UNITED ARAB

EMIRATESABU DHABI

I.BASIC FACTS ABOUT UAE

Official Language: ARABIC, most people speak English as well.

Capital: Abu Dhabi

Largest City: Dubai

Form of Government: Federation of Monarchies

Religion: Islam

Population: 8,190,00 (2009 estimate)

Currency: UAE Dirham

II. ACCESS ROUTESAIR

II. ACCESS ROUTESLAND

II. ACCESS ROUTESSEA

III. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

MOST VISITED TOURIST

ATTRACTIONS

BURJ KHALIFAThe Burj Khalifa is one of the

United Arab Emirates most famous buildings and the soaring sky-high landmark of Dubai. Not only is it the world's tallest building, but it also lays claim to the titles of tallest freestanding structure in the world, highest observation deck in the world and elevator with the longest travel distance in the world. A trip up to the observation deck with its panoramic views across Dubai is a sightseeing highlight for most tourists who visit, though for those who suffer from vertigo it might be best to give it a miss.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a mammoth modern mosque of incredible beauty. Harnessing contemporary design and ancient craftsmanship skills, the mosque is a harmonious blend of modern and old. It doesn't fail to dazzle all who enter with its lavish use of gold, mosaic work and glass work, marble in gigantic proportions and blindingly white stone contrasting dramatically under the Emirati blue sky.

Jebel HafeetThe summit of Jebel

Hafeet is a favourite day trip from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with sumptuous desert panoramas all the way up to the top on the winding road. After the twisting mountain road drive, it's all about the views and you are rewarded with being able to see across the area's vast sweep of desert.

Al-Bidyah MosqueThe oldest mosque in the United

Arab Emirates, Al-Bidyah is an important historical site that lies in the Emirate of Fujairah. Although modest in proportions, this adobe building was beautifully designed with its original ventilation shaft patterns in the walls still visible. The entire surrounding area is an archaeological site, where many pottery and metal artifacts have been excavated.

Hajar MountainsThe Hajar

Mountains scythe through the desert, creating the jagged and wild heart of the United Arab Emirates. Twisting roller-coaster roads with spectacular scenery along the way connects the region's tiny villages. There are wadis (valleys) to explore and hiking opportunities around.

Sharjah Arts MuseumThe most

important museum dedicated to the arts in the country, this modern Sharjah museum is home to the most diverse art collection in the United Arab Emirates. The museum is recognised for its collection of works by Arabic artists and also for its important pieces by European artists who specialised in painting the Arab world. The museum is also noted for its program of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation

One of the best museums in the country to focus on Islamic history, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation has fascinating exhibits dating from the early years of the Islamic empire. Many displays feature manuscripts and religious documents, and tourists will find them easy to understand thanks to excellent information boards throughout.

Dubai MuseumDubai's museum is a great

place to get a feel for traditional life before the oil boom transformed the United Arab Emirates. There are good displays about local Bedouin life as well as exhibits exploring how fishing and pearl diving were the economic mainstays until the mid-20th century. The museum is based in the well-restored Al-Fahidi Fort, made of traditional coral-block architecture.

Dubai Creek Dhow RideThe Burj Khalifa may give you

that famous skyline view from up high, but the most iconic Dubai views are still taken from the water. Dubai Creek slices through the city and the best way to experience Dubai is from one of the beautiful dhows (traditional Arabic boats) that ply the creek. Sunset cruises are particularly beautiful as you watch the lights of the high-rises begin to twinkle in the dusk.

 Desert Excursions For those with an adventurous

streak, make a beeline for the empty stretch of desert hugging the coastline outside the cities. There is a myriad of things to do in the desert, from four-wheel-drive trips and dune-buggy journeys, to sand boarding, hiking and camel treks. Most people plan a desert trip from Dubai, but Abu Dhabi and Fujairah are also excellent bases for desert sightseeing. For those less inclined to adventure, Bedouin-style dinners are a softer alternative if you want to experience the empty beauty of the desert.

IV. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

UNIQUE CULTURE, RELIGION, FESTIVAL

ISLAM

DUBAI MARATHON Dubai Marathon In January, the Dubai

Marathon takes center stage. There are 1.8 mile (three km), 6.2 mile (10 km), and 31 mile (50 km) races, with the winners receiving large sums of money. Thousands of participants come to the UAE to join, with an increasing number of runners every year.

Dubai Shopping FestivalShopaholics need to

remember to breathe because the Dubai Shopping Festival is a month-long event. Every mall in the city reduces its prices during January and February, attracting thousands from around the globe. There are concerts and entertainment as a backdrop.

Emirates World Series Horse Race

The Emirates World Series of Horse Racing concludes in Dubai, where the world’s richest race takes place. Held in April, the Dubai World Cup Horse Race welcomes thousands of spectators, along with the best jockeys, trainers, and horses from the world over. The event is run from the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, which provides memorable entertainment and a social atmosphere in the UAE.

National Day FestivalCommemorating the

formation of the UAE and the independence of the region from Britain, National Day is celebrated across the country in December with performances and events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Accommodations are hard to come by at this time, so book well in advance.

Stuffed CamelStuffed Camel is one of the very

amazing dishes of UAE. It is also mentioned in Guiness Book of World Records as one of the biggest dishes served in this world. Usually elite families serve this dish in wedding ceremonies. Major ingredients of this dish encompass whole camel, one lamb, 20 chickens, boiled eggs, fish and rice. In order to cook they stuffed whole camel with other major ingredients. This is one of the very amazing dishes across the globe that will let you enjoy a very delicious dish made from roasted camel.

Al HareesAl Harees is a famous dish of UAE with

highly exotic taste. It has made up of meat and wheat. It is very simple and elegant dish with very few ingredients but with longer cooking duration. This dish commonly served during Ramadan, wedding and Eid festivals. Wheat and meat with a pinch of salt cooked together in boiling water for hours until the both components of this mixture make smooth paste that will be further cooked in a covered clay pot with coal almost overnight. You can enjoy simple salty flavor with rich taste of meat and wheat. You can also add other spices to enhance its taste to satisfy your taste buds. Al Harees served after topping local ghee on it in flat plates.

Al MachboosIt is also a very famous traditional

dish of UAE. Important ingredients are rice, meat, onion and dried lemon (Loomy). Other seasoning includes spices and salt. In order to cook this dish all the ingredients are coke well in boiling water till they become tender. Then meat is separated and rice is added in remaining mixture and this mixture cooked well. After that meat is again added in this mixture of rice and vegetables and cooked again for two hours. This dish is one of the favorites across gulf area.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

ABU DHABI