The United Arab Emirates is a melting pot of modern living, culture and history. This dynamic country mixes traditionalism with modernity and is the perfect example of traditional values integrating with modern technology. Possibly the wealthiest country in the Middle East, the UAE is the place to see and been seen.
Where is the UAE?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is around 3,300 miles from the UK. It is located within the Southeast of the Arabian Peninsula and bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia. The UAE is made up of seven emirates and is a large, rocky desert, ripe for adventure.
Airports
There is a total of 9 airports in the United Arab Emirates. The most significant three being:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) receiving 86 million visitors in 2019,
- Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) receiving 24 million visitors in 2019,
- Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) which received 1.6 million visitors in the same year.
The United Arab Emirates is all about that luxury lifestyle. Flying to the UAE in a Chartered Private Jet is the best way to celebrate arriving in such a diverse and unique country.
A Government made up of Royalty
The UAE is made up of seven different emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain and Fujairah. Each one is ruled by its own monarchy. However, the emir of Abu Dhabi is the nation’s head of state, and president and the emir of Dubai is the country’s Prime Minister.
The way that the UAE is ruled is a direct relation to the combination of traditions and modern innovation seen throughout the country.
The King of Technology
The UAE is dedicated to the advancements of technological breakthroughs, including establishing the world’s first Ministry of Artificial Intelligence. On top of this, not to be outdone by the Japanese, the UAE has a 46-mile track for its driverless metro system, currently holding the world record.
Continuing with world records, the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa is located in Dubai. It stands at 828 metres (2,717 feet) tall and has become an unofficial simple of Dubai.
No longer just a fishing village
Right up until the 1960s, the UAE (then separate countries) was heavily reliant on fishing and pearl trade. With the discovery of oil reservoirs, the UAE’s economy quickly began to transform. Today, the country is on par with Western Europe in terms of GDP per capita.
The development of wealth is mostly what attracts so many expatriates. According to the US government, people originally from the UAE only account for 12% of the total population.
Top tips
Who wants a Spa day?
Spa’s are Dubai’s hidden treasure, and once you experience it, you will want to return every day. Every single hotel in Dubai has a luxury spa that will make them a necessity for the rest of your life.
Not the place to be a picky eater
The food in the UAE is delicious, but you must be adventurous. With influences from local cuisines mixed with Iranian, Yemeni, Filipino, Ethiopian, and Bangladeshi cultures, the food is something special that you need to try.
Visit between October and April
Seasons in Dubai are non-existent, it is either hot or hotter. If you go between October and April, it is typically perfect beach weather with minimal rainfall.
