UAE - Eastern fairy tale and the embodiment of fantasies

United Arab Emirates They are located in the southwest of the world’s largest peninsula, the Arabian Peninsula. Its shores are washed by the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulf.

 

The country consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah, each is a mini-state.

The area of the country is 83,600 km2, for comparison, the area of the Sverdlovsk region is 194,800 km2, which is twice as large.

 

Population: approximately 9.2 million inhabitants. Full-fledged citizens of the UAE made up only 11% of the total population of the country. All other residents are immigrants from different countries, mainly India, Bangladesh, North Africa, etc. If the total number of inhabitants of the emirates is not exactly known, then the registration of indigenous people is very strict, up to one person.

 

Official language: Arabic. But in everyday life, English is predominant, because most of the residents are visitors. All hotel staff and vendors speak English. In recent years, due to the popularity of the emirates, Russian-speaking employees began to work among Russian tourists, Russian signs and signs appeared.

 

Official currency: dirham. 1 dirham is $0.273 or $1 (approximately AED3.66), the rate was fixed back in 1980, nothing has changed since then. 1 dirham is 16.9989 rubles (course on 08.06.2018). It is beneficial to change money in banks or in special exchange offices, it is undesirable to do it in hotels and shopping centers because of the unfavorable rate.

 

Abu Dhabi is the capital, a large and rich emirate, occupying 87% of the area of the entire state. Its main part is the Arabian desert, but the emirate is considered the greenest part of the country.

 

 

Wealth is not only in oil and gold, here are collected the most valuable sights.

 

The main attraction is the snow-white mosque of Sheikh Zayed. It is not the largest in the world, but by right the most luxurious. Macedonian marble, gold, precious stones, the largest carpet in the world and a huge golden chandelier with Swarovski crystals! It is stunningly beautiful and must-see, especially since the entrance is free. Another important attraction is the Heritage Village. The largest reconstruction of the life of local residents in ancient times. Various zones, installations and more, admission is also free.

 

 

For fans of more modern entertainment, Ferrari World amusement park, Yas WaterWorld water park, Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit track and much more were built. Despite the variety of entertainment, Abu Dhabi is less popular than the rest. The Tourism Authority is actively working on this.

 

 

Dubai is considered the most modern and less stringent emirate in terms of legislation. This emirate has everything: a lot of attractions, the most expensive and bright "hangouts", snow-white beaches, chic boutiques, the color of local residents - everything that a spoiled tourist can wish for.

 

Dubai is amazing, eyes run out, and the desire to feel part of this stunning metropolis grows with every second. There is something to do here: visit the tallest building in the world. Please. Update the wardrobe in the largest mall of the existing? Simple. Enjoy the biggest singing and dancing fountains on earth? No problem. Dubai is a scale, here collected all the biggest, best and most expensive. Noisy nightlife borders on a calm beach holiday. It is not boring here, except that the head is dizzy with variety.

 

 

What do you need to visit?

 

Of course, the tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa Tower: 160 floors and 830 meters high. Observation decks on the 124, 125 and 148 floors. Honestly, this is one of the most expensive entertainment in Dubai. Tickets are better booked in advance, or climb to the top with a tour group to save time and money.

 

Right at the foot of the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall – the largest shopping center of the existing total area of 1.2 million m2, a commercial area of 350 244 m2. You won’t find so many shops anywhere. Bypassing the Dubai Mall in one day is impossible to explore it takes more than a week. Here you will find one of the largest aquariums in the world, a waterfall with divers for pearls, a children's entertainment center, a gold market, a skating rink.

 

It is worth looking at the singing and dancing fountains, the largest in the world, which are located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. You don't have to pay to watch the show.

It is also worth visiting the local water park, dolphinarium and Legoland Park, believe me, it will be interesting even for adults. There is not enough time to list all the attractions in Dubai. But absolutely going to this emirate, everyone will find something for themselves.

 

 

Sharjah is the strictest of all emirates. Alcohol is completely prohibited here, and you will not find a single nightclub or hookah. It is in this emirate that Muslim traditions are observed so firmly that even for tourists there are a number of restrictions. For example, women do not need to wear short skirts and sweatshirts with a deep neckline, couples in love are not advised to actively show their feelings, etc. At the same time, this emirate is considered the calmest, it is chosen for a beach holiday with children. Here prices are lower than in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and getting to these centers is not difficult.

 

Sharjah may not be so rich in attractions, but there are things to do here besides "lying on the beach." In this emirate, the most museums to get around them is not enough for a week. There are also singing and dancing fountains, not as big as in Dubai, but also very beautiful. The Dolphinarium and the gold market are also noteworthy. Everything here is for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle.

 

Fujairah is good for a beach holiday, the price is several times lower than in the capital and Dubai. The gorgeous coast borders the mountains, and divers come for impressions. Also popular here is snorkeling (swimming with a mask, tube and flippers). Feature of Fujairah – many oases and mineral springs, so do not write off this emirate from the accounts.

 

Ajman is considered the smallest of the emirates, it is located in Sharjah. There is a low cost of rest on the coast, while it is easy to get to the main attractions.

 

The Emirates of Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain are not so in demand among travelers, they are only developing. Who knows, maybe in a couple of years, they will be able to surpass the power and beauty of Dubai.

 

We advise you to take a tour of Musandam – a voyage on the traditional Arab ship “Daw” on the Indian Ocean, you can admire nature and deserted beaches.

 

Our final recommendation is a desert safari. Going to the emirates and not going to the desert is nothing. You can ride jeeps with a driver, on quad bikes yourself or even ride a camel. Experiences after visiting the desert will stay with you for life.

 

 

The UAE is a real Arab fairy tale, the land of magic, wealth and beauty. No heart can remain indifferent, I want to come back here again and again.