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The UAE, or the United Arab Emirates, is famous worldwide for its luxury malls, modern skyscrapers, and fast-paced lifestyle. However, many hidden places in UAE are still unexplored. These hidden places in UAE are the ones that define the UAE’s worth as one of the popular tourist destinations across the world. There are so many things to discover beyond the glamorous lifestyle of the UAE. The hidden gems found in the UAE provide a perfect fusion of history, nature, and adventure. The unknown places offer unique experiences to people who want to try out unusual places.
Top 10 Hidden Places In UAE
Here is a list of hidden places in UAE, from exotic landscapes to historical sites, from adventurous activities to delectable UAE cuisines, one can indulge in the best comfort.
1. Salt Lake, Abu Dhabi
Photo: Ronnie Altising / Wikimedia
The saltwater lakes here are emerald green in colour and are bordered by white salt flats. Together, they form a unique and unusual creation that feels like a different world. The best times to visit this place are early mornings and late afternoons. The light during the day makes the place more vibrant. This enigmatic place is perfect for strolls, offering a calm and peaceful atmosphere that is in contrast with the noisy city life. A desert surrounds this beautiful lake, thus making it a spot of serenity to enjoy nature and spot some unique animal species like the desert fox.
Location: Located near Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
2. Fujairah Adventure Park
Photo: Kamil Czaiński / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This place is a haven for people who love to indulge in outdoor activities. The Fujairah Adventure Park offers mountain biking, zip lining, and hiking to sports enthusiasts. The park has a combination of rugged terrain to varied trails that are perfect for both beginners and the experienced. The park provides amazing panoramic views of the scenic landscape with the breathtaking Hajar mountains as the backdrop, making it an ideal place for photography and adventure. The best time to explore this heavenly place is during the cooler months between October and April.
Location: Foothills of the Hajar Mountains, Fujairah
3. Al Ain’s Al Qattara Oasis
Photo: لا روسا / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This place is located in the Al Ain region of Abu Dhabi, which is well-known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The exotic date palm groves and traditional falaj irrigation systems offer a beautiful and peaceful environment. It shows how ancient farming techniques have sustained life in the desert region for centuries. The Al Qattara Arts Centre is located in a restored fort and offers artistic and cultural experiences. The travellers can participate in workshops, view art exhibitions, and also explore the local culture while visiting this place. The weekdays are less crowded and ideal for people looking for a calm atmosphere.
Location: Al Ain Region Of Abu Dhabi
4. Ras Al Khaimah’s Dhayah Fort
Photo: Colleen Morgan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Ras Al Khaimah’s Dhayah Fort is a 16th-century fort and holds significant historical importance. This is the site of the last battle between the British and the locals in the early 19th century. The hilltop position of this place provides scenic panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape covered with palm groves, mountains, and the Arabian Gulf. This place is perfect for those who are fascinated by History. The hike up to this place is comparatively easier and offers rewarding views when at the top.
Location: Ras Al Khaimah, Foot of the Hajar Mountains
5. Meilihah Archaeological Site, Sharjah
Photo: Incredibleusername / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This place is located in the Meilihah Desert about 1 hour away from Sharjah City. This is another hidden place to visit in the UAE with its most important historical artefacts, including ancient tombs, fortresses, and settlements from the Bronze Age. One can also take part in desert safaris, dune bashing, along with stargazing sessions in the vast desert night sky, many kilometres away from the bustling city life. The nearby Meilihah Desert offers beautiful landscapes for hiking, photography, and desert safaris. The best time to visit this place is during the cooler months from November to March. The entry fee to this archaeological location is AED 45.
Location: Meilihah Desert, 1 hour from Sharjah City
6. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Photo: Ouremiratesjourney / Wikimedia Commons
Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE, standing at a height of 1934 metres above sea level. It is home to the world’s longest zipline that would spike up the adrenaline rush. This mountain range is one of the hidden places in UAE and is known for its hiking trails that offer mesmerising views of the Hajar Mountains and the surrounding landscape. The campgrounds allow one to experience a quiet night under the stars. Access to the mountain and hiking trails is free, but ziplines would cost around AED 300-500. The cooler months from October to April would be ideal for visiting this place.
Location: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
7. Hatta, Dubai
Photo: Shrijatewari / Wikimedia Commons
The Hatta is located in the Hajar Mountains, which are at a distance of 1.5 kilometres from Dubai. The Hatta Dam is famous for its calm turquoise waters that are ideal for kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding. The Hatta Wadi Hub offers outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, and zip-lining. There is the Hatta Heritage Village located nearby, which represents the traditional way of living with reconstructed houses and exhibits. The entry to the Hatta Dam is free, while the prices for the activities at the Hatta Wadi Hub range from AED 50-150.
Location: Hajar Mountains, UAE
8. Al Rafisah Dam, Khorfakkan
Photo: Richard Moses Y / Wikimedia Commons
This place is located at Khorfakkan in Sharjah and is surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. The Al Rafisah Dam is ideal for family outings, kayaking, and picnics. There is a waterfall and walking trail that offers a much-needed retreat into nature. Entry to the dam is free, and the kayak rentals start at around AED 50 per hour. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to visit this place to avoid the hot weather.
Location: Khorafakkan, Sharjah
9. The Ghost Village, Al Madam, Sharjah
Photo: PDPhoto.org / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Ghost Village is an abandoned village that has been partially buried by the sands of the desert. This creates a spooky and surreal atmosphere at this place. The tourists can take a walk around the empty streets and houses that are slowly being reclaimed by the desert. The entry fee to this place is free, and the best time to visit this location would be early mornings or late afternoons when the heat of the desert is less intense. The Ghost Village in the UAE is a rarely explored place and thus is considered one of the hidden places in UAE.
Location: Near the town of Al Madam, Sharjah
Accessibility: 1 hour from Dubai by car.
10. Liwa Oasis, Abu Dhabi
Photo: JSPhotography2016 / Wikimedia Commons
The Liwa Oasis is located on the edge of the Rub’ al Khali Desert in Abu Dhabi. One can find some of the largest dunes at this place. The Liwa Oasis is an amazing desert landscape where visitors can enjoy desert safaris, trekking, and camping at night. While the Liwa Oasis is popular among hardcore adventurers, this place remains unknown to most tourists. Entry to this place is free, but some of the activities can cost anywhere between AED 200-600. The cooler months are the ideal time to visit this place to avoid the hot weather of the desert region.
Location: Edge of the Empty Quarter, Abu Dhabi
The UAE is a popular destination among tourists, but many hidden places in UAE are worth a visit. One can find all the requisites related to travel in just one travel portal, and that is TripXL. The hidden places to visit in UAE are the spots that make it all the more attractive. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore these secret yet exotic locations in the UAE.
Cover Photo: Stefano Vigorelli / Wikimedia
