Follow Xi’s state visit: Captivating UAE

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Abu Dhabi at the start of a three-day state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Follow CGTN as it presents spectacular views of the Arabian Peninsula nation and elements of its great ancient cultures.

When people talk about the UAE, the first place that springs to mind might be Dubai. However, besides Dubai, there are another six emirates featuring different characters and charms.

Lying on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, the UAE is considered as one of the significant economic centers in the Middle East. With an incredible blend of modern technology and ancient cultural customs, the UAE offers a mysterious travel experience.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, the UAE. /VCG Photo

Top tourist destinations in the UAE

Abu Dhabi

As the capital of the United Arab Emirates and occupying more than 80 percent of the UAE’s total area, Abu Dhabi is a coastal city booming with oil. However, apart from the prosperous oil industry, the city’s growth rate has allowed it to preserve its abundant history and cultures.

Thanks to these various museums and exhibitions, Abu Dhabi gives opportunities for those who seek to learn about the culture of the Gulf and has gradually become an attractive place to live for both expats and Emiratis.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. /VCG Photo

Known as one of the popular tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is worth visiting. The splendid mosque spreads over a space the equivalent of almost five football fields and can accommodate around 41,000 worshipers. Its lavish interior includes the world’s largest chandelier, extending 10 meters in diameter.

Al Wathba Camel Races in Abu Dhabi. /VCG Photo

However, besides domino-like luxury hotels, the city also retains the Arabian charm of some beautiful gardens and camel markets.

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between April and May and September to October.

Dubai

Regarded as one of the wealthiest cities in the world, Dubai is a famous hub for world-class shopping and entertainment. It is now a city that has undergone a transformation. With two annual tremendous shopping festivals, shopping is now a leisure activity in Dubai.

It is well-known that Dubai is the sub-continental equivalent of New York’s Chinatown, where you could snap up almost all the luxury brands. Despite the city’s reputation as a hub for outrageous luxury, there are also many unique malls featuring not just the store collection in Dubai.

The Italian themed Mercato shopping mall in Dubai. /VCG Photo

Although the city is rooted in Islamic traditions, it is still recognized as an open society that welcomes diverse travelers. This diversity has fully expressed itself in the culinary landscape, fashion and music.

Beneath the mantle of glitz and glamour, Dubai's subtle and fascinating charms could easily be ignored by the public. So, just slow your step, enjoy the ultimate travel experience and discover the city.

Burj Khalifa

Marked as the tallest building in the world with an impressive height of 2,716 feet (828 meters), Burj Khalifa, situated in prosperous downtown Dubai, is arguably the most prestigious architecture in the UAE and has attracted thousands of tourists.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai. /VCG Photo

Burj AI Arab Hotel

The unique sail-shaped Burj AI Arab is more than just a stunning and deluxe 7-star hotel; it is also one of the iconic buildings in Dubai, which has attracted many travelers to take photos. In addition, the Jumeirah Public Beach along the hotel could be an ideal place for soaking up the sun and the swimming.

A view of the Burj AI Arab Hotel, Dubai, UAE. /VCG Photo

A taste of traditional UAE

As a new wave of international tourists and expats hanker for traditional food in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Emirati food has gradually been offered to the public. Due to the multiple nationalities of the citizens in the UAE, the modern diet of the UAE is cosmopolitan today, featuring meals worldwide.

Chickpea hummus with green olives and olive oil. /VCG Photo

When traveling to the UAE, don’t forget to taste hummus, a dish that is popular in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, consisting of chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon juice.

In addition, shawarma is undoubtedly one of the most popular Emirati dishes and has gained a great following in Asian nations as well. Served with finely chopped chicken, beef or lamb, this traditional dish actually tastes like kebab. It is available in top-class restaurants or in roadside eateries.

Chicken shawarma. /VCG Photo

This year, the UAE has become the 11th country to issue a visa exemption to China. As the first Gulf country to establish a strategic partnership with China, the UAE has deepened ties with China in many fields including politics, economy, and culture.

The country has become a tourism hub for travelers and is expected to attract more visitors in the future.

After taking state visits to the UAE, Senegal, Rwanda and South Africa, Xi will attend the 10th BRICS summit from July 25 to 27 in Johannesburg.