Travel the ‘Emirates’ of UAE

Having grown from a quiet backwater to becoming one of the leading Middle eastern tourist destinations, UAE is home to some of the fastest growing and most dynamic cities of the world. You can find world’s largest man made islands, world’s tallest building, as well as some of the world’s best shopping centers right here along with traditional Arabic culture and a history that dates back to thousands of years. The place is full of crowded shopping malls as well as secluded sand dunes that will make your holiday memorable one. However, most of the people are aware of either Dubai or the Abu Dhabi regions of the country. The country has much more to offer than that. In fact, there are a total of seven emirates that make up the country. Though the most well known among these is Dubai, others are equally fascinating and are well worth a visit.

Umm Al Quwain:

 

Consisting of some of the most beautiful stretches of lush green mangrove forests dotting the Persian Gulf shores, Umm al Quwain is like a peaceful heaven with rolling sand dunes accompanying the fertile oasis surrounding the Falaj Al Moalla. Said to be one of the most peaceful of all UAE Emirates, the place is free from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, that does not mean that the place is devoid of attractions. The place is home to world’s largest aquapark known as Dreamland as well as the first UAE aviation club that is world known for its skydiving and parachute championships. There is also the Corniche for those who love to smoke shisha accompanied by the sound of waves. Not only this, you can make your holidays much more memorable with traditional Arabian adventure activities such as camel racing, falconry as well as sailing in addition to the regular water sports activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, wind surfing and water skiing.

Sharjah

Though a little dusty and chaotic compared to the other UAE Emirates, Sharjah has a unique charm for all the tourists. Being the third largest of all the seven emirates, Sharjah is the only one of all to have lands on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Located just next to Dubai, the place is much cheaper compared to its neighbor and has many attractions worth visiting for its tourists. There is the Heritage area located near the Burj Avenue that has some of the most exciting and interesting sites of the emirate. In addition to this, there are also various other museums and desert parks that you can visit. The place is also a treasure haven for those looking to sample some of the Middle eastern delights as delicacies and drinks are available all over the city at very cheap prices. However, the emirate, also known as ‘dry emirate’, forbids sale or possession of alcohol in any form.

Fujairah

Located on the easternmost corner of UAE, Fujairah is the youngest of all emirates considering it became independent from Sharjah in 1952. It is also the only emirate to not have a coastline along the Persian Gulf. The place has witnessed rapid growth in terms of social and economic development recently though the place is yet to be noticed much on the tourism radar. However, this makes it all the more attractive for those who yearn to escape the mad tourist crowds and look for peaceful places to unwind. The place is home to the oldest mosque of UAE that was built in 1446 with mud and bricks. Some of the other interesting places to visit in the emirate include the Fujairah fort as well as a museum located right next to it, though construction of a heritage village is underway. However, if you like to enjoy sunny beaches and practice sea activities, it is best to go to the city of Diba where you get to hire a boat to visit the islands that lie in the Gulf of Oman. All things considered, Fujairah is more suitable as a base stop from where you can go on to further trips rather than anything else. 

Ras Al Khaimah

Nestled between the Persian gulf and the Hajjar mountains, Ras Al Khaymah shares its borders with the Oman Sultanate. The place has a fascinating topography what with the clean white beaches fringing the calm beaches, dramatic sand dunes along with the majestic Hajjar Mountains, all at one place. With various beautiful wildlife conservatories and sanctuaries as well as numerous tourist landmarks, the place is fast becoming one of the leading tourist destinations of UAE. To add more to its appeal, with the completion of the new Emirates highway, the place is now just an hour away from Dubai. Some of the must see attractions of the place include the Al Jazirah Al Hamra, Khatt Springs, Prehistoric Shimal, Dhayah village, Ras Al Khaimah National Museum, the Old City, and various others. The place is well worth a visit if you like to enjoy camel races, camping, picnics, desert safaris, quad biking as well as various other adventure activities.

Ajman

Considered to be the smallest of all seven emirates, Ajman is located smack in the middle of UAE as a whole. This makes it highly accessible with roads leading to it from Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain along with the main Emirates road. In addition to spectacular sunny white beaches with cool blue waters lapping, the place is home to many a designer outlets as well as dining options. There is also a traditional Iranian souq where you can buy some interesting domestic goods as well as pottery options that are sure to make your trip worthwile. For those looking for some historical fun, there is the Ajman Museum as well as an old fort that was built in 16^th century where you can see the different artifacts as well as the reconstruction of traditional life. Alcohol is easily available in this emirate and is served in many hotels and restaurants.

Dubai

One of the most progressive and modern emirates of UAE, Dubai is a popular tourist destination that is essentially a desert city with exceptional infrastructure, liberal policies and excellent tourist amenities. With just 5 hours away from Europe, the place makes for a great place for partying, shopping, sporting events, sunbathing and various other sinful pleasures. If you are looking for the biggest, the fastest, the highest and the largest, Dubai is the place. In fact, with the largest immigrant population of the world, the place hardly seems like an Arab emirate once you land into it. The place has so many attractions that they can hardly fit into a list. The place is home to Burj Dubai, Jumeirah Museum, the Gold Souk, Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, Palm Islands and various others. In addition to these attractions, the place is also a popular shopping destination what with the spice souks, diamond park, Jumeirah Town Center and several others. There is also the Dubai Shopping Festival that has some of the top world brands coming in to present amazing deals to the customers. In terms of dining to, the place has many multi cuisine options with several leading world food chains having their outlets in the city. In short, the place is a world in itself with both international and traditional attractions on offer.

Abu Dhabi

Largest of all emirates, Abu Dhabi is also the capital of UAE. In addition to this, the emirate is also the first among its counterparts to export oil in 1962. In fact, its long coastline that stretches over the shallow waters of Southern Gulf and were once considered to be the world’s best waters for pearling. This emirate is also the most populated of all with some of the world’s largest sand dunes. These offer a great opportunity for Desert safaris and other sand adventures that make for a complete Arabian adventure. In addition to some of the finest hotels, the place is also home to delicious Arabic gastronomical delights that are sure to put your taste buds in a party mood. Though the place is much more conservative compared to Dubai, it does not lack in any way in terms of attractions. The place has Sheikh Zayed mosque which is counted amongst the most beautiful mosques of the world, Ferrari world which is the first theme park of its kind to be styled around the Ferrari cars, Al Hosn Palace which is one of the oldest buildings of the city and many others. The place has something for everyone from individuals to couples to families.

So come visit UAE and get to experience an Arabian Nights adventure that is full of palaces, sand dunes as well as beaches perfect for any person.

Some Luxuries Things Not To Miss in Dubai

Dubai one of the world’s most opulent destinations – are spoilt for choice when it comes to seeking luxury. The city has become one the most popular playgrounds of the rich and famous, and has made many a statement with several of the world’s tallest buildings, man-made islands and even a huge indoor ski slope and all this in the middle of a desert.  Here are five luxuries you won’t want to miss on a visit to Dubai.

The Gold Souk

Unlike anything you have seen in the world, Dubai’s Gold Souk is a market that showcases seemingly endless amounts of gold jewelry. Dubai is known for really cheap gold — but you'll have to haggle for it. Whether or not you're ready to buy, a stroll through the dazzling Gold Souk is a must. The stores also offer platinum, diamonds and occasionally silver, and the government keeps tight control over the quality of all the merchandise, so rest assured that your purchases will be genuine.(The same cannot be said, however, of the street vendors outside hawking "genuine fake" watches and "Guuci" handbags.) 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. Less atmospheric, but even cheaper, is the Gold & Diamond Park, where you can find unique designs or get jewelers to recreate pieces for you at a fraction of the cost of the original.

Dubai Hot Air Balloon

If you still have a head for heights, then why not see Dubai and the surrounding desert from a hot air balloon? Leave the glitz and glamour of Dubai behind and join this early-morning hot-air balloon expedition deep in the heart of the desert. Rising early to see the desert is something you'll never forget! Prepare for an exhilarating flight with unrivaled views as you enjoy a magic carpet ride over giant red sands, emerald green oases, gazelles and wandering camels. Wake up early and watch the sunrise on this one-hour Dubai balloon flight deep into the heart of the desert Unforgettable views. Personalized flight certificate for every passenger, signed by the Pilot-in-Command.

Brunch in Dubai

To brunch in Dubai is a way of life, the weekend starts early on a Friday with an all-you-can-eat and drink mentality. If you are holidaying in Dubai and visiting on a Friday, you must experience the traditional 'Friday Brunch' which has now become a standard feature across Dubai.  Friday is the first day of the weekend and a religious day; therefore you'll find most places of interest shut during the morning to allow for Friday prayers.  In the past, major shopping malls would only open from 1pm, but now laws are more relaxed and the malls do open earlier.  You will find many expats choose to stay up late on a Thursday and relish the lie-in and slow Friday start with a trip to one of the Brunch haunts in the majority of Dubai hotels.  Brunch normally starts at 12.30 and it is advised not to eat anything before you arrive.  You will be greeted with a feast of food - that will be hard to absorb, even with just your eyes!  If it’s your first time, go for one of the mid range options where you know the food is of good quality and variety and if with children, there are deals and of course activities to keep them happy.  If you really want to splash out, go for one of the top five star hotels that offer a champagne brunch with all the trimmings (non- alcoholic package will be available and cheaper), this will really be the icing of your holiday and will leave you so full, you'll be on salad and soup the next day! Be sure to make a reservation beforehand for any Friday Brunch venue.

The Beach

You'll definitely want to see the shore while you're in town. The posher beach hotels have partitioned off the majority of the sand, so if you're not staying on the Jumeirah beach strip, your best bet is Al Mamzar, a public beach near the neighboring emirate of Sharjah. The clogged artery of a road that connects the cities means it's frustratingly inaccessible during the work week. Other good alternatives are Jumeirah Beach Park with its small coffee shop and AED 5 ($1.30) entrance fee, or the free stretch of sand running the length of Umm Suqeim, known as Kite Beach due to its popularity with the city's kite-surfers. If you insist on a more luxurious beach experience, then a few hotels will allow you to sit on their sand for a fee

UAE Food Tourism

United Arab Emirates is a rich cultural tourist destination that has something for everyone. Being just five hours away from Europe, Dubai, the desert city, makes for an ideal winter getaway. However, the real hero that is seldom acknowledged is the food. You can find almost anything from any cuisine in this country.

Traditional food cuisines

The key to enjoying the food culture of UAE lies not in the ingredients but the hospitality that is bestowed upon the guests while serving. Guests are treated honorably no matter what type of living they make and are expected to eat until they are close to bursting. Though some of the Middle eastern food is known to all, but there are various other country delicacies that may be completely unknown to you. For example, there is

falafel that is slowly making its inroads on the world palate. Served wrapped in pita bread with a variety of toppings, this is a popular street food that you can find in the stalls all around the UAE, particularly in Dubai. When you think of dining in Dubai or anywhere else in UAE think of a large platter placed right in the middle of the table with heaps of rice, chicken or lamb and a number of side dishes such as the stewed vegetables. Another add on to any meal is a rich Coffee that makes the meal complete.

Eating Out

If you are looking for some delectable eating out options, UAE has some o the most delicious culinary gems dotted all over its cities. Whether it is Dubai or Abu Dhabi you are spoilt for choices. In fact, there are special food tours that let you explore the cities not with your eyes but your tummy. Savor the rich ethnic culture served up on the streets of the UAE and take home not just an Arabian visual experience but an Arabian Nights food experience too. For one of the most famous gourmet meals served in Dubai, head to Al Muntaha hotel located inside the majestic Burj Al Arab. This restaurant offers an awesome and stupendous view of the sea from high above the building. Your tummy is gonna thank you as you tuck in the gastronomically delicious gourmet food with seared scallops or lobster Caesar salad along with prime roasted beef with mustard crust for entrée.  Another famous tummy attraction is Verre, the restaurant by famous celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

So, come visit UAE and savor attractions that delight not just your eyes and mind but your palate too.