UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

🚶 Start discovering the UAE from the heart of modern Dubai. Downtown is the grand vistas of Sheikh Zayed Road and the glass facades of skyscrapers, behind which cozy courtyards with cafes are hidden. During the day, stroll through Dubai Mall (the huge aquarium is a convenient “snack of impressions” in air-conditioned coolness), and by sunset head to the promenade by Burj Lake: against the backdrop of Burj Khalifa, the fountain show begins—jets soar to Arabic melodies and pop hits, reflecting on the water’s surface and in the skyscraper’s mirrors. Tip: it’s better to arrive 20–30 minutes before the nearest show starts to get a spot by the railing.

🚶 Immerse yourself in “old Dubai”. Start in the Al Fahidi quarter (Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood) with its clay houses and wind towers—‘barajeel’—then head down to Dubai Creek. Cross on a wooden abra to the souks side—the fragrant Spice Souk and the golden Gold Souk in Deira sparkle with collections of spices and jewelry. Return to the waterfront in the historic Al Shindagha area: here you’ll find the large Al Shindagha Museum cluster with the Perfume House and the Al Maktoum Residence. Today’s route is gentle, with plenty of shady pauses by the water and museum spaces under air conditioning.

🚶 In the morning—the “Museum of the Future” on Sheikh Zayed Road: a futuristic iridescent oval building with calligraphic quotes and immersive halls about space, biotechnology, and the city of the future. This isn’t a classic museum but a living attraction of ideas, best visited with a pre-booked time slot. Toward evening—Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park: a glass bridge at about 150 m offers contrasting views of “old” and “new” Dubai on opposite sides of the frame, perfect at golden hour.

🚶 By day—the beach line of Jumeirah: the promenade, kitesurfers at Kite Beach, coffee shops with windows facing the Persian Gulf. After a light sea day—Etihad Museum by the historic Union House, where the country’s birth is told through archives, multimedia installations, and architecture echoing the white tents of the first meetings of the emirates’ leaders.

🚶 Change the pace: marina canals, yachts, and skyscrapers right up against JBR beach. Walk along The Walk, then take the pedestrian bridge to Bluewaters—dining terraces with views of the bay and the lights of the night city.

🚶 Sharjah is the cultural capital with a careful attitude to heritage. At the Museum of Islamic Civilization on the waterfront—calligraphy, astrolabes, early science, and the art of the Islamic world. Then—the Arts Area: the classic Sharjah Art Museum and nearby Sharjah Art Foundation spaces, where in cool halls and arched courtyards, classical collections and contemporary regional art coexist.

🚌 Transfer: Dubai → Sharjah (RTA intercity buses to Al Jubail Bus Station: E303 from Union, E306 from Al Ghubaiba, E307 from Deira City Centre). The trip is usually 45–60 minutes + traffic.

🚶 Let your legs and eyes “breathe”: a morning trip into the desert—golden dunes, wind ripples, falcon centers and Bedouin camps. By day—rest by the pool or a walking break in the green courtyards of City Walk. In the evening you can return to the fountains by Burj Khalifa and watch the show from a new angle.

🚆 Transfer: Dubai → Abu Dhabi. RTA intercity bus E101 (Ibn Battuta Bus Station → Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station) approx. 1h 40m–2h; by car ~1h 20–1h 40 depending on traffic.

🚶 In the second half of the day—Qasr Al Watan: the presidential palace, now open to visitors. Inside—shining halls of knowledge, a library, exhibitions of crafts and diplomatic gifts. On the grounds—ideal architectural symmetry for an unhurried visit.

🚶 Saadiyat Cultural District is a world-class museum campus on the bay. Louvre Abu Dhabi under its lace “dome-sky” connects antiquities and contemporary art, while reflections of water and light create an effect of coastal meditation. After the museum—Saadiyat Beach: soft white sand, warm waves, dunes, and an eye-resting expanse.

🚶 Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone fort and a symbol of the city, turned into a museum of the emirate’s history: the watchtower, halls with artifacts, the House of Artisans. After that—the greenery of Umm Al Emarat Park: palm shade, fountains, family lawns and cafes; ideal for a break from the hot day.

🚆 Transfer: Abu Dhabi ↔ Al Ain — ~1h 45m–2h by car (via E22) or about 2h by bus. Plan an early start.

🚶 Al Ain is the “garden city” on the border with Oman. Al Ain Oasis offers cool palm shade and the ancient falaj irrigation system (a UNESCO site). Nearby is Al Jahili Fort with Wilfred Thesiger’s photo chronicles and the oasis’s history. By evening — return to Abu Dhabi.

🚆 Transfer: Abu Dhabi → Ras Al Khaimah: ~2h 30–3h by car (via E11/E311 + E611/E611→E611/E611→E611/E611/E611→E611/E611/E611→RAK). Alternative: transfer or taxi.

🚶 A day in the Hajar Mountains: Jebel Jais switchbacks, viewpoints, and a cool breeze even in summer. Panoramas of sheer cliffs and canyons, sunset over the peaks — cinematic. Night — on the coast at one of the emirate’s beach resorts.

🚆 Transfer: Ras Al Khaimah → Fujairah ~1h 45m–2h by car via mountain passes (E87).

🚶 Morning on the Indian Ocean: clear water and dark mountain outlines on the horizon. After relaxing — Fujairah Fort and the city museum with Bronze and Iron Age archaeological finds. In the evening — seafood and a walk to the sound of the surf.

🚆 Transfer: Fujairah → Dubai ~1h 45m–2h by car (E611/E84/E102), account for traffic when entering the мегаполис.

🚶 Final stroll: choose your favorite angle — a view of Burj Khalifa, an evening sunset at La Mer, or a quiet coffee in DIFC/City Walk. Souvenirs — dates and spices from the market, local ceramics, and oud/musk fragrances in boutiques.