Welcome to the UAE
A complete holiday destination
The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Spurred by the discovery of oil in the late 1950s, a visionary programme of development has evolved the UAE into a modern and stable state with exemplary infrastructure, excellent facilities, and a very low crime rate.
The UAE covers an area of 83,000 square kilometres and is situated at the south eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. On the world map, it sits conveniently between the Far East and Europe - a key factor in its emergence as the region's major air travel hub.
Ranked high as one of the world's fastest growing tourist destinations, it has all the right ingredients for a complete and unforgettable holiday - sun, sand, sea, sports, shopping, and safety.
Highlights
- Modern country created in 1971
- Welcoming and hospitable society
- Unique blend of traditional and contemporary cultures
- Stable and secure
- Year round sunshine
- Varied landscape of beaches, mountains and desert
- Extensive range of hotels and resorts
- Wide choice of sports and leisure facilities
- Numerous attractions and activities
History
The earliest significant settlements in the UAE date back to the Bronze Age. Over the past hundreds of years, the country has been exposed to numerous cultural influences including Persian, Greek, Portuguese and British. In the 18th century, the British established a protectorate over the region, but the area remained a backwater for fishermen, pearl divers and Bedouin nomads until the 20th century, when oil was discovered.
In 1971, the British withdrew from the region and seven independent sheikhdoms came together to form the UAEs. The economy, once dependent on oil revenues, is now diverse and dynamic. Trade and manufacturing contribute significantly, while the tourism industry is accepted as an emerging global force, setting new standards and forever breaking new ground.
Attractions
Although four-fifths of the UAE is desert, the landscape offers a lot more than sand dunes. In the North, the 200 million year old Hajar Mountains are a compelling sight, as are the rich fertile plains and quaint oasis towns in the East. The country's extensive coastline is peppered with secluded beaches, shallow inlets, and small islands.
Visitors to the UAE can choose from a wide selection of attractions and activities. These include extended shopping trips to designer stores, shopping malls and traditional souks, and cultural visits to museums, galleries and mosques. For the more adventurous, there are activities based in the desert, on the mountains, and in the water. The UAE also boasts some of the world's finest championship golf courses.
The warmth of the local culture is reflected in the traditional Arabian approach to hospitality, and the generous acceptance of other faiths, practices and customs.
The choice of hotels and resorts across the country is nothing short of exceptional. From city apartments to beach and mountain properties, and from exclusive desert resorts to some of the world's finest hotels, the service and facilities are of exceptionally high standards.
Despite the incredible growth in tourism, the UAE has not weakened the bond with its past, and local traditions and culture are cherished and respected across towering high rises and ancient boatyards alike. This fascinating mix of the old and the new has allowed the country to progress rapidly - without losing touch with its roots.
Discover Dubai
A cosmopolitan city of contrasts
Dubai is a modern city of compelling contrasts and boundless energy. With its modern skyline and comprehensive infrastructure, Dubai offers visitors all the benefits of a cosmopolitan city - combined with the magic of ancient Arabia. It is precisely this contrast that makes it a truly unique destination.
Divided in two by the Dubai Creek, Dubai is totally geared to the needs of the modern traveller. Its ultra modern airport and award winning duty free operations make the arrival process smooth and hassle free, while the city's road system and transport options ensure that getting around is easy.
Highlights
- World-class infrastructure and facilities
- Renowned airport served by more than 130 airlines
- Exceptional choice of hotels for all tastes and budgets
- Cuisines from all over the globe
- Varied and colourful nightlife
- Shopping malls, designer boutiques and traditional souks
- Superior sports facilities and international sporting events
- Superb choice of leisure and recreational facilities
History
Dubai has a long history as a major trading hub, and is the business and financial centre of the region. From a small trading port earning its living off fishing, pearl diving and small-scale agriculture, Dubai now ranks amongst the busiest hubs of trade and commerce in the region. The discovery of oil in the 1960s and the vision of its leaders have set Dubai's growth at a staggering pace.
This trading culture, together with its tax-free open market policy, means that Dubai is a shoppers' paradise. Air conditioned malls offer the latest designer labels and electronics at competitive prices. The lively souks are full of traditional crafts and wares. Dubai is also one of the world's great gold centres and is often referred to as the City of Gold.
Facilities
With its ardent commitment to international tourism, the variety and range of accommodation available gets more impressive every year. From exclusive beach, desert and mountain resorts, to 5 star and budget city hotels or serviced apartments, the standards are high and the facilities generous. Most properties offer a wide choice of sports, dining, business, and entertainment options.
Dubai has a pulsating nightlife that is on par with the larger cities of the world. Bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs are open until late. Recent years have seen many international musicians, singers and bands add Dubai to their tour itineraries.
Dubai is the venue of leading global sporting events such as the PGA Dubai Desert Classic, the Dubai World Cup, and the Dubai Tennis Open and is firmly established as the sports capital of the region.
The Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises are also eagerly awaited events each year.
New developments
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Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest manmade island covering 560 hectares dedicated to tourism, hospitality and residential developments. Synonymous with Dubai's futuristic vision, it is an iconic landmark and offers more than 30 beachfront hotels, and numerous retail and leisure choices.
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Dubai International Financial City (DIFC)
The DIFC aims to position Dubai as a universally recognised hub for institutional finance, and is comparable with financial centres in New York, London and Hong Kong. With 45 hectares of land under development, and numerous commercial, cultural, leisure, and community centres located in its neighbourhoods, DIFC embodies a truly cosmopolitan lifestyle.
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Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro is the longest driverless metro line undertaken as a single project worldwide, and the first of its kind in the Middle East. 87 trains in the metro system serve 47 stations - 9 of which are located underground - over a distance of 75 kilometres within the city, covering all important landmarks.
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Downtown Dubai
The inspired urban concept of Downtown Dubai reconfirms Dubai's status as a global player, and two landmarks serve as its pivotal axes. The Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest tower, while Dubai Mall is one of the world's largest shopping malls. Vertical and lateral neighbourhoods provide staggering choices of residential, commercial, hotel, entertainment, and leisure facilities.
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Dubai World Central
The Dubai World Central is one of the most ambitious projects of its kind in the world, occupying an area of 140 square kilometres. The aerotropolis will comprise a new airport that is set to be the world's largest in volume and size, several specialised free zones focused on logistics and aviation, and residential and commercial developments. When complete, the Al Maktoum International Airport will handle up to 120 million passengers and 12 million tons of air cargo every year.