United Arab Emirates
General Information
- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Political System: Federal parliamentary elective semi-constitutional monarchy
- Population: 9.8 million
- Official Language: Arab
- Currency: Dirham (AED)
- Time Zone: UTC + 2, Summer Time: UTC + 3
- Phone Prefix: +971, Internet Domain: .ae
Natural Setting
The United Arab Emirates is situated in Middle East. The UAE’s economy relies on oil exports, which account for more than 90% of export earnings. Tourism is also a very important part of the country's development, especially through the rise of Dubai.
The UAE coast has nearly 650 km sea shore in the Persian Gulf, the largest natural harbor being in Dubai. But desert is also an important part of the country, with vast sand dunes merge into the Rub al-Khali of Saudi Arabia and two fascinating oasis that grow palms, acacia and eucalyptus trees and fauna that is now almost extinct: Arabian Oryx, Arabian camel and leopards.
The climate of the UAE is desert climate, with hot summers and warm winters and with lower temperatures only in the Al Hajar Mountains. The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum temperatures reach above 45 °C on the coastal plain.
Good to know
English is the second language in the UAE, since there are many expats working and living in the Emirates. The country offers businesses a strong enabling environment, with strong focus on the future and development - from technology to financial services, UAE is a heaven for people who want to grow in business, being ranked in the top 30 best nations in the world for doing business. Tourism is a main focus of the Government, that advertises as: "Seven emirates, one destination - Visit the United Arab Emirates and discover a land rich in history and tradition. Take a tour to the desert and explore the wild side of Arabia. Then, relax your mind, body and soul at the exclusive resorts. Find your paradise in the UAE."
Tips
Flavoured food
Eating is quite an experience in the Emirates. Emirati cuisine include meat, fish, and rice, with lamb and mutton being the more favoured meats, with spices like cardamom, saffron added for more flavour. Kabsa is considered the national dish of the Emirates, a mixture of basmati rice, lamb or chicken, mixed vegetables, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg and bay leaves cooked in one pot and often served in a huge mound at the centre of the table.
Wow visits
There are so many wonderful places to visit in the Emirates: from Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah, from museums to Dubai EXPO 2020, there are many things to try in the Emirates. Unique experiences such as a desert safari, a breakfast in Dubai Marina or a day at the Atlantis Aquaventure are a must-try in a vacation in the arab country. All the big cities in the UAE are on a development verge, so if you want to see all the latest trends in the skyline architecture, there is the place to be.
Beware of regulations
UAE has some legal and cultural rules that you should be aware of when you travel in this country: for example, drinking in public or tking pictures to people without consent are forbidden in the Emirates. Other things such as bringing prescription medicine into the country are very strict. But on the other hand, there are some relaxed things, such as wearing occidental clothes that are not local - in public theay are allowed (but also advised to dress more modestly when visiting malls).
