United Arab Emirates

Overview
From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. In recent years, the country has rocketed to the forefront of the international tourism stakes.

Dubai has led the way with phenomenal investment in opulent hotels and infrastructure and is now firmly established as one of the world's top short break and holiday destinations. But Abu Dhabi is also developing fast, helped by its new airline, Etihad, and several other emirates are following suit.

The space age image of the UAE's modern cities is in marked contrast to its comparatively recent past prior to the advent of the oil industry, when these seven sheikdoms were a sleepy backwater reliant on fishing and pearls.

Abu Dhabi City is a modern and sleek city, filled with skyscrapers. The UAE's capital, located on an island connected to the mainland by two bridges, is increasingly developing visitor attractions. And dazzling Dubai is a tourism honeypot, with superb shopping and rich cultural life.

The UAE is a federation of seven states (emirates) - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain - formed in 1971 after independence from Britain.

Top Things To Do

• Go haggling in Dubai's famous souks, magnets for those in search of gold and jewellery bargains, and also for photographers or those who just want to experience the sights, smells and hubbub.
• Experience off-road driving in the desert - vehicles are for hire either with or without guides. Numerous operators offer desert driving trips, among them Desert Rangers, which also runs adventure safaris into the wilderness.
• Take your golf bag - Dubai is one of the world's top golfing destinations. Venues like the Emirates Golf Club regularly host top international competitions, and others are dotted around the UAE. You can even try your hand at sand golf.
• Try your hand at deep-sea fishing. The waters of the Gulf are excellent fishing grounds. Fully-equipped boats with crew can be hired from Dubai's Jebel Ali Hotel marina for deep-sea fishing trips.
• Head for the East Coast, with its lush coastline, mountains, sandy bays and beaches, ancient fortresses and date palm groves sloping down to the edge of the Indian Ocean. Scuba-diving and snorkelling are very popular here.
• Sun yourself on Dubai's superb white sandy beaches. Much of the long expanse of Jumeirah Beach in Dubai is dominated by luxury hotels and their facilities but there is a good stretch of public beach available.
• Go to the races at the annual Dubai World Cup, or learn more about the Arabs' passion for horses at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club close to the UAE's capital.
• If you're travelling with kids, take them to the Magic Planet children's centre in the Deira City shopping mall, or to Dubai's Wonderland family fun park, which offers a wide range of watery attractions for the youngsters.
• Take a traditional dhow cruise along the Abu Dhabi Corniche - you'll find the boats moored along the city breakwater. Various durations are available, some including food as you cruise.

Top Things To See

• Don't miss the many historic mosques and forts dotted around the older parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, notably the former's massive Grand Mosque and White Fort, and Dubai's Al-Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum.
• Head east through spectacular scenery from Abu Dhabi or Dubai to the resort and former caravan stop of Al-Ain. The resort includes a camel market, zoo and museum containing old and new artefacts and Mesopotamian pottery.
• Explore the 200 islands of Abu Dhabi, including Qarn Island, Belghilam Island (famous for its gazelle breeding) near Sadiyat Island, and Abul-Abyadh Island. Numerous boat operators offer trips from the city.
• Take a trip to Ras al-Khaimah, where there is an old seaport with views over the coast and the Hajar Mountains; and also to the Dhaid and Khatt oases, the latter with mineral springs.
• Discover the more remote stretches of coastline: there are trips available to the natural harbour at Dibba and the beautiful Khor Kalba, one of the most famous shell beaches in the world.
• Marvel at Dubai's Palm Islands, said to be visible from the moon and forming the largest manmade islands in the world. New bridges connect the islands to the mainland in one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken.
• Explore the important archaeological digs at Hili, 10km (6 miles) from Al Ain. The stone tombs, including the famous Great Sepulchre, date back 5,000 years.
• Head for the Hafit Mountain, south of Al Ain, containing ancient tombs, pottery and swords.
• Discover the ancient fortressed villages of Hatta and Wadi Hatta, a lush and attractive valley in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains with superb desert scenery, in eastern UAE.

Climate
The best time to visit is between October and May. The hottest time is from June to September with little rainfall.

Required Clothing
Lightweights, with mediumweights from November to March; warmer clothes for evening.