I’ve Been to 32 Countries—Here’s My Least Favorite and Why

After traveling to 32 countries across five continents, spending months away from home, and immersing myself in diverse cultures, I can confidently say that not every destination has left me with fond memories. While travel is often filled with incredible experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful connections, it also comes with challenges—unpleasant encounters, cultural misunderstandings, and destinations that simply don’t resonate with you.

It’s not a title I give lightly. I always try to find something to love about every place I visit, whether it’s the landscapes, the food, the people, or the atmosphere. But after experiencing so many different destinations, one country stands out as the most underwhelming. From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I felt disconnected, uninspired, and unimpressed. It lacked the energy, authenticity, and cultural richness that I seek in my travels. Even now, after reflecting on all my trips, this country remains at the bottom of my list.

I often leave a place feeling like I need to return—to explore deeper, to see a different side of it, or to give it a second chance. But in this case, I can confidently say I have no desire to return, except perhaps for a layover at one of its major airports.

Before I reveal the country, I want to make something clear: this is my personal opinion, shaped by my own travel style, expectations, and experiences. Every traveler has different preferences, and what doesn’t appeal to me might be exactly what someone else is searching for. Travel is deeply personal—what one person finds fascinating and enjoyable, another might find unremarkable or even frustrating.

That being said, I recognize that this particular country is beloved by many. It’s known for its luxury, convenience, and over-the-top attractions, drawing in millions of visitors each year who are captivated by its modernity and extravagance.

So, let’s talk about the United Arab Emirates—a country known for its extravagant cities, sky-high prices, and artificial luxury. A country built in the middle of the desert, with man-made islands, record-breaking skyscrapers, and shopping malls that double as entertainment complexes. While some see it as a futuristic utopia, I saw it as a place that lacked soul.

The Artificial Atmosphere

One of the biggest reasons the UAE didn’t resonate with me is its artificiality. Almost everything feels constructed, curated, and designed for show rather than substance. The beaches? Man-made. The islands? Man-made. The ski resort inside a shopping mall? Completely artificial. Even the desert excursions feel overly commercialized, with camel rides and dune bashing experiences that cater more to Instagram photo ops than to genuine adventure.

This lack of authenticity extends beyond the attractions—it’s in the energy of the cities themselves. Places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi feel more like luxury playgrounds than real, living cities with deep cultural roots. Unlike countries where you can feel the heartbeat of local traditions, the UAE feels sterile, transactional, and disconnected from its own heritage.

Wealth Over Culture

The UAE is undeniably one of the wealthiest countries in the entire world. From its seven-star hotels to its supercars lining the streets, the level of wealth is truly astounding. And while that might be impressive to some, it also creates an atmosphere that feels exclusive and very un-relatable. If you’re not dressed in designer clothes, staying at a luxury hotel, or dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, you can feel very out of place here.

But the real issue isn’t just the level of wealth—it’s how wealth has overshadowed the culture. Instead of preserving and showcasing its traditions, the UAE has become a melting pot of global influences, where authentic Emirati culture often takes a backseat to imported luxury and extravagant Westernized experiences.

The Heat and the Empty Streets

One thing that made the lack of energy even more noticeable was the heat. The UAE is unbearably hot during the day, especially in the summer months. Walking around Abu Dhabi, I feel as if I barely saw anyone outside—it felt like a ghost town. The streets were eerily empty, with most people hiding indoors in air-conditioned malls, restaurants, cafes or hotels. It didn’t have any of that lively street culture that so many other cities around the world have.

Dubai was a different story, but not necessarily in a good way. Instead of being empty, the streets were packed with hundreds of tourists. Everywhere I went, I felt like I was just surrounded by visitors, which only added to the extremely artificial feeling of the city. The heat combined with the towering skyscrapers and the perfectly designed urban spaces made everything feel even more unnatural—like I was walking through a futuristic city that wasn’t made for actual human life, just for show or an Instagram photo.

A Country Without a True Identity

One of the most striking things about the UAE is how few locals you actually meet. The majority of the population consists of expats from all over the world, making Emiratis a minority in their own country. This creates an unusual dynamic where the culture feels diluted rather than distinct.

Unlike places like Vietnam, Italy, or Colombia—where you can feel the pride locals have in their traditions, cuisine, and way of life—the UAE lacks that same sense of identity. It’s hard to get a real feel for the country when so much of it is shaped by outside influences. Even when I sought out museums and historical sites to learn more about its past, I found very little depth beyond the modern narrative of increasing development and economic success.

Even the food scene reflects this lack of cultural identity. While you can find some of the best international cuisine here—whether it’s Indian, Lebanese, Italian, or Japanese—there’s very little emphasis on authentic Emirati cuisine. In my time there, I tried Egyptian food, Yemeni dishes, Indian curries, and Pakistani street food, but I struggled to find meals that truly represented the UAE’s food culture. Unlike places where local cuisine is an essential part of the experience, the UAE felt more like a high-end food court of the world.