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Remains of an old fort on Dalkey Island. — Dalkey Island

The Bronze Cow. — Chicago Bronze Cow

Baltasar Bachero tile mosaic — Baltasar Bachero Tile Mosaic

Flagged soda straws point towards the cave’s entrance. — Castleguard Cave

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This classic London pub has a surprising history behind it. — John Snow

The beef, Guinness, and oyster pie sports a rich, flaky crust. — The Guinea

Welcome to one of the only floating pubs in the world. — Tamesis Dock

This may be the oldest pie in the world. — St Helens 'Oldest Pie' at The Turks Head

The Southampton Arms focuses on small beer and cider producers in the U.K. — The Southampton Arms

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The plants around Liz Dauncey in this photo are not poisonous, but many common garden and houseplants are. — Are Some of Your Favorite Houseplants Poisonous? AO Wants to Know.

6 days ago

“There may be a collective sense of a dark loneliness,” Dahl says, referring to Norway’s natural landscape. — In Norway, Easter Means Tucking Into Crime Stories

6 days ago

Good luck getting any sleep. — Dear Atlas: Can You Recommend Haunted Accommodations for Paranormal Enthusiasts?

9 days ago

From left to right: krachai, galangal, ginger. — A Guide to the Gingers of the World

10 days ago

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United Arab Emirates

The Atlas Obscura Guide To United Arab Emirates

33 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in United Arab Emirates

Updated January 22, 2025

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Cities

Masdar City

Dubai Miracle Garden

Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tombs.

Unusual Attractions in United Arab Emirates

Some of the houses have blue and green walls.

Al Madam, United Arab Emirates

Buried Village of Al Madam

An abandoned desert hamlet swallowed up by sand.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Miracle Garden

Billed as the "largest natural flower garden in the world" this Middle Eastern show field has little competition at 45 million flowers.

World Islands

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The World Islands

This artificial archipelago was supposed to resemble a map of the world.

the Elephant Clock at the Ibn Battuta mall

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Elephant Clock

A faithful reproduction of Al-Jazari's enormous water clock.

Masdar City

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Masdar City

Planned as the world’s first zero-carbon city, it had lofty ideals—but is only 5 percent completed and aiming for 50 percent carbon-neutral.

Ski Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ski Dubai

This indoor ski resort has a mountain contained inside a mall.

(Flickr/Román Emin)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Whitewashed mosque contains the world's largest carpet.

The Gold Souk, Dubai.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Gold Souk

On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.

See All 33 Things To Do in United Arab Emirates

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Explore United Arab Emirates

33

Architecture 7

Deserts 4

Architectural Oddities 4

Monuments 3

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Dunes 3

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Places To Stay 2

United Arab Emirates Leaderboard

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Fred Cherrygarden

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atimian

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satxwdavis

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klarfeher

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MissBez

10
hrnick

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Tawsam

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MissBez

24
Steve 55

21
adamhickman84

21
Renwill

21
Bestvue

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