The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union
of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, formed when the British
withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. Travel agents are beginning
to promote it as that much hyped 'land of contrasts'.
There's a grain of truth in the cliché this time
round, for it boasts mountains, beaches, deserts, oases,
camel racing, Bedouin markets and the legendary duty free
shopping of Dubai, all packed into a relatively small
area. If you only visit one country in the Gulf, the UAE
is your best choice: it has the most relaxed entry regulations
in the region, the best tourist infrastructure and, despite
promoting itself exclusively to tourists with a buck or
three to spend, it's extremely accessible to independent
budget travellers. More over, the Emirates we considered
safe and secure for travellers, although demonstrations
and political gatherings are best avoided.
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Major Tourist Cities/Areas Information: |
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Dubai |
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Major
Tourist Cities/Areas Information |
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Visa
Requirement |
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| United
Arab Emirates Map |
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Country
Fact*: |
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Full
country name:
United Arab Emirates
Area: 82,880 sq km
Population: 2,523,915
Capital city: Abu Dhabi (pop 500,000
est.)
People: Emirati 19%, other Arab and
Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes
Westerners and East Asians) 8%
Language: Arabic (official), Persian,
English, Hindi, Urdu
Religion: Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%),
Christian, Hindu, and other 4%
Government: Federated monarchy
Business Hours: Business community
work Saturday to Thursday 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00
to 20:00
Major
industries: Oil, gas, petrochemicals, fishing
Major trading partners: USA, EU,
Japan, South Korea, India, Japan, China
Internet
domain : .ae
International dialling code: +971
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Calendar of Events*: |
February:
23rd - Waqfa*
24-25th - Eid Al-Adha*
March:
Islamic New Year*
May:
Prophet's Birthday*
August:
6th - Sh. Zayed's Accession
October :
6th - Ascension Day*
December:
2nd-3rd - UAE National Day
*Denotes
U.A.E. religious holidays. Dates for religious holidays
are dependent upon the sighting of the moon and are
likely to vary from the above estimated dates. Mission
holidays will be determined and announced based upon
the decision made by U.A.E government authorities. |
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