The United Arab Emirates often referred to as the UAE, is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. UAE is one of the world’s fastest-growing destinations for business and leisure visitors. This is hardly surprising since geographically, economically and culturally, it is in a unique strategic position between East and West. Perpetual sun, endless white sand and turquoise seas have helped to attract many tourists over the years, but it is the UAE’s unbeatable shopping, superb resorts, excellent restaurants, spectacular events, an intriguing traditional culture, and a safe and welcoming environment that lure visitors back time and time again.
For most people, the United Arab Emirates means just one place: Dubai, the sci-fi-esque city of iconic skyscrapers, palm-shaped islands, city-sized malls, indoor ski slopes and palatial beach resorts. But beyond the glitter awaits a diverse mosaic of six more emirates, each with its own character and allure. An hour’s drive south, oil-rich Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates capital, is positioning itself as a hub of culture, sport and leisure. Beyond looms the vast Al Gharbia region, which is dominated by the northern reaches of the Rub’ Al Khali desert. Its magical silence is interrupted only by the whisper of shifting dunes rolling towards Saudi Arabia.