Travel Guide to United Arab Emirates
| Language: | Arabic & English |
| Currency: | UAE Dirham (AED) |
| Time Zone: | +4 hrs GMT |
The United Arab Emirates boast dramatic scenery where desert landscape dominates but this is also home to Dubai, the self-made city famous for its shopping and skyscrapers. Dubai is a new city, and everything has been designed for enjoyment – from its markets to its racetracks, this really is an exciting and luxurious destination.
A patchwork of contrasting landscapes covered in arid desert and sand dunes but also lush oases, fertile plains and rocky mountain outcrops, the UAE is a land of plenty.
The most populated and well known of the Emirates is Dubai, an increasingly popular holiday destination. With its warm climate, stretches of sandy beaches and exciting entertainment scene it is easy to see why! Split in two by the impressive Dubai Creek, this really is a tale of two cities!
Despite its international reputation the city remains rooted in Islamic culture- a real fusion of old and new, traditional temples and mosques stand alongside modern and futuristic buildings. Or visit he restored Al Fahidi Fort, which has served as both prison and palace and now houses the Dubai Museum, where you can see a vast collection of regional artifacts. Watch potters, weavers and craftsmen at work in the Heritage Village or see pearl divers returning to shore in the Diving Village.
Dubai has developed a reputation for being a shopper's paradise. Shop 'til you drop for international brands at incredibly reasonable prices in the vast shopping centres, pick up some traditional Bedouin jewellery or even bargain for some gold! Shopping is such big business that there is even a Dubai Shopping Festival!
Sporting opportunities abound, with excellent golf courses, water sports aplenty, or for something different try your hand at sand-karting. Or if you're more of the spectating type then you can take your pick from traditional camel racing, the more conventional horse racing, a Grand Prix or one of the many other international sporting events every year.
Away from the bustling cities of the UAE you can experience an exhilarating desert safari in a four wheel drive vehicle or head out to one of the lesser known rural settlements such as Hatta Village in the rocky Hatta Mountains.
So for a truly diverse holiday experience discover the exciting destination that is the United Arab Emirates!
Accommodation Links for Your Holiday in United Arab Emirates
Events in United Arab Emirates
UAE Desert Challenge > 24 Oct 2008 > 31 Oct 2008 > DubaiRecommended Reading
