First impressions don’t do the UAE justice. What looks like a glittering stretch of steel and desert from the sky turns into a far more textured place once you land. You arrive imagining towering skylines and polished hotel lobbies (and sure, you’ll find them) but stay a little longer, and you’ll see fishermen hauling in the morning catch along a quiet beach, date palms swaying behind a 200-year-old fort, and call to prayers echoing through a coral-stone mosque at dusk.
If you’re wondering how to spend Avios points, British Airways flies directly to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a solid redemption that gets you right to the heart of the UAE. Once you land, the other five Emirates, i.e, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, are just a short drive away.
A few reward flights, a rented car, and a rough plan are all you need to turn a single destination into a multi-city story. So, here’s a closer look at our favourite destinations across the seven Emirates.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi does variety very, very well. One day you’re in a palace, the next you’re on a rollercoaster; no two days during a Abu Dhabi holiday will ever feel the same. With racetracks, beaches, and mosques all sharing the same skyline, here are some of our favourite spots:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
White marble, soaring domes, and chandeliers made from Swarovski crystals, this is one of the world’s most beautiful mosques, and an icon of modern Islamic architecture. Open to visitors of all backgrounds, it’s both peaceful and awe-inspiring. Come at golden hour, when the whole place glows. A head covering is provided at the entrance, so there’s no need to worry if you arrive without one.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
It may share a name with the Louvre in Paris, but this one has its own identity. Designed by Jean Nouvel with a dome that filters sunlight like palm fronds, the building is a work of art before you even step inside. With pieces from across the world and throughout history, it’s become a major cultural touchpoint for the Gulf.
Qasr Al Watan
Part presidential palace, part living museum, Qasr Al Watan gives you a rare peek behind the curtain of Emirati leadership. The Great Hall is all domes and detail, while the library and exhibitions explore themes of governance, diplomacy, and design.
Yas Island
This is Abu Dhabi’s all-in, go-big-or-go-home playground. Feel the G-force at Ferrari World, ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster, or cool off at Yas Waterworld. You can also take a sunset stroll at Yas Marina or catch a show at Etihad Arena for something a little slower. If Dubai is flash, Yas is fun.
Return off-peak reward flights to Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow cost 85,000 Avios plus £305 in Premium Economy, or 160,000 Avios plus £375 in Business Class.
Dubai
Dubai doesn’t do small. This is a city built on ambition that turned desert into skyline and didn’t stop there. It's fast and futuristic, but there’s more than just glitz beneath the surface. With quite a few surprises tucked into its corners, here are some must-visit spots for your holiday to Dubai:
Burj Khalifa
You can’t miss it — literally. The world’s tallest building stands like a needle against the sky, and the view from the top is nothing short of surreal. Go up at sunrise, sunset, or any time in between; it’s a proper bucket-list moment.
The Dubai Mall
This place is a micro-city. Designer boutiques, an aquarium, an ice rink, even a virtual reality park. You could spend a day here without ever thinking about shopping.
Museum of the Future
Shaped like a silver ring of calligraphy, this building looks like it’s dropped in from a sci-fi film, and what’s inside is just as imaginative. Exhibits focus on space travel, AI, climate, and what daily life might look like 50 years from now.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Amid all the glass and glamour, this quiet cluster of wind towers and sand-coloured walls is a reminder of Dubai before the skyscrapers. Wander through narrow lanes, peek into art galleries, or grab a cardamom coffee in one of the hidden courtyards.
The Desert
Leave the city, and you hit the dunes in minutes. You can ride a camel at dawn, tear across the dunes in a 4x4, or sit down to dinner under the stars. It’s calm, cinematic, and completely unexpected.
A return off-peak reward Dubai flight from London Heathrow costs 85,000 Avios plus £305 in Premium Economy or 160,000 Avios plus £375 in Business Class.
British AirwaysSharjah
Less showy than its neighbours, Sharjah prioritises substance over sparkle. It rewards slow mornings, curious minds, and travellers who like their culture served without the gloss. With thoughtful museums, restored old towns, and plenty of calm spaces to wander, these are the spots to have on your radar:
Sharjah Art Museum
This place has an incredible collection. Spread across airy galleries, you’ll find works by some of the Arab world’s most influential artists, alongside rotating exhibitions. It’s quiet, cool, and easy to lose hours inside.
Heart of Sharjah
A beautifully restored heritage district where you can actually feel what life was like before the skyscrapers arrived. Wind your way through narrow alleyways, explore old souqs, and visit traditional houses turned into galleries and cafés. It’s a grounding contrast to the rest of the UAE.
Al Noor Island
Yes, it’s technically a park, but it feels more like a daydream. Cross a footbridge to reach it, then wander through gardens, art installations, and the Butterfly House, where tropical species flutter freely under a glass dome. Bring a book or just sit and watch the world soften a little.
How to Get There:
You can reach Sharjah from Dubai in around 30 to 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. It’s a quick hop across the city line; close enough for a day trip, but with a completely different energy once you arrive. If you’re coming from Abu Dhabi, it’ll take about 1.5 hours from the airport.
Ajman
As the smallest of the Emirates, Ajman leans into simplicity: long beaches, laid-back hotels, and a slower pace that’s hard to resist once you settle into it. Here are a few places worth making time for:
Ajman Corniche
A breezy stretch of promenade lined with cafés, food trucks, and palm trees. Locals come here to jog, stroll, or just sit and watch the water. Come in the early evening when the sky turns every shade of orange, and you’ll see why it’s a favourite spot for both visitors and residents.
Ajman Museum
Housed in an 18th-century fort, this museum gives a compact but thoughtful look at Emirati life before oil. Exhibits cover everything from pearl diving to Bedouin traditions, and the building itself (all thick walls and shaded courtyards) is worth the visit alone.
Beachfront Resorts
Ajman’s beachfront resorts are a little less flashy than those in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but that’s part of the appeal. Think wide stretches of sand and calm water. Great for couples or families who want the beach without the bustle.
How to Get There:
Ajman is just a 40-minute drive from Dubai. You can take a taxi, book a ride through an app, or catch a public bus from Al Rashidiya Metro Station if you’re travelling light and don’t mind a slower pace. If you’re coming from Abu Dhabi, it’s roughly a one-hour and 45-minute drive; doable as a day trip, especially if you leave early and avoid peak traffic.
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is the quietest of the Emirates. No mega malls, no towering skylines, no rush. Just wide skies and open beaches. It’s where people go to disconnect and actually mean it. With nature reserves, laid-back beaches, and a hush in the air that feels worlds away from city life, here are a few places worth exploring:
Dreamland Aqua Park
Not your typical waterpark; this one’s a little quirky and retro. It’s one of the oldest in the region, and that somehow makes it more fun. The rides aren’t the biggest, but the vibe is easy-going, unpolished, and refreshingly low-pressure. Bring the kids or channel your own inner ten-year-old.
UAQ Mangroves
Paddle out into the mangroves in a kayak or on a guided eco tour, and you’ll see a different side of the UAE: herons, crabs, flamingos, and the kind of peace you don’t expect just an hour from Dubai. It’s scenic and surprisingly meditative.
Beach Camping
Here, beach camping isn’t an influencer trend; it’s something locals actually do. Pack up the car, find a stretch of quiet shoreline, and spend the night under the stars. No bookings, no fancy gear. Just a fire pit, some good company, and the sound of the sea to lull you to sleep.
How to Get There:
Umm Al Quwain is just about an hour’s drive from Dubai. It’s best reached by car, as public transport options are limited (but that’s part of what keeps it quiet). If you’re coming from Abu Dhabi, expect a drive of around two hours and fifteen minutes.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the UAE’s best-kept open secret. If you like your getaways with a bit of altitude and a lot of space, this is your place. Mountains stretch out in every direction, and the desert rolls in golden waves. Here’s where to start:
Jebel Jais
This is the UAE’s highest peak. You can drive all the way up the mountain for sweeping views, but if you’re feeling brave, take on the Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline, and a proper adrenaline rush. There’s also a sky bridge, viewing deck, and restaurants if you prefer to have your feet firmly on the ground.
Desert Resorts
Ras Al Khaimah’s desert resorts provide a quieter take on luxury. Think tented villas, outdoor firepits, and camel rides at sunset. They’re designed for unwinding, and the silence out here is a kind of luxury all its own.
Dhayah Fort
A short hike gets you to this 18th-century fort perched on a hilltop with views over palm groves, mountains, and the sea. It’s a small climb, but a big reward, and a reminder that there’s history tucked into even the quietest corners of the Emirates.
Wynn Resort Casino
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Coming soon to Ras Al Khaimah is something completely new for the region: the UAE’s first-ever casino, set to open at the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort. Slated for 2027, the mega-development promises Las Vegas–style entertainment. Think beachfront luxury, live shows, and a nightlife scene the Emirate’s never seen before. It’s already putting RAK on the map for a different kind of tourism.
How to Get There:
Ras Al Khaimah is just over an hour’s drive from Dubai, and the roads are smooth, well-signposted, and scenic, especially as you get closer to the mountains. Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore, but taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem also make the trip doable without much planning. A RAK Shuttle bus from Dubai International Airport is also available.
Fujairah
Fujairah is the only Emirate that sits entirely on the east coast, facing the Gulf of Oman instead of the Arabian Gulf. That simple twist of geography makes it feel like a world apart.
With rugged wadis, historic forts, and some of the UAE’s best spots for diving and snorkelling, here’s what makes Fujairah worth the drive:
Al Bidya Mosque
Small, simple, and believed to be the oldest mosque in the UAE, this hillside structure is humbling in its quiet beauty. Built from mud and stone, it’s a glimpse into the region’s earliest Islamic architecture, still standing strong after hundreds of years.
Snoopy Island
Yes, it’s named after the cartoon dog; from the right angle, the island looks like he’s lying on his back. Just offshore from the beach at Sandy Beach Hotel, this little rocky outcrop is surrounded by coral reefs, a hotspot for snorkelling and kayaking. Expect sea turtles, schools of fish, and a whole new side to the UAE.
Wadi Wurayah
A protected area tucked into the Hajar Mountains, Wadi Wurayah is one of the few places in the country where you can find natural waterfalls and freshwater pools. It’s a haven for wildlife, hikers, and anyone craving something a little less polished and a lot more raw.
How to Get There:
Fujairah is about a one-hour and fifteen-minute drive from Dubai. Driving is by far the easiest way to get there. The roads are smooth, the scenery’s dramatic, and having your own car makes it easy to explore the coastline or hop between resorts. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem can make the trip too, especially if you're planning to spend the day at one of the beach hotels.
Final Thoughts
One trip, seven Emirates, endless memories, the UAE might just be one of the best ways to spend Avios yet. So, if your points are burning a hole in your account, this is your sign to start planning.
