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Emerates Information Complete guide to Emirates travel and holidays |
Emirates
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The
United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates;
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah
and Fujairah. The federation was formally established on 2 December
1971. The United Arab Emerates (UAE) occupies an area of 83,000 sq
km along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar lies
to the west, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman to the
north and east. The capital and the largest city of the federation,
Abu Dhabi, is located in the emirate of the same name. The United Arab Emeirates (UAE) is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. It boasts mountains, beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, Bedouin markets and the legendary duty-free shopping of Dubai, all packed into a relatively small area. It also has the most relaxed entry regulations in the region, the best tourist infrastructure and, despite promoting itself exclusively to tourists with a buck or three (or four) to spend, it's extremely accessible to independent budget travellers. When to GoThe best time of the year to visit the Emerates is between November and April, when the weather is at its best. The rest of the year you're more likely to be running from one air-conditioned environment to the next instead of getting out and about and exploring. Ramadan, the muslim month of fasting, is strictly adhered to in the UAE; that means no eating, drinking or smoking in public from sunrise to sunset. Places that normally serve alcohol stop serving it during this month. Ramadan is in December-January for the next couple of years. Money & CostsCurrency: UAE Dirham
Lodging The UAE is not a low-budget country, but it is possible to keep costs under a semblance of control. Plan on spending around US$50 a day for budget to mid-range travel; perhaps half that in Dubai and Fujairah, which have good youth hostels, and perhaps double that in Abu Dhabi, which has no cheap hotels. You can change money at moneychangers or banks; moneychangers sometimes offer better rates than banks but they can be fussy about changing traveller's cheques. The best currency to bring is US dollars, followed by British pounds. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are plenty of ATMs connected to one or more of the global ATM systems. Tips are not generally expected in the UAE, but they are certainly appreciated as most waiters earn extremely low salaries. The service charge added to your bill usually goes to the restaurant, not the serving staff. Most hotels are willing to negotiate discounts but virtually all other prices in the UAE are fixed. Full
country name: United Arab Emirates GDP: US$40
billion Facts for the TravelerVisas: British
citizens and nationals of most Gulf countries do not require visas;
Gulf citizens can stay as long as they want, Britons for up to three
months. All other visitors are required to have visas. Your hotel can
sponsor you for a 15-day, nonrenewable transit visa or a one-month
renewable visit visa. Note that if your passport shows evidence of
travel to Israel you will be denied entry to the UAE. Emerates
Events
Religious holidays are tied to the Islamic Hijra calendar, so dates vary from year to year. Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Pilgrimage), Lailat al-Mi'raj (the Ascension of the Prophet), the Prophet's Birthday and the Islamic New Year are the main celebrations. Secular holidays include New Year's Day (1 January) and National Day (1 December). |
Regions DUBAI |
