Part of the Arabian Peninsula, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a federation of seven states (known as emirates) formed in 1971 after independence from Britain. Today, the UAE carries the reputation of being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, fuelled by its monopoly on oil exportation. However, it hasn’t always been this way – before oil was discovered in the region in the 1950s, the economic situation was in decline. Oil was to change the face of the UAE forever. 

Now, the UAE is booming and flaunts its ostentatious persona with pride. Everything about the place breathes wealth and decadence and life is enjoyed to excess by those resident and those visiting. This is not a place for retiring wallflowers, this is the place to be if you revel in hedonism and enjoy the best that money can buy. There may be a tough work ethic in existence but the rewards are substantial, with the oil wealth and diversification into other economic activity creating a very high standard of living. Strolling through the phenomenal malls on a weekend would have you believing that you have stumbled upon a red carpet parade as men and women alike flaunt designer labels and outfits that are better suited to a movie premiere than a casual day’s shopping. This is part of the thrill of visiting the wealthier parts of the UAE – you are transported to a world you normally only see in movies. You may feel like an extra, but it’s a fun eye opener and you can quickly become star struck by the glamour of it all. 

The major cities of the UAE seem to open up before your eyes with shimmering skyscraper after skyscraper reaching for the sky and catching the sunlight in a way that makes them seem as though they too are dripping in extravagant gems. You can stay in hotels of jaw dropping opulence and resorts fit for an emperor (and costing a princely sum too!) where nothing is too much trouble and a specially concocted sun downer arrives faster than the sheikh of a lamb’s tail! 

However, the UAE is not all bling and no substance, there is a traditional side to the country that is in stark contrast. You will be woken by the early morning prayer songs carried melodically along on the dawn breezes, you will be captivated by the throngs of women in their burkhas with dark mystical eyes peering at you from beneath, you will sigh at the sight of crumbling forts and fall deeply in love with a night in the desert under the stars. Nomadic Bedouins exist alongside the Western consumers, though they are unlikely to cross paths all too often. 

Meander through the souks and you will be treated to all manner of curious and fascinating artefacts, food, jewellery and anything else you could possibly conjure up in your imagination. Here you will find comfortable but tiny shops dripping with gold jewellery, only to walk around the corner to stumble upon stall after battered stall barely standing from the weight of the mountain of fish or spices resting atop. 

The very essence and charm of the modern day United Arab Emirates is about the juxtaposition of the flash, brash and glitzy sitting very comfortably alongside the unforgettable custom, ancient aspects and colourful local hospitality. The oil industry has brought with it an influx of foreign workers over the years who, together with expats, now make up more than 75% of the population. This melting pot of cultures and beliefs only adds to the contrast and appeal of the region and the UAE is considered to be the most liberal of the countries in the Gulf. 

There is so much to discover in this extraordinary country that is quite unlike any other. 

Fast Facts

• Full name: United Arab Emirates
• Population: 4.4 million (UN, 2007)
• Capital: Abu Dhabi
• Largest city: Dubai
• Climate During the summer months of April to September, temperatures in the UAE soar to uncomfortable levels of up to 50 degree heat and very humid. However, at other times, the humidity drops and temperatures are a very pleasant 20 to 35 degree C, with infrequent rainfall (although when it rains it pours!). There are occasional sand and dust storms in the desert regions.
• Area: 77,700 sq km (30,000 sq miles)
• Major language: Arabic
• Major religion: Islam
• Time GMT plus 11 or 13 hours (depending on daylight saving)
• Monetary unit: 1 Dirham = 100 fils
• Main exports: Oil, gas
• GNI per capita: US $23,770 (World Bank, 2006)
• Internet domain: .ae
International dialling code: +971 

10 reasons to visit the UAE

There are so many reasons to visit this part of the world that it is difficult to single out 10, however the following experiences are highlights that should not be missed.

1. Dune Bashing

The quirky name given to the art of driving across desert dunes at break neck speeds, providing more thrills and spills than your average rollercoaster! Also affectionately known as sand-surfing, highly experienced drivers (or so they say) take you out in a 4x4 for an exhilarating drive across the sands at a rate of knots, down the high dunes at gradients that will have you bouncing around happily in the back wondering whether you should perhaps have taken the camel ride option! This is adrenalin pumping fun at its best!! Available pretty much anywhere in the UAE where there is desert!

2. Mystical souks

Visiting the Arabian souks is an absolute must – it would be criminal to come to the UAE and not have your best go at bartering for Arabian slippers, or spices, or gold, or fish, or indeed anything you fancy.....even a camel! The souks are both chaotic and enchanting, often a maze of alleyways and a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of goodies. You’ll soon by bewitched by the colours and smells and sights and you’ll just want to keep coming back for more. If you’re not on a budget, the gold souks will have you both mesmerized and salivating.

3. Al Ain’s Camel Farm

So you thought camels were put there just for the tourists? But no! Camels are an integral part of Arabia and not only as reliable desert transport (they’re not called ships of the desert for nothing), but also as a sport in themselves. See for yourself with a trip to Al Ain’s Camel Farm at which you will see camel race tracks. Make sure you time your visit for a race meeting so you can see these long legged animals in action and with speeds of up to 40mph, prepare to be amazed!

4. Hot Air Ballooning

What better way to appreciate the dazzling skyline of Dubai and the crests and waves of the desert dune formations than to take a trip skywards in a hot air balloon? The romance of it all seems ever more so when you are soaring high above it all in a cloudless sky.

5. Burj Al Arab

Cue, the world’s most exclusive hotel: If your flexible friend doesn’t stretch to spending a night at the Burj Al Arab, then blag, flatter or trick your way into the world’s only 7 star hotel (although not for long as there are a couple of competing hotels under construction). The hotel was designed to resemble a billowing sail and it presides over the Dubai coastline with a certain majesty. Showcasing sumptuous furnishings and fittings, the rooms are worthy of a place on the cover of a glossy interiors magazine and there is as much gold and marble as you would expect to find in an emperor’s palace - the Burj Al Arab is opulence out of this world. Access to the hotel is for guests only, but if you fancy splashing out on high tea fit for a queen then, providing you are dressed smartly (think no to the travelling sandals and backpack), you can access parts of the hotel reserved for lounge guests. It may come at a price but think of all the tales you’ll have to take back home.

6. Tradtional Dhow Cruise

Romance the loved one in your life or merely treat yourself to some spectacular views of the city by embarking on a sunset dinner cruise in a traditional authentic wooden Dhow boat. The boat slowly traverses the river whilst you sip cocktails and watch the sun set in a shimmering haze over the glass fronted high rise buildings.

7. Al Bidyah Mosque

The oldest mosque in the UAE, dating back to 1446. This is one of the only mosques open to non-muslims and is well worth a visit. Surrounded by palm groves with views of the Indian Ocean from the watch tower, the setting is spectacular.

8. Shopping in Dubai

Of the throngs of tourists that visit Dubai each year, many have only one thing on their mind – shopping! Their reason is justified too as Dubai is a shopping mecca and duty free haven for designer goods and jewellery. The mega malls have to be seen to be believed and shopping there should come with a health warning as the temptation is so much that yes, you could literally shop until you drop!

9. A visit to a Bedouin Desert Camp

A trip to the UAE wouldn’t be complete without experiencing an authentic Bedouin camp beneath starry skies in the desert. Depending on your preference you can find a secluded, private and very romantic camp or you can join a small group out to party alongside the gyrating belly dancers. Either way, falling asleep to the sound of distant drums, with a belly full of delicious Arabian cuisine and only the star lit sky and night breezes for company takes a lot of beating. 

10. Taking an Abra ride

Whilst the authentic Dhow boats might cost you, the abras (water taxis) afford you the same views for a fraction of the price, normally only a few dirham. So grab a beer, get down to the waterfront to board an abra and devise a sunset cruise all of your own and on a ridiculously cheap budget to boot! You get to mingle with the locals, all part of a travel adventure and once you’ve taken one ride, you’ll be hooked and it could very well become the transport of choice during your stay!

Getting to and around the UAE

The main international airports servicing the UAE are in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and these 2 states are where the majority of visitors head for. However, Sharjah also receives international passengers too, as does Ras al-Khajmah, Fujairah and Al-Ain, creating an alternative base to begin your trip if you prefer to travel a little off the beaten track. 

There are daily bus services between Dubai and Muscat in Oman. Similarly a daily bus services the route between Abu Dhabi and Muscat. 

Getting around within the UAE itself is relatively straightforward as there are regular buses running between every combination of the seven emirates.
To appreciate the full scope and character of the country however there is no substitute for hiring a car. The roads are in excellent condition and generally safe apart from the odd wondering camel! Driving in the cities themselves however can be chaotic and extra care is required.