The United Arab Emirates Information

The land of the United Arab Emirates is divided into 7 divisions - emirates, which include: 

Abu Dhabi

Only a two-hour drive from Dubai, Abu Dhabi is the second largest Emirate and home to the capital city, also named Abu Dhabi. With all its modern luxuries and traditional Middle Eastern charm it is a perfect place to discover what the UAE is all about.

Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a place marked by contrasts. You can make shopping forays into vast atmospheric souks, visit modern luxury malls, the beautiful Corniche gardens, or simply stroll the streets taking in the contrasting sights of old and new.The construction of Saadiyat Island promises some of the most exciting developments such as a new branch for the Louvre, which is scheduled to open in 2012. A branch of the Guggenheim is also planned (http://www.saadiyat.ae/en/default.aspx).

Yas Island, to the city's east is the home of Abu Dhabi's Formula One Grand Prix

http://www.yasisland.ae/Default_en_gb.html?1), which has started in 2009. In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi you will also find Al Ain, the proud birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed's father. A visit to this lovely city, the scenery of which is is enhanced by the beautiful Omani Mountains, is a must. Al Ain is also home to the camel market, the last of its kind in the UAE, and one that attracts customers and dealers from all over the Emirates and Oman.

A definite landmark in Abu Dhabi city, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a must on any trip to the capital of the UAE. While breathtaking from the outside, it is simply stunning inside, and visitors have a rare opportunity to see its wonders for themselves. Guided tours take place each morning (except Fridays and Saturdays) to encourage cultural understanding - the vision of late president, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This magnificent place of worship features more than 1000 columns and 82 minarets (domes), while verses from the Qur'an are recited 24 hours a day, seven days a week in tribute to Sheikh Zayed, who is buried here.

As steeped in significant as it is stunning, a visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque will leave a lasting impression and greater understanding of Islam for those of other religions.

Another significant attraction in Abu Dhabi is the Emirates Palace, built in the style of a majestic Arabian castle. Emirates Palace is an enchanting hotel that offers regal luxury surrounded by manicured lawns and a generous private beach overlooking the sea and Abu Dhabi.

Ajman

Hemmed in between Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain on the Arabian Gulf is Ajman, the smallest Emirate in the UAE, which is rapidly becoming a center for small entrepreneurial business ventures. With an eye for attracting holidaymakers, the Emirate has plans to develop offshore Safia Island into a coastal tourist resort. In the meantime, visitors can enjoy learning about traditional local crafts - particularly dhow (ship) building - and appreciate gold bars into Bedouin jewelery.

History buffs will enthuse over the Mowaihat archaeological site where a circular Umm-Al-Nar type tomb was discovered, the first sign of Umm-Al-Nar occupation in the northern Emirate. Here, numerous soft-stone and painted ceramic vessels were unearthed, as well as a number of other cultural artifacts such as copper utensils and beads, all of which are on display at the Ajman Museum.

Al Fujairah

Further down the east coast is the quiet eastern Emirate of Fujairah. Nestled in the shadow of the Hajar Mountains, Fujairah boasts beautiful beaches and some of the best wadi-bashing country. It is a major attraction for 'water-babies', with sports like swimming, yachting, surfing and deep-sea fishing being the key sources of distraction in this mountainous Emirate.

Notably, there are no sand dunes in this part of the world - water runs off the mountains irrigating the fertile farmland below.

Fujairah has excellent commercial port facilities and, because of it is outside the Strait of Hormuz, it is of strategic importance as a safe haven for oil tankers and cargo vessels in times of war.

Sharjah

The town of Sharjah, a 30-minute drive from Dubai, is steeped in a long and rich seafaring history. Sharjah was the most important port in the lower Arabian Gulf until the bulk of sea trade shifted to Dubai at the beginning of the 20th century. It was home to the Quwasim seafaring tribe and the Trucial Coast's first international airport in 1932. Traditional and modern intellectual cultures mingle in this beautiful city. Sharjah boasts more than 20 museums with fascinating collections of cultural artifacts. It is often the first choice in the Gulf for educational conferences and exhibitions of science and natural history. Sharjah was named the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998 and has a proud record of promoting the arts.

Islamic architecture lends an air of distinction to Sharjah's two famous souks. It is one of life's small yet most fulfilling pleasures to walk through these bazaars, feasting on the vibrant hues and pungent aromas of the marketplace.

Sharjah is the only Emirate in the UAE with coastline on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Halfway between coasts, where the desert blooms into a fertile plain, is the oasis of Dhaid. Here, tourists will enjoy tasting the beautiful strawberries and other fresh fruits and vegetables that are destined for the tables of Europe.Al Qasba is a cultural tourism destination in Sharjah, which provides a mix of entertainment options for all ages. Children will enjoy the Kids Zone and also the musical dancing fountain. There's a chance to ride in an abra (water taxi) along the 1km-long canal, or take to the air in the 60-meter-high Ferris wheel with air-conditioned cabins. Maraya Al Qasba art gallery hosts regular exhibitions and cultural events, which can also be found at the Masrah Al Qasba theatre (http://www.qaq.ae/).

Ras Al Khaimah

The northernmost Emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, is dense with history and breathtaking scenery. This ancient seaport and its several archaeological sites yield fascinating material for the historian. There is also the opportunity to witness Ali Baba-style pots being made and decorated in traditional style at a pottery near Shimal, a few kilometers north of Ras Al Khaimah city.The landscape has much to offer the adventurous traveler - beaches, forests, fertile farmlands and red-dunned desert rolling up to rugged mountains and thermal spring.

The Bedouins on its borders place camel racing high on the social calendar, and the variety of fruits and vegetables grown here are also a main point of interest.

Umm al Quwain

For those who are hooked on adrenaline, Umm al Quwain is the place to be. Extreme sports have been booming in this small Emirate, about an hour's drive from Dubai. A highly professional team of 'dare-devil' instructors is available at the Aeroclub for tourists who like to live on the edge.

If flora and fauna are more your cup of tea, Seneyah Island is right across the creek from Umm-al-Quwain city. A natural reserve, it is renowned for being a sanctuary to many different species of bird and deer. A delicate, fast-disappearing ecosystem of mangrove swamps also flourishes on this island. Another area of interest could be the oasis town, Falaj Al Maulla, nestled in the Al Batha Valley. A long, exceptionally scenic route running alongside the Wadi Al Batha makes for a pleasant relaxing drive to this beautiful agricultural city.

If tourists are travelling with children, the sprawling water-theme park, Dreamland Aqua Park (http://www.dreamlanduae.com/), is ideal. A wide range of water games and rides, a souk and a number of restaurants and fast-food outlets means that there's fun for the whole family.

Dubayy (Dubai)

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