Arab Emirates resorts on the coast. Holidays in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates are vast desert territories that only nomads and thrill-seekers cross. But at the same time, the UAE is a multi-kilometer coastline, where the most amazing and expensive hotels in the world are located.

Why you should visit the UAE

It is this proximity of water and desert that attracts many tourists. Here you can see a lot of unusual and amazing things, visit chic palaces, visit a real noisy and cheerful oriental bazaar, plunge into the atmosphere of luxury and celebration. It is in this country that all the best, high, visited, amazing, unforgettable are located:

  • The Burj Khalifa is the largest skyscraper in the world.
  • Al Jaraf Park is the largest park in the world.
  • The fountain in Sharjah is the third largest in the world, the jet hits directly from the bay, its height is 100 meters.
  • The water park in Abu Dhabi is the largest entertainment complex in the Middle East.
  • The aquarium in Dubai is the largest in the world.
  • The musical fountain in Dubai is the most expensive fountain in the world.

And, of course, in the United Arab Emirates there are the best resorts in the world.

Just before ordering a tour, you need to determine what you want to get from your vacation.

Some resorts are ideal for a fun-filled youth holiday, while others are preferable for a relaxing family holiday. In addition, the coast along the Emirates is not the same, there are not only sandy beaches and quiet bays, but also rocky terrain, reefs and other terrain features. On these beaches, you can practice various types of water sports.

UAE resorts in the Persian Gulf

Most of the UAE is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. Almost all year round the water in the bay is warm and even in the winter months you can not refuse a beach holiday. Moreover, at any time of the year, every resort in the UAE can offer something original and unforgettable.

Abu Dhabi

City-island with a huge coastline. It is here that the most expensive hotels in the world are located, the most luxurious service and high honors for those who are willing to pay for it. But in the immediate vicinity there are more modest hotels, where rest is available to every tourist. Paying 2-3 thousand dollars for a week tour, you can get to enjoy a great vacation in a 5-star hotel located on the very shore of the bay.

When choosing Abu Dhabi for your vacation, do not forget that this is the capital of the UAE. Many hotels, even those located at the very edge of the water, are intended for businessmen and official representatives of various services and companies. There is always a great chance to settle next to some delegation or to be at breakfast surrounded by people in suits and ties.

Dubai

This is a resort for everyone. There are many attractions, entertainment centers, including one of the most famous water parks. In Dubai, there are oriental bazaars that are amazing in their size and scale of trade. From here it is simply impossible to leave without a purchase. But still, Dubai is also business centers, huge skyscrapers, banks and the modern pace of life. But on the coast there are the most beautiful hotels, where guests will be offered excellent service and all kinds of entertainment.

Ajman

This resort is the exact opposite of the first two. In these places, a quiet and relaxing family vacation will be provided. At any time of the year, the activity of tourists in this part of the United Arab Emirates is low, responsibly, the prices for holidays here will be somewhat lower than in the rest of the country. During your vacation in Ajman, you can make an exciting trip on a dhow boat, which is made by local craftsmen. The area is also famous for its pearl divers. Many tourists try to bring such a souvenir from their holidays.

Ras Al Khaimah

The resort is one of the oldest in the Emirates, which affects the entertainment industry in the general perception of this place by tourists. The resort is suitable for sightseeing holidays and for recovery - these places are famous for their mineral springs.

Um Al Quwain

Um Al Quwain is suitable for those who love water sports. In one of the best water sports centers, tourists will be offered:

  • Diving,
  • Windsurfing,
  • water safari,
  • fishing,
  • jet skis,
  • Sailing,
  • Water skiing and more.

In addition, families with children can safely go to the resort of Um al Quwain. Perfectly clean beaches, amusement parks and amazing nature will create all the conditions for a pleasant stay.

Sharjah

This resort is not for everyone. Despite the fact that there are beautiful beaches here, holidays by the sea are not the main tourist destination in this emirate.

There are many historical monuments and cultural centers in Sharjah, where many tourists aspire to visit.

In addition, the resort is famous for its markets and bazaars, which can occupy more than one street.

Most tourists are not particularly demanding on living conditions in Sharjah, so here it is quite possible to find a budget hotel option with a minimum range of services. At the same time, the waters of the Persian Gulf remain close and accessible, and every tourist can enjoy the bright sun of the East at any time of the year. The only thing that will remain inaccessible in Sharjah is alcohol. It is completely banned here, you can’t buy it in a store or order it in a restaurant, you can’t bring it with you either.

UAE resorts on the Indian Ocean

Fujdeira

Fujairah is the only resort in the UAE, which is located not in the Persian, but in the Gulf of Oman. This bay has direct access to the Indian Ocean.

That is why many travel agencies position Fujairah as a resort on the ocean.

Although there are no significant differences. There are strong ebbs and flows on the coast, there are big waves, the underwater world is amazing and beautiful. All this makes the resort popular not only among tourists from various countries, but also among the residents of the Emirates themselves.

In Fujairah, you can ensure your vacation in any conditions, as there are hotels of various categories on the coast. Some of them offer an excellent beach holiday with a full range of water activities, while others are focused on excursions. In addition, there are many markets in Fujairah that offer almost everything from clothes and modest trinkets to gold and precious stones.

Emirates of the United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. They are like precious stones from one chest - each is beautiful in its own way.

Which resort in the UAE to choose

Distinctive features are given in the comparative table of UAE resorts:

Resort

Peculiarities

Beaches

Type of holiday

Prices

Emirate of excellent shopping and breathtaking skyscrapers. Wide range of entertainment. A wide choice of hotels for every taste.

Large selection of beaches with developed infrastructure. There are many city hotels at a distance from the beach, the transfer is not available everywhere.

City, beach, shopping, sightseeing.

The largest and richest emirate. Fascinating shopping, Ferrari Park, Formula 1 circuit. Most high-level hotels are 4-5 *.

Many comfortable well-maintained sandy beaches.

Respectable city vacation, shopping, beach vacation, vacation with children.

The most sightseeing emirate - many historical monuments. There is a dry law, a rather strict dress code. Well developed public transport network. Close to Dubai, but more budget friendly. A wide range of hotels at affordable prices on the first line.

A decent selection of paid and free beaches.

Excursion, beach.

Abu Dhabi

The first largest among the emirates, as well as the richest, the capital of the state is located here. Here is the famous Corniche Road - the street of fountains. Abu Dhabi has many opportunities for a colorful national holiday: desert safaris, folklore performances and much more. Shoppers will be pleasantly surprised: many streets are shopping arcades. Travel to the oasis cities of Al Ain and Liwa and stay in luxurious hotels with exquisite interiors.

Dubai

The second largest and most progressive emirate. Shopping and entertainment centers, local attractions and gorgeous beaches are available for tourists with any income. You can stay in the fashionable areas of the Jumeirah artificial archipelago or economically relax in two-star hotels in Deira or Bur Dubai. This emirate can be called the most liberated; young people here can go to a club and drink a glass of an alcoholic cocktail.

Sharjah

Sharjah is the strictest emirate, where "dry law" reigns and liberties in clothing are not allowed. The resort offers hotels for different tastes and budgets, water sports and quiet evenings in hookah lounges. An excellent choice for a relaxing family holiday with children.

fujairah

Fujairah, unlike other emirates, is located on the Indian Ocean. There are no skyscrapers here, but there are many beautiful landscapes and historical buildings. If you like peace, unity with nature and active hiking, then Fujairah is a great option. All conditions for diving, mountaineering and trekking are created here.

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is a fairly compact emirate with a small number of hotels. It boasts historic architecture in the Old Town. In addition, many people know this resort thanks to spa centers and healing mineral water. Families with children will surely enjoy the new large water park.

Ajman

Ajman is a small emirate that is completely surrounded by Sharjah. There is no oil here, but first-class ships are being built: both modern yachts and traditional sailing ships. Pearls are also mined in Ajman. There are no more than a dozen hotels here, but the emirate is developing and becoming more and more popular for family vacations.

The UAE is an oriental fairy tale, spread out in the endless desert with oases, golden beaches on the coast of the endlessly rippling Persian Gulf. The cities of the United Arab Emirates are a world of gold, frills, sheikhs, skyscrapers and unique opportunities.

The main city of the country is its capital Abu Dhabi, one of the largest financial and political centers of the UAE, as well as a popular tourist resort with good beaches, high-class hotels, shopping centers and various entertainment for a huge number of vacationers.

The capital of the United Emirates receives annually millions of tourists who come to admire its oriental flavor, the famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque, camel races, of course, plunge into the clear waters of the Persian Gulf and soak up the sun on the golden beach. Despite the fact that the tourist infrastructure in the capital of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is expanding significantly every year, it is difficult for him to take over the lead from the most popular resort city in the UAE -.

Perhaps the most significant, popular and rapidly developing city in the Emirates is Dubai. We can say that Dubai is the tourist capital of the Arab Emirates, their heart, as well as a dynamic metropolis that amazes with its skyscrapers, famous hotels (the most famous among them is the Burj Al Arab 5 * hotel - "Sail"), recognized as the best in the world, restaurants that provide a choice of almost any cuisine of the world, shopping centers and, of course, the most modern, famous resorts with magnificent beaches on the Persian Gulf. The resort areas of Dubai are and they are ideal for a beach holiday. An important place in the life of tourist Dubai is also occupied by areas and to which people come for business and shopping.

There is not a single city in the Emirates that is equal to Dubai. A cosmopolitan city where at the same time, harmoniously and, as if merging together, an ultra-modern metropolis and the endless desert of the UAE, traditions of the East and features of the West, antiquity and modernity coexist. Millions of tourists come to this city every year, each of whom comes back here again and again, always getting new impressions from the trip. Whether you're looking for a beach holiday, a shopping tour or a business meeting, you want to take your business to the next level, the city is the perfect choice.

The most conservative and ancient city of the Emirates is this. This is, in fact, the cultural and historical center of the country, the most strict and religious of all cities in the UAE (alcohol is prohibited here, even at the hotel, they are strictly related to appearance and behavior). If you want to feel the true culture of the East, see the Arab architecture and feel the history of this amazing country, then the city of Sharjah is a great choice. Also in Sharjah you can arrange a beach holiday, for which there is everything you need: beaches, the sea, coastal hotels, however, no more than 4 *. This city is located just 20 minutes from. Many tourists choose the city for recreation in order to save money, but at the same time they go to Dubai for entertainment.

A provincial town, with a calm and measured rhythm of life, cozy streets with restaurants and a small shopping area is. It is located 30 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport. Tourists come to Ajman who are tired of the noisy metropolis and the bustle of the city. Here they can relax quietly and calmly with their families, because this is facilitated by the beautiful nature of Ajman, its sandy beaches and hotels located along the coast, but, however, their choice is small.

Abu Dhabi

Recreation in Abu Dhabi - acquaintance with unique sights, enjoying the green oasis. The city attracts with a harmonious combination of minarets and mosques with majestic skyscrapers, surprises with the quality of beach service and comfortable conditions for water activities.

Ajman

Ajman is the most modest emirate of the UAE in terms of area, it is adjacent to the emirate of Sharjah, from which it is a stone's throw to Dubai. Prices for tours in Ajman are lower than for trips to other regions, so Ajman combines the benefits of a vacation on the Persian Gulf with the opportunity to save money.

Ras Al Khaimah

fujairah

Fujairah resort is different from other UAE resorts - there are no majestic skyscrapers, but there are mountains and green valleys, beaches with beautiful golden sand. The Emirate of Fujairah is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, there are excellent conditions for a solitary trip and recreation with children.

Sharjah

The city of Sharjah is the capital of the Emirate of the same name, located on the shores of the Persian and Oman Gulfs. The Sharjah resort is located in close proximity to Dubai and, according to UNESCO experts, is quite capable of claiming the role of the cultural capital of the Arab world.

Korfakkan

Khorfakkan resort nestled in a picturesque bay on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates and attracts tourists with its magnificent sandy beaches, warm waters of the Gulf of Oman and amazingly beautiful nature.

Um Al Quwain

The original, picturesque emirate impresses with its special color of majestic buildings, ancient buildings, and luxurious nature. Tourists are attracted by a relaxing holiday in Um Al Quwain on well-equipped beaches, comfortable hotels and high-quality tourist infrastructure.

ras al khaimah

Recreation in Ras Al Khaimah is the sun and the warm sea, pristine beaches, ancient architecture and the hospitality of the locals.

Description of the resorts of the United Arab Emirates

The resorts of the United Arab Emirates are a great vacation under the bright sun on the ideal cleanliness of the beaches, impeccable service and an amazing combination of the very ancient and the most modern. This is exactly what thousands of tourists who annually come to rest in the UAE like, the resorts of the Emirates always live up to expectations.
Moreover, the UAE beach resorts are as diverse as life itself in this country full of mysteries. Here, secular rules coexist peacefully with Islamic prohibitions, traditions are modernized and acquire modern features, and conservative emirates and regions do not at all fight with willingly updating rules and lifestyles - they simply complement each other.
But it also happens that the popular resorts of the UAE differ only in the color of the sand on the beach - it can be pearl white, brick red or pink, like the morning sky. Each emirate has its own characteristics, but all of them are perfectly landscaped - regardless of the distance.
Abu Dhabi is famous for the largest number of Blue Flags for the cleanliness of beaches among the resorts of the UAE, Jumeirah and Al Mamzar are ideal for relaxation. But it should be remembered that only women swim and sunbathe on the beaches once a week - men are not allowed. You can settle on Sir Bani Yas - the island-reserve, and enjoy a secluded vacation. Or you can go on a jeep safari into the desert, or spend an evening among the Bedouins.
In Dubai, the most liberated capital of the bold and innovative emirate, there are several resort areas - luxurious Jumeirah with artificial islands in the form of a palm tree, Bur Dubai with a scattering of sights, noisy Deira shining with lights.
For those who come to the UAE, resort cities are a wonderful place not only to relax and improve their health, but also to get acquainted with the culture of the country. But rest is always in the foreground. Therefore, for travelers to the UAE, resorts on the sea are the first in popularity, because where, if not on the sea, rest gives the greatest pleasure. So Fujairah is a great joy for lovers of outdoor activities on the water, there is a good wave, dozens of sunken ships within reach and an incredibly beautiful, vibrant underwater world.
Among the experts on Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah are the best resorts in the UAE for families with children. In Ras al-Khaimah, there are many spa centers operating on mineral water - it is interesting for adults, and a huge water park, from which children are delighted. And in strict Sharjah with a "dry" law, there is practically no nightlife, but excellent quiet beaches and affordable prices.
In the UAE, resorts for children and adults are equally comfortable, so a family vacation in this country is always a pleasure.

We figure out where it is better to relax in the UAE at sea. What are the beaches in the resorts, what to do and what to see.

Map of resorts and beaches in the UAE

Beach holidays in Dubai

Where is it better to relax in the UAE if you want to combine a beach holiday with shopping and excursions? Dubai is a versatile city and is the best choice, especially if you are there for the first time. It is convenient to go on excursions to other emirates, and in the city itself there is something to see on our own - we visited the beaches, Deira and the Old City, the singing fountains and the Dubai Mall, and the aquarium. In Dubai, you can live with a different budget - from quite modest to luxurious.

Shopping in Dubai is wonderful, there are a lot of shopping centers. In addition to the famous Dubai Mall (it can be considered as a separate attraction), visit Dubai Marina Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Outlet Mall Dubai, as well as the markets in Deira.

Dubai Mall. The famous aquarium can be viewed for free, but only partially, from the outside.

Interesting video! TV presenter and blogger Anton Ptushkin gives a video tour of rich life in Dubai:

For those who care about living by the sea, we advise you to settle in Jumeirah - this is where the cool long beaches are. Jumeirah is home to the Burj Al Arab Sail Hotel and the Atlantis Water Park Hotel. Another beach area in Dubai is Marina Beach, local Manhattan. Expensive yachts, glass skyscrapers, very beautiful.

When asked where to relax in the UAE with a child, the answer is the same - it is best in Dubai. There are good beaches, and the entrance to the water is smooth, and the infrastructure is developed. There are water parks and amusement parks for children - Wild Wadi and Wonderland.


Beach holidays in Abu Dhabi

Some believe that in the UAE it is better to relax in the capital - Abu Dhabi. In many ways, it resembles Dubai: the same ultra-modern city with skyscrapers, there are also good beaches and shopping centers, you can go on excursions.

If you just want to lazily lie on the beach, then Abu Dhabi has everything for this. The beaches are good and suitable even for small children.


Clear water in Abu Dhabi (Photo © Michaela Loheit / flickr.com)

What to do and what to see? Be sure to visit the sixth largest mosque in the world, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque. This marble shrine of 82 domes and 1,000 columns can accommodate more than 40,000 worshipers. With children, go to Ferrari World, Al Mushrif Children's Garden and Hili Fun City amusement parks, as well as Waterworld water park - a lot of fun and delight are guaranteed!


Huge sinkhole on Dawwama tornado slide at Yas Waterworld

Beach holidays in Sharjah

Some tourists believe that in the UAE at sea it is better to relax in the emirate of Sharjah. This is the cultural center of the country and an ideal place for a measured family vacation. There are no noisy entertainments here, as in Dubai, but there is a lot of greenery and excellent beaches. It is also cheaper to live in Sharjah, and it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to get to Dubai by bus or taxi! True, there may be traffic jams in the morning and evening, keep this in mind.

The beaches are clean and the entrance to the sea is smooth. The bottom is sandy and gently sloping, so in Sharjah you can relax even with a baby - however, like almost everywhere in the UAE.


Beach in Sharjah (Photo © sophiemachin / flickr.com)

However, there are strict laws in Sharjah - you can sunbathe in a swimsuit only on hotel beaches, where the entrance is paid if you do not live in this hotel. Men are not allowed on public beaches on Mondays.

Alcohol is also prohibited, but you can drink in hotels. For some, this is a plus.

What to see? This is the oldest emirate, so there are many museums - archaeological, ethnographic, historical. For children - Al Majas Green Park, Desert Park, National Park, Adventureland themed, aquarium and water park.


Sharjah Desert Park (Photo © unsplash.com / @chinkinthearmour)

Beach holidays in Fujairah

This is where it is better to relax in the UAE for families with children or lovers of solitude! The emirate of Fujairah is very, even too calm and quiet - mass tourism has not yet reached here and there is no noisy entertainment. But in the capital of the emirate and in the resorts near it, there are many good hotels, including those with all-inclusive meals.


Snoopy Island, Fujairah (Photo © nate2b / flickr.com)

It is worth going to Fujairah only for the sake of a beach holiday, snorkeling and diving. The emirate has wide and clean sandy beaches - all belong to hotels. The best beaches are in the north, where it is also better to snorkel and dive. Tourists prefer the beaches of Al Aqah Beach, Dibba Al Fujairah and Shark Island. The climate is milder, and you can relax at any time of the year, except for summer.

What to see? See the fort and old city, Fujairah Museum and Madhab Folk Park, Mosque and

Heritage Village. Visit gardens, waterfalls and healing springs.


Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah (Photo © _ _steven.kemp_ _ / flickr.com)

Beach holidays in Ajman

Ajman is an alternative to beach Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Yes, there are no amazing skyscrapers, grandiose mosques and amusement parks here. However, if you just want to relax calmly and relatively inexpensively in the UAE by the sea, then this emirate is for you.

The beaches are clean with fine white sand. Private closed beaches are well cleaned, they have all the infrastructure. Lots of hotels, cafes and restaurants.


Beach strip in Ajman (Photo © tutanh_blog / flickr.com)

Another advantage is that laws are not as strict as in Sharjah, plus you can buy alcohol in a bar, restaurant or shop.

Things to do? The list of entertainment is scarce: go to the historical museum and the ancient fort, admire the mosques and the shipyard, visit camel races and mineral springs. If you get bored, go to Dubai or Sharjah - they are nearby.


Camel on the beach in Ajman (Photo © Shelley M Lantz-Burrell / flickr.com)

Beach holidays in Ras Al Khaimah

In this unpopular with tourists, but very colorful emirate of the UAE, you can have a good rest - here the same long beaches as elsewhere in the Persian Gulf. And also - a beautiful canyon of the Hajar Mountains, sand dunes, desert villages, ancient valleys (wadis) with oases and archaeological sites, mangroves and picturesque hills.

There are no skyscrapers and chic malls here yet, but there is a lot of nature and cultural and historical sights. The infrastructure is developed - hotels, shops, cafes, everything is enough. You can stay both in ordinary hotels on the first line, and in non-standard housing - for example, live in a nature reserve or in a Bedouin tent in the middle of the desert. In general, if you are bored with other emirates and do not know where to go to the UAE to relax, come to Ras al-Khaimah - a very authentic emirate!


The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah in Al Wadi Reserve (Photo © booking.com / The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert)

Beach holidays in Umm Al Quwain

Where else can you relax in the UAE in a variety of ways? In the emirate of Umm Al Khaiwain, there is not only a measured beach holiday. There is a lot of entertainment for almost all categories of tourists. The infrastructure is very developed, but the resort is quiet and peaceful.

What to do and what to see? If you are interested in historical sites, check out the excavations of the cities of Tel Abraq and Ad-Dur, the old fort with a museum and watchtowers, a 19th-century mosque and a market. If you want an active tourist, go diving, sailing, windsurfing, horseback riding or fishing. You can ride a catamaran, boat and water skiing.


Beach at Umm al-Qaiwain (Photo © niketa579 / flickr.com)

When is the best time to visit the UAE

The Emirates has a dry subtropical climate and almost never rains. Starting from May there is unbearable heat and lasts until September. Despite the fact that prices for tours are decreasing at this time, it is better not to go to the UAE in summer - the air temperature can exceed +50°C in the shade.

It is better to have a rest in the UAE in October and November, when the thermometer drops to +30°C. Vacation prices are the highest during these months.

In December, January, February and March, the cost of vouchers is reduced, as is the temperature - up to +25°C. The water also cools down a little, but for many this is not critical. In April, the heat gradually begins to return to the Emirates.

Overview of Dubai beaches

Intro image source: © unsplash.com / @darceybeau.