Arab Emirates official name. The population of the United Arab Emirates

The country of sheikhs - the United Arab Emirates - is located in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula. The shores are washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman).

Why go to the UAE

The UAE is a fabulous country where skyscrapers made of glass and metal take off into the sky among the sands of an endless desert; a place where ancient customs are combined with the latest technology. If you like excellent hotel service, shopping from morning to evening, swimming in the ever-warm sea and picky about the choice of entertainment - you are here. The Emirates are home to the world's largest aquarium, a ski resort in the desert, amazingly beautiful mosques and, of course, many shopping centers with thousands of shops.

Visa to the UAE

A visa is not required to travel to the UAE. Upon arrival in the UAE, a tourist's passport is stamped free of charge on arrival in the country. The visa is valid for 30 days. In the case of several entries / exits from the country, you need to obtain visas each time.

The country unites 7 emirates. The largest emirate is , the smallest is . All emirates, except, have sections on the coast of the Persian Gulf. located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman.

When choosing tours in the UAE, tourists prefer the emirates and.

Weather in the UAE

The season in the UAE lasts all year round - warm and almost no rain. The best time to visit the Emirates is the period from late October to April, when it is not very hot. The water in the sea off the coast of the UAE is always warm: the temperature does not fall below 18°C. In winter, the water in the pools of the UAE hotels is heated, its temperature is 25-27 °C. In summer, the air temperature can reach 50 °C, and the sea - 35 °C.

Round trip flights to UAE

Ticket prices shown are for 1 person departing from Berlin

Attractions UAE

The Emirates cannot boast of many historical sights, like the cities of Europe or Asia. The rapid development of the country began only half a century ago. However, the lack of ancient ruins and old houses of the city of the UAE is more than compensated by ultra-modern skyscrapers, luxurious amusement parks, beautiful embankments and, of course, oriental bazaars in air-conditioned shopping centers.

The very best in the Emirates

If you want to definitely touch history and culture, then you should pay attention to beautiful mosques - for example, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in - or the Bastakiya district, where clay houses, a fort building and the atmosphere of an Arab village have been preserved.

Picturesque oases are “scattered” throughout the emirates, and in the emirates there are healing mineral springs. Wildlife lovers are recommended to visit the unique mangrove reserve, the zoo and the Sheikh's Palace in the city of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi.

On excursions to the UAE, you can go to the desert in jeeps and ATVs, travel around all the emirates and even visit the neighboring Sultanate of Oman, sail on a yacht on man-made islands or simply in the Persian Gulf, even fly by helicopter near the Burj Khalifa or in a hot air balloon over surroundings.

shopping

People go to the UAE for quality shopping - there are many multi-storey shopping centers and markets. The most famous of them are the Dubai Mall (The Dubai Mall), the Mall of the Emirates (Mall of the Emirates), the Souk Madinat Jumeirah quarter next to the Palm Jumeirah, the Gold Souk (Gold Souk) in the Dubai district of Deira, Abu Dhabi Mall. ​

Souvenirs

The most popular souvenirs brought by tourists from the UAE are chocolate and candies based on camel milk, amazing dates with and without filling, soft toys, seven sands - a bottle of multi-colored sand from different emirates, small carpets, hookahs, jewelry and jewelry.

Transport

Compared to Russia, public transport in the UAE is very poorly developed. This is due to the fact that almost every resident has his own car. Buses and metro are mainly used by labor migrants and tourists. Regular city bus service is available only in and Abu Dhabi. A bus ticket is inexpensive - about 1.5 dirhams.

Most tourists take taxis. Each machine is equipped with a counter. If you are traveling from one emirate to another, be prepared for the fact that a certain amount will be added for crossing the “border” (each emirate has its own, but not more than $ 5). You will also have to pay extra for travel on toll roads.

The metro is popular with both locals and tourists. It is fully automatic, there are no drivers. In total, the Dubai Metro has 2 lines, they are connected to each other and to the tram line. There are 3 categories of tickets for payment - "gold" (with a panoramic view and a guarantee of a seat in the head / tail car, they cost 2 times more than regular tickets), women's and children's tickets (tickets to a certain section of the car) and ordinary. Ticket prices range from 1.8 to 11 dirhams.

There is a tram line in the Dubai Marina area, and a monorail railway on the Palm Jumeirah, which tourists like to ride. One trip on the monorail costs 15 dirhams.

To rent a car in the UAE, you will need an International Driving Permit and a credit card. All registered cards issued in the Russian Federation are considered credit cards. In some cases, it is possible to rent a car with a Russian ID and without presenting a credit card. However, if you are stopped by the police, you will have to pay a huge fine. When renting, the amount on the bank card is “frozen” (750-2000 dirhams), it is important that it is available.

Alcohol

The UAE is a Muslim country where alcohol is banned. Each emirate establishes its own law on alcohol - for example, it doesn’t even smell like it: you can’t not only use it, but even transport and store it. Surrounded by , there are a couple of liquor stores. You can find alcoholic cocktails on the menu, but be prepared that they will be expensive. Alcohol can be brought into a hotel room in some emirates. You can buy wine, beer and other drinks in duty-free shops upon arrival, but very little. The quantity is monitored - alcohol lovers can easily deprive their favorite drink.

Customs and traditions

The religion in the UAE is Islam. Believers pray 5 times a day. The call to prayer is heard through the loudspeakers of mosques, as well as on radio and television.

holy month Ramadan- a special period for Muslims, a time of fasting, humility and prayers. Its beginning is determined by lunar calendar, every year is a new date. In 2018, Ramadan lasts from May 15 to June 14, in 2019 - from May 5 to June 3.

During Ramadan, Muslims are forbidden to eat and drink before sunset, so many cafes and restaurants are closed during the day. Tourists are not recommended to eat or drink on the street, and when going on excursions, it is worth taking food rations with you. Many hotels are being renovated just in Ramadan. However, there are also advantages from visiting the UAE at this time, and considerable ones - there are almost no traffic jams in cities and on the highway, there are no queues to attractions (many increase their opening hours until late at night), there are fewer crowds in shops, and in hotels and on beaches much quieter and more spacious.

On the street, women are strictly forbidden to appear in open or translucent clothes. Firstly, it’s indecent, and secondly, the locals will immediately call the police and “half-naked”, according to the Arabs, the tourist will be fined a round sum (the vice police is especially fierce). We recommend that you dress in such a way that your clothes cover your knees, elbows and décolleté. You can not hug and kiss on the street in public places.

Kitchen

The UAE is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, so there will be plenty of seafood on the hotel menu: there are grilled lobsters, various fish, and shellfish. Many tourists like to try kebabs, hearty snacks based on chickpeas, exotic fruits, dates. In the emirates, they sell camel milk ice cream and milk itself.

Good to know about the UAE

• The plane is flying from Moscow to 5 o'clock. Transfer to hotels is about 1.5 hours, to hotels in Abu Dhabi - about 2 hours.
• Time in UAE ahead of Moscow by 1 hour.
• In the three emirates - , and - charged tourist tax for accommodation. The tax is paid upon check-in at the hotel (in dirhams, foreign currency or a bank card). The amount of tax in and is $2 to $6 per night depending on the star rating of the hotel. In Abu Dhabi, tourists pay $5 per night, regardless of the hotel category.
• In most hotels in the UAE upon check-in deposit is taken. Depending on the hotel, the spread can be very large: from $10 to $400 per day or from $50 to $600 for a period. Sometimes the deposit is calculated from the cost of the room (most often 50% of the cost of the night). The amount is returned upon departure from the hotel. In some hotels, you can agree not to pay a deposit if you empty the minibar and turn off the phone.
• It is not recommended to drink tap water in the UAE, it is desalinated or purified sea water. Bottled water is produced from oasis springs. Medium water bottle price(0.5 liters) - 1.2 dirhams.
• Religion in the UAE - Islam Sunni persuasion.
• Language in the UAE - Arab. The majority of the population knows English, and signs, road signs, and signs are duplicated in it.
• It is strictly not recommended to photograph local residents without permission, especially women. Also refrain from taking photos near government agencies.
• In the UAE, many objects do not have a permanent address - residents are guided by signs and nearby buildings.
• If you fall ill, contact the insurance service at the phone number indicated in the insurance policy that you received when purchasing the tour. If you just call an ambulance, you can get an impressive bill.
• In the UAE, cleanliness is very strict. Fine for a discarded wrapper or cigarette butt on the street or the beach is from 200 dirhams (3,200 rubles).
• Friday and Saturday in the UAE - weekend Thursday is a shortened working day. Banks, post office and government agencies close early- The working day starts at 8 am and ends at 3 pm, sometimes at 1 pm.
• Mosquitoes and mosquitoes not in the UAE, so you can do without a fumigator. Most shopping centers and public places are equipped with powerful air conditioners. To keep warm, bring sleeves with you.
• Snorkeling and diving in the UAE there is only in, in the rest of the emirates there is no bright underwater life. Flippers and a mask for those who came here on an excursion are given free of charge.
• Surprisingly, in the UAE cannot be imported nothing that was produced in Israel and even things with the Israeli logo - will be taken away at customs and may be denied entry. If you have a favorite keychain with Mogendovid or you are bringing Dead Sea cosmetics to someone, it is better to leave them at home or use the mail service. The list of items prohibited for export is standard: no weapons, antiquities and cultural heritage. From the unusual - from the Emirates palm trees cannot be exported Weather by months

Brief information about the country

Date of Independence

Official language

Arab

Form of government

A constitutional monarchy

Territory

83,600 km² (114th in the world)

Population

5 473 972 people (114th in the world)

United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)

Timezone

The largest city

$271.1 billion (49th in the world)

Internet domain

Telephone code

United Arab Emirates, the most spectacular showcase of the Middle East and one of the best vacation spots on the planet, is located in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula and is washed by the azure waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs. El-Imarat al-Arabiya al-Muttahid, as its inhabitants call their country, is a federal state and includes 7 emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaim, Fujairah, Umm al-Qaiwain and Ajman . Each of them has its own zest, its own customs and natural features.

Video: UAE

Basic moments

This eastern country, which has not yet celebrated its 50th anniversary, owes its prosperity not to the dictates of a fabulous genie, but to the colossal deposits of oil and gas found in this region, as well as to a reasonable, far-sighted and fair approach to the use and distribution of natural treasures inherited by it.

Harmoniously combining the traditions of East and West, the United Arab Emirates managed to expressively combine the past and the present. Here, buildings made of concrete and glass side by side with ancient mosques built of clay, modern shopping centers - with exotic oriental markets, and the strict laws of Islam do not apply to tourists who want to have fun in their hotel or take care of alcohol supplies in duty free .

The sunny country, where there is almost no rain, is ready to receive tourists all year round. In winter, the air temperature in the UAE does not fall below +20 °C, and in summer it usually exceeds +40 °C. But since the climate here is dry, the heat is tolerated quite easily, besides, all rooms and even bus stops are air-conditioned.

Hotels in the UAE will give you comfort, and the beaches will amaze you with the contrast of colors that have absorbed the whiteness of the sand, the emerald shades of the foliage of date palms, located in disorder on the shore, and the azure of gentle coastal waves. You can discover the wonders of the underwater world by diving off the coral reefs or by riding a camel and heading into the desert to feel its hot breath. In the United Arab Emirates, inquisitive travelers will find ancient architectural monuments and interesting museums. At the service of tourists who prefer active recreation are tennis courts, golf courses, football grounds, the opportunity to go in for horseback riding, archery, water sports, including extreme ones. Passionate shopping lovers should be reminded that the UAE is the best place on the planet for this exciting activity.

UAE cities

All cities in the UAE

Attractions UAE

All sights of the UAE

History of the United Arab Emirates

The entire history of the United Arab Emirates is divided into pre-Islamic and Islamic periods. It is known that before the advent of Islam, this territory was inhabited by nomadic tribes. They were engaged in hunting, fishing, catching pearls. A special place in the way of life of the Arabs was occupied by the breeding of camels - animals, without which life in the harsh conditions of the desert would be even more difficult. Camel hair was used for making clothes, animal meat for cooking, droppings for making a fire, and their endurance helped the nomads overcome hot sandy impassability.

For a long time, the scarce land did not attract conquerors from the great empires that existed in the neighborhood to these lands, at that time even merchant ships rarely came here. However, life was not peaceful here: the tribes constantly fought among themselves for water and land more suitable for life. The Arabs themselves call this period "Jahiliya", which means "primitive rudeness, ignorance."

Despite tough natural conditions, progress was made in the life of nomads: they learned how to extract groundwater and use it in agriculture. By the 7th century, when the power of the Arab Caliphate, which brought Islam here, was established in this territory, there already existed large settlements with dwellings that were built from clay and fragments of coral reefs. The most significant of them - Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah - soon became cities.

As the Arab Caliphate weakened, this territory gradually withdrew from its sphere of influence, and here independent sheikhdoms (emirates) were formed - small states. On these lands of the Arabian Peninsula, located at the crossroads of sea routes connecting the countries of the Mediterranean and India, trade began to develop. Ships moored to the shores of the Persian Gulf more and more often, and merchants from all over Arabia, India and Persia equipped caravans for local pearls.

In the 10th-11th centuries, the sheikhdoms fell under the influence of neighboring Oman, and from the 15th century Europeans began to show interest in this territory. Over time, the Portuguese, and then the British, fortified here and controlled the sea routes and trade. The British protectorate existed here until 1971.

In the 1920s, colossal oil reserves were discovered in the Persian Gulf, but the active extraction of "black gold" began thirty years later. In 1964, the League of Arab States, which declared the right of the Arab countries to independence, opposed the protectorate, and in 1968 the British government announced its decision to withdraw its troops from this Middle Eastern region.

The meeting of sheikhs in Abu Dhabi on December 2, 1971 is considered to be the starting point for the history of the realization of the “great Arab dream”. It was then that the six emirates of the Persian Gulf decided to unite their territories and resources. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the federation a year later.

The political system of the UAE is unique in its own way: it combines elements of a republican (electoral) system with a monarchical form of government, where the ruler of each emirate is unquestioning authority.

modern country

Today it is difficult to imagine that even 50 years ago in the UAE, from the shores of the Gulf to the horizon, a hellish desert stretched. The impetus for the phenomenal development of the region was given by the oil boom that began in the 70s. Crowded cities with skyscrapers and palaces, wide highways and green parks began to appear in the desert scorched by the Arabian sun.

The prudent and wise emirs, the heads of the seven emirates, who considered that tourism is one of the best investments of profit from the oil and gas trade, showed creative thinking and decided that their tourist paradise would not be like the resorts of Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Tunisia. They invited the most talented architects and engineers from all over the world, obsessed with original, sometimes seemingly insane ideas, to the country, and today, looking at local hotels, shopping malls, office buildings, one gets the impression that the UAE is a phantasmagoric living illustration for fairy tales from 1000 and one night. But in the Emirates, instead of fabulous palaces, futuristic buildings impress with their magnificence, instead of camel caravans, luxury cars rushing along impeccable roads at a minimum speed of 160 km / h cross the desert, and mysterious houris in translucent robes have given way to modern divas in no less seductive beach outfits that , however, can only be demonstrated in the resort area.

Every day, fabulous sums pass through the banks of the UAE, which are one of the cornerstones in the financial system of the Middle East. And the endless flow of money here is as regular as the ebb and flow in the Persian Gulf. Many residents of the Emirates are the richest people in the world, and the title of "sheikh" today is steadily associated with countless treasures, palaces, yachts, luxury cars. However, the rest of the citizens of the United Arab Emirates can hardly be called poor.

Population

After the declaration of the state, the first census was carried out. The registries included two hundred thousand indigenous people who received passports of citizens of the United Arab Emirates. Today, their number has increased to almost a million, which is 11% of the total population of the country. The majority of those living in the UAE are from other Arab countries, South Asia, North Africa, and they are not covered by the benefits available to indigenous people: free medicine, education (including in foreign universities), subsidies for utility bills.

Young citizens of the UAE, upon marriage, receive land from the state or funds for its acquisition, as well as an interest-free loan for building a house, which, moreover, can be repaid from the state budget after the birth of a third child. The houses of local residents are more like palaces surrounded by green gardens. By the way, fertile land and trees in the Emirates are imported items, and landscaping is not at all cheap, as is water for the irrigation system, which is individual for each tree and bush here.

Indigenous people of the United Arab Emirates work in government agencies or in senior positions in commercial firms. The rest of the work is the lot of visitors who live here not so badly.

It may seem that the golden rain of petrodollars has broken the link between the past and the present. But the inhabitants of a dynamically developing country remain faithful to Islam, strictly adhere to the morality and traditions laid down by the ascetic prophet Muhammad, and do not change their traditional clothes.

UAE currency

The official currency in the United Arab Emirates is the dirham. The rate of 3.67 dirhams to $ 1 was fixed in 1980, and has not changed until now. A large number of international banks are represented in the UAE by their branches. It is better to exchange currency in one of them, since the exchange rate at the hotel is significantly lower.

Customs

The customs laws of the United Arab Emirates, in general, are quite liberal, and any goods can be exported from the country in any quantity. Import and export of currency is also not limited. However, there are restrictions on the import of certain goods. You can import no more than ten packs of cigarettes, four hundred cigars, two kg of tobacco into the UAE. But, first of all, strict import restrictions apply to alcohol. A foreigner who crosses the border of the Emirates is allowed to import no more than 2 liters of spirits and 2 liters of wine per person.

Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates in terms of area, where the capital of the country of the same name is located. It is the richest in the Commonwealth of the Emirates, which is not surprising, because it has 20 times more oil fields than Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah combined.

The northern coast of the capital emirate is washed by the warm waters of the Persian Gulf, the Jabal al-Hajar mountain range rises in the east, and in the south, in the Liwa oasis, dozens of emerald “patches” of land with the fertile shade of palm trees alternate with the majestic mobile sand dunes of the Rub al- Khali.

Capital

The city of Abu Dhabi is located on the island of the same name, separated from the western coast of the Ruus el Jibal peninsula by the Al Maktaa sea strait, the width of which is 250 m. The island, in turn, is surrounded by small islands of natural and artificial origin.

On the mainland is part of the urban area, suburbs, Abu Dhabi International Airport. Here, in the coastal strip, there is one of the few historical sights of the city - Al-Maktaa Fort, built in the century before last to protect the coastal territory. For the same purpose, the Al-Maktaa watchtower was built, which can be seen on a stone island in the strait.

The fort, built in Arabic style using wood and soft stone, has now been restored and houses a tourist office where you can purchase educational literature, guidebooks in your preferred language and maps of the city.

Three bridges lead from the mainland to the central districts of the city, surrounded by luxurious greenery of gardens and parks, two of which are doubled. The first thing you will see when you cross the Al-Maktaa Strait on the bridge of the same name are the domes and four minarets of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is a symbol of Muslim faith and the personification of the wealth of the state. This majestic mosque bears the name of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the seventeenth Emir of Abu Dhabi, one of the founders of the UAE and its first president. His ashes rest at the walls of the temple.

The luxurious building is decorated with 1000 columns and 82 domes, the largest of which, 85 m high, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The world record holders include a huge Iranian carpet covering the floor of the prayer hall, as well as a grandiose chandelier shining with many Swarovski crystals.

The mosque is decorated with artificial reservoirs, its courtyard, located on the territory of 17,000 m², is decorated with colored mosaics. The building of the temple and its courtyard can accommodate more than 41 thousand believers. This shrine is one of the few mosques in the state, which is ready to receive tourists at the set hours.

To the north of the mosque is the Al-Batin Airport, built about half a century ago, the first in the UAE. Today it has been modernized, but only accepts domestic flights and serves business aviation.

Khalifa Park, named after the current President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is located on a vast territory not far from the airport. In this green oasis planted with trees, shrubs and flowers from all over the globe you can spend the whole day. Here guests can enjoy man-made canals and lakes with illumination, fountains, labyrinths of alleys, playgrounds, an aquarium, attractions, one of which, the Time Tunnel, reflects the history of the country.

Al-Ittihad Square, located in the west of the island, is also of interest. It is decorated with six impressive sculptures of snow-white stone, which are symbols of Arabia - a cannon, a watchtower, a kind of cap with which the Arabs cover food, a coffee pot, a vessel for washing hands in rose water and a bowl for burning incense.

To the south of the square is the oldest architectural landmark of the city - the fortress of Qasr Al Hosn, or the White Fort, built in 1793. Its most ancient part, one of the watchtowers, was erected to guard the only source of water on the island at that time. The image of the tower can be seen on the banknote of 1000 dirhams. Until 1966, Qasr Al Hosn had the status of the residence of the sheikhs of the Al Nahyan family, which still rules in Abu Dhabi.

The northwestern end of the square borders on the many kilometers of the city's central waterfront - the Corniche, the most beautiful and popular place in Abu Dhabi. It stretches from the Sheraton Hotel to the Emirates Palace, one of the most luxurious hotels in the Middle East. This wide promenade with graceful fountains, restaurants, cafes, bike paths and pedestrian areas is divided into several magnificent landscaped parks. It overlooks the ten-kilometer man-made island of Al-Lulu. According to the project, after the final completion of the work, it will become one of the most prestigious holiday destinations in Abu Dhabi.

The spacious city beach of Corniche Beach Park stretches between Al Hosn Family Park and the Hilton Hotel. It became the first beach among others located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, which was awarded the Blue Flag in 2011 and still holds it. On the seashore with white silky sand, all conditions for a comfortable stay are created. The territory is divided into 5 zones: a beach for families, women and children, where single men are not allowed to enter (10 dirhams for an adult, 5 dirhams for a child), a paid beach where entry is open to everyone (the cost is the same), and three accessible to all free public beach. On all beaches you need to pay for the use of umbrellas, sunbeds and towels. However, you can sunbathe just on the sand - this is not forbidden.

In the northeast of the Corniche, on the Al Mina peninsula, there is a harbor where traditional Arabic schooner dhows, boats and yachts are moored, on which you can go on a mini cruise along the coast.

Nearby are two small colorful markets: the fish market, where freshly caught fish is unloaded and sold in the morning, and the Iranian souk, beloved by tourists, is even rows of shops and shops located at the very tip of the pier. A variety of goods are presented on the shelves: handmade rugs, copper coffee pots, traditional Arab jewelry, chasing, antiques, jewelry. Most of the products are delivered here from Iran, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.

Not far from the Corniche (across the canal) is the island of Al Marina, where there are many interesting places. Among them, one of the main attractions of the capital is the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, or, as it is more commonly called, the Abu Dhabi Ethnographic Village. There is an exposition showing the life of the inhabitants of the Arabian Desert in ancient times, archaeological finds are presented: weapons made of bronze, jewelry made of gold. Periodically, there are performances of dancers and musicians. The entrance is free.

Nearby is the grandiose shopping center Marina Mall. Its infrastructure includes a cinema, a bowling alley, a skating rink, an observation deck, cafes, restaurants, but most importantly, it is simply a paradise for shoppers.

A fascinating route around the city on the Big Bus Tours sightseeing buses starts from the Marina Mall. Traveling on one of these dark red open top double decker buses offers the best views of Abu Dhabi. The bus slowly moves along the circular route, along which there are 11 stops. A ticket starting at AED 182 for an adult and AED 90 for a child will allow you to get off and on the next bus at any of the stops. The ticket is valid for 24 hours. The tour is accompanied by an audio guide, which broadcasts in 8 languages, including Russian.

Near the Al-Mina Peninsula is the island of Al-Saadiyat. It has a natural origin and, according to far-reaching plans, should become the cultural capital of the UAE. Major cultural attractions - the Guggenheim Museum of Abstract Art, the Sheikh Zayed National Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi - are in various stages of completion. But the nine-kilometer beach area is already built up with luxury hotels, beach complexes and golf clubs. There is also a small public beach, chosen by tourists due to its white sand and crystal clear water. You need to pay 25 dirhams to enter it, and the same amount for using a sun lounger and umbrella.

A 25-minute drive from the center of Abu Dhabi, in the southern part of the artificial island of Al Yas, the Yas Marina racing circuit was built, which impresses with an original concept. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, one of the stages of the Formula 1 World Championship, is held here.

North of the circuit is the largest indoor theme park on the planet Ferrari World Abu Dhabi with an area of ​​86,000 m². Its gigantic, curved roof (200,000 m²) is curved in places, painted in Ferrari's signature red colors and adorned with the iconic brand's grandiose logo.

Of the many attractions in the park, extreme lovers choose the Ferrari Rossa roller coaster, which gives desperate extreme people the opportunity to feel what the speed of 240 km/h means.

The cost of visiting the park is 275 dirhams for adults, 230 dirhams for children over 3 years old.

Al Gharbiya

The dominant part of the territory of the emirate of Abu Dhabi (83%) belongs to the Al-Gharbiya region. It is called "the place where the desert meets the sea". Luxurious white beaches stretch along the multi-kilometer coastline of Al Gharbiya, and numerous forts that can be seen here against the backdrop of an impressive landscape remind of the history of this land.

150 km from the capital, among the sands of the endless desert of Rub al-Khali, there is the Liwa oasis, which is a kind of chain of small patches of greenery that stretches for almost 100 km with a horseshoe, uniting fifty cities.

These life-giving corners of land with palm groves and freshwater reservoirs have traditionally served as the home of the Beni Yaz tribe, from whom the dynasties that rule today in Abu Dhabi and Dubai descend. In ancient times, the main occupation of the inhabitants of the oases was the breeding of camels and the cultivation of date palms.

Paying tribute to this tradition, the UAE residents massively come here during the days of two traditional festivals: date and camel. These festivities are held in the main city of Al-Gharbiya - Madinat Zayed. Here the "ships of the desert" compete in beauty, running and milk yield. By the way, the cost of a racing camel exceeds one and a half million dirhams, and some fans of camel competitions own entire herds of such runners. The champion camel is a prestigious and very profitable movable property, because the winners receive valuable gifts - expensive cars, collectible weapons, solid gold souvenirs.

In Liva you will see majestic dunes, the color of which changes throughout the day - from light golden to crimson. The sands are especially magnificent in the morning and evening hours. You can ski on the dunes.

One of the most magnificent natural attractions of the UAE, the island of Sir Bani Yas, is located in the most remote corner of Al Gharbiya, 250 km from Abu Dhabi. Almost the entire territory of the island (87 km²) is a natural reserve called the Arabian Wildlife Park.

Archaeological finds indicate that people lived here several centuries ago. But by the middle of the last century, the island had practically turned into a desert. The Emir of Abu Dhabi liked this place, and the island began to come to life. Since 1971, when a nature reserve was established here, more than 8 million ornamental and fruit trees have already been planted on this stretch of land, rare species animals and birds, hotels, restaurants, cafes, equestrian clubs were built for the guests of the island.

Today white antelopes, cheetahs, mountain sheep, ostriches, giraffes, gazelles live here. You can travel around the island of Sir Bani Yas by bike or on horseback, and learn about the wonders of the underwater world by dressing in scuba gear. Dolphins live along the luxurious coast, which can be observed from October to March.

Al Ain

Al Ain is the oldest city in the UAE. It is the administrative center of the eastern region of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The city is located in the foothills of the Jabar al-Hajar massif on the border with the Sultanate of Oman. In Al Ain, which preserves the spirit of a real Arab city, the indigenous inhabitants of crowded cities located on the coast of the Persian Gulf like to relax. Many wealthy families have their own apartments or villas here.

Fertile land and a relatively mild climate have turned Al Ain into a garden city, where flowers are fragrant all year round, and evergreen trees and shrubs give coolness. Here you will not see skyscrapers, as there are restrictions on the height of buildings under construction in the city.

In the heart of the city is the oasis of Al Ain with its huge plantations of date palms. It is to this oasis that the city owes its name, which means “spring” in Arabic.

In the eastern part of the oasis is the ancient Al Ain Palace Museum, which served in the past as the residence of the first president of the United Arab Emirates, whose homeland this city is. The territory of the museum includes several courtyards that once separated the female and male halves of the palace, many halls and chambers, high watchtowers. The rich art gallery of the museum is interesting, where you can see portraits of persons from the ruling family in Abu Dhabi. A visit to the museum will cost 3 dirhams.

The city has many mosques and modern shopping centers, oriental markets and original fountains. It is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists, for whom the doors of beautiful comfortable hotels are open.

Al Ain is located far from the coast, so one of the most popular places here is Wadi Adventure. This man-made water park is located at the foot of the majestic Jebel Hafeet mountain and is the only water park in the region with artificial water flows, where you can go rafting, kayaking, surfing. There is also a 3.3 meter deep pool and a 1.7 km long kayak ride.

Be sure to visit Wildlife Park & ​​Resort - the largest zoo in the UAE. On its vast territory, in spacious enclosures, animals from different parts of the world found their home, many species of which are now on the verge of extinction. The zoo is located near the Jebel Hafeet mountain (1240 m). You can climb to its top along the 11-kilometer serpentine, and capture amazing panoramas from one of the observation platforms.

Emirate of Dubai

In terms of its territory, the emirate of Dubai is second only to the capital emirate, but outside the city of the same name, the land is almost deserted. In the west, the emirate is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, in the northeast it is adjacent to Sharjah, and in the south - to Abu Dhabi.

Everything in this emirate is amazing: the highest buildings on the planet, man-made islands that are visible from space, luxurious hotels - the manifestation of the flight of human imagination, grandiose malls where you can wander forever, and the most incredible leisure options. Its green parks provide cool shelter and shelter from the scorching sun.

Dubai was founded in 1833. The huge city grew out of two tiny settlements located at the mouth of Khor Dubai (often called Dubai Creek): one of them, Deira, was located on the northeastern shore of the bay, and the second, Bur Dubai, on the southwestern shore. Today, these areas are the historical core of an ultra-modern, constantly growing metropolis, where more than 2 million people live.

The northern suburbs of the city have already practically connected with the territory of the neighboring emirate of Sharjah, so the city remains to expand only to the east, conquering the sands of the desert, and to the south-west, beyond Jumeirah - a fashionable area where luxurious villas and hotels are located, which are often called an incredible word " seven-star."

In the southwest of Dubai, there is a grandiose port, as well as the Jabel Ali Free Economic Zone, which is one of the main pillars of the wealth of the UAE. With the business center of the city, built up with skyscrapers, this territory is connected by a high-speed multi-lane highway.

Dubai's main inland water area, which has been its natural harbor since the city's inception, is a narrow sea bay, 14 km deep, cutting into the land, which can be mistaken for a river. The traditional means of communication between the shores were flat-bottomed wooden boats - abra. They still run along and across the bay today, mainly as a water taxi.

The historical district of the city, which is located on the shore of the bay, is called Bastakia. It is built up with buildings of the late XIX - early XX century. These houses were built according to the traditional Arab principle: the foundation is built from a mixture of red clay and palm wood, and the walls are made from coral blocks and limestone slabs. Merchants, fishermen and wealthy families lived here.

A walk around Bastakiya should start from the Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Center - one of the most elegant buildings in the area, then, bypassing the Bastakiah Nights restaurant, which is also located in a historic building, go to the White Mosque and the last of the surviving sections of the city wall. Next, check out one of the art galleries and head to Al Fahidi Fort, today home to the Dubai City Museum. The main part of its expositions is located in the underground part, equipped with the latest museum technologies.

Many beautiful mosques have been built in Dubai, but only one of them is open to tourists, however, it is the most impressive. This is the Jumeirah Mosque, which first received believers in 1979. Built of pink sandstone, it is an example of Arabic architecture from the 10th-13th centuries and has two minarets. After visiting a Muslim temple, take a stroll through the exotic garden that surrounds it.

The modern areas of the city are crossed by the famous ten-lane Sheikh Zayed Road, rushing towards Abu Dhabi. From its southeast side, you can see the 39-storey building of the Dubai World Trade Center. This is the first skyscraper in the UAE, which was built back in 1979, and its height is “only” 149 m. To the south, the Emirates Towers rush up. These two skyscrapers, built in the shape of a triangle, have different heights, but are similar as twin brothers. The higher building (355 m, 56 floors) houses the offices of the Emirates airline, the other (309 m, 54 floors) houses the prestigious Emirates Towers hotel and the Emirates Towers Boulevard shopping complex, where boutiques under the brands of world fashion luminaries are located.

To the east lies one of the most modern and brilliant areas of Dubai - Downtown Burj Khalifa with its legendary skyscrapers. In the very center there is an artificial lake, in the middle of which there is a musical fountain, the height of its beating jets reaches 275 meters. In the evenings, it is painted in different colors by 6,000 light sources, and the action is a fantastic extravaganza of the dance of water, music and colors.

On the shore of the lake rises the tallest building on the planet - the skyscraper Burj Khalifa ("Khalifa Tower"). It has been under construction for 6 years and opened its doors in 2010. The skyscraper rushes up to 828 m. It has 163 floors, excluding technical ones. Most of the area of ​​the colossal building is reserved for prestigious offices and residences.

The lower floors of the Khalifa Tower are occupied by the luxurious Armani Hotel Dubai, and on the 122nd floor is the restaurant At.mosphere, which is located above all other restaurants in the world. Those wishing to admire the city from a bird's eye view can climb to the 124th floor (505 m). Here they are waiting for the observation deck At the Top. Entrance here is by tickets (from 75 dirhams). They can be ordered in advance on the skyscraper's website or bought immediately before visiting the observation deck on the lower floor of the Dubai Mall, however, it will be significantly more expensive.

The Dubai Mall Center is one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the world, its total area is 1,124,000 m². On the territory of this four-level shopping center there are more than 1200 shops, two department stores, a gold market, a hundred cafes and restaurants. Among the attractions located on the territory of the complex are an Olympic-sized ice rink and the world's largest indoor aquarium, which is inhabited by a huge number of marine life. You can admire them for free, but to feed the fish by entering a special tunnel, or swim in a steel cage among the sharks, you will need to pay 70 dirhams.

Another well-known shopping and entertainment center "Mall of Emirates" is the world's largest indoor ski resort, hosting guests of sunny Dubai all year round. The height of the complex is 85 m. There are 5 slopes and a 90 m long snowboarding track, as well as lifts, toboggan runs, an ice cave and a cinema.

To get the full impression of Dubai, you just need to visit the man-made islands - Palm Jumeirah. The archipelago consists of three islands, each of which is shaped like palm branches. They are connected with the mainland by a sandy strip, personifying the trunk.

The archipelago is like a beautiful city with elegant houses, apartments, hotels, wonderful roads, restaurants, embankments, offering amazing views of Dubai, especially in the evening when the city begins to light up with lights. Rest here, of course, is not for a budget tourist, but it’s easy to go on an excursion - you can get here by metro or taxi.

Al Mamzer Beach Park is located on the northeast coast of Dubai. Its vast well-groomed territory is divided into five zones located in small bays. The park has two large swimming pools, sports and playgrounds, cozy cafes, kiosks where you can buy ice cream and water. Entrance here costs 5 dirhams, entry by car - 30 dirhams, you need to pay for an umbrella and sun loungers separately, as well as for using the pool.

Al Mamzer is the extreme point of Dubai. The coast stretching further to the northeast is already Sharjah.

Emirate of Sharjah

In the west, the coast of the emirate of Sharjah is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, and in the east - by Oman. Its history begins in 1630. It is known that Sharjah was the richest city in the region, whose wealth was based on pearling, trade, slave trade and piracy. In 1727, the Al-Qasimi tribal clan established itself here, ruling to this day in Sharjah and the neighboring emirate of Ras al-Khaimah. This dynasty, whose representatives in the 18th century commanded the entire pirate fleet in the Persian Gulf, especially adheres to the dogmas of Sharia, therefore the basis of all areas of life in Sharjah is the conservative traditions of Islam.

Alcohol is strictly taboo here, it is impossible to buy it even in hotels. Keeping strong drinks in a hotel room is also prohibited. In practice, no one, of course, will conduct a search, but it is unpleasant to feel like a violator of the law. This is probably why the prices for accommodation in local hotels are much lower than in other emirates, which reduces the cost of the tour. Hugging and kissing on the streets is unacceptable, you can be fined for this. Also, according to local laws, it is forbidden to appear on the beaches in open swimsuits. On the beaches of hotels, they turn a blind eye to a “frivolous” view, but on public ones, of which there are quite a lot, security guards can approach the violator of the law and ask to change clothes.

But Sharjah is a real museum and cultural treasure. None of the emirates of the UAE can be compared with it in terms of the number, variety and technical equipment of museums. Many of them are housed in fine modern buildings and lovingly restored forts. For such a respectful attitude to its historical traditions in 2014, Sharjah received the honorary title of the cultural capital of the Arab world.

The architecture of the emirate's capital Sharjah contrasts sharply with the architecture of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It is closest to the traditional, Arabic. There are about 600 mosques in the city, and they continue to be built. The only mosque in Sharjah that is open to tourists is the Al Noor Mosque. But you can visit the Museum of Islamic Civilization on any day of the week except Friday. It has a rich collection of spiritual literature, Islamic art and crafts from the 17th-19th centuries. Women will be interested in admiring jewelry created in different eras, and men will be interested in seeing a wonderful collection of weapons. Curious tourists do not pass by the Sharjah Archaeological Museum, where you can get acquainted with the history of the region, starting from the times when it was inhabited by primitive communities. No less interesting is the Art Museum with a delightful interior that can be called a work of art. The museum is one of the largest art galleries in the UAE and throughout the Middle East. Most of the art exhibition is the work of oriental artists of the XVIII century.

The Sharjah Al-Hish Fort is located in the historical part of the city. This restored fortification is a classic example of local architecture from the early 19th century.

In search of entertainment, head to Al Kasbah. This park is located in a pedestrian area near Khalid Lagoon. Here, as in the whole city, everything is very decent. In cozy cafes and restaurants, you can have an inexpensive bite to eat, sending the children to play on a completely safe playground, then ride a Ferris wheel, stroll along the embankment, and in the evening admire the show of singing fountains.

It is pleasant to make purchases at the famous Blue Market. It sells beautiful handmade Iranian silk carpets, original copper, silver and gold products, clothes, perfumes and, of course, all kinds of gadgets.

Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah

The northernmost emirate of the UAE is bordered by the picturesque Hajjar Mountains in the east and the coast of the Persian Gulf in the west. It also includes several islands in the bay. It lacks the luxuries that amaze in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but there are majestic mountains approaching the coast, lush vegetation, magnificent beaches, some of the best in the country, and thermal healing springs, around which the popular balneological resort of Hutt Springs is equipped.

The emirate is also famous for the fact that here is the highest mountain in the UAE - Jebel Jays. Its peak reaches a height of 1934 m, and a 20-kilometer serpentine road leads to it. Recently, the authorities of the emirate announced their intention to build a fashionable resort with a sports bias here.

Ras al-Khaimah is also a pioneer in the introduction of the All inclusive system, here more than half of the hotels already operate on it.

And there is also a unique water park "Ice Land", the pride of the emirate, where, in addition to tourists, residents from all over the country come together. In the style of the park, located in the capital of the emirate, the city of Ras al-Khaimah, there are fantasies on the theme of the Ice Age. Its talented design will really create the impression that you are in the Arctic Circle, and surrounded by figurines of penguins, seals, polar bears, you will enjoy spending time having fun on water attractions. Entrance to the water park - 175 dirhams for an adult, 110 dirhams - for a child.

In the Old City of the capital of the emirate, it is interesting to look at the noisy market, see the old mosque, take a walk along the fishing pier. Its main historical attraction is Al-Khisi Fort, where the residence of the emirs from the Al-Qasimi dynasty was located. Today it houses the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah.

The main historical monuments of the emirate are located outside the capital. 18 km from its center is al-Jazira al-Hamra - an abandoned village, which is often called the "ghost town". This is a unique corner of the UAE, because the ancient settlement, founded in the 4th century, was not restored and seemed to be frozen in time. Here you can see the fortress, market, mosques, houses, many of which are built of coral stone.

Not far from the capital is the Old Fort, or Dayah Fort. This fortress, built in the 16th century of unbaked brick, rises on top of a hill and faces the bay. For centuries, it has protected the region from attacks from the sea. From the hill, a delightful panorama of the surroundings of the emirate opens.

To the north of the capital, near the Hajjar Mountains, there is an area that is the most important archaeological site in the UAE. Here, near the village of Shamal Jalfar, archaeologists have discovered several hundred tombs of the pre-Islamic period and settlements dating back to 2000-1300. BC e.

Emirate of Fujairah

The Emirate of Fujairah is located in the very east of the UAE, and its coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Oman. Almost all of its territory, except for the coast, is occupied by mountains interspersed with picturesque valleys. The climate here is quite mild, a refreshing breeze blows on the coast, and in winter there are even heavy rains.

Fujairah is called the most beautiful emirate of the UAE. Its beaches with secluded coves are incredibly alluring, while the coral reefs off the coast and the clear sea attract scuba diving enthusiasts. Luxurious beach resorts are away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They are popular among those tourists who prefer peace and solitude to noisy rest.

In the emirate's capital, Fujairah, there are no grandiose skyscrapers, but its wide streets with beautiful modern buildings, fountains, sculptural compositions in the form of falcons, traditional coffee pots, cups, incense burners are very beautiful and elegant.

It is in this emirate that the oldest mosque in the UAE, Al-Bidiya, built in the middle of the 16th century, is located. This mosque has no minarets and is quite modest. Its main value is spiritual.

Another historical attraction of the emirate is the Al-Batna fortress, which is located in the city of Siji. This fort, built in 1735, guarded the caravan routes for many years.

Directly in the capital there is a historical fort and a museum, where a large composition of archaeological and ethnographic rarities is presented.

Emirate of Umm el Quwain

The miniature emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain is located in the northeast of the UAE. It extends 50 km from the coast, where its capital, Umm al-Qaiwain, is located.

A measured life flows here, and there are no large shopping centers, public transport, and there are not even a dozen hotels here. However, this provincial emirate is very curious. It is called an eco-emirate, as many corners with virgin nature have been preserved here.

Not far from its coast there are islands where they have chosen a place to relax. migratory birds, graceful flamingos stand out among them. The largest among the islands is Al-Sinnia. You can meet gazelles on it, and reef sharks swim in the coastal waters.

The emirate is also famous for its Marine research center. The entrance for tourists is open here, in its aquarium they can observe the life of the inhabitants of the Persian Gulf.

Umm al-Qaiwain also has historical sights. Near the coast, archaeologists find artifacts dating back to the 5th century BC. e. In the neighboring village of Al-Dur, which is believed to have existed already in the III millennium, tombs, an ancient fort and a temple have been preserved. The archaeological finds of Al-Dur can be seen in the historical museum of Umm al-Qaiwain, located in the Old City of the capital in the restored premises of the ancient fort.

The largest water park in the UAE is also located in the capital of the emirate - Dreamland Aqua Park with a huge number of water attractions.

Fans of fish restaurants should definitely check out Wadi Al Neel Seafood Restaurant. Excellent dishes are prepared here from sea bass, flounder, king mackerel, shrimp, crabs, which is not surprising, because Umm al-Qaywain is one of major centers fisheries of the UAE, and it is from here that many species of the inhabitants of the underwater world are supplied to other emirates.

Emirate of Ajman

The smallest emirate of the UAE is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf on a strip of 16 km, between Umm al-Qaiwain and Sharjah. It is this snow-white, like flour, sandy strip that is one of the few objects of interest to tourists. The authorities of the emirate, dreaming of a large flow of guests, are developing a variety of attractive projects, but so far only one of them has brought some results. We are talking about the local store "Hole in The Wall" ("Break in the wall"), where you can buy any foreign-made alcoholic drink without restrictions. Tourists and guest workers from other emirates often visit here, not paying attention to the law that prohibits the export of alcohol from Ajman.

Active recreation

The Arabian desert of Rub al-Khali is a wonderful place for a jeep safari, the opportunity for such a trip will be provided to you in any emirate of the country. The best places for mountain safari are located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, whose significant territory is occupied by the Hajjar Mountains.

Fans of air adventures should head to the emirate of Umm Al Quwain, where the famous flying club in the UAE is located. Here you can go skydiving, paragliding, parachuting and even take piloting lessons.

A great place for divers is Fujairah, where the best dive sites are located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The local area is also popular with fishing enthusiasts.

Clothing, perfumes and electronics are best purchased in large shopping malls. In hotels, this is not worth doing, as the purchase will cost you much more. It is also better to buy gold and silver items in a shopping center so as not to be the owner of a fake.

Original souvenirs can be found in numerous oriental bazaars. There is an excellent assortment, and there is an opportunity to bargain, reducing the price by 15-20%. It is interesting to buy traditional Arabic utensils for making coffee - pretty copper coffee pots and cezves. Among those who like to decorate the interior, transparent vessels filled with sand of different colors, and camel figurines made of stone, wood, and gray are popular. Here you can find beautiful jewelry from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan and handmade woven products.

National cuisine

The cuisine of the UAE differs little from the cuisine of other countries in the Middle East. It uses spices everywhere, and there are no pork dishes. But other meat dishes are perfectly cooked here. Absolutely incomparable lamb with raisins, chicken with honey, steamed, juicy shawarma, biryani (meat or fish with rice). Fish is cooked here very tasty, and the cost of fish dishes is quite democratic. But seafood does not have an interesting taste, usually they are simply boiled.

Street food in Dubai

The UAE has excellent sweet delicacies: Turkish delight, halva, pies with raisins and sweet cheese, an indispensable attribute of dessert - dates, which are simply magnificent here. The national drink is considered coffee, which the Arabs prepare in copper Turks and drink only freshly brewed.

United Arab Emirates Hotels

There are hotels of various categories in the UAE. In famous luxury hotels such as the Emirates Palace or the Burj Khalifa, which in 1999 awarded itself a 7-star rating, the marble floors of royally luxurious rooms are covered with handmade carpets, coffee is served on silver trays strewn with rose petals, and on the beaches there will always be someone from the hotel staff ready to rush to you at any moment to wipe your sunglasses or serve a refreshing drink. A night spent in a standard room of one of these hotels will cost you at least $750.

However, in the United Arab Emirates, not only such hotels can boast of their service, as the level of the entire hotel infrastructure is very high here. Hotels can be divided into three groups:

• located on the coast and having their own beach;
• located near the coastline, but not having a beach, which provide their guests with the right to use the beaches of coastal hotels (for a fee or free of charge) and provide a transfer;
• city ​​hotels, which in some cases have their own “branch” in the form of a bungalow on the coast, delivering tourists there by minibuses, or provide a transfer to public beaches.

Rest in a five-star UAE hotel with a private beach costs at least $200 per day, in a four-star hotel - at least $100, in a three-star one - from $80. Prices fluctuate depending on the season.

Transport

Public transport in the UAE is rather poorly developed - it is usually used by visiting employees, so it is recommended to travel around the cities by taxi or rented car. Taxis in the UAE are the main mode of transportation for tourists, so many taxi drivers speak English language. All taxis are equipped with taximeters; they are easy to recognize by special identification marks. There is a women's taxi here, these cars are painted pink and driven by women.

Dubai has the only subway in the country, consisting of two lines. The cost of the trip depends on the distance and type of carriage. One trip in an ordinary carriage will cost a maximum of 7.5 dirhams (about $ 2).

You can rent a car in the United Arab Emirates with or without a driver. Driving requires an international driver's license (driver's license of the CIS countries in the UAE is not valid) and insurance. Driver must be over 21 years of age.

Violators of traffic rules are very severely punished in the UAE. A fine of $800 will be required for running a red light, $150 for not using seat belts, deportation from the country or imprisonment for drunk driving, and $10,000 for damaging state property. The speed limit within the city is 60 km/h, on motorways – 100 km/h. Almost all parking lots are paid, except for the time from 13:00 to 16:00. The quality of the roads in the UAE is excellent, but the locals, especially the wealthy youth, are extremely boorish on the roads.

Connection

Mobile communications in the UAE are provided by Etisalat and Du operators. To purchase a SIM card, you must present your passport. Etisalat has developed the Ahlan tariff plan, which is suitable for a short stay in the country. The cost of a call abroad is about $0.7, the cost of SMS is $0.25. You can get access to the worldwide network by using the services of Internet cafes or Wi-Fi in many cafes, restaurants and hotels in the UAE.

Security

The UAE is the safest Muslim country in the world. Crime is practically absent, you can walk at any time of the day, but in the evening and at night it is recommended to bypass the areas where the settlements of visiting hired workers are located.

For thrown garbage or crossing the road in the wrong place, they will require a fine of $ 135, and for foul language they will be taken into custody.

There are many strong coastal currents in the Persian Gulf, so you should always soberly assess your strength and not let your children go into the water alone. Scuba diving is best done under the supervision of a local instructor who is familiar with characteristic features terrain.

Business

The transformation of the UAE into the most important financial and commercial center in the Middle East is one of the main goals of the government. To achieve it, a number of free economic zones have been created, the banking and transport infrastructure is constantly developing, taxes are eased (corporate, income, VAT, from the payroll fund), the currency (UAE dirham) is freely convertible, the free movement of capital is guaranteed, etc.

All the best hotels are equipped with superb state-of-the-art conference rooms suitable for both inter-corporate negotiations and for organizing major international symposiums and congresses. Every year, business centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi hold business seminars and exhibitions of products of world-famous companies.

The property

Foreign citizens have the right to purchase real estate in the UAE - this is even welcome. Since 2006, foreigners have received the right to purchase land plots for new facilities, the rest can be taken on a long-term lease. The cost of 1 m² of housing ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. From residential real estate, mainly new buildings come to the market, the secondary housing market is not developed.

Residential buildings in the UAE are always built at an accelerated pace and most often with the use of low-paid labor, so even the so-called "elite" complexes in fact offer poor quality housing. Dense buildings, especially on the “palm trees” in the coastal waters of Dubai, lead to the absence of picturesque views from the window, and one can only dream of peace and tranquility here.

As a commercial real estate, Russian citizens are most interested in the premises of offices, shops, hotels and restaurants. The average cost of 1 m² of an office is $1,700, and that of a hotel is about $7,000.

Muslim traditions are strictly observed in the UAE, so there are a number of prohibitions that apply to tourists as well.

So, you can not appear in beachwear outside the beaches and pools, and sunbathing without a swimsuit or its upper part is strictly prohibited. Women are only allowed to sit in the back seat of the car and in no case should they get into the car without a taxi badge (you may be mistaken for a woman of easy virtue). It is forbidden to be in public places in a state of intoxication. You can not kiss and hug, show obscene gestures. Gambling and unmarried sexual relations are prohibited. You can’t talk to local women on the street, so you can only take pictures of men, after asking their permission. In the United Arab Emirates, there is also a strict ban on photographing the palaces of sheikhs, military installations, banks and government institutions.

man reading the quran

Money, food and things are taken only right hand. While visiting the locals, do not give up a few cups of coffee. When shaking hands, do not look into the eyes of the interlocutor.

Customs restrictions, in addition to the standard importation of weapons, pornography and drugs, apply to a number of medicines, so it is best to get a prescription with a Latin name and dosage for the necessary medicines.

When traveling to the UAE during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, remember that many establishments, including shops and restaurants, may change their opening hours. During the day, there are practically no places where you can dine, since at this time a strict fast is observed between dawn and sunset. Even tourists are condemned here and can officially complain to the police if they eat, drink, smoke or dress obscenely - from the point of view of the local population.

What is the first thing that comes to the mind of the average person when they mention United Arab Emirates? Of course, the beauty, splendor and wealth of this federation. Perhaps, the adjective "rich" here can be christened everything: these are landscapes that spread before the beholder, and modern luxury hotels, and snow-white sandy shores, which are washed by bright blue clear water. The UAE is equally a country for tourists and a country where they come to deal with commercial issues. Here, the branches of the oil-producing and oil-and-gas economy are developing at a significantly increasing pace. The first oil fields were discovered in the 50s, until that time the locals were engaged in fishing and pearling.
An emirate is a form of government for a Muslim state. United Arab Emirates (UAE) contain seven states (emirates), each of which has an absolute monarchy.
Are Emirates in southwest Asia, in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders Saudi Arabia to the south and west and Oman to the southeast and northeast. Emirates washed by the Persian and Oman Gulfs. Relief in different parts Emirates heterogeneous. Deserts are increasingly common in the east, while mountainous areas have settled in the south.
capital UAE is the city of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is proclaimed the capital due to the fact that it is the richest of the emirates in terms of its oil reserves. It is the stock of wealth and oil that determines the position of the emirate in the political system. It is interesting that the emirates are not the first year considered the Federation, but the boundaries between them are strictly observed. Uniform laws do not always reign in different territories of the emirates.
United Arab Emirates occupy 83,600 sq. km. area. The population is about 4.5 million. The official language is Arabic. The official currency is the dirham.

HOLIDAYS IN THE ARAB EMIRATES

Arguments "for" visiting the United Arab Emirates
UAE a prosperous commercial country, striking in its heterogeneity and splendor of architectural buildings.
In the largest emirate UAE - Abu Dhabi, which includes several oasis cities, is one of the historical monuments of the White Fort. This monument, built in the 19th century, serves as a reservoir for storing fresh water. There are many fountains scattered throughout Abu Dhabi that adorn the streets of the emirate.
Most of the fountains are concentrated on the Corniche Road, which will be a great place to relax on a hot afternoon. Numerous entertainment establishments coexist along with fountains on the embankment. The best restaurants in the emirate are located just off the Corniche Road.
In another equally remarkable emirate of Dubai, the largest commercial hub of the Middle East and the resort part, as well as interesting modern buildings and ancient architecture, coexist. Start your exploration of Dubai with a boat trip to the Bastakiya area, which is built in a typical Arabic style. Also don't forget to visit the tallest skyscraper.

Climate in the United Arab Emirates

Hot, arid and subtropical - this is how you can characterize the climate UAE. Summer, of course, is hotter, the temperature during the day can rise to 45 degrees. Summer holidays in United Arab Emirates can be remembered only by unbearable weather and lack of precipitation.
The main wave of tourists arrives from the end of September, some prefer to come in winter. Winter temperatures are most comfortable up to +26 degrees during the day, but at night the temperature on the coast drops sharply to +12. The night temperature depends on the location in the emirates, for example, the lowest winter temperatures appear in the desert (up to -5 degrees).
The water temperature in coastal waters fluctuates around +33 degrees in summer, while in winter it drops to +22 degrees. It is noteworthy that in winter the water in the pool is heated.
Humidity in United Arab Emirates unstable and fluctuates over a wide range. In summer and autumn, humidity is incredibly high (up to 90%), but under the scorching sun, it drops to a minimum. Typical humidity ranges from 50-60%.
Rains very rarely disturb this corner of the earth. The vast majority of precipitation occurs between December and January.
weather in United Arab Emirates brings unpredictability. Sandstorms are not uncommon here, which cannot be predicted, they begin suddenly and can last up to three days. In this case, visibility is significantly reduced.
A couple of times a year United Arab Emirates are taken by surprise by strong hurricanes that last for several hours, tearing off the roofs of buildings.
The emirate of Fujairah can stand out with a particularly mild climate. This emirate is located off the coast of the Indian Ocean. It is characterized by a humid and mild climate to the greatest extent, unlike all other parts UAE.

National cuisine of the UAE

National cuisine remains an integral link in the chain of the overall impression of the country. Most kitchen recipes United Arab Emirates borrowed from the Lebanese tradition. The traditional snack - shawarma - is a kind of fast food. The shawarma recipe is simple: take lamb or chicken meat with salad and wrap it in a flatbread. Such food can be purchased in tents.
As Emirates is a maritime country, then dishes from sea delicacies (lobsters, crabs, shrimps and fish) abound on the tables of restaurants.
Delicacies traditional for these places are unusual and taste great: umm ali (bread pudding), ash asaya (sweet cheese pie with cream on top).
Coffee occupies a special and honorable place in the heart of the locals. Therefore, in restaurants, its preparation is extremely in demand.

Resorts in the United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi
It is one of the greenest places on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The emirate will be remembered by tourists for its beautiful flower beds, countless fountains and stunning sculptures.

Ajaman
Small in area, the emirate is worth visiting. The fact is that on its territory there is an Ajaman shipyard, which manufactures Arab dhow boats. Here you can learn the basics of shipbuilding. Mineral springs are located not far from the territory of Ajaman. Ajaman is for tourists who value peace and regularity of life above vanity and active social pastime.

Dubai
A prime commercial development city in the Emirates. Here, for tourists, the doors of luxurious and luxury hotels will open, here you can look at the rich architectural buildings. Most likely, your eyes will diverge from the choice of souvenirs to take home. Dubai is divided into six districts and each of them deserves special attention:
- bar dubai , which is the historical center of the city, will be a great start to explore Dubai. Here is the bulk of the attractions (Said's Palace, the Dubaev Museum, the World Trade Center);
- Gardens , which is a sleeping area, will show the life of the natives as it is;
- downtown , will be of interest to both ordinary tourists and businessmen. The fact is that this area is a building business complex. But here are the biggest attractions. Such as the tallest skyscraper in the world, the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, as well as the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping and entertainment center to date.
- Deira - the shopping part of the city, where a tourist can look for good gifts and souvenirs for his relatives and friends. Here is a huge market for gold products;
- Jumeirah will surprise visitors with the wealth of local life. This is an area for wealthy residents of the emirates.

Sharjah
This emirate is suitable for tourists who respect the laws of Islam and do not try to bring something new to the life of the natives. Here, a woman (meaning arriving) should be in a long skirt and with her hands closed, and men should not take alcohol and cigarettes outside. This emirate may seem interesting for sightseeing. The most amazing thing here is a huge fountain spouting directly from the bay. The contemplation of this picture can leave few people indifferent. In addition to the fountain, there are other wonderful places here: Al Jazeera Park, where there are several dozen entertainments, the King Faisal Mosque, the monument to the Holy Quran, the National Heritage Museum.

fujairah
The emirate is for people who love not the luxury and chic of hotels and skyscrapers, but who love to contemplate the beauty of nature.Here you can improve your health in sulfuric mountain springs. There are many historical buildings and beautiful sculptures. Al-Wuraiya waterfalls, natural protected areas and beautiful gardens delight the eye. Fans of outdoor activities will not get bored here, this emirate can offer hiking in the mountains, exploring dry riverbeds, diving deep into the depths of the sea towards sunken ships.

Ras Al Khaimah
The emirate is small in area, but contains many hotels on its territory. Here you can get well and rejuvenate thanks to the procedures carried out in local spas. Beauty salons traditionally use life-giving mineral water. The evening city will fully reveal the spirit of Ras Al Khaimah, wandering among the old forts and ancient mosques, you will get a lot of impressions. During the day, you can visit a huge water park that will charge you with vivacity and optimism for the entire upcoming vacation.

Umm Al Quwain
A city in which the traditional, ancient way of life has been preserved. There are few hotels here. What can a tourist find here for himself? Tranquility and serenity on the sandy shore near numerous lagoons. See the true provincial Muslim life. Emirate for those who are not looking for entertainment.

Hotels in United Arab Emirates

By studying the reviews on the network, you can rank the best hotels. True, it should be borne in mind that the prices for a day stay in some reach sky-high heights.

Mina A Salam Madinat Jumeirah Hotel - positions itself as a whole resort. This hotel is for wealthy visitors who are ready to pay from 25,000 rubles per day. The hotel has its own sandy beach with access to the sea. The hotel has more than 40 restaurants with a variety of cuisines from around the world. Open and closed pools. Laundries and dry cleaners. Numerous beauty salons and spa services. Here you can rent a car. Full functionality has been prepared for children: you can hire a nurse while you are having fun in the company of adults, there are playgrounds, children's pools and a menu for children. The range of entertainment here is extensive: you can play golf or tennis, visit water slides, surf on the beach, and dance at local discos. If the atmosphere of the hotel starts to bother you, you can book a tour.
Rooms are equipped with bath and shower, minibar, satellite TV and wi-fi access.

Al Qasr Madinat Jumeirah - a hotel in Jumeirah, for a stay in which you will have to pay 19,000 rubles every day. This is a whole palace, conceived by architects in the style of the sheikhs' summer residence. The hotel, of course, has its own beach with a coastline of 3.5 km. The range of services provided is almost no different from the first hotel.

Atlantis The Palm - a hotel located in Dubai. Not suitable for lovers of tranquility and a measured lifestyle, as a metro station is attached to the building. The hotel is positioned good place for family holidays. The cost of a room per day is from 16,000 rubles. Here is the largest amusement water park, there is a dolphinarium. In the water park, you can get a decent dose of adrenaline by going to the amusement slide, which passes through the lagoon with sharks. The walls of the slide-tunnel are made of transparent plastic. Otherwise, all the functionality is similar to previous hotels.

No less worthy, but with more mundane prices are hotels:
- The Radisson Blu Fujairah from 9000 rubles per day (Dibba area);
- Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach from 7000 rubles per day (Dubai);
- Hilton Sharjah from 4000 rubles per day (Sharjah).

Attractions UAE

Many tourists tend to significant places, to the sights of the country in which they spend their holidays. In the rich and vibrant country of the UAE, there are not a dozen interesting, memorable places. Get your cameras ready and let's get started!

sheikh zayed mosque- located in Abu Dhabi, according to many tourists, is one of the most interesting tourist places. Since the mosque can be visited not only by Muslims, but also by ordinary tourists, you can fully feel the spirit of the Arab state. This majestic building houses the largest carpet and the largest chandelier in the world. The mosque is named after the first president of the UAE, his body is in the mosque.
At the corners of the mosque there are towers from which Muslims are called to prayer. The main building is decorated with 57 marble domes. The interior floor of the mosque is covered with colored marble.

Grand Mosque in Dubai- located near Jumeira Open Beach. It is difficult to pass by it, as it attracts attention with its large tower, from which the call to prayer is made. It has 9 large domes and 45 smaller ones. Also in the building there are colored stained-glass windows.

Al-Bidiya Mosque- the oldest mosque in the UAE. It is worth visiting for people who are not indifferent to Islam and Arab culture. It keeps the greatness of such an oldest and world religion as Islam. It is located 30 km from the city of Fujairah, in the north.

Palm Jumeirah is an island built by painstaking workers in the form of a palm tree with seventeen branches. A real corner of luxury and wealth.
The palm tree is divided into three parts:
- Crescent - this is a barrier that is the protection of a palm tree. Here are located famous hotels, made in different styles.
- Trunk - this is the center of Palma, which houses the cultural and public life this island. There are parks, shopping centers, restaurants. Also, multi-storey residential buildings are being built here. A water channel runs through the center of the Trunk.
- branches - in general, there are seventeen of them. Here, rich people build exclusive villas to order.
AT UAE there are two more similar palm islands: Palma Deira and Palm Jebel Ali.

Singing fountain in Dubai- an unusual building, which is dancing to the accompaniment of Arabic and world classical music. The amazing structure is illuminated by over 6,000 lanterns and 25 colored spotlights. Located on an artificial lake.

Singing fountain in Sharjah- 220 meters wide and 100 meters high. It is not as famous as its brother in Dubai, but is also a popular destination for tourists. Music show every day starts from 20:30 to 00:00.

Ski Dubai is a ski resort on the Arabian Peninsula. Every day the top layer of snow is replenished thanks to the work of special devices. The resort has different slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers. There are tracks for snowboarding and bobsledding. In order for tourists to be completely imbued with the atmosphere of a ski resort, real fir trees are planted here. The temperature here is maintained at -2 degrees. Up to 1500 people can visit the resort per day.

Dubai Mall is a large shopping and entertainment center. You can spend the whole day here, because how to get around in a couple of hours and visit the Olympic skating rink, a huge aquarium, a candy store (the largest in the world).

Skyscraper Burj Khalifa- what could be more famous than this building, where thousands of tourists aspire every day? This architectural building will turn your head with its scale. The shape of the building resembles a stalagmite. 828 meters of the unknown, in which you will discover the world's largest swimming pool, the largest in the world night club, hotel rooms designed by Giorgio Armani. There are observation decks on different floors, and there is an observatory at the very top.

gold market- located in Dubai. The road is open here for those who wish to purchase jewelry relatively inexpensively. The shelves of the wound are breaking under the weight of the gold goods. Usually gold is purchased here in large quantities, in bulk.

Wonderland is a huge amusement park for adults and children. Here and singing gypsies, and illusionists, and clowns. Simple carousels, roller coasters of different heights, slot machines. There are many eateries in the park. Payment for attractions and other services is carried out by coupons, which are sold in books of 10, 20 or 30 pieces. Unused coupons you will have to take with you, as the money for them is not refundable.

Sheikh Zayed Street- located in Dubai, the street deserves special attention, because its ultra-modern buildings reflect the modern spirit of the Emirates.

Ferrari World Amusement Park- This park is entirely dedicated to the brand of Ferrari cars. The park is completely covered with a red tent with the emblem of the brand. In this park, you can buy a variety of accessories with the company logo (mugs, T-shirts, pens, key rings, baseball caps.
Fans of this car will love impromptu races, films about Ferrari engineers and the history of creation. The most inquisitive will have the opportunity to change the wheels on the car and much more.

Dubai National Museum- the largest national museum in the emirates. Located in Al Fahidi Fort. At the fort, tourists are greeted with old cannons. The exposition consists of a Bedouin house, rare weapons, musical instruments and other decorations. But in the underground part there is a large part of the exhibition. Here you will watch a film about the history of Dubai, the panorama "Night in the Desert", visit a Muslim school. Learn historical reports about different strata of the former population.

Wild Wadi is the most popular and modern water park in Dubai. Occupies a huge area. Motifs of Arabic colors are involved in the design of the park, which often attracts the attention of children and causes them a lot of delight. Surfing is possible in the large swimming pool. For children, there is a special entertainment here: a small lagoon with a pirate ship turned upside down in it, this is where you can spend the whole day and get vivid impressions.

Sharjah Aqua Gallery- a huge aquarium, entering which you will forget about all the problems. The underwater world will take you from the beginning to the end of the journey. The inhabitants of the aquarium are 250 different species of animals. This entire exposition serves the purpose of reminding residents that nature needs to be protected.

Dubai Festival City is a small town inside Dubai. Here you can combine relaxation with productive shopping. Businessmen also visit here. There are about 500 shops in the city.

Red dunes in Dubai- this place should not be missed by tourists who appreciate new experiences from extreme sports. From the very peaks of the Red Dunes, you can go down on a snowboard type board. You can get to these places by car with a breeze, you may get no less impressions from the trip itself than from the descent from the Dunes.

"Eye of the Emirates"- This is a huge Ferris wheel in Sharjah. It is located near the Al Kasba canal. It can accommodate up to 300 people at the same time. The best time to visit the wheel is late in the evening, when the views of Sharjah and its environs open from a height of 60 meters.

UAE FOR TOURISTS

Think about what United Arab Emirates- This is a Muslim country with its own strict way of life. Despite the fact that some cities have established themselves as liberal territories, it must be remembered that Islam is a strict religion. Literally, Islam is translated as "absolute submission to God", the locals treat their religion with trepidation. Everything related to Islam is sacred and inviolable. Muslims have special respect for the "Messengers of Allah" - these are Noah, Adam, Ibrahim, Moussa and Issa. The most revered and highly praised is the Prophet Muhammad. His name is traditionally not pronounced aloud, and if pronounced, then with an emphasis on the second syllable of the name. It was the Prophet Muhammad who laid the foundation of Islam. His teachings are set forth in the sacred writings of the Koran and the Sunnah. The Qur'an prescribes the basic moral and behavioral standards of a Muslim, how one should live until one's death. From the fact that the vast majority of the population professes Islam, the laws UAE built on the principles described in the Qur'an. The prayer rites of Muslims are the cornerstone of their religion, they are performed five times a day. There is no set timetable for prayers. There is a special tradition to announce daily prayer times through newspapers, radio or television. Calls to prayers are heard through the radios of the mosques. If the rite of prayer takes a Muslim by surprise, then even far from his home or a specially designated room, a Muslim can pray with his face turned towards the mosque.

Tourist behavior in the UAE

It is considered extremely indecent if a visiting person examines a praying Muslim, and even more so tries to photograph him or film him on a video camera, this is the height of indecency.
Muslims may be extremely outraged that tourists can enter the mosque in defiant clothes. Do not make ironic remarks about the way of life of Muslims: prayer five times a day, women's robes. It's better not to discuss Arab women at all.
The handshake among Muslims is a sign of approval and friendly intentions, unlike the European handshake, among Muslims it is somewhat prolonged. At parting, be sure to shake hands with your interlocutor, especially a respected or close person, a handshake occurs with both hands. It is worth remembering that a Muslim woman, if necessary, gives her hand herself, the initiative should come exclusively from her.
When visiting the house of the Arabs, it is worth taking all the treats that the owners of the house seek to treat you to. The owner will be very offended if you do not accept treats, he will even regard it as a sign of disrespect to him.
It is fundamental in the Arab house that all items are taken and offered exclusively by the right hand.
The sight of soles facing the Arab is regarded as an insult.
There is a dress code for visiting office workers: men wear light trousers and shirts with a tie, women wear a light dress. Men wear jackets only on holidays.
When photographing landscapes UAE Do not allow strategically important objects such as military bases and police buildings to enter the camera. You can't take pictures of Arab women.
In a conversation with an Arab, you should not be curious about his wife; you can only ask about the family in passing, without making this topic the center of the whole conversation.
Due to the spread healthy lifestyle life everywhere in United Arab Emirates, lovers of strong drinks and tobacco should not appear on the streets with this. There is no penalty for drinking in public places, but you are guaranteed to get a lot of discontent from the locals.

Clothes for tourists in the UAE

For such a hot country as United Arab Emirates suitable clothes made of natural fabrics, breathable and light cut. Dresses, skirts, sundresses. Sandals, hats. For men, light trousers, long shorts and cotton shirts. We must not forget to take warm clothes with us, as the nights in the emirates are often cold, especially when comparing the temperature contrast between day and night.
It is worth considering separately the wardrobe for the beach and for going out into the city. For shopping or excursions around the city, dress modestly. You should not choose dresses and blouses with an open neckline, tank tops and short shorts, skirts with a slit. For relaxation, a more free style is suitable, especially for a beach holiday. But do not forget that a city like Sharjah does not accept female nudity even on the beaches.

Memo to a tourist in the UAE

Treatment in United Arab Emirates will cost you a pretty penny if you do not take care of purchasing a medical insurance policy in advance. It needs to be issued in Russia. Treatment under the insurance policy, in case of emergency, will be provided free of charge.
Also make sure to pack a first aid kit on the road. With antiemetic, antipyretic, antiviral and pain medications. Take sunscreen and after sun lotion. At sunburn, which is not uncommon for a tourist, Panthenol can save you.
A Russian-Arabic phrase book can help you out a lot if you get lost in the city, among the Muslims.
If you are a heavy smoker, then take care to purchase several packs of cigarettes, because tobacco is very expensive in the Emirates.

Comparison of the UAE and other holiday destinations

United Arab Emirates or Turkey
The first thing a tourist pays attention to is the level of service in hotels. On the forums, avid travelers say that hotels United Arab Emirates far superior in service to hotels in Turkey. The price per day in a hotel in Turkey will be much less than in United Arab Emirates. Although both those and those hotels are promised approximately the same list of services and entertainment.
It is better to go to Turkey in the warm season, and in United Arab Emirates you can rush into the cold Russian winters.
It is worth noting that in Turkey there is no restriction on drinking alcoholic beverages.

United Arab Emirates or Egypt
Holidays in Egypt for people who do not like restrictions. Many free services than the Emirates do not boast. The prices are much lower. But the attitude towards tourists is different. In the Emirates, people are more polite and reserved, which is paramount for someone.

We leave for foreign countries to get new emotions that we cannot get in our usual surroundings. We want vivid emotions and memories. And the United Arab Emirates can give all this in abundance!

The tourism industry in the Emirates, thanks to the oil found in huge quantities in the coastal waters of this state, is developing rapidly. Oil allows the emirs of the UAE to build luxury hotels with excellent infrastructure. Foreign tourists in the UAE are attracted not only by the warm sea with coral reefs and sandy beaches, but also by ancient fortresses, forts, mosques, deserts with oases, palm groves on the banks of reservoirs with waterfalls, camel races and much more.

Geography of the UAE

The United Arab Emirates, sometimes referred to simply as the Emirates or UAE, is located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The UAE borders Saudi Arabia to the south and Oman to the east. The total area of ​​the UAE is 83,600 sq. km., and the total length of the state land border is 867 km.

Most of the territory of the UAE is occupied by the Rub al-Khali desert with a few oases. There are mountains in the north and east of the country. The highest point in the country is Mount Jabal Bil Ays (1934 meters).

Capital

The capital of the UAE is Abu Dhabi, which is now home to more than 1.5 million people. The settlement of people on the territory of modern Abu Dhabi existed already 4 thousand years ago. The city itself was formed in the middle of the 18th century.

Official language of the UAE

The official language of the population of the UAE is Arabic, belonging to the Semitic group of the Afroasian language family.

Religion

More than 76% of the population of the UAE are Sunni Muslims, 9% are Christians, and more than 10% are adherents of other religions.

State structure

The UAE is a union of emirates (kingdoms) led by emirs. In other words, the UAE is allied absolute monarchies. The UAE is governed by the Supreme Council of Rulers, which consists of the emirs of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain.

The post of President of the UAE is held concurrently by the Emir of Abu Dhabi (this post is hereditary). The Prime Minister of the country (also by inheritance) is the Emir of Dubai.

The parliament in the UAE is also peculiar - it is called the National Council, it includes 40 representatives of all emirates.

The UAE consists of seven emirates - Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Qaiwain.

Climate and weather

The climate in the UAE is subtropical, with hot summers and dry winters. The highest average air temperature in the UAE is observed in July and August - more than +40C, and the lowest - in January and February (from +10 to +14C). The average annual rainfall in coastal areas is 120 mm per year, and in the mountains - 350 mm.

You can relax in the UAE all year round.

Sea in the UAE

In the north of the UAE is the Persian Gulf, and in the east - the Gulf of Oman (both belong to the Pacific Ocean). General coastline is 734 km, of which 644 km is the coast of the Persian Gulf.

The water temperature in the Persian Gulf in summer exceeds +33C, and in winter it drops to +16C in the north and +22-24C in the south.

UAE culture

The UAE is an Islamic country, and therefore it is natural that religion has left its mark on the culture and traditions of the inhabitants of this country. The traditional entertainment of the inhabitants of the UAE is camel racing. They take place during holidays and festivals (for example, during the Dubai Shopping Festival). All Muslim holidays are celebrated in the UAE - Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, etc.

Integral elements of UAE culture are Arabian horse racing, boat racing and falconry.

Kitchen

Cuisine in the UAE is traditional for Arab countries (very similar to Lebanese cuisine). Daily food - rice, meat (lamb, poultry), dairy products, fish (sea bass, tuna), seafood (lobster, crabs, shrimp).

We recommend that tourists in the UAE try hummus (chicken with peas), kibbe (lamb cutlets), tabbouleh (couscous, tomato, onion, mint and parsley salad), mutabel (pasta or caviar from eggplant), “kusa mashi” (stuffed zucchini), “varak enab” (stuffed cabbage from grape leaves), “felafel”, “kebab”, “shawarmu”, stuffed perch with spices, grilled (or fried).

Desserts in the UAE are very sweet. Try Umm Ali (bread pudding with raisins and nuts), donuts with honey or pistachio pudding.

The traditional non-alcoholic drink in the UAE is coffee. Every year, each UAE resident consumes an average of 3.5 kg of coffee. For comparison: in Saudi Arabia per inhabitant per year there is an average of 1.9 kg of coffee, in the USA - 4.17 kg, in Brazil - 5.6 kg, and in Germany 6.97 kg. UAE residents often add camel milk to their coffee.

Alcohol in the UAE is served in hotel restaurants (except Sharjah), as well as in some golf clubs.

Attractions

When tourists in the UAE get tired (if they get tired) of relaxing on sandy beaches, they can take excursions and see very interesting sights. To begin with, we recommend visiting the emirate of Fujairah, where you will see dried-up estuaries, ancient fortresses and forts, palaces, hot sulfur springs, palm groves and waterfalls.

Of all the emirates, Sharjah pays the most attention to the preservation of its cultural heritage. According to UNESCO, the emirate of Sharjah is the cultural capital of the Arab world.

Travelers in the UAE can visit several archaeological sites. There are especially many archaeological excavations in Jumeirah, which was once a transit point on the ancient caravan route between Oman and Iraq.

Cities and resorts

Most big cities in the UAE - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman.

Each emirate is a great beach resort. Many tourists claim that the best beaches in the UAE are located in the emirates of Fujairah and Dubai, but apparently it all depends on personal preferences. The beaches in the Emirates are owned by hotels or municipalities. Some public beaches are free, while others charge a small amount of money for entry. Topless sunbathing is not allowed. Tourists can pay for using the beach of any hotel (from 200 to 700 dirhams).

The sea in the UAE is calm, but there are ebbs and flows. Be careful when swimming.

Top 8 public beaches in the emirate of Dubai:

1. Mamzer Beach (consists of 5 beaches in bays and 2 large pools)
2. Jumeirah Beach Park (Entry fee is around AED 5)
3. Russian Beach (also known as Open Beach)
4. Kite Beach (infrastructure is not developed, you need to take food and drinks with you)
5. Burj Beach (very popular beach with volleyball and football courts)
6. Ghantoot Beach (owned by the hotel, entrance fee 10 dirhams)
7. Jebel Ali Beach (this beach is especially popular among surfers)
8. JBR Beach (free beach is very popular among tourists and locals, but there is practically no infrastructure, but there is a cafe)

The UAE also has many mineral and hot springs. The most popular local balneological resort is Hatt in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, in the vicinity of which there are beautiful lakes and palm groves. Many tourists come to the hot sulfur springs of Ain Al-Ghamur in the Emirate of Fujairah.

Souvenirs/Shopping

From the UAE, tourists usually bring hookahs, jewelry, perfumes, Arabic coffee pots, coffee cups, bed linen, prayer rugs, camel figurines.

Office Hours

Banks:
Sat-Wed: 08:00-13:00 (some banks are open from 16:30 to 18:30) Thu: 08:00-12:00

, Sharjah and Fujairah . The territory of the emirates has long been a haven for pirates, because of this it received the name. Pirate Coast. At the beginning of the XIX century. British authorities in India began open hostilities against the coastal Arab tribes, culminating in the signing of a number of treaties with local rulers and the establishment of a British protectorate (from 1853 to Negotiated Oman ). In 1971, six principalities proclaimed the creation of an independent federal state of the UAE, which was joined in 1972 by Ras al-Khaimah. The head of the federation is the president (one of the emirs), the legislative power belongs to the Federal nat. council (only advisory functions).
The northern coast is occupied by deserts, the coast is indented by bays and framed by small islands and coral reefs. On SW. low mountains (Yibir, 1934 m). Summer is very hot. Precipitation is scarce, falls irregularly, in the main. in the mountains, where sudden oncoming storms sometimes cause significant destruction. On the back mountain slopes oases. The population is more than 2.4 million people. (2001), mainly Arabs, as well as immigrants from Pakistan, Iran, India and other countries. Immigrants make up approx. 3/4 inhabitants. State. language - Arabic, religion - Islam (80% - Sunnis, 16% - Shiites). Population density 27 people. per 1 km², 85% of the townspeople. Oil production (Abu Dhabi - 83%, Dubai - 15%), oil refining, production of steel, aluminum, fertilizers, cement, plastics for machine tools and clothing, construction and repair of ships. Large gas reserves (approx. 4% of the world). Dates, vegetables, cereals are grown; developed birds, livestock, fish. Main trade. and prom. Center - Dubai. Good road network. In 1988, the port of Jebel Ali was opened with the world's largest artificial harbor. Sea resorts. Cash unit - dirham.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Yekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

A federation of 7 independent states lying along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The federation includes Abu Dhabi (Abu Zabu), Ajman, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Qawain, Sharjah, Al Fujairah. Previously, their territory was called the "Coast of Pirates". In the north, the state borders on Qatar, in the west and south - on Saudi Arabia. In the north it is washed by the Persian Gulf, in the east - by the Gulf of Oman. The area of ​​the country is about 77,700 km2.
The population (estimated in 1998) is about 2,303,000 people, with an average population density of about 30 people per km2. Ethnic groups: Arabs - 42%, Iranians, Pakistanis, Indians. Language: Arabic (state), others. Religion: Muslims (of which Shiites - 16%, the rest Sunnis) - 80%, Christians, Hindus. The capital is Abu Dhabi. Largest cities: Abu Dhabi (605,000 people in 1990), Dubai (266,000 people in 1990). The state structure is a federation of emirates. The head of state is the President, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Ad Nahyan (in office since December 2, 1971, re-elected in 1991). The head of government is Prime Minister Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed Al Maktoum (in office since November 20, 1990). The monetary unit is the dirham. Average life expectancy (for 1998): 73 years - men, 75 years - women. The birth rate (per 1,000 people) is 18.6. Mortality rate (per 1000 people) - 3.1.
Since 1883, the states that make up the federation have been called "Treaty States" or Oman Treaty, since then a treaty was signed between them and Great Britain in order to eradicate piracy in the region. Until 2 December 1971, the states were under British military protection. On December 2, 1971, the state gained full independence under the name of the United Arab Emirates. In February 1994, the President of the country introduced Sharia law to deal with the following crimes: murder, theft, adultery, drug use and sale. The country is a member of the UN, World Bank, IMF, ILO, Arab League, OPEC.
The sights of the country are the famous markets and one of the largest duty-free shops at the Dubai International Airport.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a state in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. The area of ​​the UAE is 83.6 thousand sq. km; population 4.4 million people. In the Emirates, there are twice as many men as women, the city dwellers make up 76% of the country's population. The UAE is a federal state that emerged in 1971 as a result of the unification of six Arab principalities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain and Fujairah. In 1972, the principality of Ras al-Khaimah joined them. The largest emirate - Abu Dhabi - occupies 85% of the territory, one third of the population of the UAE lives here. The capital of the UAE is the city of Abu Dhabi. Dubai is considered to be the trade and tourist capital of the emirates.
The Emirates occupy a crescent-shaped strip of deserts with oases stretching mainly along the coast of the shallow Persian Gulf, as well as the deep Gulf of Oman of the Indian Ocean. Low-lying plains predominate, in the east - the spurs of the Hajar mountains (1127 m), in the west - rocky deserts. In the south, in the desert, the UAE borders on Saudi Arabia (cm. Saudi Arabia), in the west - with the Emirate of Qatar, in the east, the extreme ledge of land near the Strait of Hormuz (Muscat) is occupied by the enclave of Oman a.
All emirates are absolute monarchies, only in Abu Dhabi there are advisory bodies - the Cabinet and the National Advisory Council, which brings this emirate closer to a constitutional monarchy. Each emirate has its own government and administrative bodies. The rulers of the emirates make up the legislative body - the Supreme Council, which elects the president and vice-president of the federation for a period of two years. The president appoints the prime minister and members of the cabinet. Reported to the Supreme Council Federal Council ministers headed by the president. The Federal National Council consists of 40 representatives from each emirate and is an advisory body. Since the founding of the UAE in 1971, the head of state has been Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who has ruled Abu Dhabi since 1966. His deputy in the Supreme Council of the seven Emirates sheikhs is the ruler of Dubai.
The basis of the country's economy is the export-oriented oil and gas industry. The oil refining, petrochemical, metallurgical (aluminum smelting), and cement industries are developing. The traditional occupations of the population are fishing, pearling, handicrafts (making carpets, woolen fabrics, chasing gold and silver items), oasis agriculture (date palms, orchards, cereals, mainly in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaywaine) and nomadic animal husbandry (in most of the territory). The Emirate of Abu Dhabi plays a leading role in the development of the UAE economy. Trade and financial center of the UAE - Dubai. Seaports: Jebel Ali (Dubai), Rashid (Dubai), Zeid (Abu Dhabi), Mina Khaled (Sharjah). International airports: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah. The monetary unit is the federal dirham (since May 1973).
natural conditions
The location of the country in tropical latitudes determines its climate. The average monthly temperatures here range from +18 °C; sometimes dropping to +10 °C, in winter up to +35 °C, sometimes rising to +48 °C in summer. The arid subtropical climate provides blue clear skies all year round. In the east, in Fujairah, summers are somewhat cooler and more humid due to the proximity of the ocean and mountains. Precipitation is about 100 mm per year, in the mountains - 300-400 mm per year.
There are no permanent rivers. Temporary streams flow through the valleys, most of the year they are dry channels - wadis. Significant areas are occupied by salt marshes and sandy deserts, the vegetation here is mostly sparse, consisting of dry herbs and shrubs. Acacia, tamarisk grow in oases, date and coconut palms, grapes, lemon trees, cereals, and tobacco are cultivated. The country is located in the atmospheric tropical maximum zone, so you can not be afraid of the impact of climate on blood pressure, but it is desirable to have healthy kidneys.
In addition to the large oases of the coast - Abu Dhabi, Dubai-Rashid-Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah, El-Fujairah, as well as stretching away from it - Qatar Et-Tarifa, Ez-Zanna, there are also oases located inland, among which Buraimi is the most significant. Very beautiful ocean coast in Fujairah. The most picturesque are the rocky outskirts of the Hatta fortress, a two-hour drive from Dubai, the Al Ain oasis and the Healy oasis near Buraimi. In the UAE, migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia find shelter in winter, and the paths of those who fly further also pass through these places.
Story
In the 7th century, the southern coast of the Persian Gulf became part of the Arab Caliphate, which spread Islam among the locals. During this period, the cities of Dubai, Sharjah, El Fujairah arose. As the central authority in the Caliphate weakened, local tribal leaders - sheikhs increasingly felt themselves to be independent rulers. In the 10th-11th centuries, Eastern Arabia was part of the Karmatian state, and after its collapse fell under the influence of Oman.
Europeans rushed to the Persian Gulf at the end of the 15th century. The Portuguese were the first to gain a foothold here, having conquered Hormuz, Bahrain and Julfar (the modern emirate of Ras al-Khaimah). Since the 18th century, the population of the coastal Arab principalities, which was mainly engaged in coastal trade, has been drawn into the struggle with the English East India Company, whose ships monopolized cargo flows between the ports of the Persian Gulf and deprived the inhabitants of the main source of livelihood. This led to ongoing conflicts between the East India Company and the local Arab population, which the British called pirates, and the region of the principalities - "Pirate Coast".
The East India Company constantly sent military expeditions to the Persian Gulf, and in 1820 forced the emirs and sheikhs of seven Arab principalities to sign the "General Treaty", which marked the beginning of English domination in this territory and the final division of Oman into three parts - the Imamate of Oman, the Sultanate of Muscat and "Pirate Coast". Since 1853, these principalities have been called Oman Trucial
British military bases were established on the territory of the principalities (in particular, on the territory of the principality of Sharjah). Political power was exercised by an English political agent. The establishment of the English protectorate did not lead to the destruction of the patriarchal system. The locals continued to hold on to ancient traditions. They could not offer serious resistance to the colonialists, due to their small number and constant civil strife between different clans. The dominant tribe in these territories was and is the Bani-yaz tribe, which originally inhabited the fertile oases of Liwa and Al Ain (the current emirate of Abu Dhabi). In 1833, one of the tribes of the Bani-yaz - the clan of Maktums - migrated from the oases and settled in Dubai, declaring the independence of the city. This is how the Maktoum dynasty was founded, which rules the emirate of Dubai.
In the early 1920s, cities in Trucial Oman developed a struggle for independence, reaching a particular scale in Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah. At the same time, the richest oil reserves were discovered in the Persian Gulf. In 1922, the British established control over the right of sheikhs to grant concessions for oil exploration and production. However, there was no oil production in Trucial Oman, and the main income for the principalities was brought by the trade in "fish eye" - pearls. With the start of oil production in the 1950s, foreign investment began to flow into the region, and income from the oil trade made it possible to significantly raise the standard of living of the local population. But the principalities remained under the British protectorate, which was opposed in 1964 by the League of Arab States, which declared the right of the Arab peoples to full independence.
In 1968, after the publication of the decision of the Labor government of Great Britain on its intention to withdraw British troops from the areas located east of Suez, including the Persian Gulf, by the end of 1971, the principalities signed an agreement on the formation of a federation of Arab principalities of the Persian Gulf. This federation was supposed to include Bahrain and Qatar, but later they formed independent states. On December 2, 1971, six of the seven emirates of Trucial Oman announced the creation of the federation of the United Arab Emirates. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joined in 1972.
The granting of independence coincided with the rapid rise in prices for oil and oil products, which made it easier for the new state to take independent steps in the field of economy and foreign policy. Thanks to petrodollars and successful investment in the development of industry, agriculture, the formation of numerous free economic zones, the UAE was able to achieve economic prosperity in the shortest possible time. The ancient history of the emirates is reflected in numerous archeological monuments in the UAE. So, the ancient caravan stop in Buraimi brought surprises - archaeological finds in the Khili oasis, numbering 5 millennia.
In each of the capitals of the emirates there are palaces of rulers, old fortresses. Buildings have special "wind towers" for ventilation. For example, in Dubai - the main economic center of the country, they have the ancient palace of Sheikh Saed, the grandfather of the current ruler. The old Al Fahidi Fort, built in the last century, houses the Dubai Museum. It contains a rich exposition of the emirate's past. The former palace-fortress of the emir in Al-Fujairah has not yet been reconstructed. There are many monuments of modern Arab architecture in the Emirates (the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai). Ajman is one of the few, if not the only place where ancient Arab sailboats are still being made, on which Sinbad the Sailor sailed.
Tourism
The beaches in the emirates are one of the most popular places among Russian tourists. The sun warms up the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf well. Almost all the best hotels are located near the sea and have their own beaches. You can also pay attention to the land side: go on a safari to the desert, rush by car along the dunes or sandy wadis, ride a sand surfboard from the crest of a dune, watch camel races, and finally, sit near a fire in an oasis, watching traditional Arabic dances and listening to their songs. Every week in the largest cities there are traditional horse races - the "sport of kings", the most popular here. You can sign up for a golf club or go explore some mountain stronghold. In the area of ​​​​the ancient fortress of Hatta, above the wadi, a modern mountain resort is equipped, the only one in the UAE. Returning to the sea, you can ride a yacht, fish or go to watch competitions in traditional sports that came here from Europe.
The largest cities of the UAE - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah - are located on the sea and are resorts. Noteworthy is the only "ocean" city - Al Fujairah. The only inner city-oasis of Al Ain is not so much a resort as a place that attracts tourists with oriental exoticism. The extraordinary cleanliness of the cities is striking. It reigns in living quarters and trading floors; motorways are cleared of shoveled sand; in the parks, a hose is connected to each tree.
Shopping centers (the largest in Dubai) and more expensive shops with helpful sellers attract a lot of tourists' attention. Carpet bazaars are especially popular, the best place is souk al-jumaa (“Friday market”) on the border of Sharjah and Fujairah. Gold Souk in Deira (in Dubai) is the world's leading retailer of gold products and stones: there are no restrictions on import and export.

Encyclopedia of Tourism Cyril and Methodius. 2008 .