UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
LOCATION
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is situated along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. To the north-west of UAE lies Qatar, Saudi Arabia to the west, south and south-east, and Oman to the south-east and north-east.
GEOGRAPHY
Occupying an area of about 83, 600 sq. km (32,400 sq. miles), UAE is roughly the size of Portugal. UAE had a coastline that was approximately 1318 km but land reclamation projects, notably the three 'Palms', are extending this figure.
CAPITAL
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the country's largest emirate with over 1.6 million residents. Abu Dhabi is a combination of diversity: one side there is the contemporary chic of downtown Abu Dhabi and on the other the timeless Bedouin traditions of the adjacent mountains, deserts and the sandy beaches. Its ultra modern infrastructure makes it the economic and political hub of the UAE. The capital city of Abu Dhabi perfectly combines its role as a business and tourist destination. From shopping in luxury malls to bartering in traditional souqs; from enjoying the miles of golden beaches, to relaxing in one the city's many public parks; from the fine dining of the city's 5-star restaurants to the unique pleasure of the desert safari - the options really are endless.
CURRENCY
The Currency in United Arab Emirates is Emirati dirham (AED)
CLIMATE
Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, the UAE is warm and sunny in winter and hot and humid during the summer months. Winter daytime temperatures average a very pleasant 26°C, although nights can be relatively cool, between 12–15°C on the coast, and less than 5°C in the depths of the desert or high in the mountains. The country has a sparse and intermittent rainfall. It mostly rains during the winter months, usually in February or March, but occasionally earlier too.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Recreational and sporting facilities are exceptional in the UAE, especially when it comes to water sports. An extensive range of indoor and outdoor activities are also there on offer to lure you away from the beach. UAE hosts major international sporting events at various times of the year, which can be real treat for sports enthusiasts. For purchasing tickets for sporting events you can take the assistance of your travel agent or hotel.
Shopping
Shopping is something of a national past time in the UAE and one of the major attractions for visitors. Thankfully the Glitzy state-of-the-art malls have not replaced traditional souqs (markets) and erased the old world charm. As a result there is a stimulating mix of old and new where the very latest twenty-first century retail delights co-exist with ancient family run businesses that still trade as they have for centuries.
Nightlife
There is ample opportunity to pursue an active nightlife in all of the major urban centers in the UAE, except for Sharjah which does not have any bars or discos. In the rural areas choice of night-time activities is all but negligent.
From sophisticated cocktail lounges to informal traditional British and Irish pubs and Western style saloons, there are all varieties of bars. In addition, piano and jazz bars too are a-plenty. Both local DJs and big international names are hosted by clubs and discos. Visit local nightclubs with Arab singers, belly dancers and musicians for an authentic Arabian experience. Many stars from the West, the Arab world, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East, are frequent visitors.
Food and drink
A sophisticated and innovative food culture has developed in the UAE, all thanks to visitors from many parts of the world along with a multi-ethnic resident community. Right from classic European to Pacific Rim almost all food types are available. Mexican, Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Indian, Pakistani, Persian, Italian and French cooking, and more, can be savored at some of the finest restaurants in the Middle East. International fast-food chains, serving the standard fare of hamburgers, chips, pizzas etc (McDonalds’s, Pizza Hut, Pizza Inn, Hardee’s, Wimpy, and Dunkin’ Donut) are also located in the larger cities. Kentucky Fried Chicken is very apparently popular. International theme restaurants such as TGI Friday’s, Planet Hollywood, Fashion Café, Hard Rock Café and Henry J Bean’s are all represented in the Emirates. If you cannot find anything to suit in that list, small ethnic cafés and corner stalls are ubiquitous. Shisha cafés offer an opportunity to smoke a shisha (hubble-bubble pipe) and serve food, coffee; tea and fruit juices and corner stalls serve sharwarmas and other sandwiches.
Pork
Muslims are prohibited from eating pork so it is not included in Arab menus. Hotels frequently have Substitutes such as beef sausages and veal rashers are available on the breakfast menus of many hotels.
Alcohol
Alcohol is generally only served in hotel restaurants and bars (but not in Sharjah). Some clubs and associations are exceptions. The restaurants that are not associated with hotels are not allowed to serve alcohol.
VISITING AND SEEING
1. Don't miss the many historic mosques and forts dotted around the older parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, notably the formers massive Grand Mosque and White Fort, and Dubai's Al-Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum.
2. You can witness some spectacular scenery if you travel east from Abu Dhabi or Dubai to the resort and former caravan stop of Al-Ain. A camel market, zoo and museum containing old and new artifacts and Mesopotamian pottery are some of the things to be enjoyed at the resort.
3. Abu Dhabi has nearly 200 islands worth exploring, including Qarn Island, Belghilam Island (famous for its gazelle breeding) near Sadiyat Island, and Abul-Abyadh Island.
4. Take a trip to Ras al-Khaimah where there is an old seaport with views over the coast and the Hajar Mountains; and also to the Dhaid and Khatt oases, the latter with mineral springs.
5. Discover the more remote stretches of coastline: there are trips available to the natural harbors at Dib and the beautiful Khor Kalba, one of the most famous shell beaches in the world.
6. Marvel at Dubai's Palm Islands, said to be visible from the moon and forming the largest manmade islands in the world. Connecting the islands to the mainland are some new bridges that form part of one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken.
7. At Hili, 10km (6 miles) from Al Ain there are important archaeological excavations that you can explore like the stone tombs, including the famous Great Sepulchre, date back 5,000 years.
8. The Hafit Mountain, south of Al Ain, contains ancient tombs, pottery and swords warrants a trip.
9. The ancient fortressed villages of Hatta and Wadi Hatta, having a lush and attractive valley in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, should not be missed.
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around by Air
Daily flights link Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There are small landing fields throughout the United Arab Emirates and flights can also be chartered.
Getting Around by Water
Commercial and passenger services serve all coastal ports. Between Dubai and Deira across the creek, one can travel by a water taxi.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right in the country. Tarmac roads, in good condition, run along the west coast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah, between Sharjah and Dhaid, and they link Dubai with other Northern States and the interior.
Bus:
Bus services linking most towns with the local airport are quite limited. However, their own scheduled bus services to the airports, city centre and beach resorts, are run by most of the hotels.Taxi:
For longer journeys should be agreed in advance, while in Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain, urban journey fares are metered. The air-conditioned taxis charge a bit extra. The quickest and most convenient method of travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is the taxi and most travelers use taxis.Car hire:
At airports or hotels there are offices of most of the international car hire companies. But in order to hire a care you would need either a passport or valid international or national license are necessary.
ACCOMADATION
Hotels
The hotel rates in UAE tend to be cheaper in summer. Almost all of the foremost international hotel chains are represented. Alternatively there are also top-class beach and mountain resort hotels that one can opt for. The most luxurious hotel undoubtedly is the Burj al-Arab, but even more opulent properties are frequently opening.
Youth Hostels
The United Arab Emirates Youth Hostel Association (part of the Hostelling International network) runs hostels in Dubai (two hostels), Sharjah, Kourfakkan and Fujairah
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