United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates compresses seven emirates of desert, coast and skyline into a country smaller than most US states. Dubai is the headline act — record-breaking towers, engineered islands, luxury malls — while Abu Dhabi anchors a quieter cultural scene around the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Beyond the cities, dune-driving, oasis towns and Hajar Mountain wadis offer a glimpse of the older Arabia.