The UAE has topped TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards, with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi ranked as the No 1 attraction in the Middle East and eighth in the world.
Known for its striking white marble domes, intricate floral mosaics and reflective pools, the mosque welcomes millions of visitors each year. Guided tours offer insight into Islamic architecture and traditions, making it both a cultural and architectural highlight of the capital.
Dubai also dominated the list with a range of attractions. Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, remains a major draw with its observation decks offering panoramic views of the emirate and beyond. Nearby, Dubai Mall combines retail with entertainment, housing an Olympic-sized ice rink, a large aquarium and an underwater zoo. The adjacent Dubai Fountain – although currently closed for renovation – is known for putting on daily choreographed water shows set to music, drawing large crowds in the evenings.
Aquaventure Waterpark, located at Atlantis, The Palm, earned recognition for its record-breaking water slides, lazy river and interactive dolphin experiences. Aura Skypool, billed as the world’s highest 360º infinity pool, gives visitors an elevated view of Dubai’s skyline.
Other Dubai favourites on the list include the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, one of the most photographed hotels in the world; Miracle Garden, with its themed floral displays and sculptures; and Global Village, a seasonal destination featuring pavilions from countries around the world.
In Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World’s high-speed rides, including the Formula Rossa roller coaster, secured it a place among the region’s best.
The Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards are based on the quality and quantity of reviews over a 12-month period, highlighting attractions that consistently deliver positive visitor experiences.
In January, Dubai was the only Middle Eastern city to make TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Destinations list for 2025, placing third globally behind London and Bali.
TripAdvisor described Dubai as a place that “mixes modern culture with history”, from shopping and entertainment to exploring souqs along Dubai Creek. The emirate also ranked seventh in both the Best Destinations for Solo Travellers and the Top Destinations of the Last 25 Years categories.
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
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Mubalada World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule
Thursday December 27
Men's quarter-finals
Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm
Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm
Women's exhibition
Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm
Friday December 28
5th place play-off 3pm
Men's semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm
Saturday December 29
3rd place play-off 5pm
Men's final 7pm
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Qalandars 109-3 (10ovs)
Salt 30, Malan 24, Trego 23, Jayasuriya 2-14
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Bangla Tigers win by six wickets
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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