United Arab Emirates

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United Arab Emirates

City Info

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. Travel agents are beginning to promote it as that much hyped 'land of contrasts'. There's a grain of truth in the cliché this time round, for it boasts mountains, beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, Bedouin markets and the legendary duty free shopping of Dubai, all packed into a relatively small area. If you only visit one country in the Gulf, the UAE is your best choice: it has the most relaxed entry regulations in the region, the best tourist infrastructure and, despite promoting itself exclusively to tourists with a buck or three to spend, it's extremely accessible to independent budget travellers. More over, the Emirates we considered safe and secure for travellers, although demonstrations and political gatherings are best avoided.

Country Fact

United Arab Emirates Map

Country Fact*:

Full country name: United Arab Emirates
Area: 82,880 sq km
Population: 2,523,915
Capital city: Abu Dhabi (pop 500,000 est.)
People: Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8%
Language: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
Religion: Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%
Government: Federated monarchy
Business Hours: Business community work Saturday to Thursday 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00
Major industries: Oil, gas, petrochemicals, fishing
Major trading partners: USA, EU, Japan, South Korea, India, Japan, China
Internet domain : .ae
International dialling code: +971

Event

Calendar of Events*:

February:
23rd - Waqfa*
24-25th - Eid Al-Adha*
March:
Islamic New Year*
May:
Prophet's Birthday*
August:
6th - Sh. Zayed's Accession
October :
6th - Ascension Day*
December:
2nd-3rd - UAE National Day

*Denotes U.A.E. religious holidays. Dates for religious holidays are dependent upon the sighting of the moon and are likely to vary from the above estimated dates. Mission holidays will be determined and announced based upon the decision made by U.A.E government authorities.

*Information is subject to change. For further update, please check these websites: www.bbc.com, www.cia.gov, www.earthcalendar.net

Major Tourist Cities

DUBAI

Dubai is a cosmopolitan melting pot at the crossroads of time - and the quintessential home of sand, sea, sun and shopping. A century ago, it was a tranquil town along the banks of Dubai Creek, where coral-and-gypsum huts housed Bedouin traders and pearl divers. Today, the merchants have gone international, their bounty calling forth science-fiction style skyscrapers from the sand to stand alongside the mosques and wind towers of old Dubai.

The audacity of the city's rulers is breathtaking. Running out of coastline to build hotels ? Build vast artificial islands with 120km of new beachfront. Need better connections with the world? Build up an award-winning international airline in 15 years. Need some publicity ? Stage the world's richest horse race, million-dollar lotteries, international tennis and golf tournaments, and a month-long shopping festival. Need a few landmarks for people to recognise ? Up goes the world's tallest and most lavish hotel, perched on an artificial platform, and a city skyline to boggle the eye.


Local Travel Agent(s):

	Dnata Travels
	Address: PO BOX 24544 Dubai United Arab Emirates Phone: +971 4 3454945
	Best Tours
	Address: Deira Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Phone: +971 4 2727088, Fax: +971 4 2727844
	Enkor Travel Tourism & Cargo
	Address: Po Box No 29849, Dubai International Airport Building, Dubai United Arab Emirates Phone: +971 4 2244560, 971 5 06575604, Fax: +971 4 2244563
	Dubai Travel & Tourist Services LLC
	Address: P.O.BOX 72240 Dubai United Arab Emirates Phone: +971 4 343 2221
	Eazy Travel
	Address: 702/Atrium Center., Bank Street Phone: +971 4 3552559, Fax: +971 4 3552556

Dubai City Map

Population: 997,000
Area: 35 sq km (15 sq mi)
Country: United Arab Emirates
Main language: Arabic
Time: GMT/UTC +4
Telephone Area Code: 04