Tourist guide United Arab Emirates

On the south eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE is comprised of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. In 1999, it won the world’s safest holiday destination award. Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital and largest emirate, is a modern city shaped by its ancient Bedouin culture. Visitors come to share traditional pastimes like camel racing, sport of sheikhs (the ancient skill of falconry) and dhow building, while enjoying the warm beaches and 200 islands that dot the coast. Dubai is home to the Gold and Spice Souks, Hatta mountains and Dubai Creek, which divides the emirate into two, Bur Dubai and Deira. Sharjah, with beaches on both the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, was named the cultural capital of the Arab world by Unesco in 1999. Find excellent bargains in the souks of Ajman, the smallest emirate. Clean beaches, lagoons and horse stables in Umm al-Qaiwain, create a relaxing atmosphere. Ras al-Khaimah, northern most emirate of the UAE, is known for its fishing, trading and agricultural traditions. Fujairah, separated by the Hajar mountain range, is the only emirate on the eastern side of the UAE. Tradition, tolerance and respect shape the UAE culture. Hospitality is a treasured value, making the United Arab Emirates a welcoming and comfortable destination for any event.

Useful information

Timezone : GMT +4
Telephone prefix : +971
Weight & measures : Metric system
Electricity : 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz

Identity card

Capital :
Abu Dhabi

Main cities :
Dubai - Abu Dhabi

Official language :
Arabic, Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Currency

Dirham (AED)

AED 1.00 = AED 1.00 / A$ 0.27 / C$ 0.27 / € 0.19 / NZ$ 0.36 / £ 0.17 / US$ 0.27 / R 1.88

Public hoildays

New Year's Day: 1 January 2011 / 2012
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday: 16 February 2011 / 5 February 2012
Start of Ramadan: 31 July 2011 / 22 July 2012
Eid Al Fitr: 30 August 2011 / 21 August 2012
Arafat (Haj) Day: 6 November 2011 / 25 October 2012
Eid Al Adha: 7 November 2011 / 26 October 2012
UAE National Day: 2 December - 3 December 2011 / 2012
Hijri New Year’s Day: 27 November 2011 / 15 November 2012