The United Arab Emirates (also called the UAE) is a Middle Eastern country situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf. It borders Oman and Saudi Arabia.
And it comprises of 7 emirates: Abu Dhabi (the capital), Ajmān, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain.
Well, before 1971, they were known as the Trucial States, in reference of a nineteenth-century truce between the British and some Arab Sheikhs. These Trucial States were realigned in 1971 to form the United Arab Emirates under the presidency of Abu Dhabi’s (late) His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan.
With the majority of the land being desert, those who lived in what became the UAE were mainly sea-faring traders. The discovery of oil in the 1950s brought a terrific expanison of the economy.
Population (2005 est.): 2.5million
Monetary unit: UAE dirham also called AED
1 USD = 3.67215 AED //
1 British Pound = 6.53230 AED //
1 AED = 12.00114 Indian Rupees //
Languages: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
Weather: From May to September daytime temperatures commonly hover just around 30°C-45°C in the eastern coastal cities. And from October-March it could be a average daily high temperatures drop to the more comfortable 22-30°C.
Rainfall is kind of existent between November - January.
It is one of the world’s safest travel destinations because street and hotel room crimes are practically non-existent.
Let’s take a quick peek at the other prominent emirates(excluding DUBAI):
1.Abu Dhabi >> Its known as the ‘Garden City of the Gulf’. Tree-lined boulevards and large parks and gardens, this city makes the most of its tropical weather conditions. It is also a haven for luxury and shopping, with a great choice of designer shops and many fine hotels.
There is also much to do in Abu Dhabi for those who like an active holiday, with water-sports available out in the beautiful Persian Gulf, championship golf courses or tours into the desert.Abu Dhabi is home to 3 distinctive golf courses each with immaculate greens, clubhouses and lush fairways, making it the perfect destination for golf novices, enthusiasts and pros.
Abu Dhabi is a stylish destination for a luxury holiday experience. If you are seeking sun, sea and sandy beaches, Abu Dhabi offers miles of clean beaches and shimmering blue seas. You can also visit one of the 200 deserted islands just off of Abu Dhabi’s shoreline where you can spend the day picnicking and exploring.
Abu Dhabi’s cosmopolitan flavour is matched by the city’s many upscale restaurants and entertainment spots, which provide a truly international array of choices for the visitor. The city offers a remarkably diverse range of food and beverage outlets. Restaurants cover everything from coffee shops to fine dining and specialty outlets.
2.Ajman >> Like the other emirates Ajman too has a pleasant blend of the old and the new, the simple and the sophisticated. While beach combers could splash away in any one of the beautiful beaches of Ajman, bargain hunters could do well with a visit to the Ajman souk renowned for its architectural splendour.
3.Umm al-Qaiwain >> It is known as the fastest growing spot for extreme sports.
Umm Al Quwain’s attraction lies in its long clean beaches, an enclosed lagoon and public horse riding stables.Living life on the edge mixed with a tinge of insane fun and a dash of daring sports marks the qualities that make Umm-Al-Quwain an extreme holiday for anyone. Emirates Car & Motorcycle Racing Club, the UAQ Aeroclub, the Shooting Club and Dreamland AquaPark (is considered as the largest water-based amusement parks in the region)
4.Fujairah >> This emirate, which is situated on the eastern coast of the Arabian Gulf, is dotted with villages that are scattered all over its land. It has unique scenery and wild-life noth on-shore and off-shore. With staggering landscapes and littered with forts and archaeological sites and unexplored territories, Fujairah bears charming and secretive treasures that await its tourists.
Fujairah’s landscape enhanced by Le Meredien Al Aqah, the award winning paradise on the east coast has initiated significant developments to extend the beauty of the picturesque paradise beyond the resort’s boundary. (not very expensive also, has ongoing offers all year round!) As the first premium resort of Fujairah, it aims at offering guests top quality facilities & services coupled with a perfect ambience that reflects the emirate’s natural reserves, be it relaxing by the beach, mountain climbing or adventuring towards scuba diving and snorkeling.
Fujairah also holds the World 8-Ball Pool Championship, every year. Some of the world’s top snooker players showed interest in coming here for the tournament.
Do visit!
5.Ras al-Khaimah >> An adventurous and spell-binding place, Ras-Al-Khaimah is considered as the ’Wild West’ of the United Arab Emirates. Its ferocity and beauty is seen in its traditions and scenery.
One of the newest attractions to this place is the Tower Links Golf Club, 45 minutes north of Dubai has become one of the top golfing venues in the UAE. Situated in a unique environment encompassing a mangrove reserve and against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains, the course is guaranteed to give golfers a complete test of every aspect of their game.
So if one wants to embark upon a journey of cultural experiences, daring sports or relaxing undertakings then come to Ras-al Khaimah and enjoy the ultimate Arabian Experience. A must-see for visitors.
Coudnt fit SHARJAH and DUBAI here, yu gotta read my next review for that!