Days of Future Past

When people think about the United Arab Emirates, it’s often the ultra-modern skyscrapers and artificial islands of Dubai that spring to mind. But there is so much more to the region than the malls and resorts of the UAE’s most cosmopolitan, futuristic and extroverted city.

Made up of seven diverse Emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah – the UAE offers visitors unique experiences. From cultural tours and magnificent landscapes to long sandy beaches, and yes, that air-conditioned luxury.

With a rich shared culture, each Emirate brings its own character to the mix. Whether that’s the artistic and traditional Islamic institutions of Sharjah, the rugged mountains and spectacular coastlines of Ras Al Khaimah or the regal grandeur and ancient culture of Abu Dhabi, whatever your ideal holiday, you’ll find a tailor-made experience to fit.

Landing at Dubai International Airport is to descend into the ultimate smart city. From the air, you appreciate the full scale of its remarkable profile – from the cloud-scraping spire atop the Burj Khalifa to the amazing architectural geometrics of the Museum of the Future, flanked by the scale of the Palm Jumeirah. Dubai has a skyline like no other.

For those who relish the hustle of a truly 24-hour city, staying a night or two at Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel is a luxurious way to adjust. Just a few blocks from the Dubai Mall, the hotel is a magnificent monument of steel and glass, providing a sanctuary above the thrum of the city. For many, though, the appeal of Dubai is the mix of vibrant urban living and indulgent beach luxury provided by the resorts along the archipelago of man-made islands that wind along the northern coast. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and NH Collection Dubai The Palm offer easy access for urban exploration before guests race back to the solace of a sundown cocktail on the beach or a sumptuous meal.

Despite the glitz and glamour, Dubai has done a fine job of preserving its heritage, and a short taxi ride to Dubai Creek takes you to a different world. It was here that the Bani Yas tribe settled in the 19th century, and the pearl trade on which Dubai’s wealth was based flourished and grew. From October to April, when the cooler weather makes strolling the waterfront a pleasure, take an abra (traditional wooden boat) across Dubai Creek to explore the gold and spice souks of Deira, the waterfront market on Deira Corniche and the Al Shindagha Museum.

If true cultural immersion is your goal, then pack your bags and head to the city of Abu Dhabi, the cultural capital of the UAE and in Arabic translates to “Father of the Gazelle”. Just a 90-minute drive from Dubai (although the high-speed railway will get you there in just 30 minutes when completed around 2030), Abu Dhabi feels like a different world from its upstart sibling. It’s the kind of city where locals stroll unhurriedly, taking their time to stop and meet up with old friends (or make new ones) over qahwa, strong black coffee served with dates and a staple of Emirati hospitality. It’s the kind of place where a leisurely drink can drift into a much longer lunch or dinner.

Handily, there is no shortage of places to eat. Abu Dhabi has a vibrant culinary scene, ranging from traditional Emirati to world cuisine. A must-try is Mosaic Restaurant on Al-Najda Street. An elegant, traditional Lebanese restaurant with a modern twist, it provides the perfect metaphor for Abu Dhabi’s luxury-meets-legacy experience.

Not to be missed is a sunset visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. One of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture, in the evening light the breathtaking chandeliers of Swarovski crystal sparkle with an otherworldly radiance that lingers long in the memory. Combine it with a bike ride or stroll along the Corniche, stopping off at the Heritage Village for handmade pottery souvenirs at this lively reconstruction of a traditional Bedouin settlement.

Abu Dhabi’s appeal extends beyond the city itself. For many visitors, it is the lure of the islands and sweeping deserts surrounding the urban sprawl that makes Abu Dhabi unforgettable. For nature lovers, a trip to Sir Bani Yas Island brings a whole new safari twist to visiting the region.

Home to more than 13,000 animals, including critically endangered species like the Arabian oryx (a species of antelope), half of the island is made up of a wildlife park where giraffes, ostriches and deer roam free. Along the coast, there is also an abundance of marine life like dolphins, barracudas, and green and hawksbill sea turtles. Sensitively developed by sustainable operators, the island boasts the region’s first wind turbine and solar energy powers much of the island’s needs.

Here, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort nestles in an expanse of lush savannah, where antelope and peacocks strut around the villas, and in the evening, you can hear the call of cheetahs as you dine under the stars. This intimate resort has only 30 safari-inspired villas, each one with a private pool. Guests can also take advantage of the daily safari drives or kayaking trips among the mangroves. It provides the kind of peaceful isolation rarely found in the UAE’s cities.

If your ideal adventure leans more towards the ocean, the UAE has emerged as a premier destination for surf and water sports. With over 1,000km of coastline along the Persian Gulf, much of it reclaimed, the region offers pristine conditions for surfing and windsurfing.

Among the most spectacular coastal resorts is Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort. Set on a private, natural peninsula overlooking a serene lagoon, the resort boasts 140 rooms, including 30 unique overwater villas, and guests can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding through mangroves. The resort is also within easy reach of Al Hamra Beach, a stunning sandbar known for its pristine sands. With a gentle offshore breeze throughout the winter, Al Hamra delivers perfect conditions for surfers, sailors and kiteboarders, as well as snorkelling and scuba diving.

Alternatively, a few nights spent at Anantara Retreat Santorini Abu Dhabi offers the serene sanctuary of a Greek island-inspired getaway. Located on the Ghantoot coastline, approximately 25 minutes from Dubai airport, this adults-only resort features whitewashed domes, curved balconies and Greek-inspired cuisine. From here, Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island is a must-visit for enthusiasts. A state-of-the-art wave facility that uses surf legend Kelly Slater’s surf technology, it is among the best saltwater facilities of its kind and caters for every level of surfer, from first-timer to gnarly pro.

If your goal is splendid isolation, there is nowhere quite like Abu Dhabi’s Rub’ al Khali, known to many as the Empty Quarter. The world’s largest sand desert, it is truly one of the planet’s greatest destinations. A unique environment as mysterious as it can be deadly, the desert encompasses about one-third of the incredible Arabian Peninsula. Its golden and red sands shift endlessly, as far as the eye can see.

For a unique holiday experience, consider a stay at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Located in the Liwa Oasis, this resort offers a luxurious escape where guests can embark on camel treks to Camp Nujum – an exclusive desert camp – for an adventure under the stars. This experience blends authentic Bedouin heritage with refined luxury, providing a memorable journey into the heart of the desert.

For the adventurous traveller, the UAE offers experiences as diverse as its seven Emirates. From ancient souks to futuristic surf pools, Bedouin camps beneath starry skies to villas floating over lagoons, the UAE isn’t just a destination. It’s a different world. A place where the past holds hands with the future and luxury meets legacy at every turn. You may come for the skyline, but you’ll stay for the region’s soul.

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