The United Arab Emirates is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. The country has a couple of the most notable cultural and historic hubs in the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai being the two most notable examples. Every year, these two cities receive tens of millions of tourists, and the number seems to grow with each passing year. 
What this means is, that there are plenty of newcomers, visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or the UAE in general for the first time. New tourists may ask the question; what are popular forms of entertainment in the country? In this article, we go over some interesting aspects of UAE culture and entertainment that every visitor needs to know.

Camel Racing

The Dubai Derby is one of the most popular and notable events in the world of horse racing. What many might not realize is that residents of the United Arab Emirates are incredibly passionate about the sport, and have done their best to elevate its popularity in the country. However, the horse is not the beast of burden most commonly associated with the Middle East.
That honor goes to the camel. Indeed, camel racing is an incredibly popular, and rather unique alternative to horse racing, which for the most part exists only in the United Arab Emirates. The sport is such a massive success in the country, that it is one of the only activities on which betting has been legalized. 

For cultural and religious reasons, the UAE has, for the most part, criminalized gambling. However, there are still a lot of online casinos in UAE, that people can access and play at online. Some of these casinos double as sportsbooks, and many of them, if not all of them, will undoubtedly cover the local camel racing events. However, if racing does not interest you, then perhaps the various games online will. 

Jazz Festival

Jazz music is not everybody’s cup of tea. The experimentation inherent to the genre is incredibly attractive to some, but a huge put off for others. However, fans of jazz all dream of one day visiting the Dubai International Jazz Festival. The event is not just one of the most notable annual shows in Dubai, but also one of the most prestigious music festivals in the world. 
For the unaware, the Dubai International Jazz Festival has been taking place since 2011, and usually hosts as many as 15,000 people. The event has drawn some pretty significant acts, including Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Juxebox, James Morrison, and even musical legends like Sting, Santana, and more. 

The Dubai Jazz Festival tends to take place in winter, particularly in late February. However, anyone interested in attending would do well to get their tickets as soon as possible. After all, this is one of the most beloved festivals in the jazz genre, and attendance is usually through the roof. If you are one of the lucky ones to get on the inside, you will undoubtedly leave satisfied. 

Architectural Marvels

The United Arab Emirates are known throughout the world for their incredible dedication to modern architecture. We, as people, often admire the architectural marvels produced by our ancestors. While the Pyramids, the Sphinx, Stonehenge, and the Statue of Zeus are certainly impressive, they often take the spotlight away from modern works of architectural art that deserve just as much awe. 

One such structure is the famous Burj Khalifa, a towering skyscraper that stands over, not just the entire city, but the entire country. After all, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world today. To some, modern architecture is not something to gawk at. However, if you are fascinated by the marvels of modern construction, the Burj is a must-see. 

However, if you prefer to marvel at structures with a cultural or religious significance, then the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi might strike you as more interesting. One of the largest temples in the world, and certainly the largest mosque in the country, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a key worship spot for many of Abu Dhabi’s Islamic residence (who make up the bulk of the population). 

Finally, the Dubai Mall is a tourist spot that must be brought up, no matter how you slice it. Often called the largest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall takes up 12 million square feet, and contains over a thousand retail stores, two department stores, and over 200 snack, food, or beverage outlets. Most people who visit the UAE make it a point to visit the mall at least once. 

Amusement and Water Parks

Thus far, we have mostly focused on adult-oriented activities. This may give the false impression that the United Arab Emirates is not a great tourist destination for families. That could not be further from the truth. Whether you are visiting Sharjah, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi, you will find some of the world’s most impressively-constructed amusement parks. 

The best example of this would be the Al Montazah Park in Sharjah. Characterized by the impressively and intricately built gate, protected by two massive stone guards, Sharjah’s number one family destination offers incredibly thrilling rides on water, and a whole host of leisure activities that anyone can enjoy. 

If you are a fan of marine life, and happened to find yourself in Dubai, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is an excellent spot to check out. Diverse marine life from incredibly rare species of fish to deadly sub-nautical predators are housed within the walls of the establishment. Visitors can even enjoy interactive activities, most notable of which are the penguin meet-and-greets. 

Some Final Thoughts 

What we’ve discussed in this article barely scratches the surface of what one could expect to see in the United Arab Emirates. The country remains a popular tourist destination for a good reason, and if you’ve decided to go on holiday there, we hope that this article can help you have the best possible time. Just remember to respect the local practices and beliefs, as cultural and religious customs are an incredibly serious topic in the country.