Compare United Arab Emirates Holidays

Overview

The United Arab Emirates on the southeastern tip of the ArabianPeninsula is a bit of an anathema in the Middle East. This union ofseven sovereign sheikhdoms was formed when the British withdrewfrom the Gulf in 1971, and today it is a modern, trend-settingconglomeration of high-rise cities with state-of-the-art touristinfrastructure, magnificent beaches and a paradise of duty freeshopping. Unlike other Arab states the UAE actually courts andencourages tourists, constantly adding and upgrading events andattractions to complement its renown as the shopping capital of theworld.The sun always shines on the UAE and its gleaming cities, themost popular of which is cosmopolitan, wealthy Dubai, which ischaracterised by a ten-mile long (16km) deep creek that forms anatural harbour. In Dubai resides the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone,which makes the city a must for shop-a-holics. A major attractionis the annual Dubai Shopping Festival.Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and one of the most moderncities in the world. Visitors revel in large gardens and parks,green boulevards, sophisticated high-rise buildings, moderncommunication services and transport, international luxury hotels,rich shopping malls and cultural centres. The city's airport ranksas one of the finest in the world.Just in case travellers forget they are actually in Arabia, theUAE also offers a host of experiences and attractions that utiliseits historic Bedouin heritage, including camel treks, hennatattoos, desert stargazing, 4x4 trips through sand dunes andcruises aboard a dhow. Hundreds of tour companies offer a varietyof excursions and adventure packages to suit all tastes andpersuasions.

Money

The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham (AED),which is divided into 100 fils. There are no currency regulationsin the UAE and all major currencies are readily exchanged at banksand large hotels. The Dirham is fixed against the US Dollar. Thebest exchange rates are found at private moneychangers who operatethroughout the territory, particularly in the more popular souks(markets) and shopping centres. Most major credit cards areaccepted, as are travellers cheques (best carried in US Dollars orPounds Sterling). ATMs are common throughout the UAE. Banking hoursare generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some arealso open between 4pm and 8.30pm.

Time

Local time is GMT +4.

Language

Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is widely used.

Climate

Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, the UAE has a sub-tropical aridclimate and is warm and sunny in winter, but hot and humid duringthe summer months. The humidity is particularly high in the coastalareas. Rainfall is virtually non-existent, with occasional shortshowers occurring mainly in winter (December to March). Localisedthunderstorms sometimes occur in summer.

Compare Holidays in United Arab Emirates

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