Dubai is the UAE's showpiece: the Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and desert safari experiences draw millions of visitors. Beneath the modern veneer, the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and the historic Al Fahidi district reveal old Dubai.
Abu Dhabi, the capital, offers the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (a masterpiece of Islamic architecture), the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Ferrari World theme park. Sharjah is more traditional and culturally rich. Al Ain's oasis city and Fujairah's East Coast beaches offer escapes from the urban intensity.