EXPE R IENCE/ EXPLO RING TH E EM IRA TES
Ajman The smallest of the seven emirates, Ajman still has plenty to offer – not least a breathtaking 16-kilometre stretch of white sandy beach to explore along the pristine coastline. A good place to begin is Ajman Museum. Situated in an 18th century fort, the site served as the ruler’s palace and office until 1970 and now houses displays of archaeological artefacts, historic manuscripts and weapons, in addition to historical reconstructions. Just outside the city centre, visitors can experience the vibrant atmosphere at one of the UAE’s busiest dhow-building yards. Watch as time-honoured skills are put to use to create beautiful vessels, crafted in much the same way as in generations before.
1 Ajman Museum 2 Mountain biking in Fujairah 3 Dubai spice souk
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Dubai Dubai’s rich heritage and natural bounty rubs shoulders with the cutting-edge modernity and luxury lifestyle enjoyed by today’s visitors and residents. For those looking to find out how the story has evolved, a visit to Dubai Museum in Bur Dubai offers a fascinating insight into the emirate’s rapid transformation from quaint fishing and pearl-diving village to one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. In nearby Deira, the souks offer an incredible variety of traditional wares and souvenirs, including gold, spices, fabrics and authentic local perfumes. Also in this area is Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the oldest quarter in Dubai. Winding streets are filled with cafés,
art galleries and stunning examples of traditional architecture from the region including distinctive wind towers. One of the most striking juxtapositions in the UAE can be found at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Bird-watchers can admire the flocks of elegant flamingos that reside here and keep their eyes peeled for some of the reserve’s 270 bird species while simultaneously taking a sweeping view of Dubai’s futuristic skyline. The emirate is also renowned as a regional retail hub and boasts the world’s largest mall by area. Restaurants, bars and night clubs abound, offering visitors a wealth of ways to fill the day, whatever their interests.
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Fujairah Fujairah is blessed with most of the UAE’s gorgeous eastern coastline, making it a haven for adventurous beachgoers and diving enthusiasts. It is also brimming with historic, cultural and agricultural attractions, giving it a unique and enduring allure. Built around 360 years ago, Fujairah Fort is one of the country’s most iconic sights, whereas the adjacent Fujairah Heritage Village is a beguiling mix of traditional houses, fishing boats and a vivid reconstruction of life as it was. The magnificent Khor Kalba Nature Reserve, which is located close to the Omani border, has one of the most extensive mangrove stands in the region and boasts the rare white-collared kingfisher as one of its more prominent inhabitants, as well as a host of other species. North of Fujairah City lies Khor Fakkan, which includes the ruins of the Khor Fakkan fort and a little further on lies the picturesque Al Bidiyah Mosque, one of the oldest mosques still in use in the UAE.
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