What to do and see in United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park is Sharjah’s number one family destination, offering thrilling water rides and lavish leisure amenities. Thanks to its strategic location in Sharjah near the Government Departments Complex, Central Market and Khalid Lagoon, and its easy accessibility from other emirates, Al Montazah has become one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the UAE. Al Montazah provides 500 parking lots, including disability bays, with additional facilities also available at Flag Island located opposite. Al Montazah Amusement and Waterpark was the recipient of the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Award for 2014 as the best new tourist destination in the emirate in recognition of its world-class facilities and services that have made it a must-visit destination for residents and tourists.

Described as both a ‘Vertical City’ and ‘A Living Wonder,’ Burj Khalifa, developed by Dubai-based Emaar Properties PJSC, is the world’s tallest building. Rising gracefully from the desert, Burj Khalifa honours the city with its extraordinary union of art, engineering and meticulous craftsmanship. At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft), the 200 plus storey Burj Khalifa has 160 habitable levels, the most of any building in the world. The tower was inaugurated on January 4, 2010, and is responsible for a number of world-firsts. The tower became the world’s tallest man-made structure just 1,325 days after excavation work started in January 2004. Burj Khalifa utilised a record-breaking 330,000 cubic metres of concrete; 39,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement; 103,000 square metres of glass; and 15,500 square metres of embossed stainless steel. The tower took 22 million man hours to build.

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is a designated protected area for the conservation the natural inland desert ecosystem of Dubai. It spans 4.7% of the total land area of Dubai Emirate and encompasses 225km2 of sand dunes desert ecosystem interspersed with gravel plains. The DDCR is a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has gained international recognition from the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). The DDCR is home to 57 Plant species, over 120 birds and 43 mammals and reptiles including the iconic Arabian Oryx. The DDCR can be visited by either staying at the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa or for day visits with one of the four concession holders; Arabian Adventures, Lama Tours, Travco and Alpha Tours.

Aquaventure Waterpark promises a world of excitement to make you feel different in water in more ways than one. Get your pulse racing on 30 slides and attractions, laugh your way down Dubai’s longest Lazy River, and relax on 500m of private beach. Thrill-seekers can scream down world-record-breaking waterslides, young families will enjoy the safety of Splashers Island, and animal lovers can get up close with dolphins, sea lions, sharks and stingrays. Whether you're here on holiday or a UAE resident looking to add a splash of adventure to your weekend, you're different in water at Aquaventure Waterpark.

This downtown mall is known for luxury stores like Cartier and Harry Winston. It also has an aquarium, ice rink, and 360-degree views of the city from the world’s tallest building, The Burj Khalifa.