The United Arab Emirates is a magical world where landscapes that might initially seem like mirages come to life before your eyes. The UAE consistently tops the Guinness World Records, boasting the tallest skyscraper, the largest fountain, the highest observation wheel, the biggest man-made island, and the largest shopping mall in the world.

A trip to the UAE is not just a chance to experience the future but also an escape to warm, sunny weather when Latvia faces its gloomiest days. The Emirates offer breathtaking water parks and amusement parks, luxurious clubs, and concert halls that host performances by global stars. Plus, the UAE is home to opulent hotels that fulfill even the most extravagant desires of discerning travelers.

A trip to Dubai is incomplete without visiting the observation deck located on the 124th floor of the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. Nearby, you’ll find the dancing and singing fountain, a visit-worthy aquarium in Dubai Mall, home to 33,000 marine animals and fish, a stroll through the Bastakiya district, Al Fahidi Fort, and the Old Market, where you can glimpse how the city of the future looked in the past. And, of course, it’s worth visiting the artificial palm-shaped island Palm Jumeirah, taking a walk through Dubai Marina with its numerous boutiques and restaurants, and exploring the Museum of the Future, housed in one of the world’s most extraordinary buildings. In the evening, be sure to go on a sea cruise aboard a traditional dhow boat to admire Dubai illuminated by lights.

When heading to Abu Dhabi, make sure to add to your must-visit list the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the most beautiful in the world, Yas Waterworld park with 45 attractions, six of which are unique globally, and the massive Louvre Abu Dhabi museum complex, consisting of 55 buildings surrounded by canals and topped with a giant white dome.

Sharjah, the third-largest and most renowned emirate in the UAE, appeals to those who enjoy peaceful beach and cultural holidays. Sharjah boasts many museums, the most famous of which are located in the Old Town. We recommend visiting at least two – the Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Classic Car Museum. You should also take a look at the unusual King Faisal Mosque, which has no dome and, from certain angles, resembles a Bedouin tent. Children will love Al Montazah amusement park, the water park, and the aquarium, while adults will appreciate the selection of gold jewelry at the Blue Souk and evening strolls along the pedestrian zone of Al Qasba. As for water activities, Sharjah is highly appealing to diving enthusiasts: apart from vibrant coral reefs, you can explore an underwater graveyard of sunken cars.

Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate, may not boast skyscrapers like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but its stunning beaches, mangrove oasis in the city center, bustling bazaars, modern malls, and the UAE's only cultivated pearl farm, Suwaidi Pearls, attract tourists from all over the world. Additionally, it is the only emirate with mountains, featuring 80 hiking trails. The tallest is Jebel Jais (1934 meters). From Ras Al Khaimah, you can take an excursion to the ancient settlement of Shimal, where tombs dating back to the 1st–2nd millennia BC have been discovered, and to a Bedouin camp in the desert. One of the emirate’s unique attractions is the Pink Lake, discovered in 2021, where the water’s unusual color is due to algae that release red pigments when blooming.

Ajman, the smallest emirate, offers more affordable vacation options. However, it’s far from boring – for one, you can reach Sharjah in 10 minutes and Dubai in 40 minutes, and secondly, there is much to see in Ajman itself: visit the old shipyard where teak boats are made, attend camel races, and most importantly, enjoy the sun and sea on its white sandy beaches. Don’t forget to collect shells – they come in a variety of shades and are incredibly beautiful!