Pictures: International tourists come calling to the UAE

Now that the weather is starting to get comfortable, tourists are heading to the UAE to enjoy the beauty of the desert, visit prominent landmarks, or simply stroll through the old heritage quarter or the gold and spice souqs.

The winter months present tourists with the best opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of wide-ranging attractions across the emirates.

Photographer Atiq Ur Rehman documented their return in droves this week. Last year, 15.8 million international guests, mostly Indians, visited Dubai, making it the sixth-most visited city on Earth.

Tourists at the Dubai Museum in Bur Dubai, which is also home to the heritage district.

Tourists take pictures at Ahmad Ibn Hanbal Mosque at Culture Square in Sharjah.

Tourists on quadbikes enjoy some dune bashing in the desert.

Tourists take pictures of the sea at the boardwalk adjoining Atlantis The Palm.

Tourists at Atlantis, The Palm, where The Aquaventure waterpark and the Lost Chambers are top attractions.

Taking a selfie with the iconic facade of Atlantis, The Palm in the background, is something a tourists is sure to do.