The UAE holds 425 world records, the highest across the Middle East and North Africa region. Some of those include landmarks like the world’s tallest tower and the largest shopping mall. At 829.8 metres, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest skyscraper and boasts of the world’s highest observation deck. A couple of kilometres down Sheikh Zayed Road is Gevora Hotel, the world’s tallest hotel (356.33 metres tall).

Closer to the sea on the other side of the Sheikh Zayed Road is the Burj Al Arab, the world’s third tallest hotel on an artificial island and the world’s only ‘seven-star property. Besides being home to the world’s biggest gold souk, Dubai has the world’s largest shopping mall with 1,200 retail outlets including the world’s largest shoe store. Also in Dubai is Palm Jumeirah, the world’s biggest artificial island. It isn’t all just glam and glitz. In the picturesque Dubai Creek, one can take a dinner cruise on the world’s biggest wooden dhow.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the world’s third-largest mosque, housing the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet and massive crystal chandeliers

Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s largest emirate, is home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the world’s third-largest mosque housing the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet and massive crystal chandeliers. While in Abu Dhabi, don’t miss the Louvre and the Guggenheim in the capital’s Saadiyat Island cultural district. Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain is the second highest peak in the UAE and the world’s most-twisting mountain road drive.

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is home to Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain

Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais (the highest mountain in the UAE) is home to the Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline. The Ras Al Khaimah zip wire is an incredible 2.83km long (that’s more than 28 soccer fields stacked end to end) and is suspended 1,680 meters above sea level. It reaches speeds of up to 150kmph.

One should not miss the country’s oldest mosque in Al-Bidyah near the Fujairah city dating 1446.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park. It houses the fastest roller coaster in the world, accelerating to 240kmph in five seconds

There are several amusement parks in the UAE, including the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East (Motiongate Dubai in Dubai Parks and Resorts) and the world’s first indoor ski resort (Ski Dubai, located within the Mall of the Emirates). Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit is home to a Formula 1 racetrack. Also in the capital city is the Emirates Palace, the world’s most expensive hotel. Then there is Ferrari World, the first Ferrari branded theme park in the world. It houses the fastest roller coaster in the world, accelerating to 240kmph in five seconds. The world’s highest leaning skyscraper, Capital Gate, is another of the UAE’s world record destinations.

With people of more than 200 nationalities calling the UAE their home, the country offers all kinds choices when it comes to dining and multicultural cuisine. The restaurants and cafés serve popular cuisines like Afghani, African, American, Arabic, British, Chinese, Filipino, French, German, Greek, Indian, Indonesian, Iranian, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Mediterranean, Mexican, Nepali, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Thai and Vietnamese.

The UAE has several chic clubs, bars, pubs and discos; most of them attached to hotels

According to a ranking, Dubai is second only to Paris in having the most number of restaurants per million residents. According to the KPMG UAE F&B Report 2018, there are 2,935 F&B outlets in the emirate per million residents. That’s second only to Paris (3,656 outlets per million), and ahead of New York (2,911), London (2,772) and Singapore (1,320).

In Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s highest restaurant is located at 1,484 metres above sea level, offering guests views of the peaks and valleys of the Hajar Mountains.

Traditional Emirati fare includes Khuzi, stuffed whole roast lamb or goat on a bed of spiced rice, Machboos, a casserole of lamb or chicken layered with rice seasoned with spices and some saffron and Al Madrooba, a mix of salted fish, spices and thick sauce.

Shwarma is sliced chicken, lamb or beef served by rolling in a soft flatbread. Shish Tawouk sandwich is thinly sliced chicken pieces stuffed in the flatbreads.

Shwarma is sliced chicken, lamb or beef served by rolling in a soft flatbread. Shish Tawouk sandwich is thinly sliced chicken pieces stuffed in the flatbreads.

Manakish is a flatbread filled with cheese and is cooked in a huge oven. Al Harees is a porridge-like dish is cooked by mixing meat and wheat in a pot, along with water and salt, and then cooking for a long time. Al Machboos ingredients include red meat, fish or shrimp and rice.

Thereed is a slow-cooked stew of chicken, lamb or goat, and roasted vegetables-potatoes, tomatoes, marrow, and pumpkin. Kousa Mahshi is prepared with zucchini or courgettes stuffed with rice. It is often topped with yoghurt to give it that edge and make it a lip-smacking treat for all food-lovers.

Balaleet is prepared with vermicelli and sweetened with rose water, cinnamon and saffron, it is served with a thin egg omelette on top. Mahalabiya is a traditional rice pudding made with boiled milk, sugar and thickened with cornstarch.