The UAE is both the charm of the exotic oriental fairy tale, and the western standards of service. First-class jewelry stores, giant shopping centers, unforgettable shopping. The country of the Arabian sheiks, amazing skyscrapers and the best hotels in the world. On the beach of each Emirate the sand has its own shade of white, and in the middle of the desert the gardens are in blossom. In the Emirates tourists are always welcome with an atmosphere of friendliness and complete security.

About country

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), sometimes simply called the Emirates is a federal absolute monarchy in Western Asia at the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south, as well as sharing maritime borders with Qatar to the west and Iran to the north.

The UAE is an agglomeration of tribal city states that rapidly emerged from the sand using a combination of oil, free trade, and audacious construction projects to solidify itself as both a business and tourist destination for the 21st century.

 

General information

Population. The UAE's population is 9.2 million, of which 1.2 million are Emirati citizens and 8 million are expatriates.

Climate.The climate of the UAE is subtropical-arid with hot summers and warm winters. The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum temperatures reach above 45 °C.

The most favorable months for rest are - September, October, March and April.

Government.Absolute monarchy ruled by Federal Supreme Council consisting of the seven emirs - leaders chosen by Supreme Council but essentially hereditary: President (Abu Dhabi) and Prime Minister (Dubai)

Current President: Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Currency. The currencyis the UAE dirham also known as simply the Emirati dirham.The dirham is officially abbreviated "AED", while unofficial abbreviations include "DH" or "Dhs."

1 USD = 3.67 AED.

History and economy.Emirates exist as a state since 1971.

Prior to unificationand independence from the UK, each emirate was responsible for its own economy. At the time, pearl diving, seafaring and fishing were together the mainstay of the economy, until the development of Japanese cultured pearls and the discovery of commercial quantities of oil.For several decades, it has evolved from the vast dead desert in one of the most powerful economic centers of the Middle East. All the economic wealth of the country grew out of oil revenues.

Now the UAE's economy is the most diversified and the emphasis is ontourism, beach holidays, real estate sales and agriculture.

The United Arab Emirates is comprised of seven emirates:

1.Abu-Dhabi

2.Dubai

3.Sharjah

4.Fujairah

5.Ras Al Khaimah

6. Ajman

7.Umm al-Quwain

Each emirate, unique and rich in tradition, is an essential component necessary for making up the whole.

The most popular resorts for holidays are Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Let's start with the largest of the seven emirates - the capital of the state - Abu Dhabi.

Over a half century ago, Abu Dhabi was a poor fishing town. See what it was like before in the Heritage Heritage Museum, built in 1997.

Abu Dhabi is built according to the latest architectural mode, so it is interesting for tourists who prefer to rest in luxurious surroundings. In Abu Dhabi, there are many exquisite five-star hotels, but there are also "4" and "3"star hotels. Some of them, oriented on a secluded restare located just outside the city, with a free transfer to large shopping centers.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

• Sheikh Zayeed Mosque

• Heritage Village

• Ferrari World

• Marina Yas Circuit

• Corniche

• Emirates Palace

• Observation desk in Jumeirah At Etihad Towers

Dubai

The most popular emirate for rest is Dubai - the second largest emirate in the UAE. Right here is concentrated the entire infrastructure - insane skyscrapers and expensive hotels.  There is the most expensive hotel in the history "Burj Al Arab", also here rises the 124-storey tower "Burj Khalifa", and here is located a record number of mega-malls. Dubai is the emirate of various tourist routes, a place of vivid impressions, new entertainments and attractions.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

• Burj Khalifa

• Palm Jumeirah

• Burj al Arab Hotel

• Dhow Cruising

• Gold & Spice Souk

• Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort

• Dubai Mall & Fountain Show

• Mall of Emirates

• Ski Dubai

• Dubai Marina

 

 

Sharjah

The third largest Emirate. Visit to Sharjah is recommended to those who is opposed to alcohol, wants to have a quiet rest with children and very interested in two things - Arabic culture and profitable shopping. There are no many hotels here, but almost all of them are located on the beachfront and their cost is quite lower than in Dubai. In the area, there are many historical sites, museums and galleries, so that the true lovers of Oriental culture will definitely find something to please.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

• Art Museum

• Central Market, called Blue Souk

• Museum of Islamic Civilisation

• Heritage Area with Bait Al Naboodah House

• Al Qasba, called the Eye of Emirates

Fujairah

The only Emirate, located on the shores of the Indian Ocean. It is a beautiful place with natural tropical gardens, green hills and rocky mountains. The climate here is softer, flora and fauna - more diverse. Coral reefs attract divers, and cozy urban buildings - lovers of measured beach holiday. Shopping malls, fashionable restaurants and other signs of modern resort can also be found without difficulty.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

• Al-Bidyah Mosque

• Fujairah Fort

• Bull Butting

• Fujairah Museum

• Ain al-Madhab Hot Springs

• Wadi Siji, Wadi Saham and Wadi Mai

• Masafi Friday Market

Ras Al Khaimah

The northernmost and fertile Emirate, which has begun to open to tourists recently.There are not as many skyscrapers as in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, but there are enough hotels oriented to family rest and the All Inclusive system. Moreover, there is no dry law in Ras Al Khaimah. All this makes the emirate attractive for those who prefer to spend their holidays in the classic beach format.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

• Ras Al-Khaimah National Museum

• Dhayah Fort

• Ras Al-Khaimah Pearl Museum

• Khatt Springs

• Husn al-Shimal Fort

• Iceland Water Park

Umm Al Quwain

Very quiet emirate on the coast of Persian Gulf, just 50 km from Dubai. Historical and architectural monuments and amusement Park complement beautiful beaches and lagoons, also here is the best in UAE riding school. The number of hotels is quite small, but they are not expensive and decent, perfect for a quiet vacation with the kids.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

• Umm Al-Quwain Fort and Museum

• Al-Dur Archeological Site

• Sinaiyah Island

• Dreamland Aqua Park

 

 

Ajman

Among the seven Emirates, Ajman is the last by area. There are no so many hotels and all of them belong to the deluxe category, have their own beaches, a large territory and the most modern infrastructure. If you are adherent of rest by the seain a calm atmosphere, the sound of waves and snow-white sand, then Ajman is the right choice. And if you want active entertainment outside the hotel, you can always go to Dubai.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

• Ajman Museum

• Ajman Dhow Building Yard

• Mowaihat Archeological Site

• Ajman Beaches