The United Arab Emirates is an enchanting nation situated within the Middle East, and it’s made up of seven distinct emirates. Each one has its personal distinctive panorama and points of interest whereas sharing a mutual tradition. From the cosmopolitan metropolis of Dubai to the scenic mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, this information offers an outline of all seven emirates and what makes them stand out from one another.
The UAE is a small nation that as an entire share an Emirati tradition, with comparable traditions and meals. The variation between areas is extra the pure panorama and Dubai out of all of the Emirates is exclusive as a result of its big expatriate inhabitants which dwarfs the native Emirati inhabitants.
We’ve included the distinctive points of interest of every emirate. If you select to go to a museum or do a cultural expertise in one of many Emirates, you can find many similarities to different Emirates. We hope this information helps you uncover all that the United Arab Emirates has to supply!
Enjoy your keep and have an exquisite time exploring these wonderful emirates.
Overview of the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Together they kind a novel nation with one thing to supply everybody.
- Abu Dhabi: The capital of the UAE and the most important Emirate by way of measurement.
- Dubai: The most well-known Emirate with the most important inhabitants
- Sharjah: Often known as the Cultural Capital of the UAE, Sharjah has a wealthy historical past, and its archaeological websites
- Ajman: This smallest Emirate is understood for its enjoyable ambiance and its conventional souks (markets).
- Umm Al Quwain: Umm Al Quwain is the least populated and most rural of the Emirates
- Ras Al Khaimah: This Emirate boasts a spectacular mountainous panorama with lush oases.
- Fujairah: This coastal emirate has a few of the nation’s greatest seashores and is understood for its pure magnificence.
Geographical Location
The United Arab Emirates lies within the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula and is bordered by Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south. The nation’s whole space is roughly 83,600 sq. kilometers (32,300 sq mi) with a desert local weather.
Population & Culture
The inhabitants of the UAE is estimated at 9.6 million (as of 2021), with Abu Dhabi and Dubai being essentially the most populous emirates.
The official language is Arabic, however English is extensively spoken in lots of elements of the nation. As for tradition, the UAE is a melting pot of various cultures coming collectively to kind its distinctive id. You’ll discover each Persian and Indian influences as a result of a few years of commerce together with migration.
Traditional Emirati Cuisine
The United Arab Emirates has a novel delicacies that’s influenced by Arabic, Indian, and Persian traditions. Traditional dishes embrace “machboos” (rice with spices and meat), “harees” (a dish constituted of wheat and meat), and “chebab” (pancake).
Many of those dishes are shared throughout the UAE and even many dishes are comparable throughout the entire Arabian Gulf area.
Best locations to strive Emirati meals:
Arabian Tea House: Branches in Dubai & Sharjah, serving Emirati and Middle Eastern Dishes.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Café: Located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah and provides a variety of Emirati dishes.
Skeek Restaurant: Located in Ras Al Khaimah, focuses on trendy Emirati delicacies.
Tawa Bakery: Based in Abu Dhabi & Dubai this one is exclusive and provides Emirati plus different baked items gluten-free.
Local Customs & Traditions
Some of the customs and traditions discovered within the UAE embrace:
- Okhushmak Greeting: The conventional greeting within the UAE solely performed by males the place they contact noses collectively
- Khandura: Traditional costume for Emirati males that’s nonetheless worn at the moment
- Abaya: The conventional costume worn by girls, can are available in many colours however is usually black and like an extended cloak.
- Eid: There are two Eids within the Islamic Calendar 12 months and each are huge holidays within the UAE.
Things to concentrate on within the UAE
There are some things guests ought to remember when visiting the UAE as it’s a Muslim nation. Such as respecting traditions round clothes, not consuming alcohol in public, and avoiding public shows of affection.
Dubai is essentially the most liberal and westernized out of the entire Emirates so guidelines round modesty are much more relaxed right here however for different Emirates, you have to to be extra conscious of the principles. Especially Sharjah which tends to be one of many strictest, alcohol can also be unlawful in Sharjah.
Popular occasions within the UAE
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an annual Formula One race held within the capital metropolis of Abu Dhabi. Held since 2009, it has develop into a preferred occasion for residents and vacationers alike.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
The Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships is an annual event held in Dubai. It attracts a few of the world’s prime gamers and is likely one of the most prestigious occasions on the skilled tour.
Sharjah Light Festival
The Sharjah Light Festival is held yearly in December, that includes shows of sunshine artwork installations from world wide. It has develop into an more and more standard occasion with guests coming from far and extensive to witness the spectacular shows.
Dubai Cup
The Dubai Cup is an annual horse race that takes place within the metropolis of Dubai. It attracts a few of the world’s greatest horses and riders, making it a preferred occasion the place everybody will get very dressed as much as attend.
New Years Eve
Dubai is understood globally for its New Year’s Eve celebrations the place you’ll be able to witness fireworks throughout town at its many iconic points of interest comparable to Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab & Palm Jumeirah.
Abu Dhabi
The capital metropolis of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is the most important emirate by landmass and residential to a few of the most iconic landmarks within the nation. It options an array of recent points of interest comparable to Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit, in addition to conventional websites like Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. There’s lots to discover right here from museums to markets and from seashores to abandon safaris.
If you fly into Dubai Airport, it’s simple to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai. The journey takes round an hour or round an hour and a half for those who take the general public bus.
Key Landmarks and Attractions in Abu Dhabi
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is likely one of the world’s largest and most spectacular mosques. Visitors will likely be mesmerized by its majestic dome and complex particulars.
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is an amusement park that includes enjoyable rides and points of interest primarily based on the well-known Italian sports activities automobile producer Ferrari.
- Yas Marina Circuit is a Grand Prix racetrack, that hosts Formula 1 and different worldwide motor races.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi is the primary of its sort within the area and showcases art work from world wide. Along with exhibitions.
- Warner Bros Abu Dhabi is an indoor theme park primarily based on the characters from the Warner Bros films.
- Qasr Al Watan is a palace that homes the places of work of the President of the UAE. Visitors can discover its grand halls and be taught extra in regards to the historical past and tradition of the nation.
Dubai
The most populous emirate and the business heart of the UAE, Dubai is understood for its trendy skyline, luxurious buying malls, and well-known artifical points of interest comparable to Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall what make it a nice vacation spot for a brief layover. It’s an splendid vacation spot for expats in addition to seaside lovers with loads of sandy seashores and resort resorts to discover.
Key Landmarks and Attractions in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest constructing and provides spectacular views of town from its statement decks on ranges 124th and one hundred and twenty fifth ground.
- Palm Jumeirah is an iconic artifical archipelago and residential to a few of the most luxurious beachfront resorts on the earth together with the well-known Atlantis.
- Dubai Mall is the most important shopping center on the earth and options infinite buying choices in addition to leisure services.
- Wild Wadi Waterpark is an award-winning water park that includes over 30 thrilling rides and points of interest for all ages.
- Dubai Frame is a formidable construction situated in Zabeel Park that gives guests 360-degree views of town.
Also learn: What Dubai taught me
Sharjah
The third largest emirate and cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah is understood for its distinctive attraction and conventional magnificence. Its shoreline is dotted with lovely seashores and there are a variety of historic websites to discover.
Key Landmarks and Attractions in Sharjah
- Al Hisn Fort is a historic construction in Sharjah and a preferred vacationer spot. It dates again to the 18th century and was used as a royal residence for a few years.
- Mleiha Archaeological Centre is an open-air museum that showcases artifacts from Bronze Age civilizations in Arabia.
- Sharjah Heritage Museum is residence to a few of the oldest artifacts within the area and provides an enchanting perception into the Emirate’s historical past.
- Sharjah Aquarium is likely one of the largest aquariums within the Middle East and options greater than 100 species of marine life.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is understood for its beautiful seashores, conventional villages, and archaeological websites. This Emirate provides loads of actions from mountain mountain climbing to sizzling springs and from watersports to exploring the native tradition.
Key Landmarks and Attractions in Ras Al Khaimah
- Jebel Jais is the best peak within the UAE and a preferred attraction for these searching for an adrenaline rush with the world’s longest zip line.
- Ras Al Khaimah National Museum shows archaeological artifacts from all around the emirate and offers guests with an perception into its wealthy historical past.
- Khatt Springs are pure sizzling springs situated within the village of Khatt, providing guests an opportunity to loosen up in spite of everything day exploring.
- Suwaidi Pearls Farm is likely one of the oldest pearl farms within the area and provides guests a glimpse into the standard craft of pearl cultivation.
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is understood for its peaceable ambiance and conventional fishing villages. It is residence to some beautiful landscapes and an array of wildlife making it an important vacation spot for outside actions comparable to tenting, fishing, and chook watching. There are additionally many farms right here.
Key Landmarks and Attractions in Umm Al Quwain
- Al Sinniyah Island is a nature reserve residence to a wide range of birds splendid for bird-watching fanatics.
- Dreamland Aqua Park is likely one of the hottest water parks within the nation and options over 30 thrilling rides and points of interest.
- Umm Al Quwain Fort is an 18th-century fort located on prime of a hill overlooking the ocean and provides beautiful views of town.
- Umm Al Quwain Corniche is a lovely stretch of promenade alongside the coast with lovely clear waters and a preferred spot to have BBQs.
Ajman
The smallest emirate within the UAE, Ajman is understood for its conventional markets, historic websites, and idyllic seashores. It has actions on supply comparable to dune bashing, camel racing, and crusing. It will also be much more inexpensive than different Emirates for those who’re wanting to remain at a seaside resort or luxurious resort.
Key Landmarks and Attractions in Ajman
- Ajman Museum exhibits artifacts from the Bronze Age in addition to native Islamic tradition.
- Ajman Beach is likely one of the most lovely seashores within the nation and recognized for its crystal clear waters and white sands.
- Ajman Dhow Yard is a conventional boat-building facility the place guests can watch how picket boats are made by hand.
- Al Zohah Golf Club is a world-class golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and provides a difficult 18-hole course.
Fujairah
Fujairah is understood for its beautiful seashores, wealthy pure aquatic life, and dramatic mountains. It has a few of the greatest diving spots within the area and provides loads of actions from trekking to fishing.
Key Landmarks and Attractions in Fujairah
- Fujairah Fort is an historical fort relationship again to the seventeenth century located on a hill overlooking town.
- Fujairah Heritage Village is a recreated conventional village that showcases the native customs and traditions of the emirate.
- Wadi Wurayah is a pure oasis surrounded by mountains, caves, and waterfalls and excellent for outside actions comparable to mountain climbing and swimming.
- Snoopy Island is a small island accessible solely by boat and an important spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
- Al Bidya Mosque is the oldest mosque within the UAE and is believed to be constructed over 500 years in the past.
It is obvious that the United Arab Emirates has a lot to supply, from beautiful waters good for diving in Fujairah to conventional historic websites in Sharjah. With its wealthy historical past, numerous tradition, and an array of actions on supply for all ages, there’s something for everybody on this lovely nation.
Whether you’re on the lookout for a soothing luxurious seaside vacation in Dubai or an adventurous getaway into nature, the UAE has all of it!
So what are you ready for? Start planning your journey at the moment and uncover why the 7 emirates of the United Arab Emirates have develop into one of many world’s hottest vacationer locations.
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