Anastasia Smith
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) with seven Emirates boasts a vast desert, many wetlands and an extensive coastline along the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf thus drawing scores of visitors to the historical sites, modern marvels and more. Find some useful insights into exploring this fascinating country.
With a blend of ancient traditions and modern architectural marvels, the UAE is an appealing destination for visitors around the world with each Emirate offering something unique. Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE and a vibrant hub for visitors while Dubai presents an impressive skyline. Sharjah is popular for its Arabian Markets, Umm Al Quwain for leisure, especially sailing and skydiving, and Fujairah is endowed with captivating beaches. Ajman is the smallest Emirate while Ras Al Khaimah is considered a budget-friendly Emirate.
The UAE is a year-round destination for tourists with each season having different events and festivities that can be experienced as you wish. The best time to visit any of the Emirates is from November to March when the winter season sets in. The weather becomes mild, and it is more comfortable to spend time outdoors like enjoying sightseeing in Abu Dhabi and many other possibilities.
With its well-maintained highways and a sound transportation network in place, getting around in the UAE is convenient and comfortable. Public transportation with a fleet of buses is excellent and reasonably priced, covering the cities and suburbs and even the airports. Ferry services are also popular among visitors in the UAE.
Uber and Careem are popular taxi services often used by guests at properties like Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort in Abu Dhabi. Those guests using car rental services to drive about in the UAE find the road signages in English extremely useful.
Acquiring an authentic experience of the UAE can be done by visiting some of the unique attractions of this nation. Your encounters at these special sites will evoke different feelings within you that will be truly memorable.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – This grand mosque in Abu Dhabi is awe-inspiring from outward beauty to inner charm, serenity, and grandeur. Witness the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world in the main prayer hall of this mosque.
The Louvre Museum – A remarkable partnership between the UAE and France this museum in the capital city, Abu Dhabi portrays outstanding architecture, a rich collection of art and artefacts and highly rated temporary exhibitions to bring variety and learning to the visitors.
Dhow Cruise – Don’t miss this cruise, be it at Abu Dhabi Corniche or Dubai Creek. The cruise on the traditional wooden boat is a fantastic way to witness the architectural marvels as seen from the water, especially at dusk a profound discovery of how the UAE has evolved over the centuries.
Desert Safari – Enjoy the awesome beauty of the golden desert through a desert safari, these include dune bashing, camel riding, and sleeping in a tent in the desert among other exciting activities.
As the UAE is an Islamic nation adhere to the following and pack appropriately.
Be modestly dressed in public places including places of worship.
Conduct yourselves in a restrained manner with no undue display of affection.
Respond to a polite greeting such as, as salamu alaykum with wa alaykum as-salam. This shows your respect for the friendly greeting.
Refrain from using alcohol in public areas except at restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Refrain from using offensive language and gestures.
Refrain from derogatory remarks about Islam or any other religion.
