In 1971, seven states in the far north of the Arabian Peninsula (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah) decided to proclaim their independence from the British colonial empire and to form under a single nation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In only thirty years of existence, this country has experienced exceptional growth thanks to its reserves of raw materials (mainly oil), to trade and then for some years now thanks to tourism. Between tradition, luxury and modernism, between spectacular architecture of the cities and dunes of the desert, come to discover these surprising territories which reserve many surprises. Near the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia is to the south and west, the Sultanate of Oman to the east, and the Persian Gulf to the north. You will enter here a real land of contrasts, the country mixes, indeed, totally diverse elements such as mountains, deserts, beaches, oases, modern cities with gigantic skyscrapers, camel races, Bedouin crafts, business centers and huge shopping centers. Apart from the coast and modern cities, the landscapes of the United Arab Emirates are essentially desert. The coastal area along the Persian Gulf is made up of a multitude of small islands. Finally, the mountains cross the country from the interior and end in the peninsula of Musamdam in Oman. High quality hotels in the United Arab Emirates are an exceptional offer. You will be amazed by its modern tourist infrastructures, its attractions, its duty free shopping centres, its futuristic mushroom towns and their breathtaking skyscrapers... The United Arab Emirates enjoys a very mild climate; in Dubai, for example, there are only 17 days of rain per year. The society is modern, cosmopolitan and welcoming towards Westerners. English is spoken almost everywhere (in tourist areas) which facilitates exchanges. The formalities for entering the country are relatively simple for the region. It is advisable to avoid travelling to the United Arab Emirates during the summer season (between May and September) as the heat is extreme (sometimes approaching 48°C). A large majority of tourists come to Dubai in the spring for the Shopping Festival. Temperatures from December to February are better for outdoor visits, nights are often cooler. The United Arab Emirates are qualified by a land of contrasts, very recent cities, a diversified fauna: pink flamingos, falcons, sand gazelles, camels, Arabian oryx, desert foxes, Tahr. Dubai, symbol of extravagance, is the first of the emirates to have embarked on mass seaside tourism in the region. Following this real success (more than 7.5 million visitors each year) the neighbouring emirates such as Abu Dhabi and to a lesser extent Sharjah have also decided to develop the attraction of their country towards demanding Western tourists. However, the United Arab Emirates is not only a paradise for tourists with luxurious tastes as can be imagined through Dubai's hotels. Here, the population has managed to keep its traditions and its own culture, inherited from the time when its desert coasts still sheltered only a few Bedouin tribes.

Art and culture in the United Arab Emirates

Culturally aside from its Bedouin past and traditions the recent country does not have a vast cultural wealth. However, as far as local crafts are concerned, the choice is immense. The shops, souks and shops of the cities sell carpets, goat hides and skins, magnificent oriental daggers (Khandjars), gold, silver and wooden jewellery. The famous Golden Souk or gold souk represents more than 400 shops where tons of gold and precious stones are traded. Here, thanks to the tax exemption, gold is marketed at prices that defy all competition in the world. The spice souk is also very popular with Western tourists, you will find cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, henna, incense etc..

What to visit in the United Arab Emirates

The country where everything is possible! In less than 24 hours, on holiday in the United Arab Emirates, it is possible to ski, to take a sea bath by 38 °C outside and to cross the desert on camel! You can also take a traditional boat cruise, fly over the desert in a hot-air balloon, sail along huge artificial islands in a fast boat, or drive through the mountains in a rental car in the United Arab Emirates, but then choose a 4x4, smoke the hookah in an ancient Bedouin camp... It is the ideal place for tourists seeking comfort and a change of scenery in a setting worthy of a thousand and one nights of a lush oasis. The United Arab Emirates is a country we often hear about thanks to the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Yet this small country is an immense world power that is only growing. In town as in province, the United Arab Emirates propose impressive landscapes and buildings, which have no equivalent in Europe. You still hesitate to choose this destination? You hesitate among the different places to visit? Evaneos travellers, back from the Emirates, reveal their opinions and their advice to allow you to create a trip in your image, according to your desires. If you are a city dweller, the United Arab Emirates are for you with Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two surprising and extravagant cities. You will have the chance to discover the highest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, or visit the magnificent Abu Dhabi mosque. But these cities are not the only treasures of the Emirates. Want some peace and quiet? You can go on an expedition in the desert. And for the seaside pleasures, finish your trip in seaside towns like Sharjah. Whether it is for a family trip, a solitary stay or a honeymoon, the members of the Evaneos community are there to guide you and make your trip to the United Arab Emirates an unforgettable moment!

1. Dubai

How not to start with this town. The majority of the city has emerged from the ground in recent decades. When you think about it, it's incredible such a development in such a short time. The new Dubai competes in ingenuity to build ever larger buildings and develop crazy projects like the artificial islands "The World". But the city has two faces. Old Dubai is full of charm and has kept a touch of authenticity. That is what we appreciated during this trip.

2. Abu Dhabi

The city of Abu Dhabi has long remained in the shadow of Dubai leaving its eccentricity. But it only took a few years for the capital of the Emirates to turn to tourism. Because of the distance and traffic congestion, it is tiring to travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai during the day. It is therefore better to devote 2 days to it. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque must not be missed on the spot. It is one of the 10 largest in the world. There are also the Emirates Palace, Yas Waterworld and Qasr al-Hosn to see.

3. The Desert

The desert is omnipresent throughout the country. It is at the gates of Dubai. This allows you to quickly get there and organize days in the desert very easily over the day. Among the most fun activities to do, there are outings in 4x4 or buggy in the dunes, traditional dinner in the desert, camel ride or discovery of the art of falconry.

4. Ferrari World and Formula 1

Abu Dhabi wants to achieve international fame. To do this, the city has built one of the most modern F1 circuits, the Yas Marina Circuit. You can of course come and see courses, but visits are also possible. The must is still driving a race car or a GT on the circuit! It's not cheap but the experience is great. If you're into the world of F1, why not prolong the fun at the Ferrari World. It's a huge amusement park dedicated to the prancing horse brand. He owns the fastest roller coaster in the world!

5. Oasis Al Ain

UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Al Ain Oasis will be a perfect place to escape the crowd of Dubai and the heat of the desert. Come and stroll in this magnificent palm grove which is always in activity. This is your chance to freshen up and relax. Before you leave, don't forget to enjoy the view from Jebel Hafeet. It's even more beautiful at sunset.

6. Fujairah

The Emirate of Fujairah is well known for its forts. There are many in the area. Starting with the most famous of all, Fort Fujairah. But there is also Fort Al Awhlah, Fort Al Hail and Fort al Bithna. It is recommended that you use a guide to visit these places and better understand their stories. If you have a little time, go see the mosque of Fujairah which is magnificent.

7. Ras El Khaimah

The city of Ras El Khaimah is unknown to most travellers and has many assets. Starting with the archaeological site of Shimal which is quite interesting. Otherwise the beaches are very beautiful and perfect to rest. I mean, you have to know that the star here is the pearl. One of the most beautiful in the world. If the price cools you down, go to the museum dedicated to him instead.

8. Sharjah

The city of Sharjah is very dynamic and offers many opportunities for entertainment. Because of its canal, it is known as the Venice of the Emirates. Do not miss the visit of its souks. But if one comes here, it is above all for the landscapes that one can find in the surroundings of the city. They are among the most beautiful and varied in the country.

9. Sir Bani Yas Island

To the west of the country, the island of Sir Bani Yas is one of the country's most essential destinations. The island is oriented towards a high-end tourism with hotels and restaurants of great standing. Here, nature has its place because more than half of the island is covered with nature where animals can walk freely. This is the opportunity to make superb safaris photos!

10. Excursion to Oman or Doha

As long as you are around, you are recommended to visit neighbouring countries like Qatar and its city Doha. But Oman largely has our preference. Muscat, its capital, is worth the detour but what we love above all is its landscapes between sea and desert. It's absolutely splendid. To see before the mass tourism does not tip its nose.

Gastronomic specialities in the United Arab Emirates

The Emirates cuisine draws its origins from its Bedouin past, a traditional meal is composed of flour cakes cooked under the ashes, bread, dates, camel milk. Oriental gastronomy is thus present in the traditional restaurants where you will find excellent Hareis (fillet of sheep served with wheat), Matchbous (spicy sheep accompanied with rice), Homous (chickpea and tahini puree) and Tabbouleh (chopped parsley, mint and crushed wheat salad) However today Lebanese cuisine is very popular in the country. Finally, for dessert, try delicious pastries such as Mehalabiya, a pudding made with pistachios and flavoured with rose water. In short, if you fall for this destination, you will take a flight to the United Arab Emirates full of flavors!

More information on the United Arab Emirates

All the cities in the Arab Emirates of the Gulf are undergoing rapid transformations, whether in demography, economy, urban planning or even political life. But it is undoubtedly in Dubai, the city of the United Arab Emirates which is today the most important (one and a half million inhabitants in 2009, whereas Abu Dhabi, the capital, is content to exceed one million inhabitants), that the changes are the most spectacular. In Dubai, service activities are becoming predominant, particularly in the banking sector, which threatens to take the place of Manama, the leading banking centre in the Gulf, international trade or tourism. For example, Dubai received six million tourists in 2005, and nine million were expected in 2008.
In Dubai, skyscrapers, building sites, cranes, highways follow one another between sea and desert and the city becomes a strange dream of modernity. The workers, mainly from Asia, work there day and night. But this poorly paid workforce, with wages of 700 to 800 dirhams (between 217 and 248 euros), began to strike. It is in the emirate of Dubai that the most titanic projects have been launched: the three "palm islands", luxury residential complexes reclaimed from the sea, the highest tower in the world - Burj Dubai - which should reach 800 metres, a covered ski run integrated into a shopping centre, etc.
All the cities in the Emirates, whether Abu Dhabi (where foreign universities, four new museums and a huge performing arts centre are developing), Kuwait, Manama, Doha or Muscat, dream of becoming a cultural place in the Middle East. The latest of these is the Qatar Museum of Muslim Art in Doha, which was inaugurated on 22 November 2008 in the presence of the Chinese architect I. M. Pei, who had already completed many works including the pyramid of the Louvre.
The five Gulf emirates (Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates), together with Saudi Arabia, form the Gulf Cooperation Council, established in May 1981. It therefore seems useful to analyse the history of the Gulf emirates.
Very poor and sparsely populated before the exploitation of oil, these emirates passed without transition from the most extreme misery to the most unbridled opulence. These five states have many common features: same political structures, same ingratitude of climatic conditions, history often comparable with the same British control from the 19th century onwards, same upheavals - economic and sociological factors brought about by oil wealth, disrupted by the Iraq-Iran war, the Gulf War, the invasion of Iraq, but also the stagnation of the price of oil and its vertiginous rise before its recent collapse, and finally the global economic crisis affecting the whole world, including - of course - the Gulf emirates.