Cruise the UEA on Your Own Magic Carpet
Seven Emirates, each distinct, yet all closely linked, make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and travelling all of them is a bit like Aladdin’s adventures, only in our case the magic carpet is a rental car and instead of a Genie a navigation system will have to do.
Crossing borders between the Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Adschman, Dubai, Fudschaira, Ra’s al-Chaima, Sharja, and Umm al-Qaiwain) is no problem, in most cases you won’t even notice.
Breath Taking Scenery
What’s in between is stunning scenery, comparable to absolutely nothing we know from back home. From the rocky Oman Mountains to the ever-changing coastlines on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman a vast desert spreads out with the occasional oasis lying in the dunes like sprinkles on an ice cream sundae.
Take a Glimpse at Authentic Arabian Lifestyle at Great Value for Money
Tourism is a young industry in UAE, though people have obviously travelled this region for thousands of years. The state budget is generally secured by oil revenues, so tourism is not a vital industry, thus you will get great value for your money and generally won’t be ripped off. The most exclusive holiday resorts are in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, though compared to Western luxurious establishments some of these are almost affordable. The other, less known emirates are still very noteworthy, as they give a better glimpse at authentic Arab lifestyle.
A Common Starting Place
Most tourists start with Dubai. The origins of this city are evident in the historic Bastakiya trade district, though Dubai has long risen to fame with its opulent approach to city design. The world’s most luxurious hotel, the famous sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, sits in the sea against the sunset, the highest building on earth is currently under construction, and when you land in the city you will use the world’s largest airport. Should you for some reason suddenly develop a strong need for skiing, you can do so in the biggest indoor ski hall in the middle of the desert.
No less fascinating is Abu Dhabi City, situated on an island in the Oman Gulf, linked with the mainland via a bridge. This is a thriving and surprisingly green metropolis, always buzzing and always friendly. Locals and tourists gather on the Corniche, the beach promenade, after a long day of work or sightseeing.
Abu Dhabi is great for daytrips with your rental car to places like the Al Ain Oasis, an old Arab town featuring a camel market, or Lulu Island, a holiday resort on an artificial island, courtesy of Sultan al-Nahyan.
A Popular Tourist Desination
After Dubai and Abu Dhabi the most frequented tourist destination is Sharja City in the emirate of the same name. Sharja City mixes modern cosmopolitan lifestyle with authentic traditions. You will find an old coffee house (caravansaries) next to a sushi bar and traditional handicraft being sold in luxurious marble malls. For a sense of Arabia check out the markets (souks) and sample the local delicacies.
As far as day trips go you should take the hire car to Khor Fakkan on the Indian Ocean where you can take scuba diving classes or simply splash around in the warm water.
Meet down to earth
Outside these three main emirates tourist infrastructure thins, which does not mean they are not accessible. Far away from the glitter and gold of the über-emirates you can experience small fishing villages and ancient markets and the warm hospitality of the very down to earth locals, and you might discover that this is where you’ll take the most pictures.
