Is the UAE worth choosing over alternatives like Thailand, Vietnam, the Maldives, or Georgia/Armenia?

Several commenters suggest looking beyond urban Dubai to UAE's nature side — the Ras Al Khaimah mountains (home to wild mountain goats), dune sunsets, and the contrast of flamingos near mangroves with Dubai's skyline visible in the haze. One notes that the mountains and RAK area overall are an excellent choice.

In terms of water clarity, the Mediterranean and Aegean seas beat the UAE — the water there is cleaner and clearer. Some UAE spots (particularly relevant for Ras Al Khaimah) have a muddy/silty seabed. The sea in the UAE is generally seen as a nice bonus to a city-based trip rather than the main draw.

If the goal is just a cheap place to sit out for a while, UAE isn't the best pick — Armenia, Georgia, and Uzbekistan are cheaper with a more comfortable climate than the UAE in summer.

For a quiet, relaxed vacation many prefer Fujairah over Ajman or Sharjah, even though humidity is higher there — it's calmer and less crowded, unlike busy city beaches in Vietnam.

For impressive beaches and rich marine life, the Maldives or the Red Sea (Egypt) are better choices — Gulf, Mediterranean, and Aegean coasts look duller and less scenic by comparison.