Looking at opulent and glossy Abu Dhabi today it’s difficult to believe that, in the mid-1930s a mark of wealth here was a mud house instead of a palm frond hut. This is the capital of the UAE, where the all the extravagant development started in c.1967 and it’s thrilling. Spread across hundreds of Persian Gulf islands and dominated by impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi may not have any shabby homes left but its museums, historic markets and colourful local shops show heritage is far from forgotten. Surprisingly conservation conscious too, Abu Dhabi’s blissfully free of engine noise on its lovely beaches and one of the best emirates for wild desert adventure, hiking and guided treks.

• If you want to stay in the world’s highest penthouse suite, it’s in Abu Dhabi. For the more modest family, all-inclusive beach resorts are fabulous here and the kid-friendly spa is a formula perfected by several superb city centre hotels.
• Don’t miss Ferrari World (the biggest indoor theme park on earth), Marina Circuit Formula 1 race track, World Heritage Al Ain and Al Jahili Fort.
• Visit the Empty Quarter, Rub al Khali, the world’s largest, unbroken expanse of dunes and one of the most remarkable place in Abu Dhabi for peaceful camel trekking or slightly rowdier sand boarding.

Dubai is the UAE’s transport hub, home to the country’s largest airport and the world’s tallest skyline studded with record breaking buildings and legendary modern design. It’s where you’ll find gorgeous beaches all along the Persian Gulf, glamorous shopping malls, huge waterparks and enough astounding kids activities to fill a lifetime of family holidays. But there’s plenty history, heritage, art and culture to balance out the new in this energetic city. Ancient souks and pretty, traditional districts are tucked in the shadow of skyscrapers. The immense Hajar Mountains and endless desert are as untouched and mesmerising by slow, gentle camel train as they are by car, mountain bike or on foot. And from magical festivals to spectacular theatre, new art and innovative events, Dubai does everything in its great powers to entertain too.

• Dubai’s been building non-stop since 1967 and today the city has 60,000 hotel rooms, with more to come. Designer luxury is a trademark, but there are good value family hotels in the more historic east of the city and waterfront self-catering and stunning all-inclusive beach resorts.
• Don’t miss Jumeirah Beach Park, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai Mall (the world’s largest) and Ski Dubai (the world’s biggest indoor real snow slopes).
• Falconry, camel trains, desert camps, off-roading, diving, trekking, hiking, cycling and sand boarding are just a hint of Dubai’s outdoor activities.

Ras Al-Khaimah is less than an hour’s drive north of Dubai, shares a border with Oman and is a favourite holiday for UAE residents. Greener than its neighbours, with quieter beaches, pretty parks and a strong sense of heritage, RAK’s great fun for kids and the perfect emirate for making the most of desert and mountain magnificence – Jabal Jais, the highest Hajar peak dominates the skyline here. Traditional culture is celebrated here like nowhere else in the country so if you’ve promised everyone a night under the stars at a Bedouin camp, you can come good on your word.

• The four manmade islands of Al Marjan have some of RAK’s best family resort hotels designed around beaches and lush gardens but not far from the city centre.
• Don’t miss Iceland Waterpark, Dhayah Fort, a tour of Awafi Desert, the 13^th century Queen of Sheeba Palace and RAK Camel Race Track.
• Visit Al Dhait North, RAK City’s evocative and colourful historic quarter.