Not to miss

Fujairah

The youngest of the UAE's seven emirates fronts the Gulf of Oman and makes a good base for exploring the eastern coast. Fujairah itself is a rather characterless small city without much tourism infrastructure, but the landscape between it and the Musandam Peninsula is phenomenal.

It boasts a museum showcasing archaeological and ethnographic displays, a spooky old town and a 300 year old fort. Bithna, 12km (8mi) north-west of Fujairah, has several archaeological sites, including the Long Chambered Tomb, thought to have been a communal burial place, and an impressive fort.

Al-Ain

Al-Ain is the main town in the Buraimi Oasis, which straddles the border between Abu Dhabi and Oman. Its sister town, Buraimi, is on the Omani side of the border, but visitors can move freely between the two, making this a fine way to get a taste of Oman without the hassle of obtaining a visa.

The oasis is probably the longest inhabited part of what is now the UAE, with settlement dating back to the 4th millenium BC. In more recent times, Al-Ain was the birthplace of Shaikh Zayed, the much loved former ruler of Abu Dhabi, who proudly lavished funds on it.

Deira Gold Souq

Even for people not interested in buying gold or jewellery, Dubai's Deira Gold Souq is a must-see, if only for the sheer size and indulgence of it all. The atmospheric wooden-latticed arcades of the souq are impressive.

Every kind of jewellery imaginable is available, from gold, diamonds and pearls, to elaborate Arabian and Indian wedding necklaces, bangles and headdresses, to more contemporary styles.

Sharjah Heritage Area

The Heritage Area actually consists of two tiny neighbourhoods, Al Sheyoukh and Al Maraija - they have been fully restored and pedestrianised, and are also now linked. There are a number of interesting little museums around here that come under the umbrella of the Sharjah Heritage Museum; they are worth a look along with the traditional Souq Al-Arsa.

Khor Dubai

Dubai's waterfront epitomises the city's personality. A visit Khor Dubai (Dubai Creek) is a must to see the grand trading port from the water. You can book a cruise or abra (small boat) for an hour or so; ask the captain to take you to Al-Maktoum Bridge and back.

It's worth taking some time to walk around the dhow wharfage on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, to the west of the abra dock. Dhows bound for ports from Kuwait to Mumbai (Bombay) dock here to unload just about everything, including kitchen sinks.