UAE

Dubai

The Emirate of Dubai extends along the Arabian Gulf coast of the UAE for approximately 72 kilometres. Dubai has an area of c. 3,885 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 5 per cent of the country's total area, excluding the islands. 

Dubai city is built along the edge of a narrow 10-kilometre long, winding creek which divides the southern section of Bur Dubai, the city's traditional heart, from the northern area of Deira.

The Ruler's office, together with many head offices of major companies, Port Rashid, the Dubai World Trade Centre, customs, broadcasting stations and the postal authority are all situated in Bur Dubai. Deira is a thriving commercial centre containing a huge range of retail outlets, markets, hotels and Dubai International Airport. Bur Dubai and Deira are linked by Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud bridges, as well as Al Shindagha tunnel which passes under the creek. 

Jebel Ali, home of a huge man-made port, has the largest free-trade zone in Arabia housing an ever growing list of international corporations which use the zone for both manufacturing and as a redistribution point.

Jumeirah beach is a major tourism area with a number of spectacular award winning hotels and sports facilities.

Inland, the mountain resort town of Hatta is an extremely attractive location. Adjacent to a lake reservoir, the Hatta Fort Hotel is set in extensive parkland and provides a perfect base for exploring the nearby wadis and mountains, which extend into Omani territory.

Abu Dhabi

The largest state within the United Arab Emirates, and the richest, Abu Dhabi is roughly twice the size of Belgium, with a population close to 800,000. 

Abu Dhabi borders Saudi Arabia to the west and south, and Dubai to the east, with 600 kilometres of Arabian Gulf coastline and a clutch of islands forming its northern boundary. Largest of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is around 86% of the country’s land mass, encompassing 200 islands, rolling sand dunes and striking desert scrub. 

Until half a century ago Abu Dhabi was a simple, impoverished society battling for survival in a brutal environment. Today it is a prosperous country enjoying all the trappings of modern civilisation – plentiful water, air conditioning, cars, free medical care, free education, the latest goods and appliances – along with plenty of leisure time. 

However, beneath its recent urbanisation lies a country steeped in the mystique of an ancient desert culture. Much of its territory remains inhospitable. Crossing vast tracts of gravel scrub or pure sand flats is part of everyday travel in Abu Dhabi and heightens the delight of suddenly arriving in a green paradise of irrigated farmland or village oases. The second city, Al Ain, offers just such a vision of cool tranquillity in the hostile desert, while the gentle oasis of Liwa is the last outpost of habitation before the great western desert called, for good reason, the Empty Quarter. 

Abu Dhabi’s commercial and tourist infrastructure is among the best in the Middle East. More than 46 airlines from all quarters of the globe land here en route between Europe and the Far East. Abu Dhabi has become as much a sunny playground for holidaymakers as a centre for business and investment. Luxury hotels vie with one another to provide the most lavish facilities and absorbing entertainment. 

Good roads and air-conditioned cars and buses make travelling inside the Emirate easy and comfortable. That is just as well because there is much to see, and even more to do in this old new country.