United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is a country that can safely be called the newest wonder of the world. It is a hub of wealth and luxury, stunning beaches and blooming gardens, mosques and palaces, glass skyscrapers and shopping malls about the size of a small town. Here they have created islands of bizarre shapes, green parks, and even a ski resort, operating at a heat of 40 degrees Celsius. It is hard to imagine that there was a desert on the place of a modern cosmic-looking building some 50 years ago.
If you want to take recognizable photos against the background of a luxury hotel Burj Al Arab, walk in the largest shopping center in the world, experience the whole range of emotions at the attractions in the Ferrari World park, you should go to the UAE.
General information
Capital: | Population: | Official language: | Currency: | Territory: |
---|---|---|---|---|
Abu Dhabi | 9 771 000 | Arabic | UAE dirham | 83 600 km² |
Geography
Map United Arab Emirates
Oriental fairy tale
The Arab Emirates is a place where you can't believe your eyes when you get to it for the first time. The country builds all the best: the highest hotels, the largest indoor ski park, the largest amusement park. Indeed, the UAE is one of the wealthiest countries in the world.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, the largest and wealthiest emirate with the highest number of "wonders" created by man. It is a respectable, dignified, and luxurious city. Most of its attractions are built on Yas Island. Here you can find the Yas Marina racing track, which is one of the Formula 1 tracks, and the Ferrari World theme park. There is also a water park, an autodrome, and many other leisure options. Yas Island is considered to be one of the best tourist projects in the world. Another interesting attraction in Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This relatively new building is considered to be the pearl of the Arab Emirates — made of white marble, hand-crafted, surrounded by artificial lakes and canals.
Dubai
Dubai is the largest city in the UAE. This science-fiction fairy tale in the real world amazes with its large-scale ideas that can be seen from space — glass skyscrapers, artificial reserves, and Palm Islands. We recommend you to climb the highest skyscraper in the world, the Burj Khalifa. The ideal time to visit it is, of course, before sunset. At its foot, you will find the largest music fountain in the world, and next to it, there is the Dubai Mall, where you can buy everything from exclusive magnets to a car. There is also a large aquarium with sharks and many rare fish.
Sharjah
Sharjah is suitable for a more peaceful, relaxed family holiday. Here you can lounge on the cleanest beaches on the coast of the Persian Gulf, visit local oriental markets, and have fun in Aljazeera Park. Sharjah is considered to be a kind of cultural capital. The King Faisal Mosque and the ancient Sharjah Heritage Area are some of the main attractions. There are also many museums: ethnographic, artistic, archeological, and historical.
Fujairah
Fujairah is the best choice for lovers of outdoor activities such as diving and snorkeling. This emirate is located on the shore of the Gulf of Oman with many mountainous capes, mineral springs, natural gorges, and green massifs. Due to the Al Hajar Mountains, this area has a microclimate with high humidity — the temperature here is a couple of degrees lower than in other emirates.
Things to consider when going to the UAE
It is worth noting that the UAE has very strict rules:
- You should dress so that the clothes cover your knees, elbows, and decollete area.
- You can only wear a swimsuit on the beach and near the pool.
- It is necessary to avoid hugging and kissing in the street and in public places.
- When taking a memory photo, make sure that the frame does not involve a Muslim woman. It is considered to be an insult.
- It should be taken into account that the UAE is an Islamic country and therefore, it is "haram" to drink here, i.e., it is not allowed. That is why you can only drink alcohol in some restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Following simple rules will not spoil your vacation, but on the contrary will make your stay in the UAE special, giving you the opportunity to feel respect for the religion and customs of this extraordinary and very peculiar country.
Cities in United Arab Emirates
Attractions
Sights in the UAE are a symbiosis of Eastern culture and modern architecture. Pompous palaces, beautiful mosques, space skyscrapers, fantastic parks — all of this attracts millions of tourists.