Tired of the harsh climate, an increasing number of citizens seek to bask in the sun, regardless of the time of year. Looking for a destination, tourists choose an exotic country that surprisingly combines oriental traditions with high standards of service. Holidays in the United Arab Emirates attract with exotic originality and developed infrastructure, allowing you to realize the dream of an oriental fairy tale.
The desire to visit the country of sheikhs today is easily realized. White sandy beaches, stunning skyscrapers, sumptuous oriental bazaars and gigantic malls await tourists.
UAE: location and climate
The area of 83.6 thousand square kilometers is located in the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The federal state borders on Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and Qatar. Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and two gulfs (Oman and Persian), the UAE delights vacationers with a subtropical climate. Warm and sunny on the exotic coast all year round. 20 degrees Celsius is the minimum air temperature. For those who can hardly stand the heat, rest inUnited Arab Emirates in March will be the best time to travel. Excellent weather and comfortable temperature will allow you to enjoy a useful pastime to the fullest.
And in the hot season, from May to September, favorable conditions are provided for vacationers on the territory of hotels. For the east coast of the country's mountainous regions, in hot weather, saving winds moderate the climate.
Going on a trip to the UAE? Prepare documents
Tourists going on a trip to the coast, where a young country with strict Muslim laws and sacred traditions is located, should take care of a visa. You can apply for a permit to enter the country on your own by contacting the UAE consulate, or trust the agency from which the ticket is purchased. Required documents for obtaining a visa:
· color photocopy of a valid international passport;
· completed in English questionnaire;
· color photos;
80 US dollars consular fee.
For children who are inscribed in the parents' passport, you will not have to pay a visa fee. Documents are reviewed within three working days. The consulate may require additional documents, and employees also reserve the right not to explain the reason for the refusal to issue a visa. Special consideration is given to unmarried women, unaccompanied by relatives, who intend to enter the country.
If a visa is obtained, then when passing the border, you must present a copy of it in electronic form, as well as a foreign passport.
Read the entry rules
Tourists should be aware of customs regulations when traveling to the United Arab Emirates. Rest can be ruined already when crossing the border, if the tourist is carrying erotic products, alcohol over two liters, drugs. They are attentive to imported medicines, so it is better to leave narcotic or potent sedatives at home, because for this you can go to jail or be deported from the country. Visual control identifies people with inappropriate behavior, who are required to undergo a test for the presence of unacceptable drugs, and if suspicions are confirmed, severe punishment follows UAE law.
But there are no restrictions on the import of national and foreign currency.
7 emirates - choose any
Attractive place for tourists attracts holidaymakers all year round. The state represents a confederation of emirates, which includes Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah, each of which differs in size, originality, local laws, cost of recreation, infrastructure and attractions.
Choosing a vacation in the United Arab Emirates, people take a balanced approach to their financial capabilities, because this destination is considered one of the most expensive options on the tourist map of the world.
- The largest in terms of area is Abu Dhabi, and the city of the same name is also the capital of the state. This emirate is focused on business tourists. Everything here is amazingly luxurious, incredible skyscrapers and man-made islands are worthy of admiration.
- Dubai - the second largest emirate is distinguished by liberality. Vacationers with different levels of income will be able to relax both in luxury hotels and in budget hotels. Anyone can climb the tallest building in the world - the Burj Khalifa (828 m) or the record-breaking Rose Tower (333 m). Skiing on ski slopes of any complexity in an indoor ski resort that operates all year round, or entertainment in giant water parks measuring 17 and 6 hectares in size will leave an indelible impression for those who have visited the United Arab Emirates. Dubai, where rest will enrich impressions, attracts with Jumeirah Mosque, sheikhs' palaces.
- To visit the emirate of Sharjah means to visit the coast of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf at the same time. Most often, tourists are attracted by gentle waves and golden sand, because it is precisely such associations that the Arab Emirates go on vacation. The 4 hotel is a mid-range beach hotel, which is most often chosen by tourists who prefer peace and comfort.
- Delightful greenery of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah captivates with its exquisite design. The most beautiful place is washed by the gentle waves of the Persian Gulf. The picturesque landscape is attractive for tourists.
- Umm Al Quwain is considered the quietest and most provincial emirate, attracting tourists with its monumentsarchitecture. The way of life and national traditions of local residents are preserved here.
- In Fujairah, tourists prefer to relax, avoiding large crowds. Resort areas are attractive for fans of beach holidays and mountain climbing. Hotels attract with all-inclusive meals.
- The smallest emirate of Ajman, located half an hour from Dubai Airport, is rich in mineral water, which supplies the countries of the Persian Gulf. Here, tourists enjoy visiting the National Historical Museum.
The mentality of the locals
Before traveling to another country, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself first with its national characteristics. An unceremonious attitude towards a woman (foreigner or local - it doesn't matter) is unacceptable here, which cannot be said about Egypt or Turkey.
Tourists from all over the world strive to get a quality vacation in the United Arab Emirates, but in order not to overshadow the trip, you should follow the rules:
· in a country with strict Muslim customs, there is a "dry law", and in public places it is better to abstain from alcohol;
· it is forbidden to transport strong drinks from one emirate to another;
alcohol as a gift is a bad sign;
· topless sunbathing is not allowed, only in a bathing suit, it is also not recommended to be outside the pool or the beach;
· Show respect for Arab women (photographing them is tantamount to insulting, it is forbidden to take a married woman by the arm);
· when entering the house, the mosque must take off your shoes;
Always tip taxi drivers.
Beach tourism
Each emirate has a different color of sand on the coast (from dazzling white to shades of red). Well-maintained and clean beaches attract tourists. The territory is equipped for a comfortable pastime with sunbeds and umbrellas for sunbathing. City beaches can be both paid and free. The territory is also provided for family recreation. The coast of Abu Dhabi is marked with the EU flag for cleanliness.
In Dubai, on the beaches of Al Mamzar Park and Jumeirah Beach Park, one day of the week is considered female, so the presence of men is prohibited.
Water sports enthusiasts should visit Fujairah's coastline. A beach holiday in the United Arab Emirates, in Sharjah, will captivate with picturesque views of coral reefs and amazing blue bays. On a yacht, you can visit deserted places, the pristine beauty of which will leave an indelible impression.
United Arab Emirates: holidays with children
Not only business tourism attracts to the actively developing eastern country. Enthusiasm and a sea of positive emotions guarantee tourists a vacation in the United Arab Emirates.
Reviews from families who visited the exotic region can only be heard positive. A long history and high technologies are intertwined here. Vacationers appreciated the ban on alcohol in Sharjah, where peace is guaranteed for families with children, as well asthey like the quiet emirate of Ras Al Khaimah with the wonderful Dreamland water park. A friendly attitude towards Russian-speaking tourists makes holidays in the United Arab Emirates more popular every year. And tourists are provided with safety and comfort on the Arabian coast.
Prefer outdoor activities?
Tourists who are tired of swimming and relaxing in the sun will be able to gain new experiences.
An exciting program is provided for fans of active pastime, making your vacation in the United Arab Emirates unforgettable. The reviews are impressive, because not every country will offer such a variety:
desert car rally;
· camel or horseback riding;
windsurfing, golf, diving, archery;
Speedboat racing;
Thoroughbred Arabian horse racing;
· camel racing;
· fishing for crabs under the cover of night;
· falconry or Birds of Prey Show.
Means of transportation in the country
Taxi is accepted in the UAE, because public transport is poorly developed. For women, cars are provided, painted in pink, where only women work as drivers. The fare is five - ten dirhams, on the bus - 1, 5. There is also a water taxi (boats - "abras"), providing communication between the banks of the Dubai Canal.
Tourists over the age of 21 can rent a car. This requires an international driver's license.rights issued more than a year ago. Insurance is required. The minimum rental period is a day. A rental car is most often equipped with a siren that warns of speeding. It is permissible to move on motorways 100 km/h in settlements - no more than 60 km/h.
Hotel fund of the country
Settle in the city or on the beach? Tourists decide this issue based on individual preferences. The United Arab Emirates are famous for their developed infrastructure. Rest hotels guarantee impeccable. Luxurious apartments are offered to tourists on the coast of Dubai, in the prestigious areas of Jumeirah, Sharjah, where the cost of rooms is very high. In Abu Dhabi, buildings are located on the coast, because there is not enough land, the beach line is narrow because of this, which reduces the cost of living. Ajman has a weak hotel base, therefore it is attractive for a budget tourist. In Fujairah, food is established, allowing you not to worry about lunch and dinner, because in most other emirates the hotel provides only breakfast for the guest.
Tourists who cannot stand the heat are advised to go on vacation in the spring. In the United Arab Emirates in April, the temperature is very comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy the trip. Each of the hotels has a swimming pool, where guests enjoy relaxing. Almost all city hotels offer a free shuttle service to the beach.
Shopping fans will not be disappointed
A unique country attracts tourists with sales with great discounts. Small duties and favorable laws have made the UAEattractive for vacationers seeking not only to update their wardrobe, but also household appliances, electronics, computers, jewelry. Holidays in the United Arab Emirates in January allow you to purchase new world brands at the annual shopping festival in Dubai.
It is difficult to name a well-known brand that is not represented in the assortment of goods sold at an affordable price. New Year's tours are not so good for beach lovers, but for fans of sightseeing trips, great prospects open up.
Features of national cuisine
Due to the prevailing religious characteristics, pork in the diet of local residents is unacceptable. Arabic cuisine abounds with various types of meat. Tourists in the menu of the hotel's restaurant will be offered dishes of beef, veal, lamb, goat meat or poultry. Cooked with spices or nuts, guzi, shawarma, kustilet, kebe, meshui-mushakkal, biryani-adzhadzh, saman will delight hotel guests. Seafood fans will be surprised by makbus-samak, biryani-samak, zubeidi, sharks and shellfish cooked on charcoal. Dairy products, vegetables, greens in grape leaves will be appreciated by vegetarians.
Traditional Arabian coffee with spices will amaze gourmets. And those with a sweet tooth will love pistachio or milk pudding, sherbet, Asyda dessert.
Every hotel is proud of its chef, who adequately represents the national cuisine in the menu of his restaurant.
UAE currency and language
Explained in the country in Arabic and English. The influx of Russian-speaking tourists is forcing employees of hotels, restaurants, shops to learn the language of the Slavs. In most hotel complexes, the staff knows the necessary set of phrases that contribute to the understanding of tourists.
Dirham is the national currency of the UAE, it is equivalent to 100 fils. US dollars are also actively used for settlements, but it is better to exchange them at the bank for local currency.
The cost of a trip to the country of oriental charm depends on the time of year, the location of the resort, the star rating of the hotel, and the class of service. Although it is believed that a tour to the UAE is an expensive pleasure, you can buy it if you wish. Today it is possible to choose a budget or elite vacation option in a magical land.
