First of all, if this is the wrong forum please let me know and move this thread if you can (didn't see any other relevant forum on the site).

I will be traveling to the UAE in early May and will return to the USA mid-June. What are the best things to do in my free time? Are there definite must see sights or must do activities? What sort or tourist attractions are there? From online reading, the UAE appears to be a popular European vacation destination but, I don't see what the draw is other then shopping.

Any tips, advice, etc. are appreciated very much!

My tuppence worth...

Abu Dhabi = boring
Dubai =

I recommend a trip out wadi bashing in the dunes. It like Glamis but with nobody in it! If you like sailing do try to get a day out in a dhow.

You can eat and drink almost anything you can thing of and it will be good. Just don't be drunk or have it on your breath out in public. Dress conservatively. Shorts are fine at the pool but not really appropriate in public.

Enjoy!

Thanks BwanaCole!

This sort of confirms what I have been thinking based on some European travel sights. Not much besides eating, shopping, dune bashing, sailing, and some falconry and camel/horse racing at certain times of the year.

The Autodrome seems like it might be worth a look too.

Alcohol consumption isn't a big concern for me on a trip like this. Beer is best (for me at least) in Germany and the Netherlands (or Texas ), Whiskey and Bourbon in Tennessee and Kentucky, and I don't really have a taste for wine. I'm also pretty fair skinned so, I rarely wear anything other then long pants outside the house.

Don't have any public displays of affection, but that is just good manners anywhere.