United Arab Emirates

Traditional Arab hospitality, extravagant shopping malls, and unique, yet bold architecture make the UAE a spectacular place to visit. The hotels are world-class and you can indulge yourself in activities from golfing to sand skiing. In this tiny Middle Eastern nation you’ll also find an extensive coastline, sandy beaches, and landscapes ranging from city to desert. Major cities here include Abu Dhabi and Dubai and with its central location the UAE has become a major transportation hub.

Abu Dhabi

Little known until the discovery of oil, today the city is dubbed the Garden City of the Gulf. Today this emirate is full of five star hotels, restaurants, and entertainment complexes. Visitors will find green parks and clean beaches combined with a variety of activities including water sports & adventures into the desert. Of course there is shopping, shopping, and well, more shopping.

Dubai

Absolutely stunning! Like Abu Dhabi, five star hotels, entertainment complexes, and a wide variety of places to eat. Here you’ll also find the landmark Royal Mirage Hotel, located on Jumeirah beach. Shaped like a sail, it is the world’s tallest hotel and the architecture is brilliant.

Nearby is the Wild Wadi Water Park, which makes claim to be the world’s leading water adventure theme park. The park draws on the rich heritage of Arabian myth and legend for design and also features a resident cast of characters based on the myths and legends. The park is full of green vegetation, re-creations of ruins, and is beautiful.

While the emirates are full of five star hotels for the discerning traveller, there are also youth hostels for the young and adventurous. There is something for everyone in the UAE and it’s a great winter destination for Europeans because of its climate and proximity to Europe.

Getting to the UAE

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have major international airports. Abu Dhabi based Gulf Air and Dubai based Emirates have become success stories, but most large international carriers will get you here with non-stop flights from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.