12 days in United Arab Emirates Itinerary

Located along the northern coast of the Persian Gulf, Sharjah was named the Middle East's top cultural city by UNESCO in 1998.

Plan for a day of cool, family-friendly fun on the 6th (Sun) at Al Montazah Parks. And it doesn't end there: get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Sharjah Aquarium, see the interesting displays at Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, get engrossed in the history at Sharjah Heritage Museum, and look for gifts at Al Qasba.

For where to stay, maps, ratings, and tourist information, read our Sharjah route builder.

Abu Dhabi to Sharjah is an approximately 2-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In December in Sharjah, expect temperatures between 31°C during the day and 18°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Ajman.

The smallest of the seven Emirates of the UAE, Ajman is a popular choice for tourists thanks to its shopping, beach, and cultural activities, not to mention its proximity to Dubai and the nation's airports.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Thu): enjoy the sand and surf at Ajman Beach and then see the interesting displays at Ajman Museum.

To see more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Ajman trip itinerary builder app.

Ajman is just a short distance from Sharjah. Expect a daytime high around 31°C in December, and nighttime lows around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) so you can drive to Umm Al Quwain.

Umm al-Quwain is the least populous of the seven sovereign emirates in the United Arab Emirates, located in the north of the country. Start off your visit on the 11th (Fri): cool off at Dreamland Aqua Park.

To see maps, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Umm Al Quwain trip planner.

Umm Al Quwain is just a stone's throw from Ajman. In December in Umm Al Quwain, expect temperatures between 31°C during the day and 18°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Ras Al Khaimah.

Nicknamed "the Rising Emirate," Ras Al Khaimah may be an unfamiliar name to many tourists, but has been tipped as the next Dubai thanks to its steady development (along with the rest of the U.A.E.) of luxury resorts, retail districts, and shopping malls.

Ras Al Khaimah is known for shopping, nature, and theme parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in the awesome beauty at Jabal Bil Ays, get outside with Outdoor Activities, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and buy something for everyone on your list at Al Hamra Mall.

To find other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read our Ras Al Khaimah travel itinerary planner.

Drive from Umm Al Quwain to Ras Al Khaimah in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Tue) so you can drive to Fujairah.

The commercial and business center of the U.A.E., and the largest town along the east coast, Fujairah features busy office buildings, shopping malls, and giant fields of oil containers.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Wed): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sheikh Zayed Mosque - Fujairah, then examine the collection at Fujairah Museum, and then don't miss a visit to Fujairah Historic Fort. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: step into the grandiose world of Al Hayl Castle and then meet some fierce fish with Al Boom Diving.

For ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Fujairah vacation builder site.

Drive from Ras Al Khaimah to Fujairah in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Fujairah when traveling from Ras Al Khaimah in December, with lows around 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to drive back home.