UAE

A collection of seven countries within one large country, the United Arab Emirates have become one of the go-to destinations for millions of visitors over the past couple of decades. Its popularity has only grown as cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi developed, adding huge glass skyscrapers, impressive hotels, shopping malls, beach resorts and all kinds of attractions for couples, families and individuals. Add the year-round sunshine, amazing scenery and welcoming people and it’s easy to see why visitors keep coming back year after year. But each individual Emirate has a unique offering to explore.

Dubai

The largest and most popular of the Emirates, Dubai has a population of just over 4 million people of which nearly 80% is expatriate. Thanks to its growing prominence as a centre of business, culture, education, tourism and construction, plus its favourable taxes, many foreigners choose to live and work in Dubai.

Featuring the world’s tallest building, one of the world’s busiest airports, some of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants, one of the world’s largest shopping malls and many other attractions, Dubai is one of the great travel destinations. Its infrastructure has improved greatly, meaning it is easier than ever to get around and enjoy your stay.

Fujairah

The easternmost of the Emirates, Fujairah is located on the Gulf of Oman. It is one of the least touristed with fewer attractions. But visitors will love what it does have to offer, including wild landscapes and a growing number of luxury resorts. Seen as an up-and-coming Emirate, Fujairah is experiencing a growth in business and infrastructure to attract more visitors.

Sharjah

Seen as largely an extension of Dubai, its closest neighbour, Sharjah is a historic part of the UAE. Traditionally a fishing port, and a stop on the UK’s Empire air routes, it has grown into a modern city which plays on its heritage. Tourism is growing and a number of recent projects like the Al Qasba canal and ferris wheel and the redeveloped Al Majaz Waterfront are attracting more visitors. There are many great hotels and resorts in Sharjah, and a number of cultural and family tourist attractions, including 16 museums.

Umm Al Quwain

Located north of Sharjah on the Persian Gulf coast, Umm Al Quwain is the smallest of the United Arab Emirates with a population of less than 78,000. A fort built in 1768 and a history as a trading post has given Umm Al Quwain its heritage, and today the petroleum industry is an important part of its economy. The fort and other historic monuments are among its main tourist attractions, as well as the Dreamland Aqua Park and offshore islands with their dense forests.

Ras Al Khaimah

One of the oldest parts of the UAE in terms of human inhabitation, Ras Al Khaimah is also home to its highest peak, Jabal Jais. This is its main tourist attraction, but also worth visiting are the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah situated in an old palace, plus its historic forts and impressive sand dunes. Known universally as RAK, the main area of population is RAK City which has a historic old town to explore, as well as resorts and hotels.

Ajman

The smallest Emirate by area, Ajman is north east of Sharjah with a port on the Persian Gulf. It has little in the way of attractions for visitors, but various old forts have been restored with some open as museums. The Ajman China Mall is a popular shopping venue for Chinese-made produce like electronic goods and clothing.