Year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, spectacular sand dunes and pulsating cosmopolitan lifestyle await every guest in Abu Dhabi. Such idyllic setting cuddles this emirate known around the world for its massive oil reserves and majestic mosques with towering minarets. These, combined with the distinct Arabic hospitality and mystique - and world-class infrastructure - make Abu Dhabi an excellent destination both for the experienced and novice traveller.
The famous Liwa oasis in the south is home to some of the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world. It is also the frontier that leads to the legendary Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter), a vast expanse of desert that extends through Saudi Arabia and Oman, which has been the object of many explorers' conquest in the past.
Abu Dhabi city bursts with dazzling business-cum-leisure facilities ranging from state-of-the-art convention centre, luxurious hotels, spas, designer golf courses, theatres and very soon, some of the world's most famous museums particularly Guggenheim and Louvre. The palace-like shopping malls and indigenous souqs in Abu Dhabi make for a great shopping expedition, offering the best handicraft from local Bedouins to the best of Paris' or Milan's high street fashion brands, sans the ubiquitous sales tax. Gastronomic treats further abound from cool and sophisticated cafes, clubs and restaurants. For the fitness conscious, jogging and cycling (or even rollerblading) are a welcome treat especially during the cooler months in the city's charming corniche or beachfront, merely minutes away from the bustling city centre.
Furthermore the garden city of Al Ain - lying near the Oman border - is home to one of the famous peaks of the majestic Hajar Mountain and the highest point in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (Jebel Hafeet), which rises about 1,340 metres. A world-class hotel (Grand Mercure) is nestled close to the mountain's peak offering travellers a great relaxing stay and a panoramic view of the emirate.
Cultural sites abound in Abu Dhabi, whose name implies "Father of the Gazelle" most likely due to the large number of gazelles and oryx that once flocked the emirate's arid deserts. These heritage sites provide holiday makers with a glimpse of this emirate's storied past - reaching as far back as 5000 BC - and an understanding of its people's culture, values and aspirations. Being the capital, Abu Dhabi also houses embassies and hosts ambassadors from all over the world.
For more on Abu Dhabi, visit www.visitabudhabi.ae
For mapping requirements, visit www.explorerpublishing.com
Sunshine, shopping, seaside, sports and safety - five of the key ingredients that have earned Dubai a growing reputation as one of the world's most attractive and rapidly developing leisure destinations. Long established as the trading and commercial hub of the Middle East, the emirate combines the excitement of a bustling commercial centre with the wide open spaces of a luxurious resort.
Located at the cross-roads of Asia, Europe and Africa, Dubai is well positioned to attract tourists looking for somewhere new and different, a destination combining the traditions of the east with the comforts of the west.
Both business travelers and tourists find that Dubai offers the highest standards of comfort and luxury. As befits a dynamic and prosperous business centre, Dubai's ultramodern hotels offer every luxury. Yet the comforts of the 21st century co-exist comfortably with the emirate's rich Arab-Islamic culture.
An intriguing land that combines old-world souks and modern shopping malls, rolling sand dunes and championship grass golf courses, remote Bedouin villages and an array of five-star hotels, Dubai defies easy definition.
For more on Abu Dhabi, visit www.dubaitourism.ae
For mapping requirements, visit www.explorerpublishing.com
Sharjah is the third-largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sharjah is the only emirate with territory on both the East and West coasts of the country. The Hajar Mountains form the backbone of the emirate running from the Mussandam Peninsular down through the UAE and into Oman and rises to over 1,500 meters.
The interior of the country is characterized by sabkha (salt flats), stretches of gravel, plain and vast areas of desert. The Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter) lies to the southwest and has some of the highest dunes in the world, some rising to over 300 meters.
Sharjah covers approximately 2,600 square kilometers in area. In addition to Sharjah city, which lies on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the emirate has three provinces on the scenic east coast - Dibba Al-Hisn, Khor Fakkan and Kalba - plus the Islands of Abu Mousa and Sir Abu Nu'air. Sharjah is a close neighbor to Dubai (it's just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Sharjah to Dubai International Airport).
Sharjah was crowned by UNESCO as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998 due to its commitment to art, culture and preserving its heritage. In addition to a Gulf-wide reputation for its artistic excellence, the emirate boasts over 15 museums, an aquarium and a centre for Arabian wildlife. It has also become a leading centre of education in the Middle East and also offers good shopping, sports, leisure and dining facilities.
Sharjah's culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. It is also an emirate of contrasts where visitors can enjoy a holiday in the sun, discover traditional markets (souks) or visit modern shopping malls, explore the many heritage sites and museums, admire the majestic mosques, stroll around the lagoons, and experience the natural beauty of true Arabian deserts, mountains and seas.
For more on Sharjah, visit www.sharjah-welcome.com
For mapping requirements, visit www.explorerpublishing.com
Ajman is one of the seven emirates comprising the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With an area of just 260 square kilometres, Ajman is surrounded to its north, south, and east by Sharjah.
Located along the Persian Gulf, Ajman also governs Masfut and Manama, two small, inland enclaves that are primarily agricultural. Approximately 95 per cent of the population of the emirate resides in the city of Ajman. The population was only 36,100 in 1980 but has grown considerably in recent years, due to an influx of people from the neighbouring emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, and other countries.
For more on Ajman, visit http://www.ajman.ae
For mapping requirements, visit www.explorerpublishing.com
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has an impressive archaeological heritage and a very rich history. This area had always enticed settlers with its unique combination of all the four types of landscapes found in different parts of the United Arab Emirates: the fertile plains, the mountainous region, coastal areas and the desert environment.
The interaction of these geographical factors and the living style of people have shaped up the very special heritage of the Emirate.
Archaeological excavations and finds have proved that the history of Ras Al Khaimah dates back to the very immemorial past. It reveals that an advanced civilization that carried on trade existed in this region since 5000 BC.
For more on Ras Al Khaimah, visit www.raktourism.com
For mapping requirements, visit www.explorerpublishing.com
Fujairah holds a unique position in the UAE. It is the only emirate that lies on the eastern side of the UAE, along the Gulf of Oman, while the other six emirates are along the Arabian Gulf.
The Emirate derives its name from a spring located beneath one of the mountains. The Hajar mountain range that divides the UAE in two, from Ras Al Khaimah to Al Ain, has kept Fujairah separated from the rest of the country. The historical importance of Fujairah dates back to the period before the birth of Christ. It was known in the old ages as the land of sea giants. The main cities and villages in Fujairah are Dibba, Murbeh, Qidfa, Al-Bidiyah, Masafi and Al-Siji.
Sun-kissed beaches, majestic mountain ranges and convivial weather conditions conspire to present Fujairah as an exotic land, ripe for discovery by tourists and business persons alike. Numerous water sports like swimming, yachting, surfing and deep-sea fishing take place all-year round attracting enthusiasts and sportsmen from all over the world. Fujairah is rightly known as the Jewel of Middle East. Its unique location offers free access to the major shipping routes of the world, making it the pick of ports for entrepreneurs around the world.
For more on Fujairah, visit www.fujairah.ae
For mapping requirements, visit www.explorerpublishing.com
Umm Al Quwain is situated between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah on the West coast. Its land spreads towards the interior for a distance of 32 km approximately.
The traditional occupation of this emirate has been fishing and date cultivation.
The area of Falaj Al Mualla is located 50 km southeast of Umm Al Quwain city. The Seneyah Island is located one kilometer away from Umm Al Quwain city with a total area of 90 Sq km, is a natural reserve for a large species of birds, deer and Al Qaram trees.
Umm Al Quwain city has witnessed drastic developments over the last few years including construction of buildings, roads, parks and other amenities. Also, the city is linked by a modern network of roads.
The emirate's attraction lies in its long clean beaches, an enclosed lagoon and public horse riding stables.
Living life on the edge mixed with a tinge of insane fun and a dash of daring sports marks the qualities that make Umm Al Quwain an extreme holiday for anyone.
For more on Umm Al Quwain, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umm_al-Quwain
For mapping requirements, visit www.explorerpublishing.com