United Arab Emirates (UAE) Country Information
Location
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven
emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujayrah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ra's
al-Khaymah,
and Umm al-Qaywayn. The UAE is located on the southeast
side of the Arabian Peninsula between Oman, Saudi Arabia,
and the Persian Gulf.
Weather
The country is primarily desert with some mountainous regions.
Its climate is predominantly hot and dry, although the coastal
regions can be quite humid, particularly in the summer.
People
The UAE has a population of approximately 2,407,460 of
which 19% are of Emirati extraction. The remaining population
consists of other Arab nationalities and Iranians (23%),
South Asians (50%), and other expatriates such as Europeans,
Americans, and East Asians (8%). In terms of religion, 96%
of the population is Muslim, with the remaining 4% comprised
primarily of Christians and Hindus. The official language
of the UAE is Arabic, and most people speak English as a
second language; there are also significant Persian, Hindu,
and Urdu speaking communities.
Currency
The official currency of the UAE is the Dirham (Dh), with
a current exchange rate of approximately 3.6 DH to the U.S.
dollar. Money can be changed freely throughout the country
either at banks or exchange houses.
Shopping
The UAE is a shopper's haven. Dubai is the undisputed shopping
capital of the UAE, with numerous large malls and duty-free
shops. The country's capital, Abu Dhabi, also provides excellent
shopping opportunities. Other cities such as Sharjah, Ajman
and Ra's al-Khaimah have followed suit with the recent opening
of new malls. In addition to modern shopping facilities,
traditional souks selling everything from traditional wares
to modern electronics are still found in every city in the
country. Bargaining is still the key to shopping in the
UAE, particularly in the souks, although many of the newer
shopping centers are introducing fixed prices. Shopping
hours vary but are generally from around 9:00 AM to 10:00
PM. Most shops close for a few hours in the afternoon and
reopen in the early evening.
Tourism
The
UAE boasts some of the world's finest hotels and resorts,
notably the seven-star Burj Al Arab in Dubai, a "must
see" attraction even for those whose budget does not
allow more than a look around the hotel. There are fantastic
beaches and the watersports facilities are second to none.
Safaris are a great way to experience the country's deserts,
either by 4 wheel-drive convoy or, for the more adventurous,
by camel. There are also several heritage villages and Bedouin
encampments in most cities, providing an insight into the
nomadic roots of the Emirates. The Archeological Museum
in Sharjah is another good place to visit, particularly
for those interested in the ancient history of the region.
Transport
The most practical way to travel in the cities of the UAE
is by taxi. They are easy to find and, depending on the
city, quite cheap. The independently run taxis are the most
inexpensive, and although most drivers understand basic
English, it is advisable that you know the name of your
destination in Arabic. The company-run taxis can be quite
pricey although they can be ordered by telephone and they
will travel between cities, albeit at a significant cost.
Car rental agencies are also readily available for those
wishing to be more independent.
Suggested Links
www.uaeinteract.com
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