Some Hidden Beach Destinations of UAE

We all know about the popular Dubai and Abu Dhabi tourist destinations but what about the rest of UAE!!! Here we bring to you some hidden gems from the country that will make your holiday to the country a much more enjoyable one while you discover some great new places to visit to…

Khorfakkan

Located just 25kms away from the Fujairah town center, Khorfakkan is a quiet beach stretch ideal for families. However the real secret of the beach is picturesque space, also known as Heart Beach that lies to the north end of the beach. Though it involves a bit of trek that takes about 15 minutes max, perhaps the reason why the place is still unspoiled, the spot that you will get to will be well worth the effort. The spot that you will find is so scenic that it could well be termed as a part of some masterpiece painting. The place is pure uninterrupted heaven with soft white sands and gentle blue oceanic waters. To add more to the whole experience, head back to the nearby Oceanic Hotel which offers some great diving and snorkeling tours.

Musandam

Located on the northern tip of Oman, Musandam offers some great beach fun for you and your family. Head on to the Khasab port and haggle with the fishermen to take you to a secluded bay. It is your luck where you end up as the place is full of both beautiful as well as spoiled coves. However, the trick is to keep going until you reach the perfect spot which are aplenty and offer you a slice of paradise all to yourself. Do wait up till nightfall when the phosphorescent algae in water make every splash seem like an underwater firework display. So what are you waiting for…Head on to this beautiful paradise and make your trip a memorable one!!!

Dibba

If described in a single word, the place can only be termed as ‘stunning’. This eastern coastline consists of some beautiful unspoiled and hidden beaches that are so remote that can only be accessed by a fishing boat or a six hour hike. Two of the most isolated beaches of the country can be found on this shoreline- Al Myam and Haffa. Al Myam is more exposed with its white sands framed with Hajar mountains and a small fishing community. Though the tourists are not allowed to walk on the beach, you can have some great fun from your boat itself along with some snorkeling. For someplace less remote, there are various other beaches in Dibba where you can enjoy some great views and deep blue waters.

Ghantoot

Just 20 minutes away from the bustling Dubai, Ghantoot beach makes you feel like you are a world away from real life with not a big hotel or crane spoiling the view. With white sands and turquoise blue waters, the place has just handful of people at any possible time that you would struggle to overhear the conversation of the nearby loungers. To add to the experience, there is a quaint little hotel named Golden Tulip nearby with a great café. When the night falls, head on to the other end of the beach that has a small bar which comes alive with people playing volleyball and having barbeques. If you are looking for the dual fun of peace as well frolics, Ghantoot is the right choice for you. 

Ras Al Khaimah

This small UAE Emirate has some of the most pristine and most beautiful concealed beaches. There are beaches that are pure white headland while clear unobstructed waters that lap on to the soft sandy beaches. There are no facilities on the beach making it one of the most pristine of all but you can find some great fun at the nearby hotels.

These are just a few of some hidden gems of UAE. Head on to these beaches and enjoy your own great Arabian Nights Adventure.      

Travel Tips for Your UAE Holiday

Planning a trip to UAE??? In addition to all those Visa requirements, there are many other things that you need to keep in mind while travelling in Middle East. Their society is considerably more formal and traditional than modern western societies. In fact, even those unfamiliar with the region know of the different code of etiquette followed in the society. In order to make your trip more comfortable and less troublesome, it is best to know of these differences beforehand and prepare for them ahead of the trip to avoid any future problems. Here are some tips regarding how to conduct yourself in the Middle Eastern society to get the maximum hospitality from your hosts:

Language:

Because of its diversely expatriate population, English in addition to Arabic is the most commonly spoken language in UAE. You may even hear snatches of Urdu, Hindi and Pashtu as well as various other dialects of Arabic.

Food:

In Middle East, communal eating is considered to be a sign of friendship. Also, it is best not eat with your left hand as it is considered to be unclean. In many places, it is considered polite to leave some food on the plate after eating. Do remember not to ask for any pork or pork products as Islam frowns upon the consumption of the same. Also, instead of asking for alcohol, accept the tea or coffee served to you by your hosts. This is because in UAE alcohol is only served in some restaurants and is not widely available as most observant Muslims do not drink or smoke.

Women Travelers

Women travelers to UAE should keep in mind the stringent conditions placed by the Middle Eastern society on the fairer sex. Though they are not required to cover their heads or wear the traditional dresses as the locals do, they are required to dress appropriately and conservatively according to the society rules. Many a time while visiting a mosque, you shall be even asked to wear an abaya that shall be provided to you at the mosque itself in adherence to the Muslim tradition.

Photography

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of any religious place or military installation or evn any Middle Eastern person, especially women.

Formal interactions:

Dress modestly and keep both your feet on the floor as it is considered as an insult to show the bottom of your feet to another person. Also, try not to be intrusive and keep your talks to general topics only rather than asking about the spouse or other family members. Another thing that you need to keep in mind while meeting and greeting locals is not to shake hands. Few men indulge in handshakes while most women refrain from touching men who are not from the family. Instead they show their sincerity and happiness in simply putting their hands on their hearts. Men and women may hold hands but should only do so if they are married or related.

Religion:

Though Islam is the official religion of UAE, the county recognizes other religions too.  You can find quite a few Christian churches as well as Hindu temples in addition to the Islamic mosques in the country.

Middle Easterners are great people who love to meet and greet people and are quite social and personable people. They also love to know their guests and expect their guests to respect their culture too. The place is a treasure trove of various attractions and is a great place to enjoy some sun and sand. So happy travelling!!!

         

Dubai Travel Tips

DUBAI TRAVEL TIPS

Dubai, very much like any other large global city, it has its own unique set of rules and regulations that Westerners are not always aware of on their first visit. Here are five things to be aware of if you are taking luxury Dubai holidays.

Things not to do in Dubai:

  1. Public shows of affection are strictly prohibited in Dubai, Yes you can hold hands but kissing between lovers should not be done in public.

2. Drinking alcohol in public is outlawed, if you are after a drinking holiday with a group of friends, Dubai may not be for you. Tourists can consume alcohol in licensed hotels and bars/restaurants/pubs. Non Muslim Expats can buy alcohol in special liquor stores if they hold a liquor license.

3. Exposing any skin from the neck down is frowned upon in Middle-Eastern countries, however In Dubai; the rules are relaxed slightly in an effort to be more tourists friendly. Beachwear should be worn on the beach and otherwise you should be dressed "normal", means no superfine skirt, no belly free shirts, no shorts while shopping etc

4.  Dubai, it has been known for people to be arrested for making an obscene gesture therefore never raise your middle finger. Remain polite and courteous at all times. Avoid jaywalking the streets. If caught you have to pay a fine.

5.  Drug possession is serious crime in any country, but in Dubai, it can lead to imprisonment and even a death sentence.

Things to Do:

1.       Dubai is known for really cheap gold, government keeps tight control over the quality of all the merchandise, so rest assured that your purchases will be genuine.

2.       If something in the window catches your fancy, be sure to barter — persistent protest capped with a walkway will get merchants to drop their asking price by as much as half.

3.       Golf is an obsession in Dubai. If you want to rub elbows with celebrities on the green, try the courses designed in Dubai.

4.       The centerpiece of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is its massive tank inhabited by 33,000 creatures such as sharks, rats and countless multi-colored tropical fish. Get up close and personal with the sharks in the walk-through tunnel.

5.       Experience the awesome Arabian wilderness on a desert safari. Activities to try out in the desert include ‘dune bashing’ in big 4x4 jeeps, dune bogging and sand skiing.