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All United Arab Emirates

The Atlas Obscura Guide To United Arab Emirates

35 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in United Arab Emirates

Updated July 15, 2025

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Cities

Masdar City
Abu Dhabi
Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai
Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tombs.
Al Ain
Attractions
Map
Leaderboards

Unusual Attractions in United Arab Emirates

Some of the houses have blue and green walls.

Al Madam, United Arab Emirates

Buried Village of Al Madam

An abandoned desert hamlet swallowed up by sand.
Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Miracle Garden

Billed as the "largest natural flower garden in the world" this Middle Eastern show field has little competition at 45 million flowers.
World Islands

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The World Islands

This artificial archipelago was supposed to resemble a map of the world.
the Elephant Clock at the Ibn Battuta mall

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Elephant Clock

A faithful reproduction of Al-Jazari's enormous water clock.
Masdar City

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Masdar City

Planned as the world’s first zero-carbon city, it had lofty ideals—but is only 5 percent completed and aiming for 50 percent carbon-neutral.
Ski Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ski Dubai

This indoor ski resort has a mountain contained inside a mall.
The Gold Souk, Dubai.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Gold Souk

On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.
Burj Al Arab from the air

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burj Al Arab

A preposterously luxurious hotel with gold-plated iPads, Rolls Royce chauffeurs, and a staff that trains by watching "Downton Abbey."
See All 35 Things To Do in United Arab Emirates
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore United Arab Emirates

A
35
Architecture 7
Deserts 4
Architectural Oddities 4
Museums 4
Natural Wonders 3
Abandoned 3
Dunes 3
Nature 3
Monuments 3
Animals 3
Places To Stay 2

United Arab Emirates Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Fred Cherrygarden
    4
  2. atimian
    3
  3. klarfeher
    2
  4. satxwdavis
    2
  5. solarconstant
    1

Places Edited

  1. Collector of Experiences
    12
  2. MissBez
    10
  3. hrnick
    9
  4. Tawsam
    4
  5. Jaszmina Szendrey
    4

Places Visited

  1. MissBez
    25
  2. Steve 55
    21
  3. Renwill
    21
  4. adamhickman84
    21
  5. viagensdaBabi
    20
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in United Arab Emirates.

Recent United Arab Emirates Activity

  • ZMarshall

    wants to go to Etihad Museum

    2 days ago
  • ZMarshall

    wants to go to Queen Elizabeth 2

    2 days ago
  • EParks

    has been to The World Islands

    1 day ago
  • kukuzei89

    wants to go to Elephant Clock

    1 day ago
  • polly pod

    has been to The Dubai Frame

    1 day ago

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