later be driving along an empty mountain road. The price difference for the same trip can run into several hundred euros. We've rounded up 15 resorts across the country and sorted them by character: where it's lively, where it's quiet, where it's cheaper.

Start with a free stop. Entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is free, and it welcomes visitors all week (as of 09/2026, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque website). Below, for each resort: what to do there, who it suits, and where to look for hotels.

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How to choose a resort in the UAE

💡 In short:

Looking for skyscrapers, shopping, and water parks: check out Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Yas Island.
Want quiet, mountains, and the east coast: go with Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and Dibba.
On a budget: Sharjah and Ajman are cheaper than Dubai, but alcohol and dress rules are stricter there.

First, decide on water and air. In summer on the west coast, around Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it's hot and humid. In the east, in Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, the air is drier and the sea is cooler. In winter you can swim almost anywhere.

Then look at your budget. Dubai charges more for the same hotel standard. Sharjah and Ajman are cheaper, but they have their own rules. Abu Dhabi sits in the middle: world-class beaches and less hustle.

Don't forget about getting around. Between Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman you can get there by taxi in 30-50 minutes (according to the map). Fujairah and Khor Fakkan are about two hours from Dubai (according to the map).

Our picks by type of vacation:

Resort	Coast	Main draw
1. Dubai	Persian Gulf	Skyscrapers, shopping, water parks
2. Palm Jumeirah	Persian Gulf	Resort on a palm-shaped island
3. Sharjah	Both gulfs	Museums, affordable beaches
4. Kalba	Gulf of Oman	Mangroves, quiet
5. Ajman	Persian Gulf	White sand, close to Dubai
6. Fujairah	Gulf of Oman	Mountains, diving, families
7. Khor Fakkan	Gulf of Oman	Fishing, waterfront
8. Ras Al Khaimah	Persian Gulf	Mountains, zipline, beaches
9. Abu Dhabi	Persian Gulf	Mosque, museums, fountains
10. Al Ain	Desert oasis	Parks, fort, zoo
11. Yas Island	Persian Gulf	Theme parks, racing
12. Dibba	Gulf of Oman	Diving, fish market
13. Umm Al Quwain	Persian Gulf	Quiet getaway, water park
14. Sir Bani Yas Island	Persian Gulf	Wildlife, animals
15. Hatta	Hajar Mountains	Lakes, mountains, canyon

1. Dubai

Dubai welcomes more tourists than any other emirate. It also has the most relaxed rules in the country: hotels serve alcohol, and people comfortably wear swimsuits on the beaches. The vacation revolves around the sea, architecture, and shopping.

Downtown Dubai from above: lake and skyscrapers

For the beach, choose the Jumeirah and Mamzar areas. Entry is paid but inexpensive, and in return you get changing cabins and air-conditioned huts. Nearby are large parks with rides for kids and adults. It's better to swim in the morning; by afternoon the water gets very warm.

The architecture in the city is striking, and the evening lighting turns an ordinary walk into a show. Add water parks, aquariums, museums, and diving centers. Many people come for the shopping: malls the size of a city, and haggling is expected at the gold souks.

Who it's for: first trip to the UAE, vacation with kids, shopping.
Not for: those looking for quiet and low prices.
The catch: beach entry is paid, and summer is very hot and humid.

Hotels in Dubai on Trip.com

2. Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah lies next to Dubai and is shaped like a giant palm tree. The jagged coastline gives the island far more beach than a round island would have. You can stay here in a hotel or come for a day trip.

The island was built from rock and sand, with no concrete or metal. The amount of material used would be enough for a wall along the entire equator. Palm Jumeirah is home to one of the world's best water parks, a dolphinarium, and a large marine aquarium. Buy water park tickets online in advance: in high season the line at the entrance is long.

During the day you sunbathe on the beach, swim, go to the spa, or take a boat trip. In the evening, restaurants and clubs open up. Getting around the island is easy by taxi or monorail. If you stay at the Atlantis hotel, water park entry is free for you.

Who it's for: a resort stay by the water and trips with kids.
The catch: hotel prices are above the city average.

Hotels on Palm Jumeirah on Trip.com

3. Sharjah

Sharjah is the third-largest emirate and keeps strict rules. You'll need to watch your clothing and behavior, and alcohol isn't sold here even in hotels. But everything else works in its favor.

Sharjah is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. No other emirate lets you swim in two seas at once. The best beaches are considered to be Al Khan and Al Corniche: clean, with infrastructure, and prices noticeably lower than Dubai's.

It has the most historical and cultural landmarks in the country, and UNESCO has recognized that. Even without leaving the emirate, you can put together a full sightseeing program. The national park covers a large area: greenery, ponds, recreation zones, and rides for kids. In the park you'll see the emirate in miniature.

Who it's for: culture, museums, and affordable beach vacations.
Not for: those who want alcohol and nightclubs.
The catch: strict dress code and a ban on alcohol.

Hotels in Sharjah on Trip.com

4. Kalba

Kalba is part of the emirate of Sharjah and sits on the east coast. It's a small resort with golden sand and the warm water of the Gulf of Oman. Here you'll feel the Eastern atmosphere without the city bustle.

Mangrove forests with rich wildlife stretch around Kalba. Large sea turtles are often spotted in the water. If you come in winter, you'll catch migratory birds that spend the cold season in these parts. A nature reserve was created here for the animals and birds.

Take a boat tour through the mangroves, see the old fort and the local history museum. The museum houses archaeological finds that show how people lived in past centuries. Fishing feeds the town: if you get up early, you'll see fishermen heading out to sea. Cafes will offer you fresh seafood. Accommodation is available, but the choice is limited, from standard rooms to private villas.

Who it's for: nature, quiet, and boat trips.
The catch: few hotels and almost no nightlife.

Hotels in Kalba on Trip.com

5. Ajman

Ajman Fort with watchtower and wind tower

Ajman is a small and cozy emirate with a capital of the same name. The spacious beaches have snow-white sand, and the Persian Gulf water is warm almost all year round. Both kids and adults enjoy swimming here.

There are plenty of activities: water skiing, volleyball, diving. Modern hotels with comfortable rooms stand in the new districts. There are also historic streets where it's easy to imagine the city of past centuries as you walk. You can reach Dubai and Sharjah on excellent highways and return the same evening.

Don't miss the History Museum in the old fort. The fort is over two centuries old and later served as the sheikhs' residence. The museum opened in the early 1980s and showcases the emirate's history, weapons, and wax figures. Nearby are a watchtower, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and the residence of the Emir of Ajman. Stroll along the waterfront, stop by the market and the camel races.

Who it's for: a quiet beach near Dubai.
The catch: fewer entertainment options than in Dubai.

Hotels in Ajman on Trip.com

6. Fujairah

Fujairah skyline with high-rises near the Hajar Mountains

Fujairah lies on the east coast and is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Oman. It is part of the Indian Ocean, so the water here is different from Dubai's. There are few large cities, but plenty of greenery and historic sites.

Oil and gas are not extracted here, so the environment is in good shape. Visitors come for the beaches, diving, and quiet. There are almost no noisy clubs: this is more of a family resort. The climate is subtropical, summers are very hot, and the high season starts in mid-autumn and lasts until spring. The water stays warm even in winter.

In the emirate's capital, Al Fujairah, there are 17th-century quarters and an old Portuguese fort. It's worth visiting the Archaeological Museum and the Al Badiyah Mosque, which is more than five centuries old.

Who it's for: families, diving, and a calm sea.
Not for: nightlife lovers.
The catch: no large shopping malls or clubs.

Hotels in Fujairah on Trip.com

7. Khor Fakkan

Khor Fakkan beach with a sprawling tree by the sea

Khor Fakkan suits those who are tired of noise and want quiet. It is one of the calmest resorts in the country on the east coast. Anglers come here from all over the world: local waters yield tuna and kingfish.

Everyone else gets a leisurely vacation. Beaches and a warm sea, scuba diving, walks through palm groves. The local Corniche park is lovely, and near the Rifaisa Dam you can see submerged houses. The waterfront is well maintained, and the old harbor sits next to a modern port.

Khor Fakkan is part of Sharjah, the strictest emirate. Alcohol is not sold here, and women should avoid walking the streets in revealing clothing. There are no large shopping malls, but you will find good shops with clothing, fruit, and souvenirs.

Who it's for: fishing, quiet, and diving.
The catch: no alcohol or large shopping malls.

Hotels in Khor Fakkan on Trip.com

8. Ras Al Khaimah

UAE coastline and the Persian Gulf from space

Ras Al Khaimah sits in the north of the country and serves as the emirate's capital. Here you can swim in the Persian Gulf and see the mountains. The beaches have white sand and few people: compared with Dubai, the atmosphere is calm.

Active recreation is available too. Golf clubs, tennis courts, and football pitches are open. You can rent a yacht or a boat and head out on a sea trip. Local cafes serve Arabic dishes, and the markets sell everything from spices to gold jewelry.

Thrill-seekers can try Jebel Jais Flight, the longest zipline in the world. It is 2,830 m long, and this is recorded in the Guinness World Records (as of 09/2026, official operator). While you're there, head up into the Hajar Mountains: the views stretch across the entire gulf.

Don't miss the National Museum in the old fort. It houses archaeological finds, many of them more than two thousand years old, and a rich weapons collection. Nearby is the Mohammed bin Salim Mosque, the largest of the UAE's old mosques. At the 16th-century Dhayah Fort, a view of the Persian Gulf opens up before you.

Who it's for: active recreation, mountains, and quiet beaches.
The catch: without a car, it's hard to get around the mountains and forts.

Hotels in Ras Al Khaimah on Trip.com

9. Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi waterfront at night with yachts and skyscrapers

Abu Dhabi is second in size only to Dubai and remains one of the country's most unusual cities. Oil is produced here, and that money has grown a green city with parks and fountains in the middle of the desert. If you want the Emirates to surprise you, start here.

The white Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to everyone, and admission is free. In 2025, about 7 million guests visited it (as of 09/2026, Sheikh Zayed Mosque Center). In the evening, be sure to catch the singing fountain show. Kids will love the large water park, while adults will enjoy the nightclubs and spectacular shows.

Who it's for: architecture, museums, and city breaks.
The catch: hotel and restaurant prices are high.

Hotels in Abu Dhabi on Trip.com

10. Al Ain

Al Jahili Fort at night with a palm tree

Al Ain sits in the middle of the desert and is known as a garden city. UAE residents themselves love to relax here. You'll find green parks, ponds, and fountains, and the sightseeing program is packed: check out the 17th-century fort that now houses a museum.

The museum holds household items, jewelry, tools, musical instruments, and even Bedouin tents. Climb Jebel Hafeet: from the top you get a panoramic view of the city, and nearby there are therapeutic hot springs. Also stop by the large zoo, where rare animals live in near-natural conditions.

Who it's for: families and a quiet getaway in the country's interior.
The catch: you need to drive to reach the sea.

Hotels in Al Ain on Trip.com

11. Yas Island

Yas Bay waterfront and Etihad Arena from above

Abu Dhabi residents choose Yas Island for entertainment. A Formula 1 track was built here, and people come for the races. Nearby, theme parks operate with dozens of rides.

You can also stay right by the track. The large Yas Mall shopping center has opened with a modern cinema, and there's a club for evening entertainment. The island has no historical sights. People come here to ride attractions and go shopping.

Who it's for: amusement parks, racing, and shopping.
The catch: no history or old architecture.

Hotels on Yas Island on Trip.com

12. Dibba

Dibba coastline with beach, mountains, and road

Dibba stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Oman and has very few residents. It's a place for a quiet getaway far from big cities. Comfortable hotels line the sandy beaches, and even demanding guests will like the rooms.

Diving here is excellent: corals and colorful fish make every dive a real adventure. You can swim year-round. History is close by too: the town once traded actively with China and India. Stop by the fish market, where you can pick seafood from the fresh catch and ask to have it cooked. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, so you won't go hungry.

Who it's for: diving, peace and quiet, and fresh fish.
The catch: far from major cities and airports.

Hotels in Dibba on Trip.com

13. Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain lagoon with mangrove islets

Umm Al Quwain is called the "anti-Dubai" for its peace and quiet. There are no upscale clubs, loud parties, or crowded beaches here. There's no public transport either: walk or take a taxi.

No top-category hotels are built here, but there are three- and four-star properties, and you can relax comfortably. Hotels sell alcohol, but appearing drunk on the streets is not allowed. The emirate has a strong fishing and farming sector: fish, vegetables, fruit, and dairy products are fresh. Rare birds and animals live in the surrounding area.

For sightseeing, check out the old fort with a museum and visit the local water park.

Who it's for: a quiet getaway and unhurried days by the sea.
The catch: no top-category hotels or public transport.

Hotels in Umm Al Quwain on Trip.com

14. Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas Island belongs to Abu Dhabi, and the flow of tourists here grows every year. In the 1970s, Sheikh Zayed decided to establish a wildlife park here, and since then a huge amount of work has been done.

Hills and green groves of Sir Bani Yas Island

There are no rivers or lakes on the island, but an artificial irrigation system was built, so many trees grow here, including fruit trees. Arabian animals live here, many of them rare and endangered species. Biologists are restoring their numbers, and visitors see giraffes, antelopes and other animals. Seabirds nest here, and large turtles come ashore. There is also a salt dome of a rare shape and an ancient Christian monastery, the only one in the UAE.

Who it's for: wildlife, animals and photo safaris.
The catch: you can only get there by water or by plane.

Hotels on Sir Bani Yas Island on Trip.com

15. Hatta

The drive from Dubai to Hatta takes about an hour (according to the map). This mountain resort is worth the time. The air is clean here, and there are beautiful lakes and the Hajar Mountains. Even the road itself is a pleasure: dunes give way to green oases.

The climate in Hatta is milder than on the coast. Stop by the 18th-century mosque and the old fort with a museum. In the village you can listen to folk songs, watch dances, and book a jeep tour. If you're in good shape, head into the mountains to the canyon and lakes, and people come here to shop for carpets.

Who it's for: mountains, lakes, and a short trip from Dubai.
The catch: you can't get there without a car, and it's stuffy in summer.

Hotels in Hatta on Trip.com

UAE resorts on the map

Below is a map with all the UAE resorts. Open it on your phone while traveling: it makes it easier to estimate distances between emirates and plan your transfers.

Resorts of the UAE

Places on the map

1Dubai Skyscrapers, shopping and water parks, the country's most relaxed rules
2Palm Jumeirah A resort on the man-made palm-shaped island with a water park and dolphinarium
3Sharjah Museums, affordable beaches, strict dress code and a dry law
4Kalba Mangrove forests, quiet and sea turtles on the east coast
5Ajman White sand close to Dubai, a History Museum in an old fort
6Fujairah Mountains, diving, a family resort on the Arabian Sea
7Khor Fakkan Fishing, a promenade and quiet rest on the east coast
8Ras al-Khaimah Mountains, the world's longest zip line, Persian Gulf beaches
9Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque, museums and a singing fountain show
10Al Ain A desert oasis, a fort-museum and Jebel Hafeet mountain
11Yas Island Amusement parks, the Formula 1 circuit and Yas Mall
12Dibba Diving and a fish market on the Gulf of Oman coast
13Umm al-Quwain Quiet rest without crowds, a fort with a museum and a water park
14Sir Bani Yas Island A wildlife park with giraffes and antelopes, an ancient Christian monastery
15Hatta A mountain resort with lakes and a canyon in the Hajar Mountains

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the UAE?

The most comfortable time is from October to April. During these months it's warm during the day, and the sea stays warm even in January. In summer, the Persian Gulf coast is very hot and humid, but hotel prices are lower. On the east coast, in Fujairah and Dibba, it's easier to breathe in summer.

Can you swim in the UAE in winter?

Yes, you can swim almost everywhere. The water off the UAE coast stays warm year-round, so hotels put in outdoor pools and only rarely heat them. Bring a swimsuit even in January. The only thing to keep in mind is the wind on the east coast, where it sometimes gets stormy.

How much do the main attractions cost?

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is free; in 2025 it welcomed about 7 million visitors (as of 09/2026, official mosque data). A ticket to the Louvre Abu Dhabi costs about 90 dirhams (as of 09/2026, Louvre Abu Dhabi tickets). Some museums are closed on Mondays, so check the schedule in advance.

Where is it cheaper to vacation in the UAE?

Look at Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain: hotels there are cheaper than in Dubai with the same level of service. In Sharjah, keep in mind the alcohol ban and strict dress code. Umm Al Quwain has no top-category hotels, but it's quiet and inexpensive. To compare prices, open hotels across several emirates at once.

Can you drink alcohol in the UAE?

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, alcohol is sold in hotels, bars, and restaurants. In Sharjah and Khor Fakkan, alcohol is not sold. In Ajman, alcohol is sold in hotels. In Umm Al Quwain, alcohol is available in hotels, but you can't appear drunk in public. Drinking alcohol on the beach and in public places is prohibited.

Do you need a car in the UAE?

For Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ajman, you don't need a car. Between Dubai and Ajman you can get there by taxi in 30-50 minutes (according to the map). From Dubai to Abu Dhabi it's about 1.5 hours (according to the map). A rental car comes in handy in Ras Al Khaimah and on the east coast, where getting to the mountains and secluded beaches is otherwise difficult. Rental counters are available at every airport.

In short: what's worth booking

The UAE is easy to adapt to any kind of vacation. If you want city life and service, book a hotel in Dubai or on Palm Jumeirah. For quiet and nature, choose Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, or Kalba. Yas Island and water parks are great with kids, and Sharjah and Ajman help with the budget.

Comparing hotels across all emirates at once is easier on Trip.com: you'll see prices and locations in one table and can pick an area that fits your route.

See UAE hotels on Trip.com

15 UAE resorts: where the beach is, where the mountains are and where it is cheaper