United Arab
Emirates
HEIGHTS, LIGHTS & DELIGHTS
ABOUT UAE
The United Arab Emirates is the constitutional federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Fujairah. It stretched over 1448 km from the west coast of Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, where water and land overlap, to the Arabian Peninsula.
Rich of pearls which have been sustaining the UAE population for centuries, the coastline is studded with islands, coral reefs and ridges. Nearly 200 islands fall under the UAE territory on Persian Gulf, including Abu Dhabi Island, capital of United Arab Emirates, Das Island which is rich in Oil, Delma Island which is rich in pearls, Umm Al Nar Island, Saadyat Island, Hamra Island near Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Moosa Island, Greater Tunb Island, Lesser Tunb Island, and other islands which have left their mark on UAE.
The United Arab Emirates mainland varies from narrow plains surrounded with sand desert throughout the west and the south to highlands stretching in the Far East and southern east to the borders of Oman.
According to recent discoveries, human settlement in UAE dates back to several thousand years and probably, to the Stone Age (5500 B.C. or 7500 B.C.), where the weather was humid with frequent rainfall.
GENERAL INFORMATION
CAPITAL
Abu Dhabi
FLAG
-
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Arabic
POPULATION
9,890,402
TIME ZONE
UTC+4 (GST)
AREA
83,600 km2
CALLING CODE
+971
CURRENCY
UAE Dirham (AED)
DISCOVER UAE
Dubai
CITY OF THE FUTURE
A city of many faces, Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Home to the tallest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa, this global city is known for its lavish architecture, incredible skylines and a plethora of tourist attractions that break records to be the tallest, longest and biggest. Dubai has abundant opportunities when it comes to adventure activities like Desert Safaris through golden Arabian Dunes, Skydiving over the beautiful Palm Islands, Reef and wreck diving, kite surfing, wakeboarding, etc.
Flaunting its glittering infrastructure amid the glorious Arabian desert, the city of Dubai was once known to be a barren land. Today, this man-made miracle is filled with shimmering skyscrapers, fancy hotels, shopping malls and restaurants. Burj Khalifa - the tallest manmade building, Dubai Fountain with jets and lights choreographed to music, Atlantis, the Palm and an aquarium resort are among the top tourist destinations in Dubai. With the biggest population of all the seven emirates and the second largest in size, Dubai will overwhelm you with its amalgamation of futuristic marvel and ancient Arabian traditions.
Abu Dhabi
THE VALLEY OF THE MOON
Abu Dhabi is a luxurious metropolis that is a stylish blend of beautiful cultural monuments and stark 21st century megastructures. It is the largest of the seven Emirates and it has everything from massive and beautiful mosques, one of the best theme parks in the world and endless deserts.
One of the richest cities of the world, Abu Dhabi is a perfect example of a modern Gulf oil-city that has evolved from being a fishing village to a megacity in just a few decades. With its rich past tracing back to 3000 B.C., Abu Dhabi, unlike Dubai has preserved its distinct Arabian culture amidst its glitz and glamour. The desert city is also home to some of the most beautiful and rustic old towns displaying its rich desert-trader past. Jump from the gorgeous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, ride the fastest roller coaster in the world, witness past Arab royalty at the Emirates Palace and more.
Sharjah
CULTURAL CAPITAL
Earning a title of 'Cultural Capital of the Arab World' by UNESCO in 1998, the city of Sharjah is best known for preserving its culture, tradition and heritage. Its Art Museum is world-renowned while fascinating buildings in the Heritage Area are immersed with Emirati history.
Away from the glitz and glamour of Dubai, the city offers a plethora of entertainment and amusement options including well-maintained museums, beautiful mosques, Souks and numerous parks. National History Museum and Desert Park is one such place where petting animals is the major highlight for kids and the Science Museum is packed with fun facts and exhibits.
Sharjah is also a shopper's paradise selling its famous Arabic rugs, rugs, gold, silver and precious stone jewellery at its markets including Souq Al Arsah on Cornich Road and Blue Souq, one of the major markets of the city with some 600 vibrant shops. Although rooted with Islamic traditions, the city has maintained a good balance between its traditional roots and 21st-century modern aspects.
Ajman
SERENE SCENIC
Peaceful and relaxed, Ajman is the smallest of all seven emirates and is known for its scenic beauty and beautiful beaches. It is also a growing economy with numerous options of sightseeing such as museums, beaches, fort and shopping complexes.
Situated along the western coast of United Arab Emirates, Ajman is snuggled on the Arabian Gulf with its coastline extending up to 16 km. Apart from it being a rapidly growing business hub, there has also been an increase in the shopping culture and other activities attracting tourists in large number. As a tourist destination, it offers its visitors a sunny vacation and an enriching historical experience. With some of the best sandy shorelines in U.A.E, Ajman is a place to relax and laze under the sun.
Al Ain
THE OASIS
Al Ain literally translates to 'the spring', and it was once a vital oasis on the caravan route from UAE to Oman. It is a small and sleepy town away from the crowds of the major cities of UAE. It is largely known for its greenery and is a beautiful sight to view in the midst of a desert.
Al Ain is a one and a half-hour drive from Abu Dhabi city and is one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can easily be regarded as the cultural site of the UAE with a lot of history and culture broiling in it for a long time. It is home to various picturesque forts and museums, along with the iconic oasis lined with date palm trees, which is the main attraction of Al Ain.
A must-do when in Al Ain is to drive up to the top of Jebel Hafeet, a rocky mountain dominating the city, to experience a breath-taking view of the plains. It is the emirate's highest peak and UAE's second highest.
Fujairah
THE BEACH TOWN
Calm and serene, the Emirate of Fujairah is a picturesque beach town tucked away from the fast-paced city life. A busy city lined with business skyscrapers and beautiful mountains and beaches, it is known to be a peaceful retreat for locals and travellers.
Primarily a business centre and commercial hub of U.A.E, the city oozes charm with its natural raw beauty. It is separated from the rest of the U.A.E because of the massive Hajar Mountains and offers an enchanting landscape and a simple lifestyle. Carrying on with its rich cultural heritage, the city is a fascinating combination of a 70km long sandy coastline and lofty mountain ranges.
The sunny beaches of the emirate support several maritime activities including sailing, rowing, water surfing, yachting, deep-sea fishing and swimming almost throughout the year. Fujairah is host to the annual powerboat racing championships.
Ras
al-Kahimah
TRANQUIL LAGOON
One of the most scenic emirates in the U.A.E, Ras Al Khaimah covers 27 miles of coastline adorned with beautiful lagoons and tranquil sandy beaches making it a perfect destination for vacationers. Go camping, biking and even the World's longest zipline at the UAE's tallest peak, Jebel Jais, explore ancient Arabian ruins at the Al Dhayah Fort and take a dip at Wadi Shawka.
Without the presence of oil fields, Ras Al-Khaimah has evolved itself as a prominent business hub by encouraging innovation, dynamism and entrepreneur culture. The varied topography of the region including desert, mountains, beaches and lagoons gives it an edge over other emirates when it comes to the raw scenic beauty. With Bedouin settlements in the desert and contemporary lifestyles in the city, the place offers a perfect blend of modernism and traditional to visitors.
GALLERY
