Bordered by the
Arabian Gulf to the north, the Hajar mountains and Arabian
Sea to the east and the vastness of the Arabian desert to
the south and west, the United Arab Emirates offers
travellers a unique holiday experience. The best of the
modern world combines happily with age-old traditions of
Arabian hospitality with the age-old traditions of Arabian
hospitality. Add to this, an inviting climate, excellent
sports and leisure facilities, uncrowded beaches,
spectacular desert and mountain scenery and a culture that
dates back centuries and it is easy to see why the UAE has
become such a popular destination amongst discerning
travellers from around the world.
Each of the seven formerly independent emirates that make up
the country has retained its own individual characteristics.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer all the sophistication of
contemporary living; Sharjah, smaller and quite, is renowned
for its souks; at Ajman and Umm Al Quwain there are still
reminders of the fishing villages that they once were; Ras
Al Khaimah, in the north, is hemmed in between the sea and
the mountains; and Fujairah, on the east coast, is more
peaceful still.
The UAE also offers some of the world's finest shopping
whether in the traditional souks or ultra-modern,
air-conditioned shopping malls. during the Holy Month of
Ramadan, please note that business and shopping hours may
differ from normal hours.
Although the UAE is a Muslim country, it is liberal towards
foreigners' dressing habits. However, guests should give due
consideration to local sensibilities and dress modestly.
To explore the country at you own pace, we strongly
recommend renting a car - please contact us for details of
our competitively-priced self-drive arrangement.
The heart of the Emirates
Dubai's creek forms both the visual and commercial focal
point of the city, a constant and picturesque reminder that
this is a city built on trade. Dubai has earned an
international reputation for the excellence and variety of
its shopping - from the latest electronic gadgetry and
up-to-the-minute fashions to antiques, handicrafts and some
of the world's finest and purest gold at some of the best
prices.
But there is more to Dubai than shopping. The combination of
sun, sand and sea makes for superb beach holidays; the
city's history can be explored in the narrow alley-ways of
the old town and in Dubai's excellent museum in the Al
Fahidi Fort; golf can be enjoyed at any the three
magnificent grass courses; and there is wining, dining and
entertainment to suit every taste in the many restaurants,
bars, discos and nightclubs.
We have a wide selection of recommended sightseeing tours
which will help you get to know this intriguing country. Not
to be missed is the Do Buy, Dubai Shopping Trip which points
out some of the best places for bargains - and where you may
use your Privilege Discount Card. Or explore further afield
with our All Pints East tour which takes you across the
desert and through the rugged Hajar mountains to the fishing
villages of the Arabian Sea coast. You can go off-road on
our Riddle of the Sands Safari, travelling far into the
desert to visit a Bedouin village, a camel farm and the
extraordinary Fossil Rock, embedded with fossils up to 80
million years old. Or watch the sun set over the desert
before enjoying a barbecue deep in the dunes on our
Sundowner safari.
Dubai is the leading center for business and tourism in the
Middle East. A city of some 800,000 inhabitants, it is the
second largest of the seven emirates which make up the
United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi, which is the capital city,
Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
are the other six emirates in the federation.
Dubai offers the visitor a fascinating kaleidoscope of
contrasts - a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless
desert, east and west, old and new. An exotic destination
with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Dubai combines the comfort
and convenience of the western world with the unique charm
and hospitality of Arabia.
If you're looking for an action-packed holiday, Dubai offers
superb facilities for sported and recreation, from golf and
watersports to desert safaris and dhow cruises. Or simply
the opportunity to relax and enjoy year-round sunshine on
our clean, uncrowded beaches.
Dubai is a shopper's paradise. Gold, jewellery, designer
creations, cameras, electronics, oriental rugs - whatever
your taste, you'll find it here. From ancient souks to
luxurious shopping malls, the visitor can count on bargains
galore.
Families are not forgotten. The city has many parks and
playgrounds to keep the youngsters amused. While at the end
of the day, Dubai's restaurants and nightspots offer a wide
choice of international cuisine and entertainment.
So go ahead and enjoy your stay in Dubai. A warm welcome
awaits you.
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