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Pearls of the emirates

Here's a look at the UAE's notable landmarks and establishments that define the nation

Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Armed with the tagline, 'See Humanity in a new light', Louvre Abu Dhabi lives up to grandeur dreamed by Pritzer Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel. A prominent cultural attraction in the country, it opened its doors to the public in November 2017 and features art, artefacts, a dedicated children's museum, and workshops 
Wahat Al Karama
A memorial to inspire the nation, Wahat Al Karama, which translates into 'Oasis of Dignity' pays homage to the fallen soldiers of the UAE, who have bravely served the country in the name of peace and justice.
Capital Gate
Developed by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), the tower is the tallest in the emirate and stands out for its iconic lean, earning it the nickname 'Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi'. The 35-storey tower, which is 520 feet high, was recognised by the Guinness World Records as the 'World's Furthest Leaning Man-made Tower'.
Aldar Headquarters
Hard to miss when driving towards Abu Dhabi city, the Aldar Headquarters is a commercial office with a distinct circular appearance. Dubbed the 'coin' building, it is the first-of-its-kind in the UAE, and represents the country's continuous effort to experiment and construct architectural wonders. 
Emirates Palace
A stunning landmark of the emirate, the Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel that once held the title as the Most Expensive Hotel ever built. Opened in February 2005, the Palace features 394 residential rooms, out of which 92 suites are furnished in marble and gold. Furthermore, it has played host to a number of events as a pop concert venue to movie set.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Initiated by the late UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the mosque was built with a vision to bridge the historical and modern values of architecture and art along with the cultural diversity in the Islamic world. This is why it features marble mosaics from all over the world, namely Macedonia, Italy, India and China.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge
The suspended bridge is designed to represent sand dunes, a notable feature of UAE, prior to its construction boom. The structure is among the most intricate bridges and is one of the routes that connects the mainland to Abu Dhabi island. It symbolises the emirate's charisma and energy.
Masdar City
In tune with a mission to become a sustainable nation, Masdar City is a perfect example of a country that is committed to clean energy. It functions on its own grid, focusing on zero carbon emissions, and to date, it serves as the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). 
Dubai
Burj Khalifa
A record-breaker, Burj Khalifa holds over 10 accolades for being the tallest and highest skyscraper in the world, besides being an impressive architectural wonder. It stands tall at 2,722 feet with 211 floors, and hosts an observation deck, At the Top, to give visitors stunning views of the city.
The Dubal Mall
The mall made headlines across the globe as the largest mall in the world and features the largest air-conditioned elevated footbridge connected to the metro station. It is also home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which features the world's largest acrylic panel. Its latest record is the world's largest OLED screen in 2017, located near the Ice Rink.
Burj Al Arab
The third tallest hotel in the world is a fine example of complex engineering feats, as it is built on an artificial island. The five-star structure has also hosted some of memorable events, such as a tennis match between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer on its heli-pad.
Gevora Hotel
The latest contender ready to break records, Gevora Hotel is a 75-storey establishment unveiled in February 2018. While the property is still waiting to receive confirmation by the Guinness Book of World Records for standing at 356 metres, its portfolio of 528 rooms is leaving visitors in awe.
Emirates Towers
The twin towers - one being a hotel and the other an office - have become a unique symbol of Dubai since its establishment in 1999. Set on Sheikh Zayed Road, the two towers are linked to each other by The Boulevard, a two-storey retail complex, and it holds parking spaces for up to 1,800 cars.
World Trade Centre
Truly marking the beginning of the skyscraper trend on Sheikh Zayed Road, World Trade Centre is one of the oldest and most iconic skyscrapers erected in 1979. Prior to the boom of towers along the road, the Centre was the only landmark standing proud and was once known as the tallest building in the UAE.
Dubai Frame
Dubai's newest landmark allows visitors to see the city's past, present and future in a one-hour tour with unique views of 'old' and 'new' Dubai from a 150-metre-high sky glass bridge. Located in Zabeel Park, it comprises two towers measuring 150 metres in height and connected by the  93-metre long bridge at the top.
Palm Jumeirah
It is the world's largest man-made island and comprises a two-kilometre-long trunk, a crown made up of 17 fronds and a surrounding crescent. It is home to Atlantis, The Palm, the first resort that opened on the island in 2008 and spans a massive 46 hectares, with 17 hectares of water park alone.
Deira Clock Tower
The structure was built in 1963 to celebrate the country's first oil exports and has served as a major landmark in the city. Its location was chosen because the intersection was an important access point into Dubai and the first significant structure seen by travellers and traders arriving. It was reconstructed in 1989.
Ain Dubai
Located on Bluewaters Island, near JBR, the Ain Dubai observation wheel will be built to a height of 210m, the highest of its kind in the world. There will be 48 passenger capsules installed and the attraction will offer 360-degree views of Dubai's skyline.
Etihad Museum
The museum opened in January 2017 and chronicles the era before the country's founding, the agreement signing and subsequent declaration of the Union in 1971. The building design was inspired by the shape of a manuscript, with seven columns symbolising the pens used to sign the Union agreement.
Gold Souq
A traditional market set at the heart of Deira, the Gold Souq is one of the busiest shopping districts in the UAE and attracts people from all over the globe. The souk mainly sells gold, silver and precious stones and features over 300 jewellery shops. Approximately 10 tonnes of gold is present at any given time in the souq!
Office of the Future
Inaugurated in May 2016, it is the first fully functional, inhabited 3D printed building in the world. Located close to the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the structure was created as a part of Dubai's 3D Printing Strategy that focuses on the development of 3D printing to improve people's lives.
Jumeirah Mosque
The only mosque in Dubai that is open to the public, it welcomes visitors of all faiths to visit. The iconic structure is featured on the Dh500 bill. The mosque was built in 1979 and is made entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with towering twin minarets framing a large central dome.
Dubai Safari
Opened earlier this year, the Dubai Safari is the new home for more than 2,500 animals from all over the world. It is spread over 119 hectares and features the world's first drive-through crocodile exhibit, the UAE's largest aviary exhibit, and the UAE's only drive-thru hippo and tiger exhibit.
Dubai Water Canal
Launched in November 2016, the 3.2km canal with a 6.4km-long waterfront cuts through Dubai, starting from the Business Bay and stretching to Safa Park, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2 and Jumeirah Road to end in the Arabian Gulf at the Jumeirah Beach Park.
Dubai Design District
One of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Dubai, the Dubai Design District is the first destination in the region dedicated to design. Popular events such as Sole DXB and Fashion Forward Dubai take place at the district and provides a platform for designers and enthusiasts to share the same space and passion.
Sharjah
Qanat Al Qasba
Situated in the heart of Sharjah, it is an art, culture, leisure, and lively tourist area. One of its major attractions is the Emirates Wheel that offers spectacular views of landmark buildings, scenery, and even the Gulf coast. One of its other distinctive feature is the striking one kilometre long manmade canal.
Air Arabia
The low-cost carrier was founded in Sharjah in 2003. It operates flights to more than 130 destinations spread around the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Central Asia and Europe. Air Arabia operates one aircraft type, the Airbus A320, the world's best-selling commercial jetliner. The current fleet consists of 44 of these.
Ajman
Ajman Museum
The 18th-century fort served as the ruler's residence until 1970. The museum offers a glimpse of Ajman's past, from centuries-old manuscripts and weaponry to models of wooden dhows and ingenious irrigation systems. The fort serves as a perfect example of traditional Emirati architecture and the museum has a section dedicated to pearl trade.
UAQ
Dreamland Aqua Park
The first and largest water park in the UAE, it was inaugurated in June 1997 and is located in the scenic coastline of Umm Al Quwain. The park has many natural features that are interlaced with over 30 thrilling rides, crazy slides, and a lot of other fun attractions.
Fujairah
Wadi Al Wurayah
With its cascading waterfalls, it is a must-visit spot in the city. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and is one of the few areas in the UAE that is bursting with unique biodiversity in flora and fauna. The area also has rare geological structures that are said to date as far back as 300 BC.
RAK
Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is the tallest mountain in the UAE at 1,934 metres (6,345 feet) above sea level. In October 2017, a new observation deck was added that includes a series of viewing platforms to observe bird life and flora and fauna of the emirate's Al Hajar Mountain range.