Discover the Hidden Gems of the UAE
As the hidden gems of UAE are so many and so often missed by both tourists and residents, I wanted to show people the world beyond Dubai and so this blog was born back in 2013.
I was living inland then so knew quite a few places but over the last few years, my work took me around the enclaves of Sharjah in the eastern region as well as Madam and Maleha. That’s when I started to explore more and more on my commutes taking different routes and detours, doing one of the things I love best – going down random roads.
If you’d like to know more about me, you can read that over here.
Here are a few tasters below of some UAE hidden gems. Tap on the photo to see more.
The website will always be a work in progress as I discover somewhere new, revisit old places and as new destinations open up. There are many exciting developments at the moment in the northern emirates, so there is lots more to come!
So what will you find here? Some hidden gems, some golden oldies, old treasures, new treasures, a few foodie recommendations, quiet beaches, lively waterfronts, great camping spots, hiking trails, interesting museums, inspiring art spots, a bit of Emirati culture and much more.
In short, a guide to exploring and discovering the northern emirates of the UAE. There are a couple of posts on what to do in the school holidays so lots on what to do with kids, often cheap or free, and on walks around the country.
Visit our Experiences/Activities page too and Overnight Stays.
I’ve added a few glimpses of Oman too but I’ve recently started a new travel blog, In Scotterati Footsteps which will take a different approach and focus mostly on the Arabian Gulf region. It will include some of out other travels too like Iceland and Scotland. You can visit and follow to see new update right here
Disclosure: When you make a booking or purchase through links on this site, I may earn commission from partners at no extra cost to you. This helps me to build the site and bring you more great posts!
UAE Hidden Gems
Tap photos to see more
If you follow my social media accounts, there is so much more on there, especially Instagram and you can follow my webpage to be notified of new posts. Check the highlights for past stories on specific areas as well as my Instagram Guides (you can find them next to reels.) Of course, I’m on Facebook too and there’s a Glimpses of the UAE community group attached to it.
Don’t forget to check out Glimpses of the UAE google map. It has locations of everywhere on the page and more together with photos and links to posts either on the website or Instagram. It’s especially useful to see what is in the same area to plan trips.
Are you ready to start your journey through the northern emirates? Here are a few more tasters below. Click on the photos to see more.
Hidden Gems of UAE
Don’t forget to share this page with your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours, anyone you know who wants or needs to get out and see more of this wonderful country!
Hidden Gems in UAE
- Experiences
- Accommodation
- What to do in Ajman
- What to do in Ras al Khaimah
- Places to visit and things to do in school break – full of UAE hidden gems
- Walks away from the city and outdoor exercise areas in the cities – walking, cycling, running, public gyms
- Hiking in the UAE
- Kalba
- Masfoot
- Khor Fakkan
Disclosure: When you make a booking or purchase through links on this site, I may earn commission from partners at no extra cost to you. This helps me to build the site and bring you more great posts!
Hidden Gems in the Northern Emirates on Social Media and other resources
- Follow on Instagram
- Follow on Facebook
- Join the Facebook Community Group – join the community to share places, cafes, tips, experience, etc. Group activities may be organised in collaboration with relevant licensed groups such as hiking organisations.
- Sign up for the Newsletter
- Glimpses of UAE Map – locations of UAE hidden gems
Follow Glimpses of UAE on WordPress.com
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The boring stuff
Contact: discover@glimpsesofuae.com or through social media messengers
Open to relevant collaborations, sponsored posts, copywriting, travel writing, consultancy, advertising for farm stays, experiences, activities, etc.
Please feel free to contact for guest blog posts and media opportunities.
Coming up – more collaborations on trips, etc, FAQs, suggested itineraries and more.
Testimonials
“We are planning a family vacation in UAE /RAK and before finding your site, I spent hours for browsing through the different websites in trying to find information about old forts, beaches and where to visit. Luckily, I found your web site, It is THE best. A lot of information, well written and researched. It is much better than Lonely Planet or other sites of UAE. Great stuff, so I just wanted to say THANKS !” Martti, Finland.
“I’ve followed your Facebook page for a while and just found your website! I love it!” Annie, UAE
“For people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of major cities in the UAE , this is one of the best resources in identifying places that they can visit. From beautiful wadis , mountains , places of interest and hidden gems. If you plan to head out into the UAE countryside , this is the first place to refer to. Keep it up Glimpses of UAE” Taimur
“UAE beyond Abu Dhabi and Dubai! Thank you for bringing the wonderful landscapes accessible to us-with tons of useful information! From Madha to Dibba al Hisn, we have visited with the family.” Faiza
“Just followed a link to your blog and wanted to send a short ‘thank you’ message.
We’ve been getting out and exploring as much as we can this winter, covid making work a lot quieter.
You blog has now given me a whole list of new places to check out.” Hannah
“Awesome, love your posts.” Nadia
“It’s lovely to see all the hidden gems you post. So many places to visit” Valerian
“Thank you for the lovely insight about UAE.” Varsha
“Thank you for all your efforts for this account which makes us love this country again and again” Faith
And many many more!