Offbeat & Quirky Places To Visit In The UAE

Let your imaginations soar as you make your way through nine themed zones filled with over 185 reality-defying artworks. Take photos in a shark's mouth, under a rainbow shower, on a dinner plate, inside a fishbowl and so much more!

Take a trip to the desert and check out a man-made lake in the shape of two intertwined hearts. The word LOVE is spelled out in trees right in front of it, making for a perfect spot to spend some time with your loved ones.

Take a long stroll, watch the colourful fish, snap wonderful shots at cute and quirky nature props, and even have a family picnic!

Dip your toes in the sand and spend a relaxing day out with your family at Kite Beach Center. You can simply lounge by the beach, enjoy many water sports on offer, including surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, hydrofoil and even scuba diving. If you're an avid camper, this spot is perfect for your family! You can bring your own tent, rent one, or spend the night in one of their cozy bungalows. The place is stunning and there's so much on offer for your entire family!

Take a trip to the abandoned village in Al Madam. See if the rumours are true for yourself that an evil force was supposedly responsible for driving the residents away. Alongside the unwelcome sand storms and fierce winds that are slowly swallowing the abandoned place. Better yet, forget the creepy rumours and enjoy the massive outdoor spaces that are the perfect opportunity for 4×4 drifting and sand-duning.

The village is accessible through desert sands, so head there in a 4x4. Alternatively, you can park your car closer to the main road and walk to the village (about 10min walk). 

Tantalize your senses at 'Museum of Illusions' with its 80 exhibits of all shapes and sizes. You and your family will love the endless attractions including the Vortex Tunnel, a rotating cylinder that tricks the brain into thinking the ground under your feet is shifting, as well as the Ames Room, where you shrink or grow depending on your position in the exhibit.

Children below 12yrs and adults above 60 are not permitted to enter

Escape the city and head to Fujairah's Sandy Beach Resort where you and your family will have an absolute blast. Whether it is kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling or simply just swimming in the crystal clear waters and playing in the sun, there's definitely something for everyone.

You can also choose to go on an exciting expedition to the famous Snoopy Island where you can snorkel or kayak around the island with the whole gang.

Visit Mleiha for an adventure deep into the deserts of Sharjah where you can uncover the secrets of the region’s ancient Bedouin culture. At this archaeological center, your entire family can learn about life in the region in years gone by as well as take a closer look at the wide variety of artifacts on display. Mleiha is not just about archaeology, in fact, you can find a variety of unique and fascinating species of mammals, reptiles, insects, plants and desert succulents that are not easily found elsewhere.

You can choose to explore the center indoors, or go on one of their thrilling outdoor discovery adventures.

Take in some incredible mountain views from Jebel Jais - definitely a destination to tick off your bucket list. Whether you want to drive up to the viewing deck or go hiking – you can do it all for free.

Located 1,250 metres above sea level, the park offers you 7 viewing decks and 12 binoculars to explore the Hajar Mountain valley and Arabian Gulf views.

Sitting at the mouth of the Dubai Creek, this wildlife sanctuary is home to more than 20,000 water birds. With herons, egrets, sandpipers, and osprey, it's the flamingos that are the stars here. Your kids will come away with new wildlife knowledge from experience they're sure not to forget.

Take your family time outdoors and experience an eco-friendly adventure with a guided tour on kayaks. Explore the Al Zorah Nature Reserve, an invigorating green space experience, which includes an inland creek that extends over 2 square kilometers of biologically and ecologically rich wetland.

Home to the fish nursery of the coast, the creek and mangrove are designated as conservation areas, where you'll also find a close to 58 different species of birds inhabiting this incredible ecosystem.

All equipment is provided and no prior experience is necessary.

Take THE best shots in 15 unique rooms with the perfect lighting. Bring along your family and spend an hour roaming the Selfie Kingdom and taking as many photos as you like in the different and vibrant themed room. The great news is that the rooms are continually being updated to make sure they stay fresh and interesting for your return visits.

You are free to take as many photos as you like, and can even hire a professional photographer at an additional cost of AED 750 per hour.

Explore the mystery of Ras Al Khaimah's Ghost Town, built in the 14th century and home to thousands of pearl fishermen who suddenly abandoned their homes in the 20th century. Rumours say that the place is haunted - so if you and your family are up for a spook, head there for a bit of adventure.

Explore the island and its surroundings; take in sights like the Gleaming Meadows or spot some feathered friends along the beach line! Spend a tranquil day outdoors with your loved ones in this mini-escape from the city.