UAE

A series of seven kingdoms (emirates) located along the Persian Gulf, many of which have become fabulously wealthy due to the discovery of oil in the 1950s and 60’s. Each kingdom is ruled by its own royal dynasty and has slightly different rules, so all visitors should check local laws and customs. Its capital is Abu Dhabi, an island in the Gulf, renowned for its massive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. While the largest city, Dubai, has become an international centre of commerce and is home to the world’s tallest building. The UAE has a population of around 10 million, who live almost entirely in coastal areas.

The weather in the United Arab Emirates is characterised by a hot desert climate, with abundant sunshine year-round. Summers, which last from May to September, are extremely hot and humid. Daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C, especially in inland areas such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Coastal regions experience high humidity, while desert areas tend to be dry and scorching.

Winters, from November to March, offer much more pleasant conditions. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, and evenings are cool, making this the perfect time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Rain is rare and typically falls in brief bursts during the winter months. Spring and autumn serve as short transitional periods with warm days and comfortable nights.

Overall, the UAE enjoys sunshine almost every day of the year, making it a popular destination for beach lovers and those seeking guaranteed warm weather.

The first known human settlement in the city dates back to 3,000 BC, but the real turning point for the UAE wasn’t until oil was discovered in the 1950s. Before the first oil discoveries, the region of what is now known as the UAE thrived on the pearl trade and fishing. The pearl industry was in its prime for many years, with the first ever pearls from archaeological sites dating as far as 7,000 years. In 1962, oil was first exported, and the region’s fortunes were changed forever. The UAE’s strategic location between Europe and the Far East made it a key trading hub from the time of the Arab conquests in 630 AD. This dramatically increased in the 19th century when a series of agreements with the British made the ‘Emirates’ one of the pearl trading capitals of the world, and they all thrived. However, the Wall Street Crash and subsequent depression dramatically diminished demand, and they became relatively poor in the early half of the 20th century. Oil was first discovered in the Gulf in the 1930s, but vast new supplies were found in the 1950s and 1960s, swiftly making these countries among the richest in the world. This led to a building boom, with cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi investing heavily in infrastructure. The rulers of the seven emirates reached an agreement in 1971, forming seven united kingdoms under one flag, although the ruling families retain their influence over their individual provinces. Given the region’s long history, the UAE has a rich cultural heritage that has been heavily influenced by its unique terrain, comprising deserts, oases, coastline, and mountains. Before the region’s modernisation, the harsh conditions required resourcefulness and resilience to survive, which were fostered by a tribal structure in which family, respect, honour, and selfless hospitality, as well as Islam, were at the forefront of culture. These attributes are still strongly prevalent in today’s Emirati culture. Whilst the UAE is considered to be the most liberal country on the Arabian Peninsula, social norms and customs should still be observed.

Emirati cuisine blends the flavours of Asia with the signature ingredients of the Middle East (which focus heavily on meat, grains and dairy). Some typical Emirati dishes include Al Jabab Bread, Falafel, kebab dishes, camel dishes, and a mixed rice dish called Kabsa. But with all the traditional food on offer, the city is probably best known for its many global dining options; visitors will often find everything from Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Indian, American, British, French, Italian, Spanish, and many more. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also particularly popular destinations for celebrity chefs and high-end restaurant chains. If fine dining is your thing, you will not be disappointed here. Camel meat is considered the height of luxury and is usually reserved for special occasions. Like many Middle Eastern Countries, breakfast is absolutely vital and usually consists of eggs, cheese, vegetables and bread. At the same time, almost every dish is accompanied by mint-infused red tea or Arabic coffee (a bit like espresso).

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are wonderful places to take children, thanks to the many incredible facilities built specifically for the younger members of the clan. The best of these are found in Dubai, with the Wild Wadi Waterpark offering aquatic fun for people of all ages and the vast Kidzania: a city designed specifically for children to play in. Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is also excellent, featuring several great rides, including the world’s fastest roller coaster. Families will also find a load of fantastic facilities in the huge malls of both cities, with features like ice rinks and cinemas common.

No trip to the UAE would be complete without a visit to Dubai’s pair of massive skyscrapers, known as Burj al Arab and Burj Khalifa. The former is an architectural wonder shaped like a sailboat in the middle of the Persian Gulf, while the latter stands 830 metres above the city, making it the world’s tallest building. The Jumeriah Beach in Dubai is also an excellent place to visit, thanks to its golden sands and cool atmosphere. Abu Dhabi is equally good, with the desert around it ideal for thrill seekers, and the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque an absolute must.

The UAE is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to nightlife, with wild partying hotspots like Dubai and, to a certain extent, Abu Dhabi, alongside the other Emirates, where alcohol is frowned on. All visitors should note that the legal drinking age is 21 and any crimes committed, like drink driving, are likely to be punished more severely than in the West. The best nightlife is found in Dubai, where cool clubs and chic bars are the norm and internationally recognised entertainment acts regularly perform. Abu Dhabi is slightly more relaxed, offering a chilled-out party atmosphere that is generally centred around the 5-mile Corniche that runs along its seafront.

A shopper’s dream, it has some of the largest and most impressive shopping centres in the world. This, combined with the smaller, more traditional souks, ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy. The biggest mall in the county is the Dubai Mall, which hosts more than 1200 stores and sells pretty much everything. The Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi is also large and has more than 400 shops. Dubai’s famous gold souk is also well worth a visit and contains more than 300 jewellery stores.