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Dubai may be the glittering heart of the United Arab Emirates, but to truly understand the country’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural contrasts, you have to venture beyond its towering skyscrapers. One of the most fascinating experiences of my trip was an ambitious one-day tour covering six of the seven Emirates, offering a whirlwind journey through historic forts, coastal escapes, desert landscapes, and bustling souks.

This tour was an eye-opening glimpse into the UAE’s lesser-known emirates—places that often get overshadowed by Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but each has its own unique charm and character. From the mountainous terrain of Fujairah to the modern souks of Sharjah and the heritage sites of Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, this day-long road trip revealed just how diverse the Emirates really is… if you look hard enough.

While the 6 Emirates Private Tour From Dubai In One Day involved a lot of driving, it was a fantastic way to see the historic and cultural sites of the Emirates in a single day. 

The guide was more driver than guide. This is not a tour where the guide talks nonstop about facts, figures, and dates. But he will take you to some very interesting places. We started in Dubai and quickly entered Sharjah on our way to Fujairah. 

Here’s a breakdown of this unforgettable 6-emirate adventure.

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Fujairah

Fujairah, the only emirate located entirely on the eastern coast of the UAE along the Gulf of Oman, offered a contrast to Dubai’s high-rise skyline and luxury-driven atmosphere. 

Fujairah Fort

One of the highlights of my visit was Fujairah Fort, one of the oldest and most well-preserved forts in the country, dating back to the 1500s. This fort stands on a small hill with panoramic views of the surrounding city and mountains. Made of mud bricks, it had thick walls and round watchtowers that once served as a defensive stronghold against invaders. 

Fujairah Fort was once the home of the ruling family and played a key role in protecting trade routes. Walking through its weathered corridors, I felt like I was in a fort from an old film about the French Foreign Legion, like “Beau Geste.”

The fort is inside the Fujairah Heritage Village, which has other buildings that preserve Emirati history and culture. During your visit, take some time to stroll through them.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

As we drove through the city, one building stood out—a massive mosque with striking Ottoman-style domes and towering minarets. This was the Sheikh Zayed Mosque of Fujairah, the second largest mosque in the UAE after the National Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Unlike the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, this one isn’t as widely known among tourists, but it was still an impressive sight. The architecture appeared to be inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, with its dome on dome design.

Umbrella Beach

From history, we shifted to a more relaxed setting—Umbrella Beach, a relatively new waterfront development designed to be a leisure hub for locals and tourists. The name comes from the row of oversized decorative umbrellas along the promenade, though these weren’t the type you’d use for shade on the beach.

The beach itself had mud-colored sand, unlike the bright white sand imported to some of the luxury beaches in Abu Dhabi. The surrounding area had a mix of restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops. It wasn’t the most stunning beach I’ve visited, but it had a laid-back, family-friendly feel, and I could see it being a popular spot for locals and tourists.

 

Northern Sharjah

After leaving Fujairah, our journey took us back to Sharjah, the third-largest emirate. Unlike glitzy Dubai, Sharjah is known for its conservative values, historic sites, and deep-rooted Emirati traditions. It is the only emirate where alcohol is completely banned, and it places a strong emphasis on preserving Islamic heritage and local culture.

Al Rabi Tower

Our first stop in Sharjah was at Al Rabi Tower, which offered a view of the surrounding mountains and coastline of the city of Khorfakkan.

Khorfakkan is an enclave of Sharjah surrounded by Fujairah. Perched on a rocky hill, this tower was once part of a defensive system used to guard trade routes and protect settlements from invaders. If you are up for a hike, there is a hiking trail to the top of the hill near the tower.

Khorfakkan Waterfalls

One of the unexpected features of Khorfakkan is the Khorfakkan Waterfalls. It is an artificial waterfall cascading against the rugged backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. Designed as a tourist attraction and leisure spot, the waterfall is carved into the mountainside, with water streaming down over a rock-like facade. I am told that at night, the waterfall is illuminated. At the top of the waterfall, if you look closely, you can see the windows of a high-end restaurant accessible via an elevator in the rock face.

Khorfakkan Amphitheatre

Right next to the waterfalls is the Khorfakkan Amphitheater, an open-air performance venue inspired by Roman architecture. Built in 2020, the amphitheater features massive stone columns, tiered seating, and a semi-circular design that can accommodate over 3,500 spectators. It hosts concerts, cultural performances, and film screenings. 

Al-Bidya Mosque

Next, we visited Al-Bidya Mosque, the oldest active mosque in the UAE, dating back to the 1400s. Made from mud and stone, this small, simple structure stood in stark contrast to the grand mosques of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Despite its size, it held immense historical and spiritual significance.

Stepping inside, I noticed the low, domed ceiling and lack of ornate decorations, a reminder of how early Islamic architecture was often built for functionality rather than grandeur.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)

Our next stop was Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the northernmost emirate of the UAE and one of the most historically significant. This is one of the oldest spots in the UAE, dating back to the region’s pearl-diving and fishing heritage. The name Ras Al Khaimah, meaning “Top of the Tent,” refers to its location at the top of the UAE, where the mountains meet the sea.

Lunch at Eat and Drink

Before diving into history, we made a stop at Eat and Drink, a popular restaurant chain started by an Indian expat. The menu was a melting pot of cultures, offering Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, and South Indian cuisine—a true reflection of the UAE’s diverse guest worker population. The food was delicious and inexpensive. Lunch is not included in the tour.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Cultural Heritage Park

One of the most fascinating stops was the Cultural Heritage Park, a site dedicated to preserving the traditional way of life in the UAE. RAK was once a thriving hub for pearl diving and fishing, industries that sustained the region for centuries. The old village ruins within the park gave a sense of what life was like in the early 20th century, before the UAE’s rapid transformation.

Walking through the reconstructed village, I saw traditional coral-stone houses and a wooden fishing boat (dhow). This was a stark reminder of how dramatically the UAE has changed in just a few generations. Each building in the park had a sign talking about its history. Until the 1950s, life here was the same as it had been for centuries.

Ajman

Ajman Museum 

Located in the Ajman Heritage District, the Ajman Museum is housed in an 18th-century fort. This beautifully restored fortress once served as the residence of Ajman’s ruling family before later being used as a police station and eventually a museum. 

The fort features a square wind tower (Barjeel). This is a traditional Emirati natural cooling system that predates modern air conditioning. Designed to capture and direct breezes downward, it naturally ventilates homes by pushing out hot air and lowering indoor temperatures by up to 10°C (18°F). A status symbol in old Emirati society, wealthier homes often had multiple wind towers for better airflow. 

The museum’s well-curated exhibits showcase Ajman’s history before the oil boom, providing insights into the daily lives of Emiratis in past centuries. Some of the key displays include:

• Archaeological Artifacts – Items dating back thousands of years, including pottery, tools, and jewelry unearthed from Ajman’s ancient sites.

• Traditional Emirati Lifestyle – A recreation of an authentic Emirati home, complete with kitchens, living spaces, and majlis (seating areas) showcasing how families lived in the past.

• Pearl Diving & Fishing Industry – Since Ajman was historically dependent on pearling and fishing, the museum features old wooden dhows, diving suits, and tools used by pearl divers before oil wealth changed the country’s economy.
• Weapons & Warfare – A collection of swords, rifles, and cannons used by the local ruling forces to defend Ajman against tribal conflicts and invasions.
• Police & Justice System – The fort once served as a police station, and the museum preserves a prison cell, old uniforms, and equipment used by law enforcement in the early days of Ajman. The local police were created in the 1960s.

While the museum had signs in English and Arabic, the videos were only in Arabic.

Umm Al Quwain

While this tour does drive through Umm Al Quwain, it doesn’t make any stops. Umm Al Quwain is the second smallest and least populous emirate in the UAE. My guide told me it is mostly empty space and warehouses.

Sharjah

The final stop of the 6-emirate tour brought us back to Sharjah where we explored its rich Islamic heritage and bustling commercial markets. Unlike the earlier stop in Sharjah, which focused on its scenic and historical sites, this leg of the journey was all about understanding its deep-rooted traditions and everyday life.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Our first visit was to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, a beautifully curated museum that explores the history, science, art, and philosophy of the Islamic world. The museum’s grand architecture, with its stunning golden dome and intricate calligraphy, made an immediate impression. 

This would be a great stop for someone who knows nothing about Islam and wants a quick primer. The first gallery covers the basic pillars of Islam and the designs of mosques around the world.

One of the most intriguing sections was the Islamic contributions to science and medicine, which showcased how Muslim scholars pioneered advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and healthcare centuries before the Renaissance. The museum’s astronomy and navigation exhibits highlighted how Arab sailors once relied on celestial navigation—a crucial skill in this seafaring region.

Sharjah’s Gold Souk and Traditional Market

Next, we visited Sharjah’s Gold Souk (Central Souk), a less touristy alternative to Dubai’s Gold Souk. This sprawling marketplace, housed in a beautiful blue-tiled building, was filled with intricate gold jewelry, precious stones, and traditional handicrafts. Unlike Dubai, which caters heavily to tourists, Sharjah’s gold market felt more authentic, catering largely to locals.

Just a short walk away was the traditional market, where we saw locals shopping for everyday items like abayas (traditional dresses), perfumes, and textiles. It would be an inexpensive place to shop for everyday items.

Final Impressions

While Dubai and Abu Dhabi often steal the spotlight, this tour proved that the UAE’s soul extends far beyond its skyscrapers and luxury resorts. I highly recommend the 6 Emirates Private Tour From Dubai In One Day for the intellectually curious who want to know a bit more about the UAE’s history and culture.