The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states formed in 1971 following independence from Britain. Each state enjoys a good deal of independence, though the UAE is governed by a supreme council of rulers made up of seven emirs, who are responsible for appointing the prime minister.
In terms of tourism, Dubai is very much the main attraction. Though a modern-day metropolis, it is still deeply embedded in its Islamic and Arabian heritage. Dubai combines east and west seamlessly: from the international business district to the unspoiled beaches, the breathtaking sand dunes to the lush green parks, the hi-tech shopping malls to the traditional marketplace.
The second largest of the seven domains that make up the UAE, Dubai is situated on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. Its year-round sunshine and convenient location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa ensure its status as both a supreme holiday destination and melting pot for foreigners and ex-patriots. The discovery of oil in 1966 radically transformed the city from a humble fishing settlement with Bedouin traders into a thriving business community. These days oil only accounts for about 20% of the economy, with trade, service industries, finance, and tourism now dominating.
Dubai's central business district is divided into two parts: Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south, which are connected by a tunnel and two bridges. Each has its own share of luxurious skyscrapers, mosques, busy market (souks) and outstanding sports facilities. Outside the city itself, the region is sparsely inhabited and is characterised by desert vegetation, the landscape ranging from rugged mountains to majestic sand dunes.
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates, making up over 80% of the country's total area, excluding the islands. The city of Abu Dhabi is the capital of the emirate and also the federal capital of the UAE. The parliament buildings, ministries and foreign embassies are to be found here, as well as wonderfully engineered Abu Dhabi Corniche, which offers miles of risk-free walking, cycling, jogging and roller-blading along the seashore of Abu Dhabi island.
Few westerners holiday in Sharjah, where alcohol is banned, but for those not bothered by going teetotal, it has good shops and museums, and gives a real sense of UAE life away from the tourist centres. The Al Naboodah heritage museum, Art museum, Islamic museum and Al Hisn fort are all near each other and well worth visiting, as is the Sharjah natural history museum.
North of Sharjah lie Umm Al Qaiwain, which is not on the tourist trail, and the isolated Ras Al Khaimah. The beaches on the east coast of the UAE (the Gulf of Oman) are not as beautiful as those to be found on the Arabian Gulf. Divers, however, may be taken by Khor Fakkhan and Fujairah.
News and current affairs
UAE's online publications from the world news guide.
Language
The official language is Arabic, although English is widely spoken and understood, particularly in urban centres. Both languages are commonly used in business and commerce.
Climate
The ideal time to visit the UAE is from October up until May. In October the weather may still be quite hot (up to 35C), blue skies are the norm and the evenings are warm. Daytime temperatures are ideal during November, December, January and February (around 24C) although the evenings may be a little cool (13C). North-westerly winds (shamal) often blow during these winter months, bringing choppy seas. Most of the annual rainfall occurs between December and March, but this tends to be in the form of short heavy downpours that rapidly clear away. Some winters are completely dry. In March and April, the temperatures begin to rise during the day (early 30s) but humidity is still low and the evenings are warm. Avoid June-September, especially the July-August period (high 40s and very humid).
Health
No health certificates are required, but it is always wise to check before departure, as health restrictions may vary according to the situation at the time. Visitors are advised to take on a fully comprehensive medical insurance that covers for medical treatment, hospitalisation and medical evacuation to the UK. (Only emergency medical treatment is free at the small number of government hospitals in the UAE and the private hospitals are very expensive).
Food
For a traditional Middle-Eastern feast, expect to eat felafal (chick pea patties), salads and dips, barbecued kebabs and seafood, cous cous, bulgar wheat, and mildly spiced meat or vegetable casseroles, topped off with a traditional baklava for those with a sweet tooth. Alcohol is not ubiquitous and is generally served in hotel restaurants and bars.
Events
The Islamic faith is practised across the UAE and national holidays are tied to the lunar calendar and go back 10 days each year.
January-February: Dubai shopping festival
February: Eid Al Adha
March: Al Hijra (Islamic New Year)
March 29: Dubai world cup
May: Prophet's birthday
September: Lailat Al Miraj (ascension of the Prophet)
June-August: Dubai summer surprises
November-December: Ramadan*
November/ December: Eid Al Fitr
December 2: UAE National Day
December 25: Christmas Day
* The holy month of Ramadan is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. Here, Muslims abstain from food or drink during the daylight hours and it is illegal for anybody to eat, drink or smoke in public.
What to buy
Free of tax and an open port with low import duties, Dubai is a magnet for shoppers from across the globe. However, for a traditional shopping experience, visit one of Diera's many Arabian open-air markets (souks). Here, you can practice your haggling skills to purchase authentic Bedouin jewellery or some of the best quality gold on offer. Electronic freaks can also bag some bargain gadgets, machinery and games consoles for a snip of the selling price in the UK.
Embassies & visas
UK: Consular section, embassy of the United Arab Emirates, 48 Princes Gate, London, SW7 2QA. Tel: +020 7581 1281; Fax: 020 7581 9024.
Dubai: British embassy, PO Box 65, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Tel: +971 (4) 397 1070; Fax: +971 (4) 397 2153; Website: www.britain-uae.org
Visa: The UAE has reduced the tourist visa period for citizens of 33 countries (including many European countries, Australia and the US) entering without a prior visa. It is now one month, non-renewable, instead of the previous three.
UK citizens (with right of abode in the UK) will be granted a free visit visa on arrival in the UAE. It entitles the holder to stay in the country for 60 days and may be renewed once for an additional period of 30 days for a fee of Dh500.
All other visitors, except Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC) nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia, require a visa prior to travel.
Currency
1 GBP buys about 5.85 Dirham (Dh), which is divided into 100 fils. All major credit cards are accepted, but some retailers offer better bargains for exchanges made in cash.
Time zone
GMT + 4 hours
Getting there
The national carriers Gulf Air and Emirates Airlines fly to the UAE's six international airports at Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ra's al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Emirates operate international flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Gulf Air flies to all six airports. Over 70 airlines travel to and from Dubai, from 110 destinations across the world. Most major cities have direct flights to Dubai, and Emirates links to almost 40 destinations.
Related literature
Arabia Through the Looking Glass, Jonathan Raban Contemporary look at life in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al-Ain
Arabian Sands, Wilfred Thesiger Classic description by the famed traveller of life here in the 40s, before the discovery of oil
Folklore and Folklife in the United Arab Emirates, Sayyid Hamid Hurriez Analysis of the elements of UAE folklore, including folk customs and beliefs, traditional arts and crafts, dances, stories and proverbs
Phoenix Rising: The United Arab Emirates, Past, Present and Future, Werner Forman & Michael Asher History of the UAE
Now & Then: Dubai, Simone Nowell & Robert Nowell Coffee table book showing the development of Dubai over the past 100 years using old and new photographs
From the Desert to the Derby, Jason Levin Study of Sheikh Mohammed's attempts to win the Kentucky Derby
Father of Dubai: Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed al Maktoum, Graeme Wilson Tribute to the great nation builder and the myths behind the man
