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Asia Destinations

Things to See on Your Holidays in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is quickly growing into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is home to some of the best holiday home accommodation and many holiday makers return there year after year and rent holiday villas. You can rent luxurious holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments in the United Arab Emirates.

A federation of seven states including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Qaiwain, the United Arab Emirates was established in the year 1971. Craggy mountains, sand dunes, sandy beaches, lush green parks, dusty villages, ancient houses, vibrant souks and modern shopping malls of the United Arab Emirates offers a kaleidoscope of varied offerings for a tourist. Dubai is a shopper’s paradise and it is a great shopping destination with an array of products that are unrivalled.

Abu Dhabi is referred to as the Manhattan of the Middle East and is a modern city full of skyscrapers. It is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and connects the mainland with two bridges. It has many attractions like the Heritage Village, the beautiful Corniche or beach, the Al Hisn Fort, the Petroleum Exhibition, old souk or market, Breakwater Island, Sheik Zayed’s palace and the oldest part of the town, the Batin. It is also home to the White Fort called the Diwan Amiri. Abu Dhabi preserves many things from its past despite its modernization.

Al Ain, which is located sixty miles away from Abu Dhabi is an oasis and a caravan stop. It is rich with a huge fertile plain and picturesque scenery. Here there is a camel market, zoo and a museum that contains artefacts both old and new and some good examples of Mesopotamian pottery. A few kilometres away from Al Ain is a water spring called Ain Faidha. Archaeological sites can also be found near the Al Ain area. To the south of Al Ain is Hafit Mountain which contains ancient pottery, swords and tombs.

Dubai, hailed as the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, is another must see sight in the UAE. It was a seafaring settlement and a natural harbor for the fishermen and dhow traders. Bur Dubai houses the world renowned Gold Souk and spice Souk. The Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai museum offer a glimpse back into the rich ancient past of the country. Dubai hosts the Dubai World Cup, the PGA Desert Classic Golf tournament and the Dubai Shopping Festival. The camel riding, sand skiing, four wheel desert safaris, Bedouin barbeques and dhow cruises make it a great place for tourists to visit.

The desert is a spectacular destination for the tourists. Sand skis, camel rides, four wheel drives amidst the majestic red dunes and stark mountains offer the ultimate desert experience. The oasis in the desert is a great place to stay and the journey through the desert also offers an opportunity of meeting the Bedu folk or the nomadic tribes who are very hospitable. Watching the camel races at dawn is a great way to spend the day.

Visit Ras-al- Khaimah and you will get spectacular views of the old sea port, the Hajar Mountains, Dhaid and Khatt oases and mineral springs. The visit to Ras-al-Khaimah also includes trips to Dibba, a natural harbor and Khor Kalba, one of the most popular shell beaches in the world. The Drabhaniya ruins present in the place is another interesting historical spot.

Dubai has made a real effort in recent years to promote itself as a luxury holiday destination. It has spent billions of dollars putting the infrastructure in place to position itself as one of the best holiday destinations in the world. As part of that process Dubai has built some of the most luxurious holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments to be found any where in the world.