WELCOME TO UAE
The land of sand is not just that, it’s a much sought-after holiday destination. It is an Arab country in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south, plus sharing its sea borders with Qatar and Iran. The United Arab Emirates also known as the UAE or the Emirates. The UAE is a federation of seven Emirates (equivalent to principalities), each governed by a hereditary Emir, with a single national President. The constituent Emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. The capital is Abu Dhabi, which is also the state's centre of political, industrial, and cultural activities. The UAE observes its national day on 2nd December. The day is celebrated with much fanfare, the sky is adorned with brilliant fireworks and lot more.
The United Arab Emirates is a young and prosperous nation. The country has been on the global tourist map as the most visited place in the Middle East. Spurred by the discovery of oil in the late 1950s, a visionary programme of development has accelerated the UAE into a modern and stable state with exemplary infrastructure, tax free income, high standards of living, and a very low crime rate. The extent of tourist attraction into UAE is evident by a startling fact. There are only three seven-star hotels in the world, two of which are in the UAE. The Burj Al Arab lies in Dubai, while Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Being ranked as the most sought-after tourist destination in the Middle East, UAE has all the right ingredients for an unforgettable holiday experience that includes sun, sand, sea, sports, shopping, culture and landmarks. Interestingly, UAE is a hub of the best opportunities for investors, start-up businesses and traders. Most businesses in the world are keen to set up their offices in the Emirates owing to the large array of benefits it offers. UAE is the safest country to visit or even for settling in the Middle East. While the Middle East was swept with unrest last year, the UAE saw an influx of tourism and residents which boosts its status as a safe haven in the regionThe UAE covers an area of 83,000 square kilometres and is situated at the south eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. On the world map, it sits conveniently between the Far East and Europe - a key factor in its emergence as the region's major air travel hub.
Climate
The climate of the U.A.E is subtropical-arid with hot summers and warm winters. The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum temperatures reach above 40 °C (104.0 °F) on the coastal plain. In the Al Hajar Mountains, temperatures are considerably lower, a result of increased elevation. Average minimum temperatures in January and February are between 10 and 14 °C (50 and 57.2 °F). During the late summer months, a humid south eastern wind known as Sharqi (i.e. "Easterner") makes the coastal region especially unpleasant. The average annual rainfall in the coastal area is less than 120 mm (4.7 in), but in some mountainous areas annual rainfall often reaches 350 mm (13.8 in). Rain in the coastal region falls in short, torrential bursts during the summer months, sometimes resulting in floods in ordinarily dry Wadi beds. The region is prone to occasional, violent dust storms, which can severely reduce visibility. The Jebel Jais mountain cluster in Ras Al-Khaimah has experienced snow only twice since records began.
Highlights
• UAE was created in 1971
• Welcoming, safe, and hospitable society
• Unique blend of traditional and contemporary cultures
• Stable and secure
• Year round sunshine
• Varied landscape of beaches, mountains and desert
• Extensive range of hotels and resorts
• Wide choice of sports and leisure facilities
• Numerous attractions and activities
Attractions
Although four-fifths of the UAE is desert, the landscape offers a lot more than sand dunes. In the North, the 200 million year old Hajar Mountains are a compelling sight, as are the rich fertile plains and quaint oasis towns in the East. The country's extensive coastline is peppered with secluded beaches, shallow inlets, and small islands.
Visitors to the UAE can choose from a wide selection of attractions and activities. These include extended shopping trips to designer stores, shopping malls and traditional souks, and cultural visits to museums, galleries and mosques. For the more adventurous, there are activities based in the desert, on the mountains, and in the water. The UAE also boasts some of the world's finest championship golf courses.
The warmth of the local culture is reflected in the traditional Arabian approach to hospitality, and the generous acceptance of other faiths, practices and customs.
The choice of hotels and resorts across the country is nothing short of exceptional. From city apartments to beach and mountain properties, and from exclusive desert resorts to some of the world's finest hotels, the service and facilities are of exceptionally high standards.
Despite the incredible growth in tourism, the UAE has not weakened the bond with its past and local traditions and culture are cherished and respected across towering high rises and ancient boatyards alike. This fascinating mix of the old and the new has allowed the country to progress rapidly - without losing touch with its roots.