UAE

Halal-friendly holidays

Dive into the capital city, the largest and wealthiest Emirate of the UAE, and the perfect place to experience the true Emirati traditions and culture of the thobes and abayas. With humble beginnings, Abu Dhabi has evolved into the perfect holiday destination for family, friends and couples.

Get a taste of the past culture in the reconstructed Heritage Village and discover the skills of the traditional Emirati people, including pottery, glass making and weaving fabrics. Immerse yourself in the life of luxury of the Emirates Palace, where gold cappuccinos and gold-leaf facials are a part of everyday life, and explore the contemporary art of the Louvre and the Zayed Palace Museum. Abu Dhabi is also home to many fun activities, including the world's fastest roller coaster in Ferrari World and an island of fun at Yas Island, making it one of the most exciting halal holiday destinations. Here are some of our top tips of places full of culture and zest.

Al Ain
A UNESCO heritage site, this inland oasis city known as the Garden City, is a must see for its palm groves and natural springs. The drive to the Jebel Hafeet was voted among the most beautiful roads to drive in the world. Dive into islamic history discovering Bronze Age remains, ancient tombs, archaeological parks and a national artefact museum.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The stunning architecture of the mosque intertwines modern and cultural flair and is one of the world’s largest places of worship. The serene atmosphere, the library and warm weather will take you back to the golden days of Andalusia.

With a modern and unmatched skyline, Dubai is a constantly evolving city which always makes the top of the ‘must-visit’ lists. Explore the astounding Burj Khalifa and the flora of the Miracle Garden. Travel around the world in a day in the Global Village and indulge in a moment of luxury in the Atlantis Hotel. Finish with shopping in the world famous Dubai Mall. Dubai also offers highly adventurous activities, here are two of them:

Skydiving
Take the plunge and skydive in Dubai, enjoying a once in a lifetime view of the artificial palm islands. There are both male and female divers to accompany you swooping across incredible views.

Sand Boarding
Slide down the sand slopes at fast speed on the red dunes of Dubai. This activity can be experienced any time of the year and is a unique experience that can be enjoyed by all family members.

Islamic culture capital of the UAE and considered to be the cultural capital of the Arabs, Sharjah does more than any other Emirate to preserve its heritage. This hidden gem of the Emirates is home to a thriving art scene, archeological hotspots and bustling souks and is the perfect destination for aesthetic road trips and a qahwa (arabic coffee) in the desert. Explore the Museum of Islamic Civilization with over 5,000 artefacts, visit the aesthetic blue tiled Blue Souq and relax at the tranquil beaches of Al Mamzar.

Ras Al Khaimah offers an authentic experience with beautiful sites, a terracotta desert and stunning beaches. Explore this tranquil Emirate with a rich collection of historical sites and more than 5,000 years worth of history including Dhayah Fort and Sheba’s Palace. Away from the hustle of Dubai, RAK has a flourishing wildlife including wild camels and goats and if you’re lucky, even oryx. The combination of beach, mountain and desert provides an all-inclusive nature holiday. RAK is also home to the world’s longest zipline, Jebel Jais Flight, plunging you across the various lands of the Emirates amongst the tranquil nature.

Named after a spring of water beneath one of the mountains of Fujairah, the Emirate is famous for the mountainous landscape which is one of the most fertile areas of the whole of the UAE. With just the name symbolising serenity, Fujairah offers a sweet escape with an ancient fort, a beautiful mosque, a museum and much more.

Of the seven Emirates, Ajman is known best for its excellent and welcoming hospitality, true to the culture of the Emiratis. It is mostly visited for a blissful beach escape with its white soft sand beaches and turquoise waters. In the high-end food and restaurants, you can escape to a serene region where your every need is catered for.

Dive into the land where kayaking, golf, wakeboarding and yachting are easily accessible amongst the relaxed pace lifestyle. Escape just outside the city center to the Rub Al Khali Desert, one of the largest sand deserts in the world, which you can explore in style in a vintage Land Rover. Here you can also explore the 2,000 year old Arabian sport of falconry.

This Emirate is most known for it’s recreational sports including sailing and skydiving. You can also explore the traditional activities of the UAE such as dhow building and camel racing. Umm Al Quwain is just as exciting as the neighbouring Emirates with ancient forts, museums, a water park and even an abandoned fugitive plane in the desert landscapes.

The ever-evolving accommodation available in the Emirates is something we thought we’d only see in our dreams. The country may arguably be one of the top destinations for a halal-friendly holiday, due to the availability of villas with private pools and hotels with private pools perfect for families and couples.

From 5-star hotels to self-catering apartments, you can choose between the hustle of skyscrapers, the remote living in the desert and sunbathing in the villas. For ladies, it’s easy to find accommodation that cater to maintaining modesty with both muslim-friendly hotels with ladies-only pools and halal resorts with ladies-only pools.