United Arab Emirates

 Hotel Reservations in Dubai click here    

 Hotel Reservations in other United Arab Emirates click here  

The United Arab Emirates is one of the richest countries of the world, mainly due to its great oil sources. Situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, the United Arab Emirates are actually an aggregation of seven Emirates, namely Abu Dhabi, Ajmân, Dubai, Fujayrah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Thousands of tourist visit every year this exotic destination, which combines with a unique and at the same time exceptional way its Arabic origin with the Western lifestyle. The land of sheikhs promises unforgettable holidays in some of the most luxurious and extravagant hotels and holiday resorts of today’s world. Particularly, hotels in Dubai capture the imagination with their unique architecture and style. 

History

The area along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf and northwestern of the Gulf of Oman used to be a vast and spread territory run by different tribes and sheikhdoms. Their unification in the Arabian Peninsula led on the long-term to the formation of the United Arab Emirates. During the 16th century the region came under the direct control of the Ottoman Empire. The years that followed an immense piracy that lasted more than two centuries flourished in the area. In particular, despite the presence of the European and Arab navy that patrolled the sea, raiders harassed the shipping industry from 17th to 19th century. The end of piracy came with the treaty of 1853, between the sheikhs and the United Kingdom. This treaty, known as the Trucial Sheikhdoms, gave ground to a perpetual maritime truce. The treaty lasted for 118 years, till the December of 1971. This was the period that the UK decided to end its relationships with the seven Trucial Sheikhdoms together with Bahrain and Qatar. The last two Emirates became independent countries and the seven Trucial Sheikhdoms formed the United Arab Emirates.

Art and Culture

The absence of a detailed written history and the lack of deep rooted historical events have their impact on local art as well. However, despite the fact that the United Arab Emirates is not associated with brilliance in the world of art, new tensions have taken place that have significantly contributed to various artistic developments. Especially in Sharjah, efforts to promote artistic talent and culture have led to the opening of the first National Art Gallery of the country and the establishment of the Emirates Fine Arts Society. Another important art event is the Sharjah Art Biennial, an art forum where artists from other gulf states and the rest of the world are invited to display their work. This exchange of ideas and tensions has greatly contributed to the formalization of United Arab Emirates’ art and its perception abroad. Finally, various museums and art centers have been expanded throughout the country, bringing visitors closer to the cultural heritage and the traditional lifestyle of local society.

Gastronomy

The United Arab Emirates greatly combine their traditional culinary specialties with many Western and other Asian flavors. Of course, the excellent local fish and the local vegetables and fruits are so appealing and tasteful that foreign ingredients and dishes should not be your priority. Some of the most popular and at the same time most exceptional local specialties include the Hummus, a chickpea and sesame paste; Tabbouleh made from wheat with mint and parsley; the excellent Makbous (spicy lamp with rice) and Ghuzi (roast lamb with rice and nuts); the famous stuffed vine leaves or locally known Warak enab and the stuffed courgettes known as Koussa mashi. It is also suggested to taste some local drinks and particularly a refreshing yogurt drink called Ayran. Alcohol is permitted in all Emirates, apart from Sharjah, however its consumption in the street is illegal. Places that you enjoy some great local dishes can be found all over the country. Hotels also serve splendid European and Arab dishes, as in many cases they accommodate some of the most luxurious restaurants of the country.

Places to visit

Dubai or The Call of the Desert is a magnificent city that captures the imagination with its luxury and beauty. It is a Cosmopolis that has been exposed to a great number of cultures and nationalities, keeping at the same time its deep rooted traditions. It is an incredibly rich spot of the glob that accommodates some of today’s technological and architectural miracles. For instance, despite the hot weather, in Dubai you can find a ski resort. The Dubai Ski Resort is beyond a person’s imagination, a place that you need to see in order to believe its existence. The Dubai Internet City is another technological invention of the area. It is said to be the biggest commercial IP Telephony of the world. Some other attractions include the Jumeirah Dubai, the Wonderland, the Wild Wadi and of course the Dubai Gold Market. Nightlife in Dubai is also fantastic. However, you need to know the local rules and regulations so as to safely participate in all Dubai nightlife activities. Hotels in Dubai also constitute attraction of the city. Those that reserve hotels in Dubai, actually make a reservation in some of the most luxurious hotels of the globe.  

 Another Emirate you should visit in the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi, which is the capital and largest city of the country. Be sure to visit the Qasr al-Hosn Palace, a marvelous historical building with exceptional Arabic style and the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. You can also find very beautiful hotels in Abu Dhabi with original style and great facilities. Another interesting destination is Sharjah, which is the third largest Emirate and it is arguably considered the cultural capital of the country. Sharjah accommodates more than twenty museums and several art galleries such as the National Art Gallery and the Emirates Fine Arts Society. Hence, for art lovers it is surely suggested to reserve a hotel in Sharjah and explore the cultural heritage of the place. Last but not least, the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah comprise another unique destination with authentic atmosphere and splendid hotels.

BOOKINGSPACE.COM - reserve hotels and flights in United Arab Emirates from... your space!