The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a heady mix of Arab traditions and western consumerism,
with sparkling modern cities lapped by the ocean and remote desert oases shaded by date
palms. Admire ingenious skyscraper architecture in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
For leisure, hunt for bargains in the souks of Sharjah and laze on remote beaches
in Umm al Qaiwain.
Background
Oil transformed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from a land of pearlers and fishermen
into one of the most westernised countries in the Middle East. Seven independent
emirates make up the UAE, with the cultural and political capital in Abu
Dhabi. Ajman is the smallest emirate and a visit to Fujairah
takes you to the picturesquely hilly east coast. Ras al Khaimah appears like
an oasis amid the desert, and you'll discover cultural treasures in
Sharjah. Small-scale Umm al Qaiwain offers a taste of life before
the discovery of oil. And then there's Dubai, the UAE's
commercial and tourist focal point.
Urban
Visit Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE's) sparkling
modern capital, to stroll along the seafront promenade and visit the vibrant Dhow
Wharf. Cool off in the UAE's garden city, Al Ain, an oasis
of verdant date palms bordering Oman. North along the coast, Dubai's
tax-free shopping and terrific nightlife make the city your destination for
cosmopolitan highlife in the UAE. You'll find the traditional city of
Sharjah nearby is a treasure trove of souks, heritage museums and the
brilliantly restored Al Hisn Fort.
Rural
Take a desert safari to Liwa oasis, on the edge of the Empty Quarter
stretching to Saudi Arabia. Nestled in the Hatar Mountains, the date-palm oasis town
of Hatta gives you a taste of traditional rural life on Dubai's
doorstep. On the coast north of Sharjah, you'll discover unfussy
Ajman, a far-flung beach delight with white sand and fringed palms.
Fujairah's scenic east coast is dotted with tranquil fishing
villages like Dibba. A visit to tiny Umm al Qaiwain rewards you with long
empty beaches and the mountain market town of Masafi. There's also
camel racing at Al Labsa, outside Falaj al-Mullah oasis.
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