United Arab Emirates Guide
You only have to blink in Dubai, and another skyscraper will have appeared. There is more to this federation of seven emirates, however, from the natural beauty of desert dunes and coral reefs to the museums and galleries of Sharjah.
Abu Dhabi is surprisingly green, with manicured gardens, fountains and golf courses set among its modern skyscrapers and beaches. Further north along the coast lies its brash cousin Dubai, where vast malls and towering luxury hotels continue to mushroom at a dizzying pace. Head further north again for the cultural attractions of historical Sharjah.
The cities are all gleaming skyscrapers, but sand is never far away. Venture into the huge Big Red sand dune, and drive through a wadi (riverbed). Dubai and Abu Dhabi's beaches are infamous, but head to Fujairah for more isolated sands and sparkling waters perfect for diving. Cool off in the Hajar mountains, along the Omani border.
Browse Dubai's textile souk for fabrics, and the gold souk near Baladiya Street for gleaming trinkets. Carpets are a good buy, but seek advice from a trustworthy local on how much to haggle. Buy designer clothing and electronic gadgets in city malls or get a tailor in any souk to custom-make you a new a wardrobe.
Look out for harees, a thick stew of meat and barley, or ouzi, goat baked with rice, onions and eggs. More commonly, you'll find splendid shoarma (kebabs) grilled at roadside stalls, or spreads of meze: hummus, deep-fried cheese, tabouleh (ground wheat with lemon and parsley) and chicken livers. Enjoy sweet tea while puffing on a shisha pipe.
Building upwards with skyscrapers isn't enough: the UAE is also busy reclaiming land from the sea. The first, Palm Island, has been followed by two more projects, each becoming the site of yet more luxury hotels and apartments, and all proving popular with international buyers.
