If it’s that time of the year when you need to take a break from your work and go on holidays then the UAE can be an exciting destination for you. Often regarded as the best of both worlds, the UAE particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most visited places in the world. Anything you can expect to find in a Western country or Asian region is available here from food, magnificent landmarks, exciting attractions up to the nicest people, good weather and being the safest place to stay.
The UAE take its lead in terms of architecture and technology as well as pointing for another world’s tallest, widest, newest, and fastest. There will be new destinations and exciting things the country can offer this 2018 and the coming years. Let's take a closer look at our top twenty two upcoming UAE tourist destinations and attractions.
DUBAI
Dubai Creek Tower
Dubai Creek Tower is set to become one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world upon its completion. The Tower is part of the continuing Dubai Creek Harbour development situated near Ras Al Khor. The new tower will, in the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE, "be as great as the Burj Khalifa and Eiffel Tower". It is said that the building will cost approximately AED 3.67 billion to construct.
The Dubai Frame
Another world-class creation of the city, Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park will soon enter its completion next year. This gigantic frame will feature two faces of the city, showing both views of old and new Dubai on each side. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic elevator that will take them up to the 150-metre-high glass bridge enables them to see nearly whole of the city.
Mohammed bin Rashid Library
The Mohammed bin Rashid Library aims to stand alongside the largest and most prominent libraries in the world. The construction of this magnificent structure is ongoing situated in Al Jaddaf across the Creek from Dubai Festival City. The seven-storey building is designed to resemble an open book, the project will include several areas for events, gatherings, educational, and cultural festivals. If everything goes well, it will be finished by half of 2018.
Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island is the home to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel to open in 2018. This project is a modern, family-oriented island destination that offers both waterfront living and the excitement of urban city life situated in Jumeirah Beach Residence.
Aladdin City
Aladdin City is getting closer to becoming a reality, this glittering development at Dubai Creek is having its completion date in the fourth quarter of 2018. The structure is made up of three golden structures designed to look like genie lamps inspired by the ancient legends of fictional heroes Aladdin and Sinbad.
Museum of the future
The Museum of the Future will soon be the centre of futuristic inventions and contribute to the UAE’s mission to be a global innovation centre. Situated in Trade Centre 2 Dubai, the first-of-its-kind structure that will represent and be the leading example for embracing change and creating futuristic visions of the world. This innovative structure will bring together researchers, inventors, designers, and financiers all over the world under one roof.
Deira Islands Night Souk
Deira Islands Night Souk will be the newest shopping destination right next to Deira Mall on Deira Islands. The area stretches 1.9km Deira Islands waterfront will become the home to a variety of Arabic goodies, spices, souvenirs, and scarves. The location is accessible by road and water that features a wide range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels are within proximity. The expected date of completion will be by the end of 2018.
Dubai Flying Taxis
This is another milestone for the city’s transportation, the development of self-flying taxis will set to invade the Dubai skies in a year or two. The Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority will introduce the world’s first self-flying taxis, it is a two-seater capable of transporting people without any human intervention. The test flight was held at a location near Jumeirah Beach Park in a volocopter prototype version.
Cityland Mall
Another mall is set to open in Dubai next year, Cityland Mall will be the first-of-its-kind nature-inspired shopping destination in Dubai. From the developers of the Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden, this mega destination will feature a 20,000 sq ft open air garden called Central Park. Cityland Mall will eventually have 350 stores built around six continent-themed pavilions. It will be the home to international and local retail chains, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment facilities. Anticipated to be in full swing next year.
The Hyperloop
This may not come as early as next year, but everybody’s looking forward to 12-minute travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The efforts done by the UAE government to establish a Hyperloop transportation in the country and currently on its way with the Los Angeles based hyperloop company. The Hyperloop One said that they could have an operational system built in the UAE in the next five years, after finalising an agreement with the RTA.
The Dubai Steps
Another world-class architectural piece is set to stand in the Dubai soil, the Dubai steps is one of the most anticipated projects will soon rise in Dubai. However, the location of this marvel landmark has not been finalised yet plans are ongoing. The project will consist of 500 steps that will serve as a tourist attraction and recreational sports activity as well. For sure we will hear more about this upcoming Dubai landmark next year.
Mall of the World
Another world’s biggest, if the plan will push through this Dubai marvel is going to be the biggest mall built on earth beating the city’s own Dubai Mall. Mall of the World will be located at Al Sufouh District spread across in a whopping 49 million square foot of land. This gigantic project will feature an indoor theme park, 100 luxury hotels, full-fledged theatre district, and a temperature controlled buildings. You can also expect a wide range of international and local brands, restaurant chains, and leisure amenities suitable for residents and tourists.
Crystal Lagoon in MBR City
With an area spanning across the 1110 acres of land, MBR City - District One is one of the most anticipated projects to rise in Dubai. This $10 Billion worth project will highlight a 7 kilometre Crystal Lagoon and the planet’s biggest man-made beach. The Crystal Lagoon will be the centre of leisure and recreation where residents and tourists can enjoy swimming and kayaking, in addition to a cycling track. A luxury community located in the vicinity of Downtown Burj Dubai and Business Bay, it will offer a wide range of hospitality, shopping, and entertainment options. Expect to hear more about this project next year.
New Hotels
The UAE is the home to numerous hotels, international and local chains favored the country as one of the best places for hotels and hospitality services. We have seen the opening of the ritzy Renaissance hotel in Downtown Dubai as well as the Bulgari Resort in Jumeirah this year. In 2018, the W hotel on The Palm will open its doors to the public, another Rotana hotel in Dubai is opening soon, the two-tower Rosemont Hotel and Residences in Barsha Heights, and the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Beach will also open next year.
New Restaurants
2018 is the year that we will welcome new players to Dubai’s dining scene. Residents and visitors can expect even more mouthwatering restaurant chains popping out the street of Dubai. These restaurants are expected to open in January 2018: The much awaited “Beefbar” in DIFC, seafood galore with the “Crayfish”, the first “PizzaExpress Live” restaurant outside of the UK in Business Bay, London export the “Scalini” is set to open in Jumeirah Four Seasons and experience high-end dining at the “Dolce Sky” located in the 70th and 71st floors of The Address Hotel.
ABU DHABI
Zayed National Museum
Zayed National Museum is dedicated to the UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan. The museum is planned to be the centerpiece of Saadiyat Island Cultural District in Abu Dhabi and it will feature the rich history, culture, and economic transformation of the Emirates. Next year will mark the 100 years since the birth of the UAE’s founding president so expect to hear about this masterpiece next year.
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Another culturally distinct museum is about to rise on Saadiyat Island, The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will soon become a prominent piece of art that will create an expansive view of history from local, regional, and international sources. Despite no official completion date has been given, everyone’s excited to see this Abu Dhabi’s piece of art.
Warner Bros World
The Warner Bros World in Abu Dhabi is expected to open its doors next year, 2018. DC Universe and Warner Bros Characters fanatics are screaming for excitement as this newest theme park is set to conquer the Yas Island. You can expect 29 state-of-the-art thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions and live entertainment scattered all over this gigantic indoor theme park.
The World’s Tallest Indoor Climbing Wall
This is another world’s tallest and widest, “Clymb” will be the next attraction for the extreme sports enthusiast. The facility is said to be worth USD 100 Million that will break two world records for being the world’s tallest climbing wall and the world’s widest skydiving chamber To date, the construction is running on its 35 percent completion and is anticipated to finish by 2018.
Reem Central Park
Reem Central Park is another world-class destination located at Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. It has a vast of one million square feet and will feature a mosque that is capable of serving 2,000 worshippers, retail shops, restaurants, cafes, skate park, interactive water features, and play area for kids. The location will provide a new platform for leisure and recreation for the residents of Abu Dhabi. Expect the completion of this park in 2018.
Al Qana
Al Qana will become the new entertainment destination suitable for all ages and celebrate Abu Dhabi’s rich tradition highlighting its past, present, and future achievements. Al Qana will be the home to a 5,000 square-metre aquarium and the Emirate’s first standalone cinema. Located in Abu Dhabi, it will also feature numerous entertainment and leisure facilities that can cater various visitors. It’s expected to be finished in the second quarter of 2018.
RAS AL KHAIMAH
The World’s Longest Zip line
Another exciting attraction for adrenaline junkies and free spirited, the soon to be the world’s longest zipline in Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah is set to open this coming January. The zip line will pass the UAE’s highest mountain and canyons while seeing the admiring wildlife below. This ambitious attraction is set to create a world record to be the longest zipline breaking the current record in Puerto Rico.