United Arab Emirates <div style="float: right; margin: 0 0 1em 1em"> <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="border: 1px solid #9866FF; background-color: #f3f3ff" width="200"> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Flag</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding: 2px">Image:tc-flag.png</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; border-top: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Quick Facts</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Capital'''</td><td>Abu Dhabi</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Government'''</td><td>federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates<br/></td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Currency'''</td><td>Emirati dirham (AED)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Area'''</td><td>''total:'' 82,880 sq km <br>''land:'' 82,880 sq km <br>''water:'' 0 sq km</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Population'''</td><td>2,445,989 <br>''note:'' includes 1,576,472 non-nationals (July 2002 est.)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Language'''</td><td>Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Religion'''</td><td>Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%</td></tr> </table> </div>  The '''United Arab Emirates''' is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. It has coastlines on the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, with Saudi Arabia to the west and southwest, and Oman to the southeast and also on the eastern tip of the Musandam Peninsula as well as an Omani enclave within its borders. It is a country rich in history and culture and an easy starting point for travels in the Middle East. ==Regions== The seven emirates (''imarat'', singular - ''imarah'') that make up the UAE are: * Abu Dhabi (''Abu Zaby'') * 'Ajman * Fujairah (''Al Fujayrah'') * Sharjah (''Ash Shariqah'') * Dubai (''Dubayy'') * Ra's al Khaymah * Umm al Qaywayn The largest and wealthiest of these is Abu Dhabi, while probably the most well known is Dubai. ==Cities== *Abu Dhabi - The capital of the UAE *Dubai - The most common entry point for travelers, it is the transport and commerce center of the UAE. ==Understand== The United Arab Emirates is a modern and dynamic country. One of the noteworthy and most interesting things about the UAE is that it is a developed country which has maintained its culture, and not become westernized. Arab culture is rich and has a long history. Travelers should be aware and respect the more traditional outlook in the UAE. The UAE is more conservative than most western societies, though not as conservative as some of its neighbors. Women are not required to wear a burka or a veil; however, all travelers should dress modestly. There is some confusion about whether is it appropriate for foreign men to wear traditional Arab robes and dishdasa in the UAE. Though if it is permitted, it is recommended, as it gives great relief from the sun and heat. One interesting bit of trivia about the UAE is that the border demarcation treaties of 1974 and 1977 with Saudi Arabia were never made public. So no one else in the world, except the governments of the two countries, knows exactly where the border is. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The main hub for air transport in the United Arab Emirates is Dubai, which is served by several major airlines, most notably Dubai-based ''Emirates''. Direct flights connect Dubai to Johannesburg, London, Riyadh, Bombay, Hong Kong, Paris, Frankfurt, New York City and Colombo. ===By car=== There is road access to the United Arab Emirates from Saudi Arabia in the south and Oman in the east. All highways in the UAE are in excellent condition. ===By boat=== There is a large network of Dhows which transport goods throughout the Gulf region and as far away as Tanzania and India. It may be possible to buy passage on one of these boats. They call at all coastal cities in the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. And plus they have a good miles have having fun ==Get around== Distances in the UAE are relatively short, so getting around by road is the most practical way to go. The roads are safe and in good condition; however, signage on the inter-city freeways is poor. Don't be surprised if you find yourself traveling over 100kmh, while navigating by the stars. People in the UAE drive '''extremely''' fast. Domestic air service is also an option. ==Talk== The official language is Arabic and is spoken almost universally. Other languages spoken in the UAE include: Persian, English, Hindi, and Urdu. Most people possess at least a basic command of English, though it is not uncommon to meet people whose English is limited. ==Buy== One of the things UAE is most famous for is shopping. If you are interested in shopping, you cant leave UAE without leaving Dubai. Dubai boasts the best places for shopping in the whole of the Middle East, if not the world! The currency is the '''Emirati dirham''' (''AED''). Rough conversion rates are 4:1 (USD) and 5:1 (EUR). Traveling in the UAE is quite cheap; bargaining is common. ==Sleep== The UAE has a full range of accommodations. There is a network of hostels in the country and a number of super-luxury hotels. The UAE boasts the world's only (self-proclaimed) seven star hotel, the Burj al-arab (Tower of Arabia). ==Stay safe== The crime rate is extremely low in the United Arab Emirates, there is nothing to be concerned about. The only place to be wary of criminals is the inner city areas of Dubai. ==Stay healthy== The water is safe to drink in the UAE and hospitals in the major centers are well-equipped to deal with any medical emergencies. The north-eastern part of the country is a malaria zone, so take appropriate precautions. Most of the country is desert, so ensure that you drink enough water. ==Contact== The country code is 971. The mobile phone network uses the GSM technology (as in Europe and Africa and use is widespread. There are internet cafes in the major towns. {{msg:stub}} fr:Émirats arabes unis de:Vereinigte Arabische Emirate First page | Prev | Next | Last page |

Thanks to all the contributors at wikitravel.org.

if you like cool drinks you may be interested in:

The best prices - up to 45% discount - the best brands - Armani, Lacoste, Aquascutum, Evisu, Prada, Burberrys - and the biggest range - new season stock still arriving - all makes the Brown Bag offering exciting

She Desires is the indulgence store for women. Selling everything from home spa products, to chocolate, adult toys and much more, She Desires has everything a woman could desire to pamper, indulge and feel good.

Hope you enjoyed reading about United Arab Emirates

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page - St Augustine

: Home ::