Holidays to United Arab Emirates

This majestic country consists of seven Emirates, which are ruled by seven Sheikhs and which have a relatively short history as United Arab Emirates, or UAE as it's widely known. Once a quiet fishing community known for its pearling industry and pirates, a country which was under the British protection for years, it is obvious how much has changed in just over 40 years of independence. Followed by the discovery of oil in the early 1960's the British announced that they could no longer afford to govern the UAE. The announcement started negotiations that lasted for years until the late 1971 when the Sheikhs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai formed a union and offered the smaller Emirates an opportunity to join. An unprecedented success story began. The largest Emirate, Abu Dhabi, became the political, industrial and cultural capital of the UAE. The oil business grew rapidly ranking the UAE as the seventh largest in the world for its oil reserves. The Emirates are now known for their glitz and glamour, strong economical state and a fantastic year round climate. The best time to visit is between October and April when the temperatures are pleasant and the Gulf delightfully warm and calm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures reach above 40°C. All public areas, shopping malls and hotel lobbies are air-conditioned, but it can get very hazy and hot outdoors. Ramadan, which is celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, currently falls on the summer months. As the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar the exact Ramadan dates move backwards 11 - 12 days a year.

Located on the Arabian Peninsula and bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia, the seven Emirates offer a fabulous contrast. It is hard to find a country where sand dunes, majestic mountains, glorious beaches, traditional Bedouin lifestyle and Islamic culture meet with the top of the range boutiques, restaurants and the most luxurious hotels in the world. The United Arab Emirates awaken all senses - and the Emirates are simply perfect for winter sunshine with pleasant climate, warm waters and a fabulous array of hotels and entertainment options for families, couples and honeymooners. Just under seven hours flight from the United Kingdom with a good choice of airlines and flight times, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become extremely popular for shorter breaks too.

Party until the small hours, shop in designer boutiques, eat in international gourmet restaurants, be surrounded by mosques and traditional souks, ride camels, explore the desert, relax by the pool or on the famous Jumeirah Beach, it really is hard to find an activity that is not available in one of the seven Emirates. Dubai is the largest city in the UAE and known as the extravagant holiday destination famous for its strong economy and bold expats. Abu Dhabi has blossomed into an elegant holiday destination - and is best known for hosting Formula 1 Grand Prix in the autumn. Fujairah, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah have flourished magnificently in the recent years, whilst the little less known Emirates, Ajman and Umm al Quwain, offer more traditional way of living.