Visit UAE Tourism Guide 2015

TOURISM GUIDE 2015

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CO N T E N TS

Great MEMORIES begin at the world’s best LOCATIONS.

With over 20 unique hotels across the Middle East, from bright city lights to relaxing resorts, deluxe home from home to last minute getaways, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels have the ideal locations to create your perfect Middle East experience.

Enjoy a truly rewarding experience with us where outstanding service, comfort and an unsurpassed range of dining and leisure facilities ensure a memorable stay whatever the location.

MILLENNIUM • COPTHORNE

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SEV EN EMIR ATES ONE DESTINATION

CONTENTS Director General's Message

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NCTA

6

Welcome to the UAE

8

UAE Map

12

Abu Dhabi

14

Dubai

38

Sharjah

58

Ajman

74

Umm Al Quwain

84

Ras Al Khaimah

92

Fujairah

106

Visitors' Information

118

Listings

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Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the National Council of Tourism & Antiquities accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions

Published on behalf of The National Council of Tourism & Antiquities by:

Media One Tower, Dubai Media City PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 427 3000 F: +971 4 428 2261 motivatepublishing.com connect@motivate.ae www.uaetourism.ae | 3

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Welcome Dear Reader, Welcome to the United Arab Emirates!

I am confident that this tourism guide will be an invaluable tool when you start your 'vacation of a lifetime' to the UAE. Whether you are still in the planning stage or have already arrived, here you will find detailed information on accommodation, restaurants, watersports, attractions and more - allowing you fingertip access to the UAE’s best attractions.

The UAE is renowned for white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, breathtaking desert scenery, exceptional culinary variety and some of the world’s best shopping… and yet, there is so much more! I urge you to dig a little deeper, and experience the 'real' UAE. Each of our seven emirates has its own diverse slice of history and culture to share. Abu Dhabi and Dubai will leave you awestruck with their modern wonders.

Sharjah’s rich history and cultural ethos are bewitching. Further ahead, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah offer a more tranquil and, unhurried pace of life.

For the arts and culture aficionado, there are intriguing art galleries, theatre and drama groups and regular art fests. If you are a nature and history enthusiast, our heritage sites, sanctuaries and natural reserves will captivate you. Intrepid adventurers will find their thrills in our numerous themed parks while those looking for luxury will be spoilt for choice in our royal resorts, exquisite dining spots and indulgent spas.

We invite you to get to know the many different faces of the UAE and I hope you enjoy your visit as much as we enjoy sharing our home with you.

Warm regards,

H.e. mohammed Khamis Al muhairi

Director General at the National Council of Tourism & Antiquities

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Seven emirateS. one deStination The National Council of Tourism and Antiquities: strengthening the UAE’s tourism sector.

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he United World Tourism Organisation ranks the UAE among the top 10 fastest growing tourism hotspots in the world. Our capital city, Abu Dhabi has been named as the world’s fourth favourite city by research giant Ipsos Mori, while the dynamic emirate of Dubai has won a series of accolades including ‘one of the world’s top 25 destinations’ by TripAdvisor and 2014's ‘mustvisit destinations’ by New York Times.

So what makes the UAE such a fantastic holiday destination? The answers are many.

With an investment of around Dhs92.2 billion in 2013, the UAE ranks 9th in terms of tourism investment in the World Travel and Tourism Council report, covering 181 countries. The UAE also ranked 4th globally and top in the Middle East in terms of tourism infrastructure, particularly in terms of the infrastructure of airports and the air transport sector.

This simply means that we have some of the best facilities for tourists such as hotels, malls and theme parks amongst others, both regionally and globally.

Furthermore, our flawless meld of heritage, culture and contemporary living captivates the hearts and minds of our guests. Our brilliant infrastructure and awe-inspiring structures leave our tourists wonderstruck. Our lavish hospitality, delectable cuisine from every corner of the globe and shopping and leisure option are unparalleled, as most tourists who have been here will testify.

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The past forty years have been truly remarkable for the United Arab Emirates. The country has raised the bar across a range of sectors, from technology to tourism. In a very short time, the UAE has become an economic powerhouse wielding tremendous influence both regionally and globally.

Our nation is also a truly global one, with over 200 nationalities living and working here in peace and harmony. Since its formation, the UAE has strived to bring people together, by fostering tolerance, growth and opportunity.

We, at the National Council of Tourism and Antiquities (NCTA) aim to tell the extraordinary story of the nation’s perseverance and success to the world.

Set up in 2008, the NCTA is a federal entity that consolidates efforts between the tourism authorities of the seven emirates. The maxim, ‘Seven Emirates. One Destination’ aptly sums up the Council’s ambition of establishing the UAE – as a whole – as a leading global tourism hub. The NCTA is also committed to preserving the UAE’s ancient values and heritage. As such, the Council coordinates each Emirate’s separate efforts to preserve and maintain the antiquities of the UAE. The NCTA is committed to bringing the world to the UAE. From creating tourism awareness within the country and outside it, to establishing the UAE’s position as a leading cruise hub and sustainable ecotourism base, the NCTA covers every aspect of the nation’s tourism industry.

WELCOME TO THE UAE

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n the 1950s when the rest of the world was exploring space and New York’s Times Square had been illuminated for decades, the UAE still sat in darkness. But within a few years, the UAE had not only caught up but even raced way ahead of all competition. Take for instance the nation’s win of the World Expo 2020 bid. In five years from now, the UAE will host the world’s biggest exposition – the first Arab country to do so.

In addition to this historic win, in the past few years the UAE has received a slew of global accolades naming it as the as one of the most developed countries in the world, with happy and contented citizens and residents (globally at 14 and the first regionally) as well as a world tourism hotspot.

A superb meld of modernity and tradition, today the UAE has succeeded in creating an inimitable lifestyle of leisure, luxury and culture for both its residents and visitors. From super yachts to traditional dhows, shopping malls to souks, Michelin starred cuisines to Arab mezze, convertibles to camels – the UAE is a fascinating blend of the best of contemporary world and its rich heritage.

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HISTORY

The UAE of today is very different from what it was five decades ago. Back then, the emirates were known as the ‘Trucial States’ and were under British protection. In 1968, when the Britain planned to withdraw its military troops from the Arabian Gulf, a group of tribally organised Sheikhdoms came together to form the United Arab Emirates.

The movement for unification was spearheaded

by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, along with Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. They aimed to form a federation that would become the nucleus of Arab unity and protect the potentially oil-rich coast from the ambitions of the more powerful neighboring countries.

On December 2, 1971, the rulers of six of the emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm al Quwain and Ajman) formally established the federation with Sheikh Zayed as its President and Sheikh Rashid as vice-president. Ras al Khaimah joined the federation on February 10, 1972. This newly founded federal state became officially known as Dawlat al Emarat al Arabiyya al Muttahida or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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ACHIEVEMENTS

Since its formation, the UAE has simply grown from strength to strength. Unparalleled progress and development in every sphere has made it one of the fastest developing nations in the world. The UAE enjoys an outstanding international status and has strategic political, economic, commercial, cultural, scientific, educational and healthy partnerships with many countries in different continents of the world. Today, the UAE has diplomatic relations with 183 countries in six continents.

The UAE is at the forefront of international humanitarian work and development aid and the United Nations which has chosen the country as a major hub for its humanitarian worldwide efforts. As a seat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a host of the annual World Future Energy Summit and patron of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, the UAE has consolidated its position as a key factor in the international renewable energy sector. The UAE also boasts the largest space ventures sector in the entire Middle East and has also ventured into the aircraft manufacturing industry.

The UAE’s travel and tourism industry has soared by leaps and bounds. With attractions like nearly 700km. of beaches, over 500 hotels and resorts and a wide range of museums and sporting activities and international sporting events, it is no surprise that the UAE is a hotspot for holiday makers. Culturally, the UAE is fast becoming the focal point of the Middle East and wider region. Major exhibitions have already been held at Manarat Sa’adiyat, while among museums planned for the island’s Cultural District are the Zayed National Museum, the Louvre - Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim - Abu Dhabi, all designed by world-renowned prize-winning architects.

Each year cultural fests such as Abu Dhabi International Film Festival, Art Season, Dubai International Film Festival, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Taste of Abu Dhabi, Dubai Food Festival, Sharjah Biennial, Ajman Shahinda Festival and Fujairah International Monodrama Festival among others, bring the world’s best talents to the city. The UAE has become the region’s art, film, literature and culture hub.

Shopping in the UAE is a fabled experience. Be it gold, designer labels, souvenirs, bargain hunting or electronics, the country’s malls and souks are unparalleled. For thrill seekers, the UAE is paradise gained. From Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to iFly and Iceland; from jet skiing, white water rafting and kayaking to dune bashing and skydiving, the UAE offers all this and much more.

The country’s hospitality sector has defined new boundaries of luxury, opulence and comfort. The Emirates Palace Hotel, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Hotels and Kempinski Resorts are renowned globally for their offerings. Apart from these stellar addresses, each Emirate has made sure to provide stays that will cater to the budget of even the most modest traveler without compromising on service.

Well planned and world class infrastructure means that getting around the UAE’s seven emirates is very convenient and reasonable. Interactive maps, intensive bus routes, easily available taxis and simple car hire procedures make travel within the UAE absolutely hassle free.

While each of the seven Emirates is a destination in itself, a true feel of the UAE can only be had when you visit all seven. Each Emirate has its own colour to lend to the national fabric. Abu Dhabi’s understated elegance, Dubai’s dynamism, Sharjah’s cultural ethos, Ajman’s quietude, Umm Al Quwain’s natural bounties, Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains and Fujairah’s raw rugged beauty – all make the UAE an inimitable holiday destination. In just one holiday you can make the most of nature and technology, shopping and sightseeing, be pampered and be thrilled. There’s just one way to do all this – BE HERE!

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UAE MAP

Abu Dhabi

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Ras Al Khaimah

Umm Al Quwain Ajman

Fujairah Sharjah

Dubai

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Abu DhAbi: A cApitAl DEStiNAtiON Find opulence, adventure, culture and heritage all in one spectacular city: Abu Dhabi.

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bu Dhabi’s mercurial transition from a quiet coastal tow n to a modern metropolis is an accomplishment that is resonating globally. From a sleepy coastal village, it has progressed to now be recognised as the world’s fourth favourite city (Ipsos Mori, 2015). From cultural excursions, archaeological enigmas and natural bounties to thrilling adventures and lavish lifestyles, Abu Dhabi has something for every kind of holiday maker.

Experience the highest form of grandeur at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (ranked among the world’s top 25 attractions) or the magnificent Emirates Palace. Take on the planet’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or challenge friends to a thrilling drag race at Tel Moreeb, the world’s tallest sand dune. For gourmands Abu Dhabi has both venues and menus that excite the senses and tantalise the taste buds. For a truly memorable meal why not dine at an 18 degrees incline in the world’s furthest leaning tower?

The city’s reverence for art finds expression in the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum – all set to open their doors to the public soon. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by Abu Dhabi’s ‘Desert Islands’ nature reserves, renowned for their conservation efforts for the region’s fauna and flora. For movers and shakers, the capital’s event calendar is packed with 14 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

festivals, shows and championships celebrating art, culture, food, music and sport.

Bring your holiday to life in Abu Dhabi: all travellers welcome.

ATTRACTIONS

Shopping, dining, sight-seeing, sport and culture: there’s so much to see and do in Abu Dhabi.

ShOppiNG

From glamourous malls starring the world’s best designers to quaint souks that stock charming handicrafts and souvenirs, variety is the USP of shopping in Abu Dhabi.

MAllS

Abu Dhabi’s malls brim with a variety of choices: think fashion, accessories, technology, lifestyle and much more.

The Galleria, Al Maryah island

A true shoppers’ delight, The Galleria has an exclusive collection of the world’s most renowned brands such as Aspinal of London, Diane von Furstenberg, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen among others. Tuck into sumptuous meals at a host of signature restaurants and family friendly cafés including the Emporio Armani Café, Zuma, Leopolds of London and Almaz by Momo. thegalleria.ae

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Avenue at Etihad Towers

This one is definitely for the shopping elite. Avenue at Etihad Towers is one of the world’s most exclusive collection of luxury boutiques. Though many of the outlets are firsts for Abu Dhabi (such as Hermes and Manolo Blahnik), the cherry on the cake is the Stephane Rolland boutique, which is a world-first and only. avenueatetihadtowers.ae

Marina Mall

If you’re looking for a mall that covers the A-Z of every lifestyle need, Marina Mall is the place for you. It has over 400 stores, including CityStore – the region’s first stand alone store of the Manchester City Football Club. The presence of a revolving restaurant atop a 100m high observation platform, 9-screen cinema, bowling alley, ice rink, Fun City and multi-cuisine dining make it a favourite. marinamall.ae

Abu Dhabi Mall

This mall features a happy mix of over 200 shops retailing fashion, accessories, furnishings, confectionery, sportswear, electronics and much more.

A bowling centre, kids’ edutainment areas, Cineplex, 40 exclusive restaurants in addition to an extensive food court enhance the shopping experience. abudhabi-mall.com

Fotouh Al Khair Centre

Don’t be misled by the name, Fotouh Al Khair is a modern mall stocking popular international brands. If you love making your own artwork, do stop at L’Atelier Des Arts for creativity materials from around the world. fotouhalkhair.com

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World Trade Centre Mall

Step in here to shop at the region’s first House of Fraser and several other Abu Dhabi firsts – including Karen Millen, BCBG and Missoni. A wide selection of casual dining options stave off all hunger pangs while an eight-screen cinema promises world-class entertainment. Catch a breath of fresh air at the mall’s beautiful terrace gardens. wtcad.ae

Al Raha Mall

Al Raha features a pleasant mix of fashion, jewellery, fine dining, restaurants, cinema, electronics, entertainment, as well as conveniences such as a salon, supermarket, laundry and money exchange. al-rahamall.com

Khalidiyah Mall

Its façade of arched windows and golden domes may mislead shoppers into thinking that Al Khalidiyah is a thing of the past. Step inside and you will be pleasantly surprised. The mall features trend setting retailers such as Debenhams, plus a 3D cinema, food court, bowling alley and an amusement centre complete with arcade games. khalidiyahmall.com

Nation Galleria

The latest addition to the city’s shopping scene, Nation Galleria plays host to a number of unique and high-end outlets. Find Sound & Vision, from Dubai Audio, Teuscher Chocolaterie, Leopold’s of London as well as the largest Wafi Gourmet in the Middle East here. nationtowers.ae

Al Wahda Mall

Al Wahda’s mix of over 152 fashion brands, the city’s biggest Lulu Hypermarket, massive food court, an entertainment area that includes bowling and indoor paintball and a nine-screen cinema has won it the Best Shopping Mall award for four consecutive years (2010-13). alwahda-mall.com

Madinat Zayed Shopping & Gold Centre

Featuring local retailers and a few international names, Madinat is great for shopping on a budget.

Add a touch of sparkle to your ensemble at the Gold Centre. Even if you are not buying, the copious amounts of precious metal and glittering gems are worth a look. madinatzayed-mall.com

Buy youR loved oNe A SouGHA TodAy! Weaving is a centuries old Emirati craft and the Sougha initiative by the Khalifa Fund is dedicated to reviving this ancient art. Treat your loved ones to a variety of colourful, hand-woven collection of treasures such as pillows, table runners, palm leave beach bags, traditional embroidered bracelets. Visit the Sougha shop at the Central Market Souk today.

deerfields Townsquare

Fringing Abu Dhabi city, Deerfields was designed as a community mall. It hosts all the popular names in fashion such as H&M; has a large Carrefour and even organises local farmers’ markets on the weekend. deerfieldstownsquare.com

dalma Mall

Another one of Abu Dhabi’s colossal malls, Dalma offers a variety of international brands including favourites like BHS, Marks & Spencers, Debenhams, Monsoon and Etam. Entertainment takes the form of a 7-D cinema, Adventure HQ and a 14-screen cineplex. dalmamall.ae

SoukS

Get a glimpse of the Arabia of yore in the traditional souks of Abu Dhabi. Explore carpets, silks, jewellery but above all, experience an authentic Arabian shopping experience.

World Trade Center Souk

The souk offers a myriad of traditional Emirati wares such as attar (fragrance extracted from flowers, spices and herbs), traditional jewellery and clothing, authentic artifacts (these make great souvenirs) and even spices. It’s also conveniently linked to the World Trade Center Mall. wtcad.ae

Souq Qaryat Al Beri

A marvellous fusion of Arabian and Venetian architecture, Qaryat Al Beri is a grand showcase of Arabian hospitality and warmth. Local and

international retail brands, buzzing coffee shops and a range of contemporary restaurants span its two levels. Abras (water taxis) take you around the souk v ia meandering manmade canals, and the stunning waterside complex offers alfresco dining.

Carpet Souk

Located on Al Meena Road, this souk stocks carpets from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey and China in an array of exquisite designs and vivid colours.

Colourful pottery, Yemeni style sittings and Arabic Majlis cushions are also available. Do remember to bargain!

Gold Souk

Stunning creations in 24K, 22K and 18K gold and silver glitter from the rows of shops at the Gold Souk.

Japanese pearl jewellery and Omani jewellery are also available. Pieces are charged on the basis of craftsmanship and daily gold/silver prices. To get the best deals, do some bargaining. www.uaetourism.ae | 17

Central Market Souk

Etihad Towers

Souk Al Zafarana

UAE Pavilion

The Souk at Central Market or the Al Markaziyah district sells a variety of traditional and regional products ranging from jewellery, carpets, antiques to traditional tailoring, fashion and diverse restaurants.

Considered one of the emirate’s hidden gems, discover a treasure trove of traditional wares here.

The heady scent of incense, spices and oud will transport you to ancient Arabia. Do buy a dallah (Arabic coffee pot) as a souvenir of your travel. The souk’s Mubdia Village is a women’s-only section staffed by women too.

Landmarks

There is only one word to describe how you will feel after setting sight on Abu Dhabi’s remarkable landmarks: awe struck.

Etihad Tower’s Observation Deck at 300 affords sweeping views of Abu Dhabi city and its picturesque islands. The Deck is located in Tower 2 on the 74th floor. etihadtowers.ae

Mimicking the graceful form of a sand dune, the UAE Pavilion was commissioned for the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. At the end of the fair, it was moved back – piece by piece – to the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi. Today the Pavilion is the host venue for some of the city’s most prominent events such as the Abu Dhabi Art Fair. saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

Aldar HQ

The region’s first circular building, this 23-storey, 110-metre-high structure has been named by international building organisation Emporis as ‘One of the World’s Most Dazzling Corporate Offices’ – for its innovative design, visual impact and function. aldar.ae

Masdar City

Want to experience true ‘green’ living? Make a stop at Masdar City, the world’s first entirely self-sustaining, zero-carbon, zero-waste city. Masdar runs on solar power and travel within the city is by unmanned electric cars. Masdar welcomes visitors to explore its lanes and establishments. There is no admission charge, simply leave your vehicle in the car park and board one of the electric pods for a trip to the heart of the city. masdar.ae

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Last year, the Grand Mosque ranked second among the world's top 25 attractions in the '2014 'Travellers' Choice' awards' of TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site. And it’s easy to see why.

82 domes, over a thousand columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet and chandelier – there is enough here to leave you mesmerised. The Grand Mosque is open daily to visitors and complimentary guided tours are available.

The Sunset Tour of the mosque is highly recommended. szgmc.ae

Capital Gate

Leaning 18 degrees west, Capital Gate is the ‘World’s Furthest Leaning Man Made Tower. The 160m, 35 storey tower’s incline is more than four times that of Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower. capitalgate.ae 18 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

Heritage areas

While modern developments have mushroomed across the city, Abu Dhabi has taken great measures to preserve its past. Glimpse into the era bygone at these heritage sites.

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The 600 elegantly appointed guest rooms and luxurious suites are embraced by an impressive inner garden, which is one of the world’s largest assemblies of one hundred and forty two species of plants in an indoor location.

The Iconic Landmark AFOCH opens the doors to all cultures sharing its unique history, architecture and traditional style.

R elax in your room and watch your favorite

movie on the LCD television. If you require extra workspace our business centre is complete with all modern facilities and equipment. When it’s time to put your workday aside, relax and rejuvenate in our health club which boasts extensive, world class sports and leisure facilities.

During a vacation, nothing is better than indulging in great food. We have more than eight restaurants and lounges serving diverse cuisines ranging from ambient lounges to European fine dining.

If you are looking to host a meeting or celebration, our gracious banquet halls are perfect for such occasions. We are pleased to greet you in our Grand Theatre seating up to 700 Guests or our Cinema seating up to 200 Guests.

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests

Where Hospitality is at its best

The Club & Hotel recreational facilities includs two fully-equipped gymnasiums, Olympic swimming pool with Jacuzzi, spa and sauna, Olympic standard shooting galleries, squash courts, a bowling centre and facilities to enjoy table tennis, and paintball as well as indoor & outdoor football courts, indoor volleyball, tennis and basketball courts and a track and field course.

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Tel:+971 2 441 5900 | Fax: +971 2 497 3341 | www.afoc.mil.ae

Heritage Village

This is a recreation of a traditional oasis village, complete with a campfire with coffee pots, a goats’ hair tent, and even the falaj irrigation system.

Craftsmen demonstrate the traditional skills of metal work and pottery, while women sit weaving and spinning. There’s also a little spice shop at the village selling a variety of dried herbs and spices. torath.ae

Qasr Al Hosn

Abu Dhabi’s symbolic birthplace, Al Hosn was built in the 1760s as a coral and sea stone watchtower. It went on to become the ruling Nahyan family’s place of residence. Today the tower houses a permanent exhibition that narrates the history and achievements of Abu Dhabi through fascinating oral testimonies and historic photographs. The exhibition is free-toenter and open daily from 9am to 8pm. qasralhosn.ae

Zayed Centre

Get a fascinating insight into the life of the late Sheikh Zayed at the Zayed Centre. Housed in an Emirati heritage village, the museum pays homage to the ‘Father of the Nation’ through photographs, personal memorabilia such as hunting rifles, cars and even gifts he received from dignitaries from around the world. Guided tours are available, prior booking is required. torath.ae

Al Jahili Fort (Al Ain)

Al Jahili is interesting for two reasons. First, it is one of the most historically significant buildings of the emirate, erected in 1891 to defend the city.

Secondly, it houses a permanent exhibition of the work of British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger (whom the locals affectionately refer to as ‘Mubarak Bin London’) and his 1940s crossings of the Rub al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert.

Al Maqtaa Fort

Juxtaposed against the sleek Maqtaa Bridge and modern city beyond, the 200-year old Maqtaa Fort, perched on a small rocky island, makes a picturesque sight.

Heritage Heartland

Once a vital green oasis on the caravan route from UAE to Oman, Al Ain (meaning ‘The Spring’ in Arabic) is the emirate’s heritage heartland, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited settlements, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Al Ain world heritage locations include six oases and the archaeological sites of Bida bint Saud, Hafeet and Hili, relics of many prehistoric cultures which include circular stone tombs (dating circa 2500 B.C.), wells and a wide range of adobe constructions.

Hili also features one of the oldest examples of the falaj irrigation system dating back to the Iron Age.

Jebel Hafeet Tombs

Jebel (meaning mountain in Arabic) Hafeet is famous for its ancient remains and archaeology.

Around 5,000 years ago, the early inhabitants of the area chose the northern and eastern slopes of the mountain as burial grounds for their dead. Over 500 tombs have been found in these two areas. Although most of the graves on the northern side have now been lost to development, those on the eastern side are protected. The south-eastern area can only be reached in a 4x4 vehicle but a modern highway leads to the summit of Jebel Hafeet.

Things To Do

Life is never dull in Abu Dhabi. Thrilling theme parks, relaxing family gardens, power packed entertainment shows and extreme adventures abound in the emirate.

YAS ISLAND

Winner of the ‘World’s Leading Tourism Development Project’, the spectacular Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is the region's premier entertainment hub. From the Yas Marina Circuit to Yas Waterworld, Yas Island is home to an eclectic range of activities. Visitors can explore the island using the complimentary Yas Express bus service. yasisland.ae

Yas Marina Circuit

The Yas Marina Circuit promises 365 days of action all year round, the track plays host to some of the world’s top racing series. This is the second Formula One Track in the Middle East and is home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The circuit also hosts the GP2 Asia Series, V8 Supercars, the International Drag Racing Festival and the world’s top sports car series, the FIA GT Championship.

Experience the thrills and excitement of karting at Yas Kartzone. Cadet Karts are available for youngsters aged 8 to 12 while 13 years and older guests can use the Senior Karts. yasmarinacircuit.com

Yas Island Show Weekends

Comprising a series of concerts featuring global superstars, Yas Island Show Weekends have become major crowd pullers across the region and even globally. These are clubbed with weekend hotel deals at several properties on the island, which offer great value for money and a memorable weekend experience. Among the artists who have performed at the venue are Madonna, Prince, Kylie Minogue, Eminem and Nickelback. A wide range of entertainment shows and concerts take place in Yas Island’s Du Arena and Du Forum organised by Flash Entertainment. thinkf lash.ae and yasisland.ae

Yas Marina

A magnet for socialites, Yas Marina is the place to go to for some of the city’s hottest parties, delectable cuisines and of course, stunning views of some of the world’s most luxurious super yachts. Dine at renowned French, German, Italian and American restaurants. Let the kids prance about the interactive musical fountain or simply walk along the 400 metres promenade soaking in the refined ambience. yasisland.ae

Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world’s leading golf course designers, Yas Links was voted among the ‘Top 10 New International Golf Courses’ by the influential US publication Golf Magazine. It features a 7,450 yard par 72 course, utilizing five teeing grounds per hole, with all 18 benefitting from ocean views and is open for ‘pay and play’ visitors. Other facilities include a golf academy with floodlit practice facilities, conference and meeting rooms, a pool and two restaurants. yaslinks.com

A must visit for racing enthusiasts, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world's largest indoor park. Its iconic red roof, modelled on the side profile of a Ferrari GT features the largest prancing horse logo ever created. Ferrari World boasts more than 20 rides and attractions including the world's fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa. Reaching speeds of upto 149mph (239kmph) in just 4.9 seconds, the Formula Rossa recreates the G-force felt during a race; riders are even required to wear safety goggles! Additionally, Ferrari World houses the largest collection of classic and modern Ferrari race cars outside of the company's Maranello headquarters in Italy. ferrariworldabudhabi.com www.uaetourism.ae | 21

SAADIYAT ISLAND

Just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi city, the 27sqkm Saadiyat Island is transforming into a world class leisure, residential, business and cultural hub of global proportions, housing the world's largest single concentration of premier cultural assets such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi all designed by Pritzker prize winners. saadiyat.ae

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Yas Waterworld

Make a splash at Yas Waterworld, a thrilling waterpark offering over 40 wet rides, slides and attractions – of which five are world firsts. Zoom down tornado waterslide: at 238m, it is the world’s first, and largest hydromagnetic-powered water slide. Bubble’s Barrel has the world’s largest surfable sheet wave for flowboards and bodyboards and challenges surfers to ride its 3 metre high waves.

The Bandit Bomber, a 550 metre coaster, is the first with onboard water and laser effects. Riders can shoot jets of water at targets, drop water bombs and trigger special effects, while people below can spray them with water as they pass. yaswaterworld.com

Due to open soon, Louvre Abu Dhabi is being developed with the expertise of the Agence FranceMuseums and in partnership with the Musée du Louvre. While the Louvre Abu Dhabi is developing its own national collection, it will also be enriched by loans from French museums including Musée du Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi has been visualised as a catalyst for arts in the Middle East. It will build a permanent collection, organise exhibitions, generate scholarships and undertake educational programmes that will examine the history of art produced around the world since circa 1965 from a variety of perspectives.

Yas Beach

Set on Yas Island’s tranquil southern shores, Yas Beach is the island’s only stretch of beach. Open daily from 10am – 7pm, it is a great spot to relax and enjoy sun, sea, sand, food and drinks. Admission for nonYas Island hotel guests, which includes beach towel and sun lounger, is Dhs50 (US$ 13.60) for adults and Dhs25 (US$ 6.80) for children aged 8-16 during the week, and Dhs100 (US$ 27.25) for adults and Dhs50 (US$ 13.60) for children during weekend. Children under 8 enter free. Saturday is half-price for ladies. yasbeach.ae

O1NE Yas Island

An innovative mix of art, luxury and technology, O1NE promises the ultimate nightclub experience in Abu Dhabi. Featuring on the outside the world’s largest privately owned graffiti wall - a 3,000 square metre surface area painted by 19 of the greatest graffiti artists, step inside into a world of 360˚ and 3D projection mapping topped with impeccable service, top-notch sound systems and talented DJs. o1neyasisland.com 22 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

Zayed National Museum

At the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District is the Zayed National Museum. Fittingly elevated above the rest of the cultural district, the museum traces the region’s history and the unification of the United Arab Emirates through the life and person of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Manarat Al Saadiyat

The island’s purpose built visitor centre (which translates from Arabic as 'a place of enlightenment'), brings the Saadiyat vision to life. Two galleries are open to the public: 'The Saadiyat Story', on permanent display, gives visitors an interactive narrative on the history and cultural vision behind the island, and the 'Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery', hosts a series of exhibitions and educational programmes. saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

Saadiyat Beach Club

With its own unique style, Saadiyat Beach Club features an outdoor swimming pool, workout room with fitness and wellness programmes, spa facilities, sauna and steam rooms, kids' pool and playing areas, and private cabanas and loungers set on the stunning, white beach. There’s also a shop, three lounges and restaurants. Daily membership is available for visitors. saadiyatbeachclub.ae

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

This magnificent 18-hole masterpiece, designed

by Gary Player, is the Arabian Gulf 's first and only 'ocean' course with several beach front holes on the iconic Saadiyat Island. The amphitheatre style Par 72 course features spectacular views of the crystal blue Arabian Gulf. Don’t be surprised if you spot dolphins while teeing off. sbgolfclub.ae

Al Maryah Island

Undergoing massive development, Al Maryah is Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business District. Upon completion it will feature a number of business, leisure and entertainment hubs. Currently, the luxurious, five-star Rosewood Abu Dhabi and The Galleria, an elite shopping mall, are open to visitors. almaryahisland.ae

Nurai Island

Private island holidays can now be yours too at Nurai Island. Feeling like a secret hideout, Nurai is just a 10-minute boat ride away from Saadiyat Island.

Book a stay at the exclusive Zaya Nurai Island, a boutique resort with an all villa hotel and three bespoke food and beverage outlets. zayanuraiisland.com

Reem Island

Reem is home to one of the emirate’s architectural landmarks – the linked, Stonehenge-style Gate Towers. alreemisland.info

Al Ain

Al Ain is known as the Oasis City of the UAE. It houses some of the country’s most popular picnic spots, major tourist attractions as well as historically significant sites. Known as the emirate’s heritage heartland, forts, museums and pre-historic tombs can be found here. Other attractions include Al Ain Zoo, Hili Fun City, Wadi Adventure, a camel market and the majestic Jebel Hafeet. The Al Qattara Arts Centre, housed in an historic renovated fort on a site that dates to the Iron Age (1100 – 300Bc), has an extensive arts and culture programme. The city’s historic and recently renovated Souq Al Qattara is adjacent to the arts centre.

Jebel Hafeet

At 1,240m, Jebel Hafeet is the emirate’s highest peak, and the UAE’s second. Standing guard over Al Ain and bordering Oman, this rocky height, has been forged out of craggy limestone which has weathered over millions of years. A winding highway, which has been described as ‘amongst the world’s greatest driving roads’, makes its way to the peak from where panoramic views over Al Ain await.

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Beaches

Vast expanses of golden sand which gently caress the shimmering waters; Abu Dhabi has some of the finest beaches in the UAE. The emirate has also gone to great lengths to preserve the beauty of the beaches while providing comforts that make a trip to the beach thoroughly enjoyable and safe.

Corniche Beach

The Corniche is Abu Dhabi’s most popular attraction not just for tourists but residents too. Following the contours of the Gulf coastline, it is lined with shops, luxury hotels, entertainment venues and restaurants.

Corniche Road spans an impressive eight kilometres of manicured waterfront that includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés, a wake boarding park and the Corniche Beach Park. The park extends along Corniche Road from near the Hilton Hotel to beyond Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. The pristine beachfront has the coveted Blue Flag status - the internationally renowned eco-label for beaches and marinas that guarantees clean and safe bathing water. Visitors can enjoy three separate sections for families, singles and the general public.

There is a nominal entry fee to the family and singles sections. Entry to the public beach is free.

Nature reserves

Sir Bani Yas Island

The largest of the planned Desert Islands destination and its centrepiece attraction. Sir Bani Yas Island is home to one of Arabia’s largest wildlife reserves and the 'Greening of the Desert' programme, established in 1971 by the late Abu Dhabi ruler and founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Taking up approximately half of Sir Bani Yas Island, the 4,200 hectare Arabian Wildlife Park is home to several thousand free-roaming animals that are indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula such as the endangered Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle, Arabian (Mountain) Gazelle, cheetahs and hyenas.

The cheetahs on Sir Bani Yas Island are the only free-roaming ones in the region.

Though research and conservation efforts are at the core of the Arabian Wildlife Park, many activities are available for visitors such as nature & wildlife drives in purpose-built 4x4 vehicles, guided walks, mountain biking, horse riding, diving and exclusive outdoor dining experiences. sirbaniyasisland.com

Family Parks

Abu Dhabi’s gardens and parks are just perfect for a fun-filled family day out.

Al Ain Zoo

Home to over 4000 animals, the 900 hectare Al Ain Zoo is a must visit. Home to giraffes, white lions, hyenas, hippos and many other fascinating creatures, the massive animal enclosures have been carefully built to match the animals’ natural habitat.

The falconry display at the Zoo is particularly worth seeing. Visitors can also feed the giraffes here while the ‘Elezba’ petting zoo lets families feed and play with sheep, goats, camels, llamas, chicken and ducks. alainzoo.ae

Al Ain Hili Fun City

Despite bigger and better theme parks opening across the city, Hili has remained a firm favourite since its opening in 1985. In fact, it was the Gulf's first theme park. Now renovated, the expansive park boasts 28 attractions for all ages, an amphitheatre, picnic and play areas. hilifuncity.ae

Al Mushrif Children’s Park

Al Mushrif is a popular ‘ladies only’ venue. Amusement park rides, swings and fountains abound here making it a great hangout for children. www.uaetourism.ae | 25

Khalifa Park

Drawing inspiration from Arabic and Islamic architecture, Khalifa Park is one of the city's major landmarks. The landscape boasts canals, fountains, lakes and waterfalls, kids play areas and an outdoor auditorium. The highlight of Khalifa Park is the Murjan Splash Park which features seven water-based attractions, all for children up to the age of 12 only. Its main feature - the ‘Water Play Structure’ - is a shallow pool with four small waterslides, a giant tipping bucket, a crawl tunnel, water guns, a water umbrella, small tipping buckets, a water wheel, and water showers.

Emirates Park Zoo

With over 1,700 animals, including a pair of majestic white tigers; Siberian bear, lions, cheetahs and dozens of zebras housed in the zoo’s ‘Predators’ and ‘Wild Animals’ enclosures, the Emirates Park Zoo offers a fun way to connect with nature. The unique park-wide ‘misting system’ keeps animals and patrons cool in the summer months. The zoo also hosts a Sea Lion show in its premises. Zoo timings vary from season to season. emiratesparkzoo.com

Desert ADventures

Traditional and sustainable desert camps; powerful 4x4s or on the back of a camel – there are many ways to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s deserts. Abu Dhabi has a host of efficient and licensed tour operators who can arrange desert safaris for tourists. They also offer the opportunity to engage in a variety of desert activities.

Desert Drives

Vast expenses of virgin sands lie outside the Liwa Oasis – Abu Dhabi’s most popular spot for desert

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adventures. Awe-inspiring 300 metre high sand dunes of tel Moreeb, sand valleys and the fascinating Empty Quarter offer some of the most thrilling desert experiences. Navigate a bumpy trail through the meandering sands, stopping at ‘Camel Rock’, ‘Saddle Rock’ and the ancient ‘Fossil Rock’.

Desert Camping

Deep in Abu Dhabi’s heritage heartland of Al Ain, the Arabian Nights Village in Al Khatem, harnesses the essence of old Arabia. Experience the mythical and timeless beauty of the desert and traditional Emirati life through its three types of accommodation facilities: Bayt Al Bar, traditional mud houses of the desert; Bayt Al Bahar, the original houses of Emirati sea-dwellers which are made from palm fronds, and Beit Shaaer, or woven tents. The camp also has a swimming pool. arabiannights.ae The Al Badeyah desert camp, nestled in the desert dunes of Al Khaznah, allows visitors to enjoy an authentic Arabian experience under the stars.

Offering different desert safari services, the camp boasts five permanent tents with beds, an original majlis tent for evening activities, two permanent bathroom facilities, along w ith a children's playground, trampoline and a petting zoo.

Sand Boarding

Boasting the world’s largest dunes, towering hundreds of metres above the surrounding plains, the Liwa Oasis on the edges of the Rub al-Khali or Empty Quarter is a sand skier’s paradise.

The Abu Dhabi desert offers gentler slopes for the novice skier.

Water Fun

The Abu Dhabi Corniche Family Beach offers a host of activities that are perfect for the whole family. Think boat charters, jet skiing, fishing, diving, banana boat and donut rides, pedal boating, kayaking and even water skiing and diving courses.

Empros at the InterContinental Hotel is a one-stop shop for these activities. empros.ae

Speed Boating

A high-speed way to experience Abu Dhabi’s stunning skyline vistas. Yellow Boats offers various tours on top-of-the-line inflatable craft. theyellowboats.com

Dhow Cruise

It presents not just breathtaking views of the Corniche but also presents guests with a sumptuous seafood-based dinner and live entertainment. Most tour operators can arrange dhow cruise dinners.

Diving

In close vicinity of Abu Dhabi city are an array of fascinating dive sites which include wreck or deep water dives and reef dives. Complemented with pleasant weather and calm waters, diving is a popular pastime around the year. The marine life is splendid and divers are sure to spot barracuda, spotted eagle rays, stingrays, and much more.

The following companies offer guided dives: • Abu Dhabi Sub Aqua Club abudhabisubaqua.com • Arabian Divers & Sportfishing Charters fishabudhabi.com • Sea Tourism seatourism.net • Western Marine Sports Club wmsc.ae

Al Forsan Water Sports Centre

Thrill seekers looking to engage in wake boarding, wake skating, mono skiing or water skiing should head to the state-of-the-art Al Forsan International Sports Resort. The Resort is the first in the Middle East to introduce the water cable park system. It is a huge overhead cable erected around the banks of the purpose-built ‘pro’ and ‘beginner’ lakes. The cable travels between 29 to 38kmph (depending on the level of experience), pulling participants around the lake on their chosen board or ski. alforsan.com

Wadi Adventure

Catamaran Cruise

Admire the remarkable sights of the Arabian Gulf shoreline from on-board a luxurious sailing Catamaran. The cruise offers an opportunity to explore the surrounding beaches and even sight playful dolphins. The Belevari Marine catamaran tours (every Friday & Saturday from 1pm – 5pm) depart from the exclusive Emirates Palace Marina. belevari.com

Wadi Adventure is the region’s first man-made white water rafting, kayaking and surf facility. The park’s 3.3 metre man-made surf wave is the world’s largest and its 1.7 kilometre kayaking channel network is the world’s longest. Lessons are provided by certified trainers for all levels of competency; guests can bring their own equipment, rent or buy gear from the resort’s shop. wadiadventure.ae

Kayaking

Abu Dhabi’s many islands yield the opportunity to kayak through beautiful lagoons, narrow channels and under the full canopy of the mangroves.

Adventurists can choose from low or high tide tours and even a full moon tour. Noukhada Tours is a popular choice for kayaking tours. noukhada.ae www.uaetourism.ae | 27

Western Marine Sports Club (WMSC)

WMSC offers a range of marine sports and activities, including sailing, pedal boats, kayaking, paddleboats, wakeboarding, knee boarding, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, floating loungers and inflatable bubbles. The club is based at the Mirfa Hotel and also operates the first, purpose-built dive centre in Mirfa, complete with qualified Emirati instructors and guides who bring local knowledge to the experience. wmsc.ae

Sporting ActivitieS

Al Forsan International Sports Resort

A l Forsan is the leading destination for all sporting activities.

Motor Racing and Go-Karting

Al Forsan’s Motor Sports Centre can cater for both competitive and non-competitive track events. The 1.2km CIK approved professional circuit is designed and built to the highest standards and offers a challenging and exhilarating experience. alforsan.com

Paintball

Al Forsan offers two themed playing fields and even tournament fields built by industry leaders in paintball and theme creation. The indoor themed fields at Al Forsan ensure that even the most severe weather conditions don’t hamper play. These fields have special interactive buildings, realistic props, special effects lighting and the tournament field is fully floodlit, allowing night play as well. Rental markers and equipment are available. alforsan.com

Shooting

The shooting ranges at Al Forsan are the first in the Gulf to offer both Olympic Disciplines and Sporting Clays combined with Handgun and Rifle Ranges. alforsan.com

Horse Riding

From indoor to outdoor training areas; fully floodlit polo field to world class stable facilities and from special beach rides to a variety of horseback riding activities and lessons, the emirate’s many clubs can tailor-make packages to meet the individual abilities and needs of each guest. The emirate’s leading equestrian facilities are: • Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club adec-web.com • Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club aesgc.ae 28 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

• • •

Golf

Sir Bani Yas Stables desertislands.com Dhabian Equestrian Club dhabianequestrianclub.webs.com Al Forsan International Sports Resort alforsan.com

Abu Dhabi’s golf courses are unique, set within a diverse range of landscapes they provide a variety of golfing experiences. Players can choose from championship-ready parkland, ocean or Links facilities, a gentle urban centre course, the sheer uniqueness of a world-class ‘sand’ course, or an attempt at the emirate’s longest-hole on a country facility - the choices are compelling. Abu Dhabi’s Golf in Abu Dhabi initiative provides exclusive, highly attractive rates at three championship-ready courses - Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi - and at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Ghazal Golf Club and Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. golfinabudhabi.com With some of the giants of golf appearing for play every January, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is the European PGA Tour’s curtain raiser and is held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Apart from the action on the greens, there’s children's entertainment, competitions and an array of food and beverage outlets, making the event a fantastic family day out. abudhabigolfchampionship.com

Tennis

Host of the annual Mubadala World Tennis Championship, Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Complex is an ATP standard facility with six training courts and a centre court with a spectator capacity of 5,000. Visitors can also play tennis in many hotels and sports clubs throughout the emirate.

Spectator SportS

Camel Racing

The Al Wathba Camel Race Track and Al Maqam Track regularly host races on weekends and public holidays. For more information call The Camel Racing Federation at Al Wathba, on: +971 2 583 9200

Cycling

Visitors can cycle around the panoramic Corniche with FunRideSports which rents out a variety of bikes - from mountain bikes to city bikes and even specially designed bikes for ladies wearing abayas.

It has four accessible rental stations along the Corniche boardwalk, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Wathba Cycle Track and its main station outside The Hiltonia Beach Club. FunRideSports also offers cycling at Yas Island. funridesports.com Taking cycling to whole a new level is the five-star Fairmont Bab Al Bahr; partnering with Mercedes, it gives guests the option of renting Mercedes bikes during their stay at the hotel. All guests receive a safety helmet and a cycling map which outlines suggested routes in the hotel’s surrounding area.

Routes come in three, five and 10km options.

Fairmont cyclists can even take the bikes over to the nearby Yas Marina Circuit on Tuesdays. fairmont.com

recreatIoNal actIvItIeS

Bowling

Bowling enthusiasts can head to a number of venues across the city such as the Bawadi Mall, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and Khalidiyah Mall. The Khalifa International Bowling Centre lets players test their skills over 40 alleys. Bowling facilities are also available at the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel – T: +971 2 441 5900 and Abu Dhabi Country Club in Al Mushrif – T:+971 2 443 6333.

Ice Skating

Step into these supercool venues to beat the heat: • Abu Dhabi Ice Rink at Zayed Sports City • Marina Mall's Snow World • Al Ain Mall

Indoor Skydiving

Can’t jump out of a plane? Then jump into the vertical indoor sky diving tunnel at SpaceWalk.

Located in the Abu Dhabi Country Club, the 12.5 metre high flight chamber is powered by five fans with a combined total of 875 horsepower.

Horse Riding

Hosting around 16 race meetings annually, the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club is the home of horse racing in the capital. Races are usually held in the afternoons or evenings throughout the cooler season, and admission is free. The Tri Cast Competition invites race goers to pick the first three finishers in each race, with prizes for the winners. adec-web.com

accoMMoDatIoN & SpaS

Abu Dhabi has spectacular resorts where luxury, comfort, fine dining and other bespoke lifestyle offerings meld seamlessly. While we list some of the most iconic properties of the emirate, do remember that the Capital City has a plethora of choices to suit every budget and taste.

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort

Anchored on the vast plains of the Arabian Wildlife Park, Al Sahel offers a luxurious stay right in the heart of nature. 30 villas – some with private plunge pools – are set beneath a thatched-roof, and offer luxurious amenities with authentic traditional touches, as well as high levels of elegance and comfort. Savannah Grill, the resort’s signature restaurant excels at succulent grilled meats while Olio dishes out Italian-inspired fare; Samak is the resort’s pool bar; Amwaj specialises in tapas and Samak and The Palm serve Middle Eastern flavours. Al Sahel guests can also choose between other dining options and the nature and wildlife drives and watersports activities operated by the resort’s sister Anantara properties, Desert Island Resort & Spa and Al Yamm Villa Resort. al-sahel.anantara.com www.uaetourism.ae | 29

Emirates Palace Hotel

Be pampered like royalty at the Emirates Palace Hotel. Its rooms and suites are lavishly appointed in gold leaf, marble and Swarovski crystals, and offer striking views of the Arabian Sea from their private balconies. The hotel offers its guests a discreet and extremely efficient personal butler service, exclusive concierge services and even a personal shopper is at hand. The limousine service is unparalleled – guests can choose from a range of luxury vehicles such as Rolls Royce, BMW, Maybach and even helicopters or private jets. Dining options range from Mediterranean at Mezzaluna to modern Chinese at Hakkasan. For chocolates and caviar with live music, visit Le Café & Caviar Bar on the lobby level.

The Emirates Palace Spa is a haven of tranquility.

Highly skilled staff pamper the body and mind with a rare collection of exotic elixirs, oils and aromas ensure complete harmony between body and mind. The Spa menu is extensive and includes aromatherapy, body massage, body scrubs, body wraps, Collagen facial, hot stone massage, reflexology, sports massage, Swedish massage and Thai massage.

If staying here is out of your budget, you can still experience its famed luxury by booking its decadent high tea. emiratespalace.com

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan is a five-star hotel with 443 splendid rooms and suites that incorporate the best of Arabian hospitality and modern amenities.

The hotel facilities include a private beach, plunge pools, fully equipped gyms, floodlit tennis courts and squash courts and a kids club. Khalidiya Palace can even arrange off-site activities such as desert trips, fishing trips, golf and sightseeing tours for guests.

Khalidiya Palace is an alcohol-free hotel. rotana.com

Hyatt Capital Gate

Located in the world’s furthest leaning tower, the Hyatt encompases luxury guestrooms and suites with panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows, innovative and authentic dining experiences and the Rayana spa, Abu Dhabi’s first sky spa. abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

In close proximity to prime attractions such as the Grand Mosque and Ferrari World, the Fairmont is a beach-front hotel guaranteeing guests the highest levels of comfort within elegant surroundings. The hotel includes an Olympic-length lap pool, private 30 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

beaches, state-of-the-art gyms and cutting-edge business and conference facilities. fairmont.com

Yas Viceroy

Yas Island’s leading hospitality destination, Yas Viceroy is the first hotel ever to be built over a Formula One race circuit. The property's two towers are linked by a bridge, under which runs the racetrack.

Plush amenities and latest technology feature in all of the generous guestrooms. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodation, including interconnecting rooms and suites. ESPA at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi has holistic treatments that guarantee complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can choose from a range of signature treatments and Yas Escape packages. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

A harmonious blend of Mediterranean architecture and contemporary interiors, The St. Regis wasrecently voted 'Ultimate Beach Resort' by online travel agency eBookers. Its elegant rooms and suites overlook either Saadiyat Island’s pristine beaches or the impressive Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. The Iridium Spa offers a spectrum of services where each spa experience is personally crafted to meet the elemental needs of a guest. stregissaadiyatisland.com

Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara

With the region’s precious mangroves forming its backdrop, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara is a natural haven. The accommodation is luxurious with a definitive touch of urban Emirati life.

Elegantly designed rooms with picturesque views of the mangrove lagoon or city provide an ideal sanctuary during your Abu Dhabi stay. The jewel-toned Anantara Spa features signature treatments, steam and sauna facilities, as well as separate male and female areas. abu-dhabi.anantara.com

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

At the heart of the Abu Dhabi, lies The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. Each room and suite at the resort faces the golf course with private balconies to soak in the atmosphere and rejuvenate. The Heavenly Spa brings together refined, natural materials and sleek modern textures to create a luxurious and stylish setting. A range of spa treatments and massage services are available - from luxurious anti-ageing cleansing techniques and relaxing full-body wraps to the latest Myoxy-Caviar® masks and many others. The Westin also offers excellent golf packages for its guests. starwoodhotels.com

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

This multi-award winning luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi features a number of unique venues for social events, outstanding conference and meeting facilities, and 382 elegant rooms and suites, which afford some of the most stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. jumeirah.com

EATING OUT

Abu Dhabi’s dining scene is a vibrant one. Each year, the emirate hosts the Abu Dhabi Food Festival which incorporates the prestigious Gourmet Abu Dhabi, a gastronomic extravaganza which brings together master chefs from around the world to present a host of special dinners and demonstrations and create bespoke menus for some of Abu Dhabi’s leading restaurants.

Presented by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, the festival aims to educate and excite gourmands with a presentation of the finest cuisine, best vintages and most unique dining experiences. abudhabifoodfestival.ae

Amici, Yas Viceroy

An elegant Italian restaurant, it presents diners a refined menu of eight sophisticated options of antipasti, pasta, pizza, and meat and fish. Dishes are authentic and presented with clever and winning combinations. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

Finz, Beach Rotana

Finz’s location is just as unique as its menu. Perched at the end of the jetty and built entirely out of wood, Finz focuses primarily on seafood and crustacean.

The cooking methods are exotic too, from woks and tandoors to cataplana style. rotana.com

18⁰

For a meal with a view head to 18° at the Hyatt Capital Gate. The menu features specialty dishes from Greece, Turkey, Syria and Lebanon – all prepared across three show kitchens. abudhabi.capitalgate. hyatt.com

Ushna, Souk Qaryat Al Beri

Serving classic Indian flavours in an elegant setting, Ushna is a feast for the senses. Gourmands take note though, the fare is delightfully spicy. anarandushna.com

Tori No Su, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

This modern and award winning Japanese restaurant offers contemporary dishes, dreamt up by kaisekitrained chef Ando. Enjoy fresh fish from the sushi bar, ‘iron plate’ dishes from the Teppanyaki counter, slow-grilled delicacies from the Robatayaki counter or order an "omakase" course, where the chef and his team will create a selection of dishes on demand. jumeirah.com

Sontaya, The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Set amongst a series of floating pavilions, Sontaya showcases a menu which highlights various flavours from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. Highlights include Vietnamese Beef Salad with a homemade garlic chili sauce, Massaman Short Rib Curry and Steamed Red Snapper. All dishes are complemented with a host of Sontaya infused beverages. sontayaabudhabi.com

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Stratos, Le Royal Meredien

Clever innovations are used to reinvent and elevate traditional dishes (foie gras, steak, lemon tart) by using new flavour combinations at Stratos. Its great geography also helps – this is the capital’s only revolving restaurant and lounge. stratosabudhabi.com

Bord Eau, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri

Bord Eau offers modern French cuisine in a chic setting. Regional French ingredients are imported to ensure an authentic and polished menu, to provide an exceptional dining experience. shangri-la.com

Lebanese Flower, Defence Road

Lebanese Flower is Abu Dhabi’s well-loved Middle Eastern diner. The hearty, fuss free cuisine offers sumptuous servings of crispy falafel, freshly baked Arabic bread with creamy hummus, deliciously spiced and juicy lamb khisha khash with a wide variety of fresh salads. +971 2 645 6338

Art House Café

The quirky Art House Café pays tribute to art, environment and the need for food to be wholesome and simple yet delicious. Menu items come from across the globe. The Vietnamese spring rolls, calamari rings and grilled halloumi and mango salad are must-eats. +971 2 666 0175

CULTURE & ARTS

With the establishment of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, Abu Dhabi has become the cultural focal point of the region. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will further strengthen its reputation as a cultural hub when they open their doors in the near from 2015 onwards.

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Guided tours of this award-winning specialist hospital, the most advanced of its kind in the world, are available. You can visit the luxurious wards where the birds are kept, explore the museum which gives an insight into the noble desert sport of falconry, or try your hand at the pursuit in the lush gardens. Open Sunday - Thursday, advance booking is recommended. falconhospital.com

Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) is a non-profit organisation established to advance classical music, the arts, education, culture, and creativity. It aims to promote and nurture artistic excellence in the city as well as preserve the UAE’s cultural legacy. admaf.org

Abu Dhabi Art

A popular art fair and contemporary art platform, Abu Dhabi Art brings together leading art galleries from across the world. Showcasing a variety of works, from museum-quality pieces to those by emerging artists, the event is held at the UAE Pavilion and Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island. Entry is free. Participants have to register and some areas have age restrictions. Workshops are charged. abudhabiart.ae

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

Held annually at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, this is the Arabian Gulf’s fastest-growing book fair with in excess of 600,000 titles on display. adbookfair.com

Al Dhafra Festival

Featuring nearly 24,000 camels and attracting several thousand spectators every December, this is one of the world's largest desert heritage events.

Camel breeders from across the region compete in this massive camel beauty pageant that celebrates local culture. The event takes place on a huge, barren plain that transforms into a lively city of tents, four wheel drives, handicraft shops and, of course, camels. algharbiafestivals.ae

Liwa Date Festival

This annual event explores the intricacies of date production and the varied products this desert fruit is now lending itself to. The festival includes a date beauty contest, a date auction and educational sessions on how to care for palm trees. liwadatesfestival.ae 32 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

SPORTING EVENTS

The city’s state-of-the-art facilities, superb infrastructure and world class amenities have made it a coveted venue for many prestigious sporting events such as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is recognised as one of the biggest events on the European Tour. Since its inception, it has been staged at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club as part of the Tour’s Gulf Swing.

The Championship consistently attracts a world-class field of the game’s top international stars, including winners Chris DiMarco, Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer, Robert Rock and Jamie Donaldson. Even Tour legend Gary Player has joined the Abu Dhabi field.

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon

This annual event attracts the world’s best triathletes and international amateurs. The race is contested across three distances. The 223kms main 'long course' boasts a gruelling 3km swim, a 200km cycle and 20km closing run. The 'short' course, at half the length, has a 1.5km swim, a 100km cycle and a 10 km run, while the sprint course - which can be run as a team relay - has a 750 metre swim, a 50km bike and 5km run. abudhabitriathlon.com

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The highlight of Abu Dhabi’s annual motorsport calendar, the Grand Prix is held at the state-of-theart Yas Marina Circuit, although the entire city catches race fever. A fan zone on the Corniche takes the event beyond the racetrack, while nightly circuit concerts by international stars bring added value for race goers. yasmarinacircuit.ae

this is one of the Arabian Gulf’s fastest-growing and most popular sporting events. mubadalawtc.com thinkf lash.ae

ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS

Spectacular Abu Dhabi hosts many exciting events in its world class venues.

Abu Dhabi Film Festival

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival was established in 2007 with the aim of helping to create a vibrant film culture throughout the region. Presented each October, the event presents works by Arab filmmakers in competition alongside those by major talents of world cinema. abudhabifilmfestival.ae

Abu Dhabi Festival

The emirate’s premier annual celebration of artistic excellence, the Abu Dhabi Festival aims to promote the unique role of music and arts in cross-cultural understanding and seeks to contribute to the emirate’s vision as a global destination of cultural enlightenment, respect and tolerance. Each year, it unveils exciting new commissions as well as world premieres. abudhabifestival.ae

Abu Dhabi Summer Season

This annual festival brings together family-friendly, fun filled entertainment, activites and hotel offers, leading Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Gharbia and incorporates the school summer holidays, Ramadan and the Islamic festivities of Eid Al Fitr and brings to life the spirit of sharing. eidfestabudhabi.ae

UAE National Day - 2 December

This annual two day festival on Abu Dhabi's Corniche features live concerts and entertainment as the city literally comes alive with joyful and exuberant celebration.

MICE

Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Abu Dhabi Six of the world’s top ten players compete for the ‘winner takes all’ US $250,000 prize. Staged yearly at Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, and presented by Flash Entertainment,

The UAE's capital is successfully raising its profile as a premium meetings, incentive travel, conference and exhibition (MICE) destination. In addition to investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and developing oneof-a-kind conference and exhibition venues, Abu Dhabi is also raising the professionalism and service standards of the region’s MICE trade through an industry-wide professional development and training programme.

TCA Abu Dhabi is stimulating the meetings business via the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and through its Advantage Abu Dhabi incentive programme. abudhabi-cb.ae www.uaetourism.ae | 33

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

Drawing more than 1.5 million visitors annually, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) is recognised for hosting high-profile, large-scale exhibitions and smaller specialist shows. With 12 state-of-the-art fully connected exhibition halls, the Atrium and the Concourse totalling 73,000 square metres, ADNEC is the largest exhibition venue in the Middle East. The flexible, flat-floored halls offer endless possibilities for all types of exhibitions and events. ADNEC also boasts 60,000 square metres of outdoor space including a marina. These facilities are complemented by innovative conference and banqueting services. The complex also includes ICC Abu Dhabi - the International Convention Centre.

ICC Abu Dhabi has a fully flexible, tiered auditorium, seating up to 6,000 people with the 7,920 square metres space being able to host a range of meetings and events. Two other large conference rooms, 19 smaller break-out rooms, additional exhibition space of 65,080 square metres and catering facilities, complement its amenities. adnec.ae

Emirates Palace Hotel

A national landmark, Emirates Palace Hotel offers award winning venues and the most flexible and technologically advanced conference expertise. The hotel’s facilities include an auditorium, a ballroom and over 40 meeting rooms including a media centre and business centre. Emirates Palace also boasts six large terraces and a variety of pre-function areas. Its spectacular outdoor venues can accommodate up to 20,000 people. Its award winning conferencing facilities are complemented by a team of attentive and professional staff and a wide and sumptuous range of culinary delights. The 394-room hotel is only a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and a 90-minute drive from Dubai International. emiratespalace.com

CITY TOUR

Apart from the marvelous sights and sounds, the best thing about Abu Dhabi city tours is the novel ways in which they can be undertaken. Cycle, take the Big Bus or book a helicopter.

Biking Tour

Explore Yas Island on a bike. Fun Ride Sports operates day and night guided tours from their bike rental station at Yas Plaza. The tour costs Dhs100 (including bike, helmet, English speaking guide, 500 ml bottle of water and group picture as souvenir).

Key attractions covered are mainland overview of Yas Island, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Viceroy Hotel, Yas Links golf course and a 30 minutes break at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi welcome pavilion. funridesports.com Noukhada offers visitors a choice of two tours - Cycle Yas Island tour and the City Cycle tour. The Yas tour explores the island’s main landmarks and invites you to take a closer look at the Yas Marina Circuit. The City Cycle tour pedals along the Corniche for a descriptive tour of Abu Dhabi city. Noukhada provides bicycles, helmets and an informative guide to take you from the eastern end of the Corniche to the western end (8km).

Tourists have to reach the start point themselves and then catch a taxi (or bus) from the finish point. noukhada.ae

Big Bus Tour

The Big Bus Company’s carefully designed tours take tourist to all of Abu Dhabi’s major landmarks - from the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel, to the Heritage Village and Saadiyat Island. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and give access to all the Big Bus Tour routes, enabling guests to hop on and hop off at their leisure. The ticket also includes free entrance to the Sky Tower at Marina Mall.

Tickets are available from individual hotels or the Big Bus sales desk at Marina Mall and can also be bought online. bigbustours.com 34 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

Cruise

Abu Dhabi’s cruise season runs October to May with the bulk of activity in December to April. Cruise arrivals fall into two categories: operators that run seasonal winter sun circular tours of the Arabian Gulf - these ships sometimes make up to 20 calls each during a season - and international cruise lines that include Abu Dhabi as a port-of-call for their world voyages.

Helicopter Tour

A bird's eye view of the capital's landmarks and heritage sites with Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) helicopter sightseeing tour is a memorable experience.

The FAS tours offer outstanding panoramic views of the skyscraper dotted Corniche.

The 20 or 30-minute city tours depart Marina Mall daily and take in Lulu, Reem, Saadiyat and Yas islands, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. falconaviation.ae

Seawings

Abu Dhabi’s new aerial sightseeing experience covers all of the city’s sights and wonders from the air with their Abu Dhabi Scenic and Yas Classique seaplane tours. Each tour provides spectacular views of the capital city from a Cessna 208 amphibious aircraft. seawings.ae

TraVeL eSSeNTiaLS

Getting to the Emirate Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA) holds the 2013 World Airport Awards’ ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade. With more than 52 airlines flying to and from some 85 cities in over 49 countries, Abu Dhabi is one of the most well connected cities in the world.

ADIA is also the home of Etihad Airways - the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. Its Terminal 3 is dedicated to Etihad passengers and welcomes travellers to plush Etihad lounges and an award-winning concierge style check-in. Impressive retail is managed by DFS, the world’s largest luxury retailer, complemented by an array of exclusive restaurants and cafés.

Some of the world's leading cruise lines, such as Costa, Aida, TUI and MSC Cruises currently include Abu Dhabi on their itineraries. All arrivals at Mina Zayed are served by a temporary cruise terminal which is operated by TCA Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Abu Dhabi Terminals and capable of simultaneously accommodating 1,300 passengers. The terminal spans 2,002 square metres and comprises two dedicated halls – one a luggage-handling facility, the other a passenger centre complete with a waiting lounge, security section, prayer rooms, offices, visitor information centre, currency exchange as well as customs and immigration facilities.

GeoGraphy

Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest of the seven emirates. It covers an area of 67,340 sq km (87 per cent of the total area of the UAE) .The emirate lies on the borders with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. The emirate comprises 200 islands and has 700 kilometres of coastline.

Abu Dhabi emirate has three administrative regions: Abu Dhabi City, the Eastern Region with Al Ain as its largest city and the Western Region where Madinat Zayed is the largest city.

LocaL Time

The United Arab Emirates is four hours ahead of GMT. www.uaetourism.ae | 35

Government

Abu Dhabi prospered under the rule of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continues to prosper under the leadership of his sons, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with the support of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is assisted by the Executive Council, which is the emirate’s governing body. Chaired by HH General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Executive Council supervises the government departments which are equivalent to ministries and have clearly specified mandates. They administer various areas of activities ranging from economic development to pensions, environment, health, food control, education, culture and heritage, among others.

The Executive Council monitors the progress of the government-sponsored projects, the development of services and the improvement of governmental performance in Abu Dhabi.

The members of the Executive Council are chairmen of Abu Dhabi's government departments and authorities, in addition to appointed members by the Ruler of the emirate. The role of the Executive Council is central to Abu Dhabi’s governmental structure. It consists of the General Secretariat of the Executive Council (GSEC), the Executive Affairs Authority (EAA), the Executive Committee and the subcommittees.

the Judicial SyStem

In line with the UAE Constitution, Abu Dhabi maintains a local judicial system and set up the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) on June 15, 2007. Abu Dhabi’s court system has three stages of adjudication and recently gained further independence with the issuance of Law No (23) of 2006 which restricted the influence of executive bodies on the jurisdiction.

economy

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. It has also been ranked as the top city to live in in the Middle East (2012 survey by bayt.com and YouGov) and is the only Middle East city chosen as one of the 27 ‘cities of opportunity’ in an annual ranking by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index 2015 ranks the emirate as the safest in the region and at number 25 globally.

Oil was first discovered in 1952 in Abu Dhabi; onshore petroleum was found in 1960 while the 36 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

commercial exploitation of petroleum began in 1962. The emirate is blessed with 95 per cent of the UAE's proven oil reserves and 92 per cent of UAE's gas reserves. Based on current utilisation rates and no additional discoveries, Abu Dhabi's oil reserves will last for 150 years. In spite of its massive oil and gas reserves, the emirate has adopted a strategy of capitalising on the strong hydrocarbon sector to grow into other industrial sectors as well as tourism and aviation. Due to its strategic geographical situation, Abu Dhabi is counted as a window to the whole region and aims to become the Middle East hub for industrial and manufacturing companies. The construction sector is another important contributor to Abu Dhabi's GDP. There is massive government or government-related investments in shipyard, seaport, airport expansions, healthcare, education, major road upgrades and transportation. The emirate has also undertaken a massive expansion project for its main airport.

Aerospace and defence are also important pillars for Abu Dhabi's diversification plans. The city has been developing specialised economic zones in strategic locations to attract investments. The promotion of tourism, industrial and privatisation projects have and will further elevate Abu Dhabi into a prominent business and leisure capital, attracting more global firms and international investors.

Public tranSPort

Abu Dhabi has a well-planned road system and getting around Abu Dhabi is easy. A new interactive map initiative, darb.ae, provides useful information on travel and transport in the emirate.

Taxis

Taxis are reasonably priced and can be flagged down at the roadside or booked by phone through the TransAD hotline 600 535353. The street taxis are easily recognised by their silver livery and yellow roof sign, and are metered. A tip is not expected but always welcome. Shopping centres have specific taxi stands, and most Abu Dhabi roads are equipped with taxi drop-off / pick-up areas. To get to the airport, you can use regular taxis, as well as specially registered airport taxis and limo services, which can be more expensive.

A regular taxi journey to or from the airport costs Dhs70 - 80 (approx US$ 30). Daytime (6am - 10pm) metered fares in the city start at Dhs3.50 (US $1) for flagged cabs, Dhs8 (US $2.2) for cabs booked by phone, and increase by an additional Dhs1.60 (50 cents) for every kilometre. Night fares are slightly more, starting at Dhs4.00 (US $1.69) and increasing

by Dhs1.69 (55 cents) per kilometre.

Car Hire

All major car rental companies have a presence in Abu Dhabi. Smaller firms are also plentiful. However, it's worth remembering that larger, more reputable firms generally have more reliable vehicles and a greater capacity to help in an emergency. All rentals are inclusive of registration, maintenance, replacement, 24-hour assistance and insurance (comprehensive insurance with personal accident cover is advisable).

For short term rental, many companies offer daily rates - there are booths at the airport and most of the major hotels, and there are numerous shops dotted throughout the city.

To hire any vehicle you will need a passport copy, credit card and a valid driving licence from your home country, or a valid international driving licence.

Abu Dhabi city’s paid parking system Mawaqif is enforced round the clock, excluding Fridays and public holidays. Parking meters set time limits for use of public parking spaces. At premium parking lots on main streets, vehicles can park for up to four hours at Dhs3 per hour. In standard spaces, the rate is Dhs2 per hour for a maximum of 24 hours. mawaqif.ae

Buses

Operating round-the-clock, city buses are convenient and extremely reasonable. Passengers can hop in and out of any bus by placing two Dirham coins in the collection box next to the driver. Day and monthly passes for regular users are also available. Travelling by bus is complimentary for senior citizens above the age of 60 and for people with disabilities. Visitors who

qualify need to apply online for their free pass and can collect it from Abu Dhabi’s Central Bus Station. ojra.ae

Yas Express

This complimentary shuttle bus service runs daily from 9am to 9pm, providing easy access to Yas Island’s main attractions and landmarks, including - Yas Viceroy Hotel, Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Central at Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld. yasisland.ae 800 YAS (927) / +971 2 659 9800

Flights to Sir Bani Yas Island

Operated by Rotana Jets, this is a thrice-weekly service which departs from the Al Bateen Executive Airport to Sir Bani Yas Island. The service, which takes 25 minutes on a 50-seater Embraer executive jet, runs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Chartered flights from Abu Dhabi or Dubai are also available upon request. desertislands.com

Medical care

In a medical emergency, Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (+971 2 610 2000) and Al Noor Hospital (+971 2 626 5265) both have accident and emergency units. As per UAE federal law and Abu Dhabi Government law, all visitors to the UAE must have medical insurance cover. In case of emergency, treatment to stabilise the patient is free. Other treatment must be covered by a cash payment or insurance card for covered individuals.

A number of private hospitals and clinics abound in the city. Visit abudhabi.ae for a complete list of pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and medical centres in Abu Dhabi.

PoPulaTion

2.4million as of November 2014 www.uaetourism.ae | 37

DUBAI: TRULY AWE INSPIRING One of the most exhilarating cities in the world, Dubai dazzles at every step.

F

rom the majestic sand dunes of the Arabian Desert, rises the glittering city of Dubai.

Its gleaming towers give way to swathes of golden beaches where crystal blue waters meet soothing breezes. The city’s shopping malls mimic the world’s most fashionable catwalks and its entertainment calendar is packed with electrifying events and thrilling sporting championships. Its pulsating nightlife reverberates with catchy sounds from the best musical talents while dinner tables boast exquisite eats crafted by renowned Michelinstarred chefs. Exciting theme parks and amusement areas convert the Emirate into one huge family playground. An overwhelming majority of the members of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) voted for Dubai to be the host of the 2020 fair. Dubai International is now the world's busiest airport for international passengers while Emirates Airline, the city’s flagship carrier, has the world's largest wide-body passenger fleet. Dubai is undoubtedly where the world meets, and this is also obvious in its cosmopolitan social fabric – more than 200 nationalities live and work in harmony here.

It is all these and much more that make Dubai a destination of choice for holiday makers around the globe. Tradition warmly embraces innovation, 38 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

making the city a unique meld of rich heritage, culture and luxurious contemporary living.

ATTRACTIONS

Spend the morning on the beach, the afternoon snow skiing and the evening camel riding in the desert.

Dive with sharks in one of world’s largest shopping malls, bargain for silk and spices in charming souks, glam up your wardrobe with the latest designer collections and then sit back and watch dancing fountains at the base of the world’s tallest tower.

Whatever your passion, whatever your age – Dubai will leave you amazed.

SHOPPING

Shopping in Dubai is so much more than retail therapy – it’s a remarkable sightseeing, cultural, gastronomic and entertaining experience with a surprise at every turn. With over 95 shopping malls, half a dozen souks and variety of shopping neighbourhoods, Dubai is the A to Z of retail.

MAllS

The city's array of glittering malls, charming souks and pocket-friendly shopping neighbourhood are definitely award-winning.

www.uaetourism.ae | 39

The Dubai Mall

With over 12 million square feet of retail area, The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping centre.

Apart from more than a thousand retail outlets including designer stores such as Armani, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and department stores such as Galleries Lafayette and Bloomingdales, it also offers some of the most interesting experiences. Think scuba diving or swimming with sharks coming face to face with a giant Pacific octopus and King Croc in the Dubai Aquarium; a whole city dedicated to children at Kidzania; SEGA Republic – the region’s largest collection of electronic skill and redemption games; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and phenomenal dancing fountains at the base of the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa. There’s also a 22-screen cinema for movie buffs and 150 fine and casual dining outlets to satiate your taste buds. thedubaimall.com

Mall of the Emirates

Shopping, skiing, theatre, art and hospitality all rolled into one awesome venue: Mall of the Emirates (MoE).

Step in here for access to over 500 fashion, lifestyle, sports, electronics and home furnishing brands.

MoE’s Fashion Dome features stellar collections by icons such as Louis Vuitton, Paul Smith and Diane Von Furstenberg. Entertainment takes the form of the legendary Ski Dubai, Magic Planet, a 14-screen multiplex cinema and DUCTAC theatre and arts centre. Attached to the mall are the five-star Kempinski and Sheraton hotels.

Currently, the mall is undergoing a massive expansion which will see the addition of even more retail, dining and entertainment options. The mall remains open for business as usual. malloftheemirates.com

Deira City Centre (DCC)

Each year over 20 million shoppers walk through DCC, Dubai's first lifestyle mall, making it one of the region’s most visited destinations. From classy to casual, the 300+ stores at DCC have every shopping niche covered. DCC even has dedicated jewellery and textile courts. Its entertainment facilities include Magic Planet, Bowling City and an 11-screen multiplex cinema. Take Dubai Metro’s Red Line to reach the mall. deiracitycentre.com

DragonMart

A one-stop shop for everything from fashion to faucets, Dragon Mart houses a whopping 4,000 shops.

Products include clothes, jewellery, accessories, toys, household items, electronics, textiles, furniture and even machinery, lighting fixtures and building materials. The 1.2km Mart is currently undergoing further expansion, which will see the addition of a hotel, hypermarket, cinema and entertainment zone to its facilities. dragonmart.ae

Dubai Outlet Mall

What’s better than having a designer ensemble?

Having it at half the price! Every fashionista’s dream come true, Dubai Outlet Mall is home to over 800 of the world’s top fashion brands, all with 30-90 per cent off throughout the year. dubaioutletmall.com

Ibn Batuta Mall

Travel the world while shopping at Ibn Battuta. The mall celebrates the travels of the famous Arab explorer, Ibn Battuta, through its six courts reflecting the architecture of each region he explored – Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. The mall has 275 retailers, 50 restaurants and food outlets and 21 state-of-the-art cinema screens including the UAE’s first IMAX. ibnbattutamall.com

Mercato Mall

Renaissance-inspired Mercato is home to a variety of products, from fashion to furnishings, plus café’s, cinemas, a supermarket and even spas and salons.

Armani, Massimo Dutti, Laura Ashley and many other global brands can be found here. mercatoshoppingmall.com

Mirdif City Centre

A fabulous collection of over 400 stores, leisure and entertainment facilities and gourmet dining options, Mirdif City Centre is another popular mall. Under its Playmania theme, the mall offers a variety of fun-filled activities such as Soccer Circus, Yalla! Bowling, iFly, Sky 40 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

Trail, Little Explorers, Crèche Out, Aqua Play and Magic Planet. Movie buffs will enjoy its 10-screen cinema complex including the new Senstadium® cinemas. mirdifcitycentre.com

The Beach

The city’s newest shopping destination, The Beach is an awesome place for shopping, entertainment, fine dining and even a fun waterpark, open-air cinema and quirky weekly market. Take your pick from a list of unique retailers and celebrity pop-up shops, keep fit with the yoga on the lawn programme, crack open crabs and shellfishat Aprons & Hammers for lunch or catch a movie on the region’s largest open-air beach cinema screen. thebeach.ae

SoukS

For an authentic Arabian shopping excursion, head to any of the emirate’s exotic souks. Souvenir hunters will delight in the mounds of succulent dates, aromatic herbs and spices, the intricately carved trunks, the Dallahs (Arabic coffee pots) framed khanjars (traditional daggers) prayer beads, figurines in soapstone, goblets of marble, antique silver jewellery and brass crafts. Learn why Dubai has been dubbed the ‘City of Gold’ at the Deira Gold Souk, the largest

gold market in the world. Buy exquisite carpets in silk and wool from Afghanistan and Iran at The Carpet Souk in Deira Towers. Flanking the historic Dubai Creek on either side, are the bright Textile and fragrant Spice Souks.

You can even have a faux-souk shopping experience at some of the city’s best addresses: Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai (you can walk there from The Dubai Mall) is a majestic Arabesque citadel brimming with handicrafts, perfumes, carpets and Arabic coffee shops and restaurants. Souk Khan Murjaan at Wafi draws inspiration from 14th-century Egypt, Syria, Turkey and Morocco, for both its interiors and wares.

The Madinat Jumeirah Souk is another destination that keeps alive the spirit of the Arabian markets of yore. Meander through cobbled walkways and lantern-lit hallways as the aromas of Arabian oud and spices transport you across the ages.

SHoPPING NEIGHBouRHooDS

Dubai is not just for the deep pocketed. The city has some popular shopping areas which offer excellent bargains. Karama Complex is known for its budget -friendly purses, watches, pashminas, music instruments and other trinkets. Buy your fabrics from the rows of shops on Diyafah Street and then stop at any of the tailoring shops in Satwa for bespoke ensembles. Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai brings the best of traditional and fusion Indian fashion to the emirate.

The market is a vibrant pit stop with bolts of colours in every fabric imaginable, racks of ready -made clothing, rows of shops selling gold, diamond and even imitation jewellery. Head to the lush Zabeel Park for the Ripe Organic Market (every Friday) where foodies can pick up fresh organic vegetables and fruits, homemade jams, oils, organic coffee and gluten-free chocolate.

LaNDmaRkS

Dubai’s famed landmarks have put the city on the world map. From the world’s tallest tower to the iconic Palm Jumeirah Islands, its mind boggling constructions have broken architectural barriers and won global acclaim.

Burj Khalifa

At 828 metres, the spectacular Burj is the world’s tallest building. Taking inspiration from the Hymenocallis desert flower, the Burj consists of three towers arranged around a central core. Soak in spectacular views of the city and beyond from Burj Khalifa’s two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors. Or have ‘high’ tea on the 122nd floor at At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant. burjkhalifa.ae www.uaetourism.ae | 41

The Palm

Built in the shape of a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest man-made island. Made up of a trunk, a crown with 17 fronds, and a surrounding crescent island, the Palm Jumeirah is home to some of the city’s most luxurious resorts, such as Atlantis, The Palm and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Hop on to the fully automatic, driverless Monorail for a panoramic view of the whole island combine two great sightseeing experiences in one by connecting with the Monorial via Dubai Tram. rta.ae and palm-monorail.com

Heritage areas

Though Dubai has given the world some of the most modern developments, it has preserved its heritage with equal pride.

Heritage & Diving Village

Heritage Village is designed to replicate a traditional Bedouin village. Its exhibits include quaint Barasti houses, an outdoor kitchen displaying olden utensils, a traditional souk and even an ancient armory.

Visitors can also see potters and weavers at work at Heritage Village.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Featuring on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Al Fahidi is characterised by narrow, winding lanes, traditional wind towers and houses with large and intricately decorated courtyards. Most of the old buildings have now been converted into cafés, art galleries and quirky souvenir shops.

Dubai Museum

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab was the first architectural feat that put Dubai on the world map and went on to become synonymous with the city itself. Built on a triangular man-made island that juts out into the Arabian Gulf, it is designed as a billowing sail rising 321 metres above the sea, linked to the mainland by a bridge.

The ultimate in Arabian hospitality, the royal Burj Al Arab offers the finest in hospitality – a fleet of Rolls Royce and helicopters to chauffer guests, rain showers and Jacuzzis in every suite, discreet in-suit check-in and check-out facilities, a personal shopper and round-the-clock butler services. jumeirah.com

Dubai Miracle Garden

Over 45 million flowers bloom each season at Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s biggest natural flower garden. The Garden holds the Guinness Record for the longest wall of flowers. The new expansion at Miracle Garden saw the addition of a Butterfly Garden including a butterfly museum and butterfly flower park, an Aromatic Garden featuring medicinal and aromatic herbs from around the world, and a floral clock. dubaimiraclegarden.com 42 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

The Dubai Museum is located inside the majestic Al Fahidi Fort which was built in 1,787 to guard the landward approach to the city. Renovated in 1971 into a museum, it exhibits spectacular life size dioramas that depict life in the emirate before the discovery of oil.

Union House

Union House is the landmark venue where the UAE was officially formed. On December 2, 1971, the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah met and signed the declaration that established the United Arab Emirates. The UAE national flag was also unveiled and raised for the first time here. Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation in 1972.

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque And Islamic Centre

The largest mosque in the city, Al Farooq Mosque draws inspiration from Turkey’s Blue Mosque. Its blue and white interiors are intricately decorated with Moroccan designs and verses from the Holy Qur'an. The mosque also has a library with more than 4,000 books on the Islamic faith, a lecture hall and classrooms. The Al Farooq mosque is open to nonMuslims, and regular mosque tours are available. alfarooqcentre.com

tHings to Do

From deserts and beaches to malls and parks in Dubai there is an adventure at each step.

tHeme Parks

The Beach Water Park

If you are at the JBR beach, look out to the sea and you’ll be greeted by the sight of a giant inflatable edifice of fun. Moored around 20 metres offshore in front of The Beach development, the water park is an inflatable playground – the biggest of its kind anywhere in the world. It comprises two trampolines, two giant climbing walls, several slides, a running wall, a rope swing and countless other obstacles.

You can jump, climb, slide and swing, all of which ultimately end with a slip and splash. arabianwaterparks.com

Dubai Dolphinarium

Another great place to see the playful dolphins in action. Its 45-minute show includes a dolphin dance plus an entertaining performance by northern fur seals. The Legend of the Mermaid – a musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale has also been added to the Dolphinarium’s event list. dubaidolphinarium.ae

Ski Dubai

The Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai is a winter wonderland covered with real and freshly made snow all year around. With 22,500 square metres of indoor ski area, the resort has five runs that vary in difficulty, height and gradient, the longest run being 400 metres with a fall of over 60 metres.

Test your skills on the black run, practise your turns on the gentle beginner slopes, or head to the Freestyle Zone to practise your stunts. Ride the Snow Bullet – the world’s first indoor zip line raised 16 metres above the ground. Or simply opt for some laidback fun in the sprawling Snow Park, a haven of snow caves, toboggan slopes, giant zorbs and tube rides.

Completing the snowy mountain scene is Ski Dubai’s colony of Gentoo and King Penguins. Be sure to watch them waddle through the Snow Park each day on their grand presentation of March of the Penguins. theplaymania.com kidubaipenguins.com

Aquaventure, Dolphin Bay and The Lost Chambers at Atlantis

There’s so much to do at Atlantis, The Palm. Take your pick from Aquaventure, Dolphin Bay and The Lost Chambers.

Touted as one of the best water parks in the world, Aquaventure divides its 42 acres of aquatic experiences into four different thrilling zones: water slides, river rides, young kids’ area and the Aquaventure beach. Highlights include Slitherines, the world’s first ever dual suspended waterslideswithin-a-waterslide. Another world first is Atlantean Flyers – a zip line (the longest in the Middle East at 500 metres) integrated into a waterslide tower.

Atlantis is also home to one of the most sophisticated dolphin habitats in the world. There’s no better place to get up-close and personal with the gentle dolphins as they hug, kiss and even dance for you.

Join up to 65,000 marine animals in The Lost Chambers as you tour its floor-to-ceiling glass tunnels. Sharks, stingray, piranhas, lobsters and the tiniest of seahorses are just some of the creatures that can be seen in the spell-binding underwater world. atlantisthepalm.com www.uaetourism.ae | 43

Kidzania

This brilliant edutainment centre is modelled on the lines of a real city where children can role play over 80 professions in more than 60 establishments.

Children perform 'jobs' and are either paid for their work (as a fireman, doctor, police officer, journalist, beautician, etc.) or pay to shop or be entertained. The indoor theme park is a city built to scale for children, complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles, a functioning economy, and recognisable destinations in the form of 'establishments' sponsored and branded by leading multi-national and local brands. kidzania.ae

SEGA Republic

Located at The Dubai Mall, SEGA Republic is divided into five zones: Wild Adventure Zone, Speed Zone, Cyberpop Zone, Redemption Zone and Sports Zone.

The gaming action ranges from action-packed motion-simulators and simulated sports games to classic carnival games and the largest selections of prize-winning redemption games.

Desert ADventures

The desert is usually associated with tranquillity and serenity. But in Dubai, we like to do things differently.

While our expansive deserts do provide moments of calm, they can also be grounds for some exciting adventures. An indispensable part of a UAE holiday is the quintessential desert safari. In Dubai, this involves a trip to the old village fortress of Hatta, camel riding lessons, belly dancing, henna art and action-packed pursuits such as dune bashing, hot air balloon rides, sand boarding and even falconry displays.

WAter Fun

Crystal blue waters, calm winds, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge equipment and highly skilled trainers – Dubai brings together all these to provide some excellent aquatic thrills such as parasailing, sailing, snorkelling, speed boating, Scuba diving, wakeboarding and wind surfing.

Leading Dubai’s watersports front is Watercooled, a five-star water-sports centre at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa. The centre offers superb facilities managed by a team of highly qualified RYA-accredited instructors. watercooleddubai.com Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is the latest craze to sweep Dubai’s seas. Find equipment and training at Surf Shop Arabia, a dedicated SUP centre. surfshoparabia.com

sports

Dubbed the ‘Sporting Capital of the Middle East’, Dubai hosts some of the most prolific sporting events in the world.

Golf

Named the Golf Destination of the Year in Africa, the Indian Ocean and Gulf States by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dubai has some of the world’s best golfing greens. Designed by sports legends such as Greg Norman, Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and Pete Dye, these championship courses are par excellence. Some of Dubai’s top golfing venues include Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah Golf Estates, The Address Montgomerie, Ernie Els Club and Al Badia Club.

Shooting and Archery

The Jebel Ali International Shooting Club offers both indoor and outdoor shooting facilities which are built to rigorous international safety standards.

The outdoor floodlit clay-shooting ranges cater for all seven clay-shooting disciplines including Olympic skeet and trapshooting. Pistol shooting and archery are also offered at the facility. jasc@jaihotels.com

Sky Diving

Sky diving is the ultimate in thrill sports and comes with the bonus of spectacular city views. Skydive Dubai is the emirate’s go-to place for sky diving - be it first-time tandem jumps, fun jumps or training. skydivedubai.ae

Horse Riding

Horse riding is offered by several riding centres the Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC), the Jebel Ali Equestrian Club, Mushriff Equestrian Club and Club Joumana, the riding stables at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. The EEC is the most notable facility as it is a fully approved British Horse Society riding and training centre with skilled staff.

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RecReational activities

Bowling

Bowling venues abound in the city – Dubai International Bowling Centre, Switch at Ibn Battuta Mall, Thunder Bowl at Al Nasr Leisureland and Magic Planet at the Mall of the Emirates are some of the places where bowling enthusiasts can engage themselves.

Ice Skating

Trampoline Parks

How much joy can there be in jumping? Find out at Dubai’s two trampoline parks, Bounce and JumpBoxx. Imagine jumping, bouncing, springing and leaping across over a 100 interconnected trampolines housed in huge, colourful spaces. bounce.ae jump-boxx.com

Learn skating, play ice hockey or simply catch up with friends at these, super cool venues: Dubai Ice Rink at the Dubai Mall, Al Nasr Leisureland and Hyatt Regency Galleria. Instructors and skating gear are available at all three venues.

Mini Golf at Wafi

Indoor Climbing

Indoor Skydiving

Motor Racing & Go Karting

Camel Racing

Ping Pong at SpiN Dubai

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Try the exciting facilities at The Wall, located at the club of DIHA on Sheikh Zayed Road, the Pharaohs’ Club at Wafi City or the climbing rail and skytrail at Magic Planet in Mirdif City Centre.

A thrilling combination of high-speed straights and sharp corners makes the 5.39km track at Dubai Autodrome one of the most challenging in the world.

Play some celebrity-style ping pong at SPiN Dubai, a franchise of Susan Sarandon’s SPiN Galactic ping pong club. dubai.spingalactic.com

iPILOT and Emirates A380 Experience

At some point we've all wanted to fly an aeroplane as opposed to just being a passenger. The new flight simulator attractions in Dubai let you do just that.

Climb into the cockpit at iPILOT or the Emirates A380 Experience. f lyipilot.ae emiratesa380experience.com

One of the first glow-in-the-dark courses in the world, Tee & Putt at Wafi is a unique indoor, space themed mini-golf course. teeandputt.com

An innovative vertical wind tunnel brings the thrills of sky diving indoors at iFLY at Mirdif City Centre.

spectatoR spoRts

Dubai’s most popular race track is at Nad Al Sheba; race season is during the winter months.

BeacHes

Mamzar is both a beach and a green park. Recently it was awarded the blue flag beach status making it one of the most coveted venues in the emirate. All its five beaches (in coves) around the coast of the park have sheltered areas complete with changing rooms and showers. The park also lets you rent chalets on a daily basis. Barbecue areas, two large swimming pools , sun loungers and cafes are also present. Remember, Mondays & Wednesdays are reserved for ladies only.

Jumeirah Corniche

The most eagerly awaited beach development, the extension of the picturesque Jumeirah Corniche is now complete. The 14km corniche, which extends from the Dubai Marine Beach Resort all the way to the Burj Al Arab, runs alongside the Jumeirah Beach and is the longest of its kind in Dubai. The walkway and jogging track have already become a huge hit with fitness enthusiasts who love its winning combination of scenic views, unique landscaping and eco-friendly flooring.

The Walk at JBR

This beach has the benefit of being fringed by a promenade of restaurants, boutiques, markets, The Beach Mall and even an outdoor cinema.

46 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

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FAMILY PARKS

First-time visitors will be amazed at the number of emerald spaces this desert city boasts. Manicured lawns in full bloom and rows of date palms, neems and gulmohurs greet visitors at every corner. Some of the city’s most popular parks are Safa Park, Creekside Park, Al Mamzar Park, Mushriff and Zabeel Park.

Zaabeel Park

Zaabeel Park is one of the largest parks in Dubai, located betwen Al Karama and Dubai World Trade Centre. The park has football fields, a mini-golf course, a jogging track, a viewing tower, a 3D theatre and an IMAX cinema.

Kite Beach

This beach is hugely popular with kite surfers – it’s also a major draw for soccer and volleyball players and kayakers. You’ll find numerous kitesurfing and watersport schools here.

Sunset Beach

This beach is the best launch pad for some stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking around the island on which the majestic Burj Al Arab is built.

NATURE PARKS

Dubai boasts two of the region’s most significant natural sanctuaries. Both of these are in stark contrast of each other, highlighting the diversity of the emirate’s ecology.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is the UAE’s first wildlife conservation area. More than 57 plant species, 120 varieties of birds and over 43 mammals and reptile species call this massive biome home. DDCR provides a habitat to species such as the Arabian hare, sand fox, Arabian red fox and Gordon’s wild cat. The Arabian oryx and gazelle are the star attractions of the reserve. Some of the indigenous flora found at DDCR include the ghaf tree, sidr tree, pink bloom laden Sodom’ apple, and Arabian primrose.

Ras Al Khor Sanctuary

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (RAKWS) in Dubai is one of the most reputed sites for bird watching in the country. Make a stop at its two bird hides (viewing platforms) – the Mangrove and Flamingo hides – to see species such as the Greater Flamingo, Spoonbill, Osprey, Red Shank, Cattle Egret, Dunlin, Purple Sunbird and Glossy Ibis among others. wildlife.ae

Mushriff Park

Mushriff is not just another family spot. It serves a dual purpose as a natural forest reserve that is home to the Hoope, Scoops Owl, Orphean Warbler, Ethiopian hedgehog and other indigenous flora and fauna.

A notable feature of the park is the International Garden Area displaying miniature models of houses from around the world.

Creekside Park

Creekside Park is the top choice for any family trip.

It offers waterfront pathways with fishing piers, botanical garden, desert garden with the ‘falaj’ or traditional Arab irrigation systems, amphitheatre, 18-hole mini golf course, barbecue areas and restaurants. Children’s City and the Dubai Dolphinarium are also located in Creekside Park.

ACCOMMODATION & SPAS

The city is known for its iconic 5-star hotels and opulent resorts. Here we list the cream of Dubai’s hospitality scene but do remember that budget friendly hotels and hotel apartments are widely available in the emirate too.

Atlantis, The Palm

The crowning glory of the Palm Jumeirah Island, Atlantis, The Palm seemingly arises from the ivory sands and sapphire waters of the Arabian Gulf. The resort offers unparalleled luxury in its 1,539 exotic suites, 700 metres of pristine private beach, the exciting Aquaventure water park, Dolphin Bay, sensual ShuiQi spa and eclectic mix of celebrity restaurants.

The Lost Chambers provide a breathtaking glimpse into unique marine habitats of the region through their maze of underwater halls and tunnels. The Atlantis also has a PADI accredited five star dive centre. atlantisthepalm.com www.uaetourism.ae | 49

Armani Hotel

Armani Hotel Dubai is a hotel of two firsts: the world’s first hotel designed by fashion mogul Giorgio Armani and the only hotel in the Burj Khalifa. Occupying the concourse level to level 8 and levels 38 and 39, Armani Hotel Dubai offers 160 guest rooms & suites; eight restaurants serving Japanese, Indian, Mediterranean and authentic fine-dining Italian cuisines; Armani Prive lounge and the Armani Spa where guests can enjoy treatment rooms, thermal suites, a fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool. dubai.armanihotels.com

JW Marriott Marquis

JW Marriott Marquis is the world’s tallest hotel. it is in the growing Business Bay district, minutes from the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and soon-to-be waterfront expansion of the Dubai Creek. The hotel has 804 guest rooms with panoramic views in each tower, 14 restaurants, bars and lounges. marriott.com

The Address Dubai Mall

This elegant and chic hotel shares space with some of the city’s most iconic structures: the mighty Burj Khalifa soars next to it while the massive The Dubai Mall is directly linked to the hotel. With 244 signature rooms and suites, five upbeat restaurants and lounges, a luxurious spa and wellness facilities, The Address Dubai Mall offers a quintessential luxurious experience. The Hotel’s spa is pure indulgence with an exotic menu of refreshing facials, purifying body wraps, intense body scrubs and more. theaddress.com

Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah translates into the 'City of Jumeirah', so named because of the sheer variety of this magnificent Resort. Its two grand boutique hotels, 29 courtyard summer houses, traditional souq with 75 elite boutiques, a theatre, an amphitheatre, the Talise Spa, 44 world-class restaurants, the region’s leading conference and banqueting centre, unlimited recreational facilities and the Quay Health Club make Madinat Jumeirah a one-stop holiday destination. The Jumeirah Group of hotels boasts a portfolio of some of the city’s most luxurious stays: The Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Resort, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and Jumeirah Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com

Grand Hyatt

Grand Hyatt has received multiple accolades from Conde Nast and Middle East Hotel Awards for its hospitality offerings which include 674 luxury rooms & suites; Al Manzil, the residential style multi-event venue; 14 eclectic restaurants and bars and the Ahasees Spa and Club. dubai.grand.hyatt.com

Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa

Named after the Arabian oryx, Al Maha replicates a Bedouin enc a mpment offer ing 42 plush individual suites. The suites are lavishly decorated with authentic and rare handcrafted Arabian furnishings, antiques and artifacts and come with their own private swimming pools. The resort is also celebrated for housing the largest private collection of original Arabian antiques and artworks. Guest can even engage in a number of traditional Arabian pursuits such as falconry, camel treks, horse riding, archery and desert walks under the guidance of highly trained experts and conservationists.

EATING OUT

The emirate’s dining establishments have a platter for every palate.

Cut by Wolfgang Puck

Los Angeles-based chef-cum-restaurateur, Wolfgang Puck, has finally come to Dubai -his first foray into the Middle East. Cut excels at serving prime cuts as well as a good selection of seafood. wolfgangpuck.com

Omnia Gourmet

The brainchild of Hungarian-Bulgarian celebrity chef Silvena Rowe, Omnia Gourmet celebrates the flavours of the local cuisine and has an extensive 50 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

range of raw, sugar free, gluten free, dairy free, Paleo and vegan desserts. +971 4 343 7181

Clé Dubai by Greg Malouf

Greg Malouf is widely regarded as a master of modern Middle Eastern cuisine thanks to the numerous travel and cookery books he has written. He now brings this expertise to Clé Dubai. Describing it as his 'life’s work', his restaurant at Al Fattan Currency House serves contemporary Middle Eastern fare. Think pigeon pie and salmon kibbeh. There is also a lounge serving signature drinks, a vast open-air terrace and a performance space. facebook.com/CleDubai

Pier 7

Pier 7 – the seven-storey complex of restaurants and lounges linked via a bridge to Dubai Marina Mall – has, floor by floor, come alive. In the heart of the marina, each of these new seven hotspots offers a fusion of flavours and stunning waterside views. Fümé (fumeeatery.com); O Cacti (ocactiuae.com); Cargo (cargodubai.com); The Scene (thescendubai.com); Abd El Wahab (ghiaholding.com); Asia Asia (asia-asia. com) and Atelier M (atelierm.ae)

Tom & Serg

Tom & Serg’s (tomandserg.com) deli-style menu is responsible for the long queues that form outside its door each weekend morning. Options include lamb and quinoa salad and a range of sandwiches including roast chicken and eggplant with halloumi cheese served inside piping hot piadina bread.

BBQ Donut

Hop aboard for a BBQ in the middle of Dubai Creek! BBQ Donut, the doughnut-shaped floating barbecue stations that have recently launched at The Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, is the latest innovation on Dubai’s dining scene. The bobbing orange doughnut seats four and comes with a BBQ station, crockery and glassware and a cool box packed with cold mezze starters, assorted meat platters, as well as fruit and desserts. dubaigolf.com

Eat Local

There are numerous restaurants across town in which you get the real taste of Arabia. Notable favourites include Bait 1971 (facebook.com/Bait1971) next to the Offshore Sailing Club; Al Fanar in Dubai Festival City (alfanarrestaurant.com) and Al Hadheera (meydanhotels.com) within the fort-like complex of the luxurious Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. Qbara (qbara.ae) offers uber chic surroundings in which to taste the most divine Arabic Fusion dishes. A trip to Dubai would not be complete without a camelchino or camel hot chocolate. Make a stop at restaurants such as Cafe2Go (cafe2go.ae); The Majlis (themajlisdubai. com) and The Local House (thelocalhouse.com) for camel burgers, coffees and desserts.

CULTURE & ARTS

Preserving and promoting its cultural identity has always been the emirate’s top priority and a number of steps have been taken in the direction.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) An initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, SMCCU helps expatriates and visitors understand the local culture, customs and religion of the UAE. With its motto being 'Open Doors, Open Minds', SMCCU promotes cross-cultural understanding and healthy and open communication. The Centre’s well-informed and friendly Emirati hosts are happy to answer any question, no matter how sensitive.

The Centre offers a range of award-winning cultural programmes such as Cultural Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch) where you can sample authentic Emirati cuisine; Heritage Tour where you are guided through Al Fahidi’s alleyways; Jumeirah Mosque Tour; Creekside Tour and even Arabic classes. cultures.ae

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has time and again reiterated Dubai’s commitment to establish itself as a pulsating Arabian metropolis that has the potential to shape the face of culture and art regionally and even globally. Art collectors, artists and other creative professionals converge in Dubai annually for the prestigious Art Dubai fair which is endorsed by the Arts Authority. Welcoming galleries from around the world, the platform offer visitors an extensive programme of events such as the Abraaj Capital Art Prize and Global Art Forum. www.uaetourism.ae | 51

SPORTING EVENTS

Dubai World Cup

Held at the spectacular Meydan Racecourse, the Dubai World Cup is the richest horse race in the world. Comprising of seven exciting races, an exciting line-up of world class racehorses, jockeys and owners compete for a total prize fund of Dh27.25 million.

Omega Dubai World Championship and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters As host of these two prestigious golf championships, Dubai has become the Middle East’s leading golfing destination.

DWTC has comprehensive links with the metro, buses and taxis ensuring trouble free connectivity.

A mere 15-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and a 30-minute drive from Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International, which is currently under construction, guarantee quick passage of cargo to and from the exhibition centre. dwtc.com

SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS Dubai Shopping Festival

What began over 40 years ago with a small band of British expatriates has grown into one of the premier Rugby Sevens events around the world. The tournament has been voted Dubai's 'Favourite Sporting Event' at the What's On Awards for eight years.

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is the most important shopping event on Dubai’s retail calendar.

Over 2,300 participating retail outlets offer attractive discounts and bargains on gold, perfumes, haute couture, cars, electronics, handicrafts and textiles.

The vibrant Global Village with its colorful pavilions, entertaining shows, lively parades and eclectic food menu, gains further zest during the DSF.

Tennis

Dubai Summer Surprises

Rugby 7s

Every year stars of the tennis world head to Dubai’s shores for The Dubai Tennis Championships – a prominent tournament organised by the Dubai Duty Free.

MICE

Dubai was named as the top MENA meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) destinations, according to the 5th Middle East Meetings Industry Research report. The city is said to be the leader of the regional Mice industry and a force to be reckoned with globally.

Coinciding with the annual summer vacation in the city, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) focuses on providing fun, knowledge and amusement for children. The biggest attraction of the DSS is Modhesh World. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Modhesh World is huge funfair and entertainment platform offering competitions, rides, educational activities, stage shows, hospitality tents and a multi-cuisine food court. Most Malls also stage shows, parades and other child-centric activities during this time. And of course, bargains and discounts flood the city’s malls.

Dubai World Trade Centre

Established in 1979, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has been instrumental in establishing Dubai’s position as a global financial and commercial hub. A vibrant business epicentre for the region, the DWTC has attracted many top-tier exhibitions across a variety of sectors such as trade manufacturing, food, healthcare, tourism and leisure, education, aviation, ICT, construction and maritime, to name but a few. Some of its leading events are the Gitex Technology Week, Arabian Travel Mart, Cityscape, Dubai International Boat Show, Middle East Motor Show and the Dubai International Jewellery Week.

DWTC includes the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC); the Convention Tower office building; the Novotel, Ibis hotels and Dubai Trade Centre Hotels. A mix of cafes and fine dining restaurants plus the open area Palm Garden enhance its offerings. www.uaetourism.ae | 53

others. Big Bus and City Sight Seeing are the most popular city tour operators in Dubai. bigbustours.com city-sightseeing.com

Rail Tours

Dubai is the only emirate where you can explore the city via rail. Take the Dubai Metro or Dubai Tram for views with a difference. rta.ae

Cruise

Eid in Dubai

Held as a part of the Eid Al Fitr celebrations, the event comprises parades, live performances, fetes, carnivals, fireworks displays and amazing shopping discounts across the city. The Ramadan Night Market, which offers apparel, gifting, electronics, perfumes, cosmetics, jewellery and household items is also held at the DWTC during the last ten days of Ramadan and through the Eid celebrations.

Emirates Airlines Dubai Jazz Festival

A nine-day music festival where the world’s top jazz, blues, soul and R&B performers keep fans entertained.

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

The Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature brings to Dubai each year, a stellar cast of authors, writers and speakers to promote education, debate and above all, a love of reading and writing.

Dubai International Film Festival

The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is a premier event for Arab cinema as well as a major international festival.

CITY TOUR

Explore the city, via land, water and even the sky!

Bus Tours

Guided bus tours are the most popular way to visit Dubai’s landmarks and chart the city’s rapid development. Stops include Atlantis, The Palm, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek, the souks and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood among 54 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

A dhow cruise along the Dubai Creek, RTA’s innovative water taxis and water buses; the newly launched Yellow Boats and the ancient abras are just some of the ways to glimpse the breathtaking skyline of the emirate.

Most tour operators offer dhow cruise services. rta.ae theyellowboats.com

Aerial Tours

The city has some of the most memorable aerial tours.

Think sea planes and helicopters. Glide over the beautiful Arabian Gulf coastline, the incredible Palm Island, the Burj Al Arab, The World Islands, Union Square, Sheikh Zayed Road, the Mall of the Emirates and of course, the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Tours can also be extended to cover the picturesque Dubai Creek, Emirates Golf Course, the Camel Race Track and Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba Race Track. seawings.ae helidubai.com

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Getting Here Airport

Connected to over 260 destinations across six continents through 140 airlines, Dubai International is the world’s busiest airport. Comprising of three terminals and three concourses (with the fourth under construction) including the world’s first and only purpose-built A380 facility, Dubai International is one of the world’s most exciting cultural gateways.

Cruise

Leading cruise operators such as Princess Cruises, Van Gogh Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn and many more have made Dubai their port of call in the region. Dubai also serves as a home port for Costa Crociere, Aida Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and TUI Cruises.

Spanning 3,450 square metres, the terminal can handle five ships simultaneously. The terminal also has outstanding tourist support infrastructure such as a money exchange centre, an ATM machine, a post office outlet, a duty free shop, souvenir and gift shops and a business centre with free internet access, a VIP Majlis facility and restrooms that provide easy access to individuals with special needs.

GEOGRAPHY

Dubai is the second largest emirate of the UAE with an area of 4,114 sqkm. It is located in the north western region of the country along the shores of the Arabian Gulf.

LOCAL TIME

The United Arab Emirates is four hours ahead of GMT.

GOVERNMENT

The emirate is an absolute monarchial one, currently, ruled by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He is a member of the UAE Supreme Council which is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE.

ECONOMY

Dubai’s leadership actively promotes a business and tourism friendly economy. As a result, investors are drawn to the emirate due to its low logistical and operational costs, excellent infrastructure, international outlook and liberal government policies. Trade, transport, tourism, industry and finance have shown a steady growth helping the economy achieve a high degree of expansion and diversification. There is minimum Governmental control of private sector activities, no direct taxes on corporate profits or personal income (except for oil companies and branches of foreign banks); low custom duties with many exceptions; complete repatriation of capitals and profits is permitted; there are no foreign exchange controls or trade quotas and the exchange rate between the US Dollar and UAE Dirham (US$1.00 = AED3.678) has been stable since 1988. Visa policies are liberal allowing easy importation of skilled expatriate labor from almost all over the world. These advantages rank Dubai as

the Arabian Gulf ’s leading multi-purpose business centre regional hub, but also place it at the forefront of the globe’s emerging market economies.

Dubai is also the biggest re-export centre in the Middle East. One of the most accessible destinations in the world, the city is served by over 120 shipping lines and linked via 85 airlines to over 130 global destinations. The emirate has a network of seven industrial areas, one business park and three highly successful, specialised free zones of international distinction, two world class seaports, a major international airport and cargo village, a modern highway network, state-of-the-art telecommunications and reliable power and utilities.

The UAE enjoys a low crime and politically stable environment, financial and monetary stability and a sophisticated banking system. There is also a welldefined and sound legal framework for business and clear set of ownership rules. All of these factors reflect positively in Dubai’s being assigned an investment grade rating for fixed income investment

by Moody’s Investors Service.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Dubai has one of the most comprehensive public transport networks in the UAE comprising taxis, buses, the Dubai Metro and even water taxis.

Operated by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) these services cover the length and breadth of the emirate. The upcoming Dubai Tram project will further enhance intra-city connectivity.

Taxi

All taxi services are regulated by the government. The minimum fare for travel within Dubai is Dhs10. For transfers from the airport to any emirates, fares start from Dhs20. An additional Dhs20 is charged if your destination is Sharjah, Ajman or Umm Al Quwain.

Ladies taxis are also available in the emirate.

www.uaetourism.ae | 55

Bus Service

The Roads and Transport Authority runs an intensive public bus transport system in Dubai. 734 peak bus schedules are run on 79 bus routes with over 1860 bus stops and 1302 wayside passenger shelters. The buses have designated seats for women, children and elderly passengers plus facilities for special needs passengers. rta.ae

Dubai Tram

The brand new Dubai Tram is the best way to get around the densely populated Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) areas. It connects with Dubai Metro at the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers stations. rta.ae

Water Bus

Beginning at Al Shindagha Station, visitors can enjoy a 45-minute trip along the Dubai Creek to Al Seef Station. +971 4 396 3135

Dubai Metro

Launched in 2009, the Dubai Metro covers the length and breadth of the city with the 52km Red Line that runs from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali and the 23.9km Green Line that runs from Al Qusais to Jadaf. Metro stations feeder bus services also run in the city.

NoL card

The Nol Card is a smart card that enables commuters to pay for the use of various RTA transport modes in Dubai with a single card. The card can be used to travel on Dubai's Metro, buses, water buses, Dubai tram as well as pay for RTA's Paid Parking. These cards can be purchased and recharged at Dubai Metro station ticket booths and ticket vending machines, Dubai bus stations, RTA customer service centres and RTA-authorised sales agents. Using ‘pay-as-you-go’ technology, the stored value card is sold for Dhs20, Dhs6 of which covers the card’s one-off purchase while the remaining balance is its pre-paid value. The rechargeable card can hold up to Dhs500 in value. The pre-paid sum remains valid for five years. nol.ae

Car Hire

A range of local and internationally renowned companies offer cars for hire. To avail the facility, customers must provide their passport together with a valid international driving license. Visitors who do not have an international driving license can obtain a temporary local license if they have a valid local license from one of the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and the US. Canadian nationals have to get an affidavit from the Canadian Consulate in Dubai, verifying the license before going to the traffic department.

Applicants are required to submit their passport, valid national license and two photographs.

MEDICAL CARE

Dubai’s hospitals are regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The DHA itself provides medical care in three main facilities: the Dubai Hospital, Latifa Hospital and Rashid Hospital. Numerous private clinic and hospitals also offer top notch facilities for both in-patients and out-patients.

POPULATION

2.36 million 56 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

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SHARJAH: UAE’S CULTURAL CANVAS When it comes to Emirati and Islamic heritage and culture, Sharjah leads the UAE’s efforts. The emirate is packed with interesting heritage sites, museums, art galleries and cultural events.

L

ast year Sharjah was named the Islamic Culture Capital and the Arab Tourism Capital for 2015. It is easy to see why. For decades, Sharjah has been embracing its rich traditions and using its strong cultural heritage as a platform through which to weave its modern tourism industry.

Where else can you find over 20 museums and souks and nearly 500 mosques within the expanse of a single city? But it’s not just heritage sites which abound in the emirate. Here you will also find everything you need for a contemporary lifestyle: chic malls, urban recreation areas and fine dining options.

While it can be said that Sharjah has shunned its neighboring emirates glitz and glamour, it has embraced the best of the contemporary world while preserving - with great pride - its heritage and culture. This unique fusion of the values of the past and contemporary living has made Sharjah a popular choice for many tourists. In 2014, nearly two million tourists made the emirate their holiday destination of choice.

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ATTRACTIONS

From shopping, sight-seeing and sport, Sharjah has every leisure pursuit covered.

MAllS

Designer ensembles, chunky accessories and the latest gadgets: find these and much more at Sharjah’s malls.

Sahara Mall

Sharjah’s most fashion-forward mall, Sahara is popular with those looking for high street labels such as Debenhams, Vero Moda, Mango, Zara, H&M, Rodeo Drive and Promod. The mall’s food courts dishes out Indian, Chinese, Italian, Iranian and Arabic cuisine. The kids will love Adventureland, the mall’s indoor entertainment area, packed with twenty thrilling rides and attractions including the UAE’s first indoor roller coaster, first multi-level train and water flume ride. There’s also a 6-screen cinema. saharacentre.com

www.uaetourism.ae | 59

The souk (which has two buildings interlinked by two bridges) houses over 600 shops which sell delightful wares such as exquisite gold and silver jewellery and accessories, antiques and souvenirs, pashminas, traditional Arab clothing, woolen and silk carpets from Iran, Afghanistan and India.

You can shop for cosmetics, perfumes, textiles, readymade garments, watches and electronics here.

Souk Al Arsah

Mega Mall

A favourite with fashionistas, Mega Mall is a shopping wonderland featuring popular brands such as Zara, Mango, Paris Gallery, Bhs, Nine West, Guess, Aldo, Anotah and many more. Entertainment options include the 7-screenGrand Mega Mall Cinema and Antics Land family entertainment centre. megamall.ae

Dating back to more than half a century ago when it was a popular stop for the merchant caravans from Persia and India, Souk Al Arsah (Courtyard Souk) is one of the oldest souks in the UAE. The souk architecture is just as enchanting as its goods are.

Designed with solid wooden doors, beautiful coral brick walls and hanging lanterns, the souk houses rows of quaint stores selling local, new and antique handicrafts, wooden Arabic bridal and pearl chests, copper coffee pots, ethnic and hand-made jewellery, perfumes and incense, hand woven garments and palm-leaf baskets amongst other things.

Sharjah City Centre

Dominating the city’s shopping scene, Sharjah City Centre offers the ultimate value oriented retail mix.

Stores include Bhs, New Look, H&M, Aldo, Nine West, Aeropostale, The Body Shop, Adidas, Carters, Springfield, Levi’s, Bossini, Splash, Baby Shop and Max Value amongst others. Magic Planet keeps the young ones happily occupied while the multi-cuisine food court staves off hunger pangs. sharjahcitycentre.com

Safeer Mall

A convenient mix of leisure and necessity, Safeer is a popular shopper’s stop with retailers such as Sharaf DG, Home Mart, Red Tag, Damas, Shoemart, Splash, Max as well as a Fitness First health club, Space City – Kids entertainment zone, food court and Safeer Hypermarket. safeermall.com/sharjah

SoukS

One of the most eye-catching sights on Sharjah’s landscape, the Central Souk is characterised by its distinctive blue domes and intricate tile work.

Reminiscent of traditional Arabic architecture, the Souk is embellished with barjeel (windtowers) and mashrabiya (latticed windows). Arabic calligraphy can also be seen on the Souk’s walls. Set within lush manicured gardens and the crystal blue Khaled Lagoon fringing it, Central Souk is a captivating sight and has served as a muse for many photographers.

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Rolla

Rolla is a bargain hunter’s delight with rows of shops selling a plethora of diverse goods: suitcases and mattresses to bicycles and the latest gadgets.

The centre piece of Rolla is the Al Ghuwair Market —renowned as the best place to buy textiles for garments, bedspreads and curtains. The bustling market is also a popular local choice for cheap and cheerful accessories and toys.

Souk Al Bahar

Sitting next to the Sharjah Creek, Souk Al Bahar is a clique of shops selling an assortment of products: spices and herbs, henna, clothes and textiles, perfumes and oils, Sheesha (water pipes) and flavoured tobacco. Even if you don’t want to shop, stop by here to soak in the frantic ambience or simply stroll along the picturesque waterfront.

Landmarks

Most of Sharjah’s landmarks stand testament to the emirate’s devotion to Islamic culture and heritage.

The Holy Quran Memorial Roundabout/ Cultural Roundabout

Designed by a Spanish architect, the roundabout features a magnificent marble sculpture of the Holy Qur'an with its pages opened and facing the skies.

A verse of the Qur'an is engraved on the inside with gold plated calligraphy.

Eye of the Emirates

Anchored at Sharjah’s cultural hub, Al Qasba, the Eye of the Emirates observatory wheel stands 60-metres high. It is the tallest of its kind, in the Middle East, Africa, and West & Central Asia. Take a ride in one of the 42 fully air-conditioned gondolas for panoramic views of the city and neighbouring emirate of Dubai.

Flag Island

Flag Island is home to a 123 metre high flag pole, the 7th tallest in the world. It was inaugurated on 2 December, 2012 to mark the 41st UAE National Day.

Heart of sHarjaH

Currently, a unique cultural project is underway in the emirate. Known as the ‘Heart of Sharjah’, this is the largest of its kind in the region to date.

Seeking to reflect what Sharjah was like over half a century ago, the project will restore and revamp the city's traditional areas to create a tourist and trade destination with contemporary artistic touches, yet retain the feel of the 1950s. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the first of five phases is already underway.

Upon completion The Heart of Sharjah will feature diverse commercial, cultural and residential projects, including a boutique hotel, restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, traditional and contemporary markets, archaeological sites, museums, play areas and commercial offices. Many of these will be housed in renovated old or ancient houses, weaving Sharjah's modern life with its history. heartofsharjah.ae

Bait Al Naboodah

The former residence of the pearl trading Al Shamsi family, Bait Al Naboodah is a charming twostorey house dating back to 1845. Built around a large courtyard, its walls are made from coral and decorated with unique carvings, in both plaster and wood. Learn about daily family life and routines through artistic displays by Arabian craftsmen.

Sharjah Maritime Museum

The sea was the primary reason for the first settlers choosing this site over 6,000 years ago. And it still continues to play a key role in Sharjah’s growth.

At the Maritime museum visitors can explore traditional wooden dhows used for fishing, trading and pearling, each designed according to their use.

See genuine Arabian pearls, discover how they were collected, measured and weighed.

Al Mahatta Museum

The beginning of aviation in the Middle East can be credited to Sharjah, when the region’s first airport opened here in 1932. A four-propeller Handley Page (HP42) biplane, under the banner of Imperial Airways – a predecessor to British Airways, landed at the Al Mahatta runway in Sharjah. Today, the Mahatta airport building has been converted into a museum and documents man’s first attempt to fly, the first moon landing and the history of flight and development of aviation in the region. Four of the original propeller planes from those early days, fully restored, stand guard in the hangar alongside the original refueling tanker.

Calligraphy Museum

Established with the aim to encourage the art of calligraphy this is the only museum of its kind in the Arab world. The museum’s displays have been created by local artists as well as well-known international calligraphers.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

The first of its kind in the UAE, this fascinating museum houses more than 5,000 exquisite artifacts from all over the Islamic World which trace the roots and growth of Islam. The museum also regularly hosts exhibitions and internationally renowned displays of Islamic masterpieces.

IslamicMuseum.ae www.uaetourism.ae | 61

Al Hisn Fort

Built in 1820, Al Hisn was the residence of Al Qasimi ruling family. In 1996, the fort was converted into a museum and now exhibits photographs from the past, classic weapons, priceless maps and a large collection of tools.

Al Noor Mosque

Rising along the tranquil banks of Khaled Lagoon, the majestic Al Noor Mosque is a picture perfect sight. The sandstone colored mosque comprises of several large domes and semidomes placed in a succession between thin minarets that are typical of Turkish architecture. Al Noor Mosque is the first mosque in Sharjah to open its doors to non-muslims so that they may learn about Islam and the culture of the UAE. Tours are conducted every Monday at 10am (except on public holidays) by guides from the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication and last for approximately one hour.

Things To Do

Adventures come in many forms in Sharjah and the best part is participation is open to the whole family.

Sharjah National Park

Sharjah's biggest park, National Park has multiple play areas, aviary, miniature replicas of the emirate’s landmarks and a host of other exciting rides such as bumper boats. A soft play area with bouncy castles is ideal for toddlers. The park also has barbecue areas.

Rolla Park

Opened to the public after a four year revamp, Rolla Park is one of the city’s most popular social spots. The new 3.7 hectare park offers residents and tourists a soothing green zone in the midst of a bustling market place. Complete with fountains and verdant lawns laced with rainbow flower beds, its centre-piece is the

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unique tree-shaped statue, built in memory of the first Banyan tree (locally known as Rolla tree) planted by Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Bin Rashid Al Qasimi (18031866). The tree lasted for nearly 150 years until 1978.

Al Montazah

Touted as the epitome of happiness for families, Al Montazah is Sharjah’s first and only waterpark.

The 126,000 square metres park has been divided into three main sections: a leisure park, green park and a water park gushing with eight thrilling rides.

The 15 metre body and tube slides make sure there is never a dry or dull moment! The green section of the park offers lush picnic areas, a dedicated events area, food court, lake for boating and a mosque.

Mini football pitches, kart racing track and an array of electronic rides and video game arcade make up the third area of the park. almontazah.ae

Al Majaz Waterfront

A l Majaz is the crowning jewel of Sharjah’s attractions. The newly refurbished promenade on Khaled Lagoon offers a variety of fun filled activities for visitors of every age. Toddlers will love the Alwan activity centre where a professional team of caretakers awaits to give them piano lessons, tell a story and even conducts yoga sessions. The centre also features a crèche, hair salon, arts & craft area, computer rooms and a dedicated events hall.

Taking the fun outdoors is the Splash Park, the first of its kind in the region. The 800 square metres park has waterfalls, water tunnels and exciting aquatic displays keeping every moment fun filled. Al Majaz also has its own 18-hole mini golf course, outdoor play area and ‘bykys’ for little ones allowing them to explore the Waterfront in a safe environment. Follow the sea breeze aboard a traditional dhow or simply ride around the promenade in the colorful family train.

Experience the camera obscura effect in Wafaa Bilal’s unique ‘Hierarchy of Being’ sculpture that is inspired Ibn Haytham's discovery of the first pinhole camera and Al Jazari's engineering practices for mechanical motion. The exotic Sharjah Fountains bring the Waterfront to life each evening, when jets of water complemented with lasers, lights, video and audio soar upto 100m into the air. Al Majaz’s delectable dining choices lend the perfect finishing touch to a fun filled evening. Whichever cuisine you are craving – Mexican, Moroccan, American, Italian or Lebanese, Al Majaz has these and many more too. almajaz.ae

Green Belt Ladies Park

A ladies only park, Green Belt is perfect for a girls’ day out. The highlight of the park is its open theatre.

Nature Parks

Experience the natural fauna and flora of the Arabian Desert in all its glory in Sharjah’s natural reserves.

Sharjah Desert Park

The Desert Park houses three distinct edutainment centres under one roof: Sharjah Natural History Museum and Botanical Museum, Arabia’s Wildlife Centre and the Children’s Farm.

Arabia’s Wildlife Centre is the only ‘zoo’ in Arabia which exhibits all the animals naturally occurring in the Arabian Peninsula, both current and extinct.

Stroll through the aviary for an up-close and personal view of the birds and small animals. At the end of it, you will find yourself ‘in the cage’. Here you can admire the larger desert animals ambling freely through the dunes, bushes and lake. Catch the vibes of a venomous viper, see eye to eye with the endangered Arabian Leopard, and discover life after dark in the nocturnal display house.

The Sharjah Natural History Museum and Botanical Museum showcase the region’s natural history, with displays of desert and marine ecosystems including dinosaur models, erupting volcanoes, prehistoric fossils and meteorites from outer space. The botanical halls unearth the amazing secrets of plant life the complex relationship between humans and botany.

Sir Bu Nuair Island

For nature lovers, Sir Bu Nuair is nothing short of a treasure trove. The delicate eco-system of pearl-shaped island, which was recently declared a Ramsar site, supports a high level of biodiversity. It is regarded as the most important hawksbills turtle nesting site in the UAE and one of the most important turtle islands in the Arabian Gulf as a whole. The island has also produced

discoveries of six new coral species and four rare reef fish species, including the clown goby fish. Colonies of birds, such as the Sooty gull and the Bridled tern, nest and live on the island alongside gazelles and hedgehogs.

Currently Sir Bu Nuair is undergoing a massive development programme which will see it become a world-class holiday resort – all while protecting the island’s biodiversity. Scheduled to be completed in 2017, the project will give Sir Bu Nuair hotels, restaurants, a camping village, a museum, education centre and even an airport and seaport.

Other nature reserves in Sharjah include Khor Kalba, Wadi Al Helow, Wasit, Al Doulaimah and Jabal Al Fayah Reserves.

sharjah east Coast

Khorfakkan

The name Khorfakkan translates to ‘Creek of the Two Jaws’ reflecting its setting in a splendid bay flanked on either side by two headlands. This is Sharjah’s largest town on the east coast located midway between Dibba Al Hisn and the emirate of Fujairah. A long stretch of sandy beach backed by a promenade runs alongside the bay and is very popular with both residents and tourists.

Also worth seeing is the Al Rifaisa Dam. Nestled in the mountains, it yields panoramic views of the town below.

Dibba Al Hisn

The district of Dibba is a clique of three sleepy seaside villages of which Dibba Al Hisn is owned by Sharjah.

An old fort with brightly painted metal doorways brings character and colour to this quaint locality. The mountains here rise to an impressive 2,000 metres into the Mussandam Peninsula.

Dibba Al Hisn has some of the most exotic and unspoilt beaches within the emirate. It is a popular spot for dhow cruises, scuba diving, fishing and snorkeling.

Kalba

Kalba retains its historical charm with fascinating old forts and a museum to explore. It is the UAE’s most southerly settlement before the border with Oman.

Khor Kalba: The tidal creek just south of Kalba, the southernmost tip of the UAE’s Gulf of Oman coastline is the site of the oldest mangrove forest of Arabia and is an important conservation site for endangered species. This tranquil and beautiful landscape with its dark green mangroves is inhabited by two of the world’s rarest birds: the White-Collared Kingfisher and Syke’s Warbler.

Tourist flock to Kalba in particular for bird watching, kayaking and hiking trips along nature trails. This is a great family holiday destination with plenty of outdoor activities on offer. www.uaetourism.ae | 63

ADveNTure SPOrTS

With coastlines on both the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, Sharjah is a much coveted watersports destination. Calm lagoons and bays for wind-surfing, jet-skiing and surfing; mangroves for canoeing and a vibrant coast teeming with sealife for snorkeling, diving and fishing: whichever aquatic sport you enjoy, Sharjah has them all. Many of the emirate’s beach hotels offer lessons as well as equipment for a nominal charge.

reCreATIONAl ACTIvITIeS

Competing can be fun too. Experience some funfilled rivalry with friends and family at these spots.

Golf, Shooting and Paintball

ACCOMMODATION & SPAS

Whether you want to bask in luxury or prefer more economical stays, there’s a hotel for every taste and budget here. Most of the city’s five and four star properties are located near the city’s beaches, and Khaled Lagoon.

72 By Hues

72 stately room and suites that epitomise luxury and contemporary living form this hotel. Facing the picturesque Khaled Lagoon, 72 by Hues promises guests a living par excellence. A soothing spa, galvanising gym and an array of dining options complete this chic hotel. hueshotels.com

The Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club offers three great activities under one roof. There’s a 9-hole floodlight grass course, 10 indoor shooting ranges for archery, and a massive floodlit paintball park with jungle and savannah playing fields. The club also has a health club, pool, basketball, tennis and two restaurants to satisfy hungry appetites. +971 6 548 7777

Bowling

Take a strike at any of Sharjah’s three bowling alleys but call in advance to book your lanes: Ewan Hotel, 10 lanes (+971 6 528 0111);, Radisson Blue Resort, 6 lanes (+971 6 565 7777) or Sky 24, 3 lanes (+971 6 556 0005).

Ice Skating

Sharjah Ladies Club (+971 6 506 7777) on the Corniche Road has a national sized ice rink. Public skating and lessons are available to members and to non-members (boys must be under 9 years of age). Sky 24’s (+971 6 556 0005) ‘rink in the sky’ located on the 24th floor of Al Durrah Tower is also a popular venue.

Horse Riding

Horse racing, desert hacks, pony rides, lessons and livery are all available at Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club located at Exit 6 on the Sharjah/Al Dhaid Road. +971 6 531 1155

Radisson Blu

Standing majestically along the white sandy beaches of the Arabian Gulf, the 5-star Radisson Blu Resort is ideally close to both Sharjah's historic gems and the authentic traditional bazaars. This elegant resort makes an ideal destination for business and leisure travellers, with 306 luxurious rooms, suites and poolside cabanas and superb dining options.

The resort also boasts temperature-controlled swimming pools, a private beach, a beach club and a fitness centre. radissonblu.com

Coral Beach Hotel

Coral Beach Hotel seamlessly fuses traditional Arabian warmth and hospitality with modern, impeccable services and facilities. Amenities at the hotel include infinity pools, water slide, Rimal Club Fitness centre, Aladdin Kids Club & Playground, tennis courts, spa and an array of fine and casual dining venues. coral-international.com 64 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

Hotel Holiday International

Set along the picturesque Khaled Lagoon, the 4-star Holiday International is centrally located giving guests convenient to all the highlights of the city.

The rooms and suites are well-appointed, offering sweeping views across the Lagoon, the hotel’s gardens or the charming city beyond. Floodlit tennis courts, badminton courts, swimming pool, gymnasium and children’s pool complete the leisure offerings. The hotel’s Fishermen’s Wharf serves the finest and freshest seafood. holidayinternational.com

Marbella Resort

An integral part of Khaled Lagoon, the quaint Marbella Resort boutique hotel offers guests 50 splendid villas in a choice of three-bedrooms, Master Suite and Junior Suite. Leisure options are aplenty in the resort: tennis courts, air-conditioned squash courts, state-of-the-art gymnasium, yoga & aerobics studio, billiards room and swimming pools. marbellaresort.com

Aryana Hotel

Surrounded by panoramic views of both Khaled Lagoon and Al Qasba, Aryana offers patrons a lavish stay in the heart of the city. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, multi-cuisine dining options, fully equipped gym, pool and state -of -the art event facilities. aryanahotels.com

EATING OUT

Sharjah is the preferred residence for many of the country’s expatriate population. Add into that its cultural legacy and you have a dining scene that offers a variety of global as well as local delights.

Al Majaz Waterfront

Apart from being a great leisure spot, Al Majaz is also host to some of the city’s most loved food joints. Mexican favourites, Moroccan delicacies, American classics, Italian delights and Lebanese fare: the world’s most popular cuisines can be found here. Sip a cuppa, dig into exotic Turkish or Swiss ice cream or simple nibble artisanal chocolates, Al Majaz can fulfill all your food dreams. almajaz.ae

Al Qasba

Akin to a food paradise, Al Qasba hosts a number of specialty restaurants and cafés under its arched roof. Whether you choose to dine indoors or al fresco by the canal, your dining experience is bound to be tantalizing. Foodies can choose from flavours of the Levant, sub-continent, Asian, Turkish and many more. alqasba.ae

Shiraz at Hilton Sharjah

Linger over a relaxed dinner of succulent kebabs and freshly baked breads at Shiraz, an Iranian Oriental Specialty Restaurant. Its authenticity is complemented by astounding lagoon views and a traditional Arabian ambience.

Café at the Falls – Radisson Blu Resort

Café at the Falls USP is its tranquil indoor forest setting complete with a waterfall and lush foliage.

Renowned for its Super Breakfast Buffet and themed lunch and dinner buffets, Café is an ideal romantic getaway. The café’s Arabian Tuesday serves memorable local fare while Fridays feature a big family lunch with complimentary pool and beach access in addition to the numerous kids’ activities.

Canton Chinese Restaurant – Radisson Blu Resort

Sharjah’s most popular elite Chinese restaurant, Canton serves traditional Chinese favourites in a Far East-inspired décor in rich hues of crimson and gold.

Royale Spice

This chic restaurant serves Chinese, Indian and Continental menus and is vouched as one of the emirate’s best dining outlets. The mocktail menu is exceptional. +971 6 572 0661

Rainbow Steak

Rainbow Steak serves an extensive lunch and dinner buffet at extremely reasonable prices. The food is delicious and covers Chinese, Mughlai and Arabic 66 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

cuisine. Generous quantities of the freshest and finest seafood are also included in the buffet. +971 6 572 3505

Gazebo

Recreating the resplendent magic of the royal courts of Lucknow, Awadh and Hyderabad, the awardwinning Gazebo dishes out a royal fare of Dum Biryani, Aatish-e-Jhinga, Murg Kasturi Kebab and many other mouthwatering delicacies. gazebo.ae

away stands the Obaid Al Shamsi residence, sheltering artisan galleries in addition to serving as an artistic platform for individuals with special needs.

Next up is the Sharjah Art Museum, the Gulf’s biggest art museum. It consists of thirty-two exhibition halls, eight of which house unique private collections generously donated by HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.

The Sharjah Art Museum offers exciting exhibition programmes which encompass both classical and modern art from local and international artists.

Karachi Darbar

The most famous outpost of Pakistani cuisine, Karachi Darbar is renowned for its delectable haleem, nihari and tikkas.

Street food, budget restaurants and cafes abound in the city: from fast food giants KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardees and McDonalds to local joints like Samakmak, mandi joints, shawarma stops, Golden Fork Chinese, Puranmal and Chhapan Bhog Indian restaurants.

CULTURE & ARTS

From cutting-edge art spaces to painstakingly restored heritage areas, culture is championed in every form in Sharjah. Theatre, music and arts are celebrated in both traditional and modern forms here. For all ages, for all cultures, the city’s cultural enthusiasm is infectious.

Sharjah Art Foundation

The Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) plays a pivotal role in bringing a broad range of contemporary art and cultural programmes to the city and wider region. In conjunction with local and international partners, the Foundation provides a platform for artists and artistic productions through initiatives such as the Sharjah Biennial, the annual March Meeting, residencies, production grants, commissions, exhibitions, research, publications and a growing collection. sharjahart.org

Sharjah Arts Area

Rising next to the picturesque corniche is the quaint Sharjah Arts Area. A collection of exquisitely restored traditional houses, as well as an 18th century mosque this is one of the city’s most engaging art avenue.

Visitors will find here the Sharjah Arts Museum, Sharjah Arts Centre, Sharjah Art Gallery, Emirates Fine Arts Society and the Very Special Art Centre.

Another highlight of the Arts Area is Bait Al Serkal.

The home of the British Commissioner for the coast of Oman in ancient times, it now houses the charming Art Café, which excels in local cuisine. A few blocks

Maraya Art Centre

At the heart of Al Qasba is the vibrant Maraya Art Centre, a spectacular venue dedicated to visual art.

Spanning three levels, it provides the region’s and international artists a dynamic stage for creative experimentation. It includes a Community Centre a multimedia haven for artists seeking to make their own impact on the local scene; the House of Arab Art which showcases works by artists from the Arab world and a Contemporary Art Gallery featuring dramatic and avant-garde pieces selected from some of the most promising names in the world of modern art. maraya.ae

Maraya Art Park

Maraya Art Park frees art from the confines of galleries and takes it outdoors. The Park has rapidly emerged as the focal point of outdoor art in the region. Two sections of the Park are located at Al Majaz Waterfront: the Sculptures Park which showcases projects from local and international artists, designers and architects, and the Children’s Art Park which introduces budding artists to a world of art through sculptures, interactive games, and educational activities.

Another Art Park is being planned within the Heart of Sharjah and will include a Sculpture Park and a contemporary Street Art Area. maraya.ae www.uaetourism.ae | 67

Barjeel Art Foundation

Within the Maraya Art Centre is the Barjeel Art Foundation which exhibits works of established and emerging Arab contemporary artists. On permanent display at Barjeel is the striking 200-piece personal art collection of Sultan Sood Al Qassemi, a prolific Arab writer and avid art aficionado. maraya.ae

Sharjah Biennial

First held in 1993, the Sharjah Biennial has established itself as one of the leading exhibitions of contemporary art in the region. Every two years artists from across the globe gather in Sharjah's oldest district to showcase their work. The event exhibits work from more than 100 regional and international artists, including architects, designers, filmmakers, musicians, performers and creators. The event is held at the Sharjah Art Foundation in the emirate's Heart of Sharjah area.

Sharjah International Book Fair

Featuring more than 920 publishers from more than 60 countries, the annual Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is the world’s sixth largest book expo.

Packed with book signing events and book releases

by Emirati, Arab and foreign authors of novels, poetry books, autobiographies, children’s books, and cookery books, it is the biggest event show in the UAE. The event’s cultural highlights include discussions and lectures by famous authors and scholars in the areas of politics, philosophy, history, art, music, and literature. The SIBF also conducts numerous seminars, lectures and interactive activities such as workshops on art, story-telling sessions, magic tricks and cookery demonstrations.

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SPORTING EVENTS

U.I.M. F1H2O World Championship, Grand Prix of Sharjah

The Grand Prix of Sharjah is the final round of the UIM Formula One World Powerboat Championship — it has been an annual event on the city’s sporting calendar for the past 13 years. The Grand Prix of Sharjah, coincides with the annual Sharjah Water Festival.

Arab Women Sports Tournament

A groundbreaking initiative for female Arab athletes, the AWST was established in 2012 with the aim to boost women’s sports in the Arab World. Last year, nearly 900 female athletes from 14 countries including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Palestine, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq converged in Sharjah to compete in a range of both traditional and modern sports such as basketball, shooting, fencing and archery. awst.ae

MICE

Sharjah’s Expo Centre was the trail blazer when it came to the meetings, incentives and exhibitions sector in the UAE. Since then a number of exclusive hotels and the exceptional Al Qasba facility have opened their doors taking the emirate’s Mice industry to great heights.

Al Qasba

Al Qasba has become the premier tourism, cultural, business and entertainment landmark within the emirate of Sharjah. Occupying an area of 10,000 acres, its most distinctive features are its one kilometre-long manmade canal and the 60 metre high observation wheel, Eye of the Emirates. It also features the state-of-the-art Masrah Al Qasba, a 300-seat theatre, which hosts a plethora of events, including artistic, musical, film, theatrical and poetry performances, as well as conferences and summits, on a regular basis.

Multaqa A l Q a sba , a sleek meeting and conference facility, excels in offering high quality business services. Al Qasba also has a Business Centre that caters to the requirements of corporate travellers. With a full range of modern facilities and staff committed to service excellence, the Business Centre prides itself on maintaining the very highest professional standards. Its offices are designed with a special focus on state-of-the-art technology, and each facility is comfortably furnished and positioned to facilitate a variety of conference needs. alqasba.ae

Expo Center Sharjah

The centre piece of the emirate, Expo is the first established trade fair centre in the country and is considered a pioneer in its field. The Centre is the exhibition wing of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is a prime meetings destination that offers the perfect combination of sophisticated technical facilities and professional services across a broad spectrum of events. Over the years, the Centre has become one of the region's most popular trade exhibition venues, and hosts some of the top-of-the-range business and commercial shows. Bordering Sharjah’s Al Khan lagoon, the complex is also the only exhibition venue in the region fronting the sea, making it ideal for marine-related events. Expo Centre Sharjah offers trade exhibitors an array of on-site facilities, such as - wireless data, internet and telephone connectivity throughout the complex, an extensive network of built-in floor ducts and trenches ensure easy access to utilities, including compressed air, data communication services, telephone and internet lines. The facility has more than 6,000 square metres of tiled outdoor exhibition space, ideal for exhibitions involving heavy machinery and equipment.

On-site parking for 1,600 vehicles is also available. expo-centre.ae

Hilton Sharjah

Perched on the banks of Khaled Lagoon, the Hilton Sharjah is the ideal venue for business; in close proximity of the Expo Centre, Al Qasba and just 20 minutes from Dubai. From poolside venues to elegant boardrooms and regal ballrooms, the Hilton offers a variety of event and meeting options complemented with meticulous services and even bespoke catering. www3.hilton.com

jewellers and watch makers from around the world.

The highlight of the show is the ‘National Pavilions’ set up by various participating countries such as Hong Kong, China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, which showcase classic as well as the latest designs in gold, diamonds and gems. mideastjewellery.com

Sharjah Food Festival

The Food Festival brings together some of the most renowned chefs, locally, regionally and globally as they engage in a marathon attempt to capture audiences with their phenomenal cooking. The event also includes food carving displays, adults and kids culinary workshops, chef competitions and masterclasses, musical shows and fabulous raffles and prizes for visitors. The event is spread across four locations to ensure that everyone gets a slice of the fun: Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Heart of Sharjah and Al Montazah. alqasba.ae

Sharjah Spring Promotion

This is the city’s annual shopping promotion during which attractive discounts, tempting bundle offers and exciting raffles are held across all malls, shopping centre and retail outlets. If you are looking to buy gold, perfumes, haute couture, cars, electronics, handicrafts and textiles, this is the best time to go on a shopping spree.

Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre

Affiliated to the Sharjah Ladies Club, JRCC is a semi-government establishment that prides itself on providing a range of impeccable conference and event facilities. From product launches and fashion shows to gala dinners and slick conferences, JRCC’s cutting edge technology and highly skilled services can cater for any type of event. jrcc.ae

SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS

Sharjah hosts some of the most pioneering and unique shopping and entertainment festivals in the UAE.

Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show

The Middle East’s premier watch and jewellery show; the event brings together more than 450 master

Sharjah Ramadan Festival

Ramadan is the most spiritual time for Muslims around the world and there is no better time than this to experience the rich culture of Islam. Sharjah opens the experience to one and all by imbibing the values and traditions of Ramadan in a variety of cultural, shopping and religious activities. Events are spread across the city of Sharjah, including the cities of Al Dhaid, Kalba, Khorfakkan and Dibba Al Hisn.

Sharjah Expo’s Ramadan and Eid Fair is another highlight of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival. www.uaetourism.ae | 69

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Ramadaniat Al Qasba

Held during the Holy month of Ramadan, the Ramadaniat Al Qasba event comprises a variety of activities befitting the spiritual atmosphere. Held at the charming Al Qasba, the focal points of the event are Ramadan kiosks which sell a variety of goods from garments and jewelry to fragrances and spices; Ramadan welcome tent which displays traditional Emirati hospitality, in addition to live performances by Islamic chanting bands and a story teller and of course, retail promotions. Don’t miss the brilliant fireworks displays held every Friday at 10pm throughout the blessed month.

Sharjah Light Festival

This breath-taking and electrifying nine-dayFebruary event floods Sharjah with light and colour, and celebrates the art of drawing with light and combines imagery with captivating music to create an exhilarating experience. Talented artists from France, Switzerland, Brazil, Cambodia, the UAE and the UK converge in Sharjah to shed light on the emirate’s rich heritage and civilisation in a unique and eye-catching symphony of lights, images, sounds and colours. Prominent SLF locations included Al Qasba, Sharjah Hisn Fort, Al Majaz Waterfront, Masjid Al Noor, Masjid Al Taqwa, Khaled Lagoon, Central Souk, Masjid Omar Bin Al Khattab in Khorfakkan and Sharjah University in Kalba. sharjahmydestination.ae

SWF grows bigger and better each year. Last year’s edition included a heritage village, enormous sand sculptures, a colourful carnival led by Mouj, the fest’s adorable mascot and a thrilling extreme watersports show. A spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky each night of the four-day festival. The festival climaxes with Sharjah’s F1 powerboat Grand Prix. sharjahmydestination.ae

CITY TOUR

Most tour operators as well as hotels will provide a comprehensive tour of the city which includes stops at all major landmarks such as the Central Souk, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba, Al Noor Mosque, shopping malls and selected museums.

City Sightseeing

Hop on to City Sightseeing’s blazing red buses for a novel way to discover Sharjah’s charms and its rich cultural heritage. A day on this ‘Hop-on-Hop-off’ double decker bus tour allows visitors to take in the most enjoyable and memorable experiences in Sharjah, as it plies across all the emirate’s famous landmarks. Guests can choose from cultural, leisure and night tours.

The tour buses have been specifically designed to accommodate local weather conditions. They are air-conditioned on both levels and even have easy access points for passengers with special needs.

Audio guides in German, Russian, English and Arabic are available onboard.

Tickets are priced at Dhs85 for adults and Dhs45 for children aged between 5 and 12. All tickets are valid for 24 hours. city-sightseeing.com

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Getting to emirate

Sharjah International Airport is one of the UAE’s leading air travel hub. The emirate is the preferred choice for a number of airlines from Asia, Middle East and Europe, with most destinations being within an 8 hour flying time. Air Arabia is the flagship carrier of the emirate; its global network covers over 101 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Asia.

Sharjah Water Festival

Each December, Sharjah pays tribute to its rich maritime heritage through the Sharjah Water Festival. Held along the Al Majaz Waterfront and Khaled Lagoon, the fest features an action packed programme of water-themed family fun activities and sports. With a footfall of over 150,000 visitors, the

GEOGRAphY

Sharjah is the third largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is the only one to have land on both the Arabian Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Oman. The emirate has three regions on the scenic east coast; Khorfakkan, Dibba Al Hisn and Kalba. www.uaetourism.ae | 71

LocaL Time

The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT.

GovernmenT

The emirate is an absolute monarchial one, currently, ruled by HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi who is also a member of the UAE Supreme Council. Which is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE.

economy

Historically, Sharjah was one of the wealthiest towns in the region. It was the most important port on the lower Arabian Gulf from the time of the early trading with the East into the first half of the 19th century.

With the discovery of oil came greater economic prosperity and the emirate developed from a small trading town relying on fishing and pearl diving to a modern, dynamic commercial centre as well as a leading tourist destination. Sharjah’s tourism roots can be traced back to 1932 when Imperial Airway’s stopped at the emirate to refuel. In the past five years tourism has boomed in the emirate and so has its trading sector. Uniquely located on world trade routes and the only emirate with direct access to both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the development of ports on both coasts has largely contributed to the growth of Sharjah as a trading cum cargo hub and a commercial maritime centre. Sharjah International Airport has recently undergone a major expansion to keep pace with the increasing number of passengers and growing cargo business.

Industry is at the heart of the emirate’s economy and several industrial zones have been developed in specific locations. In addition to the two highly successful free zones, Sharjah International Airport Free Zone and Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah continues to work hard to build on its economic strengths and to develop new ones.

PUBLic TranSPorT Taxis

All taxi services are regulated by the Sharjah Public Transportation Corporation (SPTC), a government body which runs an extensive public transport network in the emirate. Sharjah Taxi, Emirates Cab, Union Taxi, Citi Taxi and Advantage Taxi come under the umbrella of the SPTC. The minimum fare for travel within the city is Dhs10.

For travel to the emirate of Dubai, the meter starts at Dhs20. Transfers from Sharjah International Airport start from Dhs20. Ladies’ Taxis are also available in the city.

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Mowasalat Buses

SPTC runs a comprehensive bus service known as Mowasalat. The service covers 19 routes via 142 specially-equipped buses which move approximately 80,000 passengers per day. SPTC’s Rihlati or ‘My Trip’ service, enables passengers to plan their trip online to have precise directions, time and walking guides at any of the 800 bus stops across the city.

Buses generally operate from around 5.30am 11.30pm during weekdays. Regular public transport users are advised to buy prepaid or Sayer cards.

Sayer card

The Sayer Card is a smart card that enables commuters to pay for the use of Mowasalat buses. The card can be purchased at the Al Jubail bus terminal or onboard the bus itself. Using ‘pay-as-you-go’ technology, the stored value card is sold for Dhs50, Dhs95 and Dhs185; Dhs5 of which covers the card’s one-off purchase while the remaining balance is its pre-paid value. The rechargeable card can hold up to Dhs180 in value. The pre-paid sum remains valid for five years.

Car Hire

A range of local and internationally renowned companies offer cars for hire. To avail the facility, customers must provide their passport together with a valid international driving license. Visitors who do not have an international driving license can obtain a temporary local license if they have a valid local license from one of the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and the US. Canadian nationals have to get an affidavit from the Canadian Consulate in Dubai, verifying the license before going to the traffic department.

Applicants are required to submit their passport, valid national license and two photographs.

medicaL care

There are a host of hospitals offering excellent medical facilities in the emirate which are regulated by the Sharjah Health Authority (SHA).

The SHA itself provides medical care in two main facilities, Kuwait Hospital and Al Qassimi Hospital.

Numerous private clinics and hospitals offer top notch facilities for both in-patients and out-patients.

PoPULaTion 1,173,621

AJMAN: A WORLD APART The quiet emirate of Ajman is perfect for those who want to escape from the hustle of city life but not its conveniences.

T

he smallest of the UAE’s seven emirates, Ajman’s charm lies in its laidback pace of life. The emirate maintains a pleasant blend of tradition and urban development making it a uniquely modern Emirati city. Its roots go back to the 1800s when the Al Nuaimi tribe established themselves here. Taking great care to preserve the heritage, the ruling Nuaimi family has and continues to resolutely lead Ajman to progress and growth.

Here you can enjoy all the comfor ts of contemporary living sans pretentions. Chic malls, luxurious hotels and the opportunity to engage in thrilling sports are all present in this quaint city. There are plenty of historical and natural attractions to add variety to your holiday too.

ATTRACTIONS

Historical landmarks, new age attractions and natural bounties – all come together harmoniously in Ajman. This fascinating combination of tradition, dynamism and nature never fails to charm visitors and tourists.

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MAllS

From brands to budget, Ajman has every shopping niche covered.

Ajman City Centre

From international high-street brands to local haute-couture, Ajman City Centre (ACC) has something for every shopper. Anchor stores include Carrefour, Areej, H&M, Sun & Sand Sports and Centrepoint. ACC is also the city’s entertainment hotspot with VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet. The multi-cuisine food court keeps hunger pangs at bay. citycentreajman.com

Safeer Mall

Safeer is the next popular choice for retail therapy in Ajman. The 220,000 square feet mall showcases an array of products spanning family apparel, home furnishings, fine jewelry, footwear, accessories and beauty. A multi-cuisine food court and dedicated entertainment zone enhance the shopping experience. safeergroup.com

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The Factory Mart

Ajman’s fashion paradise, Factory Mart houses the factory outlets of the best haute couture brands under one roof. Retailers include Aldo, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Better Life, Bossini, Chen One, Kenneth Cole, Naturalizer, Nine West and Benetton among others. +971 6 743 3700

Festival Area

LuLu Hypermarket

A one-stop shop for all your needs, find fashion, beauty, jewelry, electronics, homeware, hypermarket and even a food court here. uae.luluhypermarket.com

Nour Al Kawthar Mall

If you are looking for local fashion, fragrances and accessories, NK Mall is the place to go to.

The reasonably priced shopping centre also has a hypermarket and cinema. Little ones will love CocoLand – a play area packed with many educational, sport and racing games. mynkmall.com

Dana Mall

Stores such as Splash, Rivoli, Missha, Shoe Mart and Adidas make Dana Mall a popular choice with the city’s fashionistas. Ruby Tuesday is the standout dining option. +971 6 740 7700

China Mall

Packed with over 1000 stores that sell garments, accessories, textiles, household, jewellery, fashion accessories, toys, crafts, electronics, hardware, and tools, as well as a children's play area, China Mall is a bargain hunter’s delight. facebook.com/pages/Ajman-china-mall

Hamdan Centre

If you are looking to add an Arabian flair to your wardrobe, head to Hamdan Centre which is a treasure trove of Arabic fashion, accessories and fragrances. +971 6 746 5038

Fakhruddin Mall

This mall is a convenient mix of goods and services such as readymade garments, precious and imitation jewelry, electronics, pharmacies, travel agents and currency exchange. fakhruddinholdings.com 76 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

Whether you’re looking to bag a bargain or want to spend a fun-filled family evening, the Festival Area market is perfect for both. Designer-inspired products are the highlight here. The outdoor area features a miniature theme park with a big Ferris wheel and a variety of electronic games.

SoukS

Ajman Souk

Stocked with Arabic handicrafts, traditional dresses and scarves and a variety of trinkets, find the perfect holiday souvenir here.

Ajman Gold Souk

Splurge on the precious metal here. Choose from gold, silver and even diamond encrusted accessories.

Souk Saleh

Step into Saleh Souk and you will know why it’s aliased the ‘embroidery souk’. The talented craftsmen in the rows of shops will beautify any garment with their exceptional embroidery skills.

Ajman Abaya Souk

Want your own Arabian wardrobe? Head to the Abaya Souk along Ajman’s main road and pick from an extensive range of robes and scarves. You can even get your own made-to-measure robe at any of the tailoring shops present here.

LandmarkS

Ajman Corniche

For years, Ajman Corniche has been a weekend staple for both residents and tourists. The Corniche has been divided into two stretches; one stretch is a waterfront promenade with restaurants, a cycling track, shaded seating areas and landscaping.

The other part of the Corniche has been maintained as beachfront with vast stretches of soft sands and soothing crystal waters ideal for swimming and sailing.

Ajman Marina

The Marina is the latest attraction to grace the coast of Ajman. Spanning 1,530 metres, it is touted as one the most picturesque beaches of the Arabian Gulf. The Marina features a bouquet of world class facilities such as dedicated walking, jogging, cycling and skating tracks, waterfront restaurants and multiple play areas for children.

The Village Mosque

Located in Masfut, the ‘Bin Sultan’ Mosque was built in 1815, from palm tree fronds and red clay. ajmantourism.ae

Ajman National Museum

The museum is housed in an 18th century fort which was once the Ruler’s palace and the first line of defense for the area. Its displays include centuries old manuscripts, weaponry, pottery, fishing and diving equipment and even pearls. There are also life-size models of public markets, courts and palm houses of the past. ajmantourism.ae

HErITaGE arEaS

The Red Fort

Named after the red plaster used in its construction, the Red Fort was built in 1910. It consists of four rooms and two towers whose beams and roof are made of sandalwood. A third tower was added later.

The fort is bordered by trees on all sides and includes a drinking water well within its complex. ajmantourism.ae

Al Mareer Fort

Built during the reign of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Al Mareer features a yard overlooking seven large rooms, a water well and a guard’s tower. The fort is surrounded by palm trees irrigated by the Al Manama Falaj that springs from mountain tops. ajmantourism.ae

Hassa Buweid Castle

Ajman Fort

The Ajman Fort, believed to be built in the late 18th century with local materials such as coral, gypsum and special tree trunks brought from East Africa. After being shelled by British warships, the fort was restored during the 19th and 20th centuries. It has been described as one of the most beautiful citadels in Ajman. ajmantourism.ae

This square fort is named after the hill of gravel and stones it stands on. The fort was renovated in 1976 by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. ajmantourism.ae

Al Murabbaa Watch Tower

Masfut

Dhow Yard

A quaint village located 60km from Ajman city, Masfut is known for the series of falaj (traditional irrigation system) that crisscross its land making it a fertile agricultural belt. The Masfut Castle is also a popular site here. ajmantourism.ae

Located prominently along the Ajman Corniche, the tower has been the muse for many photographers.

In the past it was used to keep vigil over the sea. ajmantourism.ae

The UAE’s largest boat building yard and the biggest dhow building centre in the region, Ajman dhow yard is one of the emirate’s most popular tourist attractions. A unique mix of traditional and modern techniques, visitors can see craftsmen skillfully shape vessels out of teak and saj while others use fiber glass! www.uaetourism.ae | 77

ThINgS TO DO

Family Parks

The Emirate has many green spaces which are perfect for a happy day out with family and friends. All the parks have grass lawns, play areas, cafeterias as well as bike rental facilities. Some of the parks in Ajman are Al Jarf Public Garden, Al Hamediya Public Park and Al Rashidiya Park. For an uninhibited day out, ladies and children can head to Mushrief Park – a women’s only recreation space.

All the parks are facilitated with shaded seating areas, free rides, dedicated barbecue areas, game courts, cycling tracks, mosques, restrooms a nd cafeterias.

Water Sports

Ajman’s clear and calm waters are perfect for many kinds of water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving and parasailing. Most beachside resorts will provide equipment and training for these. Ajman Kempinski (kempinski.com) and Ajman Beach (ajmanbeachhotel.com) hotels are the emirate’s most popular water sports providers.

SPORTS

Cricket

Cricket is the emirate’s favourite sport and under the aegis of the Ajman Cricket Council, there are 12 well-equipped cement and turf cricket grounds in the city, of which two are floodlit to allow night play. Located in Al Jarf, these grounds host many matches including the Asian Cricket Championship.

Beach Volleyball and Football

Ajman’s clean beaches are ideal for a fun ball game.

Volleyball and football nets are peppered across the beach area.

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RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Bowling

Bowling is a popular pastime in the emirate. Both, Emirates Bowling Centre (06 742 1000) and Cosmic Bowling at the Kempinski (kempinski.com) have excellent facilities. Cosmic Bowling is a part of Kempinski’s Sport Bar and is open to guests above 21 years only.

Ajman Equestrian Club

The Equestrian Club sports state-of-the-facilities where highly skilled professionals offer training in show jumping, dressage and horse riding. Desert trips for five riders or more are also available. ajman-equclub.com

SPECTATOR SPORTS

Camel Racing

Ajman’s Al Tallah Racetrack hosts some of the most exciting camel races in the winter months. All races are contested using robotic jockeys.

ACCOMMODATION & SPAS

Ajman has some of the most luxurious beachside resorts in the country catering every budget and taste.

Ajman Saray

The palatial Ajman Saray is the first beachside resort in the Middle East to join The Luxury Collection® ensemble of hotels and resorts. The Luxury Collection is an exclusive selection of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts, in more than 30 countries, which are noteworthy for their history, architecture, art, furnishings and amenities, highlighting the rich culture of each property’s fabulous surroundings.

Made up of 205 lavish suites and rooms adorned in Arabian splendor and luxurious amenities, five gourmet restaurants serving Mediterranean, Lebanese, Asian-inspired and other cuisines, dedicated kids club and pool, spa and a stunning private beach, Ajman Saray is surely a royal stay. ajmansaray.com

Ewan Ajman Suites Hotel

The comfortably furnished apartments at Ewan Ajman are perfect for holidaying families. Guests can choose from one- or two- bedroom apartments, both of which include spacious living and dining rooms and a fully-equipped kitchen. In room amenities include high-speed Internet access, refrigerator, satellite TV, iron / board, hair-dryer and tea / coffee station. A roof-top pool, state-of-theart gym and two multi-cuisine restaurants enhance the living experience. ewansuites.com

Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman

Located opposite the beach and in proximity to most of the city’s attractions and commercial zones, Ramada Beach caters to those on holiday as well as business. Other amenities include the modern Shapes Spa and Health Club, private beach access, daily shuttles to Sharjah and Dubai, world class dining options amongst others. ramadabeachajman.com

Kempinski Hotel

Perched on the picturesque coast of the Arabian Gulf and with a private beach, the 5-star Kempinski Ajman evokes the warmth and opulence of Arabia.

Its 181 elegantly appointed rooms and suites are complemented by efficient and personalised services.

The hotel’s Ayurveda and Kempinski Spas offer a range of holistic well-being treatments designed to heal the body and soothe the mind. From a fully-

equipped aerobics studio, Pilates, beach yoga, tennis, table tennis to scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, jet skiing and many other water activities, the Fitness Centre caters to every kind of sport activity. The hotel also has its own putting green. kempinski.com

Ramada Hotel & Suites

Ramada is the preferred choice for guests who are looking for a central location to enjoy the emirate’s business and leisure options. Amenities at the 4-star hotel include an indoor swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna and steam facilities. Guests can even take up yoga and aqua therapy classes at the hotel. ramadaajman.com

The Beauty Oasis Spa

Introducing a ‘day spa’ experience, Beauty Oasis offers a wide range of pampering beauty and wellness services that are guaranteed to relax and rejuvenate.

Female guests can choose from a variety of facials, body wraps, massages, hair and nail treatments, Moroccan bath as well as meditative therapies such as yoga and Tai-Chio. thebeautyoasisspa.com

Ajman Beach Hotel

This budget friendly hotel offers comfortable accommodation along with a host of water sports such as jet skiing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, sailing as well as beach volleyball, football and billiards. ajmanbeachhotel.com

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Fairmont Ajman

The splendid Fairmont Ajman is the newest addition to Ajman’s hospitality sector. Located on the Ajman Corniche, the 14-storey resort has 200 metres of private beachfront, an expansive infinity pool, fully-equipped water sports centre and a fun filled activity programme for kids, Its exciting portfolio of restaurants and lounges encompasses a signature Turkish restaurant, an outdoor shisha lounge overlooking the Gulf and rustic Italian cuisine. Unwind at the spa or boost your metabolism at the fitness centre. fairmont.com

EATING OUT

The Ajman Palace

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, The Ajman Palace is reminiscent of a grand Arabian citadel. Its majestic wind towers and mashrabiyas on the outside and rich brocades and subtle gold touches inside exude sheer opulence. The hotel’s two specialty restaurants 'Arabesque Gourmet' and 'Dragon's Place' as well as the sunset terrace and the rooftop shisha terrace 'Nojoom Lounge' provide sumptuous cuisine amidst exotic ambience. The 'Encore Lifestyle' beach & pool, spa, gym and health club complement Ajman Palace’s bespoke hospitality offerings. hmhhotelgroup.com

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The local culinary scene is a vibrant and sophisticated one. Yummy, cheap but hygienic street food is easily available across Ajman. Stop at any beachside restaurant and you are sure to find a serving of fresh fish accompanied with chips and a ‘cocktail’ – a concoction of banana, pomegranate, kiwi, apple and other seasonal fruits blended with rose syrup and milk. Small juice bars are easily recognised by their colorful stacks of fresh watermelons, avocados, pineapples, oranges and strawberries.

Bab Al Bahr Bar & Grill

Serving prime cuts of meat and fresh seafoodBab Al Bahr is a chic all-day dining venue at the opulent

Ajman Saray. After dinner hours, the resident DJ transforms the restaurant into a chic lounge. babalbahrajman.com

Escape – Equestrian Lounge

If you are visiting the Ajman Corniche, do visit Al Tabrah, Thimar Al Bahar Sea Food and Yumm Yumm Tree restaurants. Gazebo Spice Twist, FM Restaurant and Café and Baywatch are also popular dining venues.

As the name suggests, Escape at the Ajman Saray, is the ideal venue to shake off the day’s stress and indulge in specialty cocktails and exquisite beverages. ajmansaray.com

Hai Tao

Housed in the Ajman Kempinski Hotel & Resort, Hai Tai serves authentic Chinese, Cantonese and Szechuan menus. Its succulent tiger prawns, roast ducks and baked fish delicacies make for a royal treat.

Bukhara

Framed in royal blues and gold, its ambience is like a Maharaja’s court – and so is the fare. Bukhara at the Ajman Kempinski presents a tandoori inspired menu where tender chunks of perfectly marinated Hai taoMalai Kebab meet the buttery warmth of Murg freshly prepared breads, aromatic rice and some of the most flavorful desserts that India has known. kempinski.com

World Cup Bar

Settle into the comfy chairs of the World Cup Bar and cheer on your favourite team. The World Cup Bar at Ajman Kempinski also serves the UAE’s manliest meat fest – the mammoth 600g K-Burger. kempinski.com

CULTURE & ARTS

The Ajman Tourism Development Department prides itself with the creation of a busy cultural and artistic programme that has helped to build a prominent image of the emirate in recent years. The ATDD regularly organises activities that have attracted a number of leading Arab and international figures in the fields of music, art and literature.

Arabian Horse Beauty Show

Ajman has some of the finest Arabian horses in the world. The annual Arabian Horse Beauty Show is a fascinating display of equestrian elegance with some of the most prized beasts on show.

MICE

Though the Meetings and Conventions sector is still developing, the emirate does have some exceptional venues.

Ajman Kempinski Hotel & Resort

By far the emirate’s best meeting venue, Kempinski’s facilities can accommodate up to 1,200 persons.

From the outdoor Beach Patio and Palm Garden to the grandiose Zawra Ballroom, each of its venues is spectacular, complemented with cutting edge technology and professional and personalised services.

Golden Fork

Golden Fork serves a variety of Asian flavours.

Known for its succulent seafood preparations, Golden Fork’s Bouillabaisse Sea Food Soup and calamari is highly recommended. goldenforkgroup.com

The Ajman Palace

The Ajman Palace hotel has a 1,200 square metres grand ballroom with a foyer, the largest in the northern Emirates, a conference hall, four meeting rooms, and a VIP function area - all offering inspirational surroundings. www.uaetourism.ae | 81

Ajman International Exhibition Centre

The Ajman Exhibition Centre is Ajman’s latest MICE offering.

Ramada Hotel & Suites

cIty toUr

Most tour operators offer day tours of the emirate which cover all the historical sites as well as trips to the beach and parks.

Be it business meetings, corporate conferences or lavish parties, the Ramada’s range of facilities can cater to every occasion. The hotel’s location in the center of the city places it a convenient distance from business districts, industrial areas and free zones of Ajman and Sharjah.

Ajman Saray

For meeting venues that offer not only cutting edge facilities, attentive and efficient services and superb menus but also stunning views across the Arabian Gulf, look no further than the Ajman Saray.

ShoppInG & entertAInment eventS

Liwa Ajman Date Festival

Organised by Ajman Tourism Development Depar tment , the Ajman Date Festiva l wa s introduced in 2011 as a showcase for the emirate’s date farming traditions. The event also sees date and palm trading, as well as a number of other cultural and heritage events such as traditional basket weaving, art and date competitions.

trAveL eSSentIALS

Getting to the Emirate

Ajman itself has no airport. The nearest airports are Sharjah International Airport (15 minutes from Ajman city) and Dubai International Airport (25 minutes from Ajman city). There are taxis available from the airports to Ajman. Most hotels also offer transfer services if you hold a confirmed booking with them.

GeoGrAphy

Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates and is centrally located on the western coast of the UAE. The area of the Emirate of Ajman is about 460 square km while the total area including the regional waters is about 600 square km Ajman City is the capital of the Emirate and lies down at a small creek of 16 km length to the North East of Sharjah.

LocAL tIme

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT. 82 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

GovernMenT

The emirate is an absolute monarchial one currently, ruled by HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, who is also a member of the UAE Supreme Council which is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE.

econoMy

The Ajman economy has been largely dependent on fishing and trade. However, like the UAE’s other emirates, now Ajman is pursuing a policy of economic diversification too.

The emirate has successfully attracted several commercial and industrial enterprises due to its proximity to commercial centres of Dubai and Sharjah, and its comparatively low rentals. Ajman has also established itself as a major business centre, drawing investors - both local and international.

Additionally, Ajman is witnessing a flurry of construction activities in the industrial areas, the port and free zone. Strategically situated at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf, Ajman Free Zone, established in 1988, is well placed to serve the eastern and western markets. Its proximity to Sharjah and Dubai provides easy accessibility to the international airports and ports of those emirates. Thanks to its package of unbeatable advantages, the free zone is now widely recognised as entrepreneurs' haven.

The formation of the Ajman Free Zone Authority, the sole regulatory agency for the Free Zone, in 1996 gave greater impetus to industrial activity in

the Free Zone which has resulted in quadruple growth in the number of companies during the last few years.

A massive multi-million dirham development plan is under progress at the Free Zone, which on completion will be able to accommodate 1,500 companies.

Public TransPorT

Taxis are the main form of conveyance in the emirate. Cars on hire are also available.

Medical care

The emirate has a government hospital which offers a range of reliable and professional health care services. Private clinics are also available in the city. GMC Hospital is Ajman’s leading private hospital which offers a full spectrum of reliable medical services.

PoPulaTion

262,186 in 2011.

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UMM AL QUWAIN: NATURE’S BACKYARD See nature unleashed in Umm Al Quwain.

Lush mangroves burst forth from the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and its golden deserts are punctuated with fertile emerald oases.

I

dyllic, sun-kissed and blessed with diverse geography, Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is quickly becoming a holiday favourite. Its verdant mangroves teeming with myriad aquatic and avian life and wide expanses of desert where towering sand dunes become thrilling natural playgrounds leave visitors enthralled.

ATTRACTIONS

At first glance UAQ seems little more than a sleepy seaside town. But step inside and you’ll be surprised to see the variety of historical, cultural and modern attractions that lie beneath its laidback façade.

MAllS

While its shopping scene is not as vibrant as that of the other emirates, there are a few venues that fulfill all material desires.

Al Manama Hypermarket

Find here a convenient mix of stores that sell a variety of products such as fashion, accessories, household 84 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

items, coffee shops, salons, pharmacy, multi-cuisine restaurants, bank and currency exchange centre. +971 6 764 9044

Lulu Hypermarket

Shopping at UAQ would not be complete without making a stop at Lulu. The hypermarket offers a hassle-free shopping experience with almost everything under one roof. Think foodstuff, clothing, jewellery, accessories, cosmetics and perfumes among others. Conveniences such money exchanges, bank counters, food court and children’s play areas are also present. +971 6 766 6331

HERITAGE AREAS

UAQ Fort/ Museum

Umm Al Quwain museum was once an imposing fort. Built in 1768 it guarded the entrance to the city and was also used as the residence of the royal family. In 2000 the fort was converted into a museum and now houses artifacts excavated at important local archaeological sites.

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Old Harbour

A flurry of activity still takes place at this large dhow-building yard as craftsmen toil away at building traditional fishing boats. Don’t miss the coral houses scattered around the yard.

Umm Al Quwain Archeological Centre

Set up in 2011, the two massive display halls of the Centre give a deeper insight into the emirate’s history.

The first hall is dedicated to Al Dour (UAQ’s largest and most important archeological site) and houses artifacts such as glazed and unglazed pottery, metal statues, stone incense burners, glass vessels, silver coins, and bronze and iron arrowheads dating back to the first millennium BC. The other halls showcase finds made in Akab, Tel Abraq and UAQ 2.

Bakhoot Tower

Bakhoot tower’s architecture is as interesting as its history. Located on UAQ port, the towers was constructed from polished and cut marine stones linked together with sarouj (plaster made of lime, ash and sand). Built in 1800, the tower’s ceiling is made of jandal wood. A belt of coral covers the bottom of the tower to protect it from waves and high tides.

Interestingly, the tower has no internal or external stairs – a rope was used to mount to the second floor from where the guard would keep watch.

Umm Al Quwain Wall (Soor)

Dating back to 1820, the Old City Wall or Soor lies in the area between the Arabian Gulf and Al Khor.

The 288 metre wall also has three towers and a gate made of teak wood.

Umm Al Quwain 2

7500 years ago, the site of Umm Al Quwain 2 was inhabited by shepherds and fishermen. In 2011, it was excavated by a team of British and French archeologists. The necropolis unearthed was found to contain five complete skeletons dating back to the fifth millennium BC. Other artifacts found here include the oldest pearl in the Arabian Peninsula dating back to 5500BC, sponyle beads, net sinkers and other fishing instruments. UAQ 2 can be found on the road linking Umm Al Quwain to Ras Al Khaimah.

Tel Abraq

Considered as one of the most important historical sites of UAQ, Tel Abraq was first excavated in 1973. A circular fortress constructed from marine stones and a collection of bronze pottery has been discovered here.

Al Siniyyah Island

Two hundred years ago Siniyyah Island was the residence of the people of UAQ before they moved to the Emirate. Today, Siniyyah is a natural reserve but still has 65 different archaeological sites which include graves, structural remains, psoriasis hills and towers.

Falaj Al Mualla Fort

Located in Falaj Al Mualla, UAE’s summer resort of the past, the Falaj Fort is built of marine stones; plaster; jandal, palm and saj woods. The fort complex comprises of a square building with two towers, three halls which open on to an internal courtyard and some watch towers.

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Al Dour

Al Dour is of great historical significance and is considered the largest pre-Islamic site on the Arabian Gulf coast. From 100BC to 200BC, it was an important trading port and excavations at this fascinating site have unearthed impressive tombs, stone houses, large storage jars and glassware from Egypt and Syria. There are two public monuments at Al Dour, a small square fort with round corner towers and a small square temple dedicated to the Semitic sun god Shamash.

Al Akab Dugong Mound

The island of Akab is recognised as the oldest sanctuary in Arabia as well as the oldest ceremonial site dedicated to a particular mammal, the dugong. In 2010 a dugong bone mound dating back to the Neolithic period was discovered in Al Akab. The mound comprises the bones of more than 40 dugongs stacked and aligned with great precision. Archaeologists believe that the bones have been symbolically arranged for ancient fishing rituals. The Akab mound is unique in the Middle East and has no parallel in the world.

FAMILY ATTRACTIONS

Falaj Al Mualla Gardens

A modest green space in Umm A l Quwain’s agricultural belt, the Falaj Al Mualla garden is perfect for a lazy day. The swimming pool, bike

rental facility and children’s play area will keep more active picnickers happy.

Dreamland Aqua Park

The most popular attraction in UAQ, Dreamland is a thrilling collection of over 30 wet and wonderful rides. A trendy pool bar, mini zoo and tennis court amp up the fun quotient. And if you just can’t have enough of the water fun, why not camp at Dreamland?

Choose from cabanas or tents and relax around the bonfire as a sumptuous BBQ dinner is served. dreamlandaquapark.com

UAQ Aquarium

Initiated as a part of the Marine Research Centre, the Aquarium offers an insight into the emirate’s sea life – from corals to stingrays and snakes.

UAQ Beach

Swim, snorkel, sail or just lie back and get a tan – there’s so much to do at the beach at UAQ. The kids’ play areas, walkways and food shacks enhance the seaside experience.

Al Surah Region

Famous for the large numbers of hawks that nest here, Al Surah is considered one of the most important areas in UAQ. The area is also the known for the Al Faqaa and Al Zubaidi wild mushrooms that grow here in winters.

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ACTIVITIES

While the Emirate itself seems dreamy and placid, some of the UAE’s most exhilarating activities are offered here. There is a gamut of options for the thrill-seeker.

UAQ Marine Club

UAQ Shooting Club

Set up in 1997, the Shooting Club is a well-equipped centre with both indoor and outdoor shooting ranges that vary from 50 metres to 200 metres.

The club offers trap shooting, skeet shooting and even paintball for the young ones.

If you are a water sports enthusiast, then this club is your dream come true. Wakeboarding, waterskiing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddling, banana boat, doughnut rides, knee boarding, windsurfing and even crab hunting – the club has every aquatic sport covered. Don’t miss the chance to charter a yacht to cruise around the mangrove islands. uaqmarineclub.com

Desert Adventures

UAQ Aeroclub

Renowned for the skydiving and parachuting championships it hosts, the UAQ Aeroclub is easily spotted by the vintage Antonov-2 biplane and the enormous Ilyushin-76 cargo plane on display outdoors.

The Aeroclub has six spacious hangers and a 1.8km runway with N-VFR lighting. It offers opportunities for flying, hot-air ballooning, parachuting, skydiving (both single and tandem) and paramotoring. +971 6 768 1447

Emirates Motorplex

Zoom in here to experience the exhilaration of drag racing, sand racing and motocross racing. motorplex.ae

Palma Bowling and Billiard Centre

Much more than a bowling centre, the Egyptianthemed Palma Bowling offers a variety of activities such as snooker, a cyber-games area, shisha lounge and beachside restaurant. +971 6 764 6222 88 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

The dunes of UAQ, interspersed with wooded dales, provide a highly challenging terrain for off road desert drivers. They also offer some of the most picturesque desert camping spots in the Emirate.

Most tour operators can arrange desert safaris that include activities such as dune buggy driving, sand boarding and falconry displays.

Water Sports

UAQ’s water conditions are ideal for sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, kayaking and jet-skiing. The creeks that meander through the Emirate’s islands provide some of the best and most interesting snorkelling and canoeing opportunities. Dive into the warm waters to explore the dense mangrove swamps inhabited by a variety of colourful fish.

Most tour operators and beachside resorts can make arrangements for guests to engage in these water pursuits. Equipment is available on rent. UAQ Marine Club (uaqmarineclub.com) and Flamingo Beach Resort ( flamingoresort.ae) are the most prominent operators.

Camel Racing

In the midst of golden sand dunes lies the Al Labsa camel-racing track. Thursday and Friday mornings are race days and spectators are welcome to watch the noble desert beasts thunder down the track.

NATURE RESERVES

UAQ’s crowning glory is its islands (Siniyyah, Ray, Crimea and Al Akab) which serve as important nature reserves. Lying to the east of the mainland peninsula, the islands are surrounded by dense mangrove forests, separated by a series of winding creeks. The largest island is Al Siniy yah. The Madaar creek running between the islands offers a navigable waterway. These islands are a haven for nature lovers.

Al Siniyyah Island

Al Siniyyah is a natural bird and marine sanctuary.

Its shallow tidal lagoons and mudflats create the perfect feeding, nesting and resting habitat for several species of heron and plover, greater flamingo, gulls and terns. Huge colonies of Socotra cormorants, other seabirds, gazelle and Al Qaram trees, dugongs and turtles can also be seen here.

ACCOMMODATION & SPAS

Hotel Royal Residence

Royal Residence offers guests fully-furnished private villas complete with a well-equipped kitchen and private parking. Facilities include access to an outdoor pool, sun lounger terrace, health club cum fitness centre, tennis courts, the Abu Shakra multicuisine restaurant and Café Dela Presse. royalresidenceuaq.com

Barracuda Beach Resort

Barracuda is the emirate’s most popular stay options where guests have a choice between luxury cabanas and suites. The resort also boasts a 1,750 square metres dolphin pool, Jacuzzi, kids’ paddle pool and play area, golf lawns, oasis gardens and a sun deck. barracuda.ae

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EATING OUT

UAQ Beach Restaurant

Located in the UAQ Beach Hotel, the restaurant serves authentic Lebanese cuisine. Friday lunch is celebratory with a live oriental band and singers.

Flamingo Beach Resort

Flamingo is the undisputed UAQ favourite for water sports enthusiasts. The resort offers guests the chance to engage in a range of water activities such as crab hunting, mangrove boating, jet skiing, snorkelling and fishing. Flamingo’s Ayurveda Spa welcomes guests into a tranquil environment where age-old herbal therapies relieve stress and rejuvenate the mind and body. flamingoresort.ae

UAQ Beach Hotel

Perched on the golden and serene Umm Al Quwain beach, this hotel resort offers exclusive and luxurious villas. Guests can choose from three, two and onebedroom options. Additional amenities include a private swimming pool, mini salon, and business centre and rent-a-car facilities. The resort also has beach volleyball and football facilities. uaqbeachotel.com

Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay at Pearl Hotel is known for its sumptuous continental and Arabic cuisine.

Popular fast food joints such as KFC and small eateries thrive in the emirate. The local joints serve a variety of cuisines from local favourites like shawarma, falafel and kibbeh to Chinese and Indian cuisines. Though modest in appearance, they maintain a good standard of hygiene and all food preparations are fresh.

Pearl Hotel

Featuring a private beach and an exclusive 'Sportsman Corner', the 23-room Pearl Hotel offers good value for money with efficient and personalised services. pearlhotel.ae

MICE

Flamingo Beach Resort

Team-building and employee-motivational activities are best organised at the Flamingo Beach Resort.

The property boasts its own private beach and lush, landscaped gardens. Guests can indulge in various 90 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

activities such as crab hunting, mangrove boating, snorkelling and barbecue dinners. flamingoresort.ae

CITY TOUR

Most tour operators offer day tours of the Emirate that cover all the historical sites as well as trips to the Dreamland Aqua Park.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Getting to Emirate Airport

Umm Al Quwain itself has no airport. The nearest airports are Sharjah International (25 minutes from UAQ city) and Dubai International (40 minutes from UAQ city). There are taxis available from the airports to UAQ. Most hotels also offer transfer services if you hold a confirmed booking with them.

GEOGRAphY

UAQ is located on the northern tip of the United Arab Emirates, edging the Arabian Gulf. UAQ has an area of 777sqkm (exclusive of its islands).

LOCAL TIME

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

GOVERNMENT

The Emirate is absolute monarchical, currently ruled

by HH Sheikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of

Umm Al Quwain, who is also a member of the UAE Supreme Council which is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE.

ECONOMY

UAQ’s economy is based on fishing, pearl diving, agriculture and breeding of livestock. This has been further diversified and expanded to meet the development policy of the Emirate. The expansion of creeks and wharves, construction of the Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and establishment of a free trade zone has helped boost industrialisation in the emirate.

Fishing is still a major aspect in UAQ; it is famous for its supply of grouper and oriental sole, and is a major exporter of seafood throughout Europe and the Middle East. Falaj Al Mualla includes the first poultry farm established in the UAE. This area is also considered to be a large supplier of meat, poultry and dairy products to the local market.

pUbLIC TRANSpORT

Taxis are the main form of conveyance in the emirate. Cars are available on hire.

MEdICAL CARE

The Emirate has a government hospital that offers a range of reliable and professional healthcare services. Private clinics are also available.

pOpULATION

73,000

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RAS AL KHAIMAH REVEALED UAE’s hidden gem, Ras Al Khaimah amazes with its stellar collection of resorts, array of exciting activities and heritage and culture trails.

E

xoticism comes to life in Ras Al Khaimah.

Sweeping beaches with white sands, dramatic mountains, tranquil deserts of soft red sands and emerald plains – Ras Al Khaimah is an enticing frame of each of nature’s landscapes. These stunning landscapes form not only the back drop for some of the UAE’s most opulent resorts (such as the legendary Waldorf Astoria) but also serve as thrilling playgrounds for many adventure sports. With so many historical sites, majestic forts and quaint villages dotted across the emirate, the culture trail here is an elaborate one.

Come and discover a holiday like no other in Ras Al Khaimah.

ATTRACTIONS

The leisure offerings in Ras Al Khaimah are vast and varied. Infact, it would be appropriate to say that this small emirate has the best of the other bigger emirates. From shopping to sailing, here you’ll find lifetime experiences of every kind.

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MAllS

MANAR MALL

While most shoppers throng Manar Mall for its chic selection of brands such as Dorothy Perkins, New Look, H&M and Gap to name a few, others head to it for a rendezvous with the sea. Simply stroll along its picturesque waterfront promenade or soak in panoramic sea views while dining on cuisine from around the world. There’s also a 7-screen cinema for movie buffs and the FunCity entertainment zone for children. manarmall.com

AL HAMRA MALL

A meld of regal and traditional Arabian exteriors and contemporary offerings, Al Hamra is the city’s favourite shoppers’ stop. International outlets include names such as Springfield, Beyond the Beach and Accessorize. If you’re looking to add an Arabian flair to your home, there are some local handicrafts shops here too. A cinema and amusement centre keeps the whole family entertained. alhamramall.com

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Rak Mall

Old Souk

Safeer Mall

National Museum

It’s not just shoppers who are drawn to RAK Mall.

Adventure hunters love its indoor football pitch, massive ice rink and go-kart centre. So much activity can get anyone hungry. Stave off the hunger pangs at the multi-cuisine food court where choices range from Italian to Indian and Thai. rak-mall.com

If you’re shopping on a budget, Safeer is the place for you.

Peruse through more than 120 shops covering fashion, children's clothing, footwear and home furnishings. safeergroup.com

Al Naeem Mall

Naeem lures the discerning shopper with brands like Bottega Verde, Steve Madden, The Beverly Hills Polo Club and Koton to name a few. Keep the kids happy at Magic Planet entertainment zone or Cinemax cinemas. Break for coffee at Tim Hortons, enjoy hot tea and scones at Shakespeare & Co. or indulge in a royal Indian feast at Pepper Mill. alnaeemmall.com

souks

Al Muairedh Souk

This traditional souq is famed for its exquisite 22k and 24k gold and diamond creations.

Kuwaiti Souk

Ras Al Khaimah’s oldest market, Kuwaiti Souk, is perfect for tourists who are looking for reasonably priced souvenirs and handicrafts. You can also pick up Arabic fragrances, spices, herbs and nuts here.

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The Old Souk is known for its mound of aromatic herbs and spices, interesting traditional handicrafts and reams of reasonably prices textiles.

Most of the emirate’s old markets and souks are found in the old town just off Al Qawasim Corniche Road and along the creek beside the morning fish market.

Heritage areas

Located within an imposing 18th century fort built of stone and gypsum, the National Museum was originally the residence of the Qawassim rulers until the 1970s. Now, it houses a carefully curated collection of exhibits on the area's natural history, archaeology, ethnography and other relics of the Qawassim tribe.

Highlights include intricately patterned Iron-Age softstone vessels, 18th-century terracotta urns and other artefacts from Julfar and Shamal areas.

Dhow Building Station

An important part of the Emirate’s history, the dhow building station gives visitors an insight into how skilled craftsmen hand craft each vessel using only traditional tools. Carved from saj or teak, it takes between a month to year to build a vessel, depending on its shape and size.

Dhayah Fort

Dhayah Fort is said to have played a major role in the history of the UAE as a strategic military fortification.

This well-preserved historical site stands atop a mountainous dune. Over the years, pieces of jewelry, including items made from electrum (a natural mixture of gold and silver) have been discovered

here. One of the key findings from here is the 'golden Dalayah' (a type of earring), now on display at the RAK National Museum.

Do visit the rest house for a chance to meet Emirati guides who are happy to give tours of the site.

surrounded by palm gardens. They were part of the prosperous string of gardens along the edge of the Wadi Bih fan. Its high water table, due to the collected water of the Ru'us al-Jibal, enabled a fertile garden, stretching from Shimal in the north to Fahlain in the south. In 1999 Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr al-Qasimi, the then Director of the Department of Antiquities and Museums and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, decided to restore the historical complex and open it for the public. Besides the restorations, excavations were started to clarify the history of the complex.

Kush, a Parthian, Sasanian and early-Islamic tell

Queen Sheba’s Palace

Ras Al Khaimah’s most enigmatic heritage site, this palace stands atop a 200 metre hill near the village of Shamal. Though there is no archaeological evidence available, it is claimed to be the castle of the Queen of Sheba who ruled the kingdom of Marib in Yemen around 1000BC. Other folklore holds that the palace belongs to Zenobia, the warrior queen of the Roman colony of Palmyra. Access to the palace is via a spiral stairway. After climbing around a 100 steps, visitors must scramble over the loose, rocky surface of the mountain to reach the top and enter the palace itself.

Jazirat Al Hamra

If you are drawn to the supernatural then Jazirat Al Hamra is a must visit. Aliased as Ras Al Khaimah’s Ghost Town, Jazirat Al Hamra or the Red Island has remained uninhabited since 1968. The walls of the deserted village are made up shells and corals and have peculiar red sands. The adobe homes, with central courtyards, are said to be the best preserved examples of traditional Arab coastal architecture.

Falayah

Falayah was built in the 18th century serving as a summer residence for the ruling Qawasim family.

Being surrounded by palm gardens and scattered houses, it provided a retreat from the town of Ras Al Khaimah during the summer heat. Its historical importance dates back to the war between the Qawasim and the British/Omani forces in 1819.

In the summer of 1820 a peace treaty between the Sheikhs of the Gulf coast and the British Government was signed in Falayah. This treaty can be seen as the foundation of the United Arab Emirates. The complex consists of three stone buildings close to a Wadi and

Kush is an archaeological tell in the Shimal area of Ras Al Khaimah. It contains an occupation sequence dating from around the first century AD through to the end of the 13th century AD. Since 1995 excavations have been undertaken as a collaboration between the Department of Antiquities and Museums of Ras Al Khaimah and a British team now based at the University of Durham, Department of Archaeology. They excavated a quantified sequence through the mound in order to understand the economic and cultural changes that took place in this part of Arabia in the pre and early-Islamic period.

A fractional dinar of Umar bin Yusuf al-Wajihi datable to the mid 10th century AD (mid 4th century hijra) found at Kush. The present excavation project came to an end in 1999/2000.

Mohammed Bin Salim Mosque

Mohammed Bin Salim Mosque is the largest surviving traditional mosque in the UAE, and is still in use in Ras Al Khaimah Old Town. Archaeological excavations revealed the presence of an earlier mosque, dating back to the second half of the 18th century. Historical records indicate a mosque was at that place since the 16th century, but earlier versions could not be found owing to the confined test trenches. With respect to the later 18th century mosque, excavations revealed that it was destroyed during the British occupation between 1819 - 1820 and that the current mosque was built on its foundations. It has undergone several renovations and expansion phases up to the present day. The most important addition, based on historical aerial photographs, was the reconstruction of the original area for the call of prayer (minara) situated on the mosque’s entrance platform, which originally consisted of a raised platform and stairs secured by a mangrove poles’ railing. The size of the mosque after its successful restoration is estimated at 28.5 metre x 36.5 metre and it has 60 interior columns.

The mosque is open to the public for prayers. The tourists can visit the mosque only outside of prayer time. www.uaetourism.ae | 95

Digdaga Camel Race Track

Camel racing is one of the cultural traditions in the UAE. In Ras Al Khaimah the camel race takes place during the main season from late September until March or April. A fast camel can win its owner several 4x4s in a season and sell for millions of dirhams.

However, in summer the adult camels are expected to rest. This ensures good health and increases the prospect of big wins for the next season.

Al Marjan Island

In a location that can only be described as breathtaking, Al Marjan Island is set on the coastline of Ras Al Khaimah in the shimmering Arabian Gulf. There’s never been anything quite like it: a collection of four manmade islands that will become home to luxurious waterfront homes, hotels, resorts, sporting facilities, recreational and amusement park and leading international retail brands.

A magnificent feat of engineering opportunities like this come along only once in a lifetime. Extending 4.5km out into the sea and covering an area of 2.7 million square metres, Al Marjan Island is a celebration for the senses, combining a world-class resort development with environmental and cultural sensitivity. With a perfect tranquil setting, you’ll find everything you’re looking for at Al Marjan Island, including a hint of the unexpected. An amazing destination for extraordinary people. Al Marjan Island has extended the shore line of Ras Al Khaimah by 19.2 km.

tHiNGs tO DO

Family Parks Saqr Park

The largest public park in the emirate, Saqr is great for family picnics and a fun day in the sun.

Al Qawasim Corniche

Perfectly manicured lawns, waterfront restaurants and a jogging track make the Corniche a popular social spot. Two restaurants housed in historic fort

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tower-like buildings, al fresco dining, yacht trips through the creek, water sports, rides on horse-drawn carriages and sight-seeing tours onboard doubledecker buses are just some of the attractions Qawasim Corniche offers visitors.

Iceland Waterpark

Step into the home of penguins and face some of the most challenging water rides in the region.

Iceland packs over 17 different kinds of waterslides plus 19 thrilling attractions within its arctic themed enclosure. But it’s just not thrill seekers who can enjoy Iceland. There are plenty of lazy but fun filled rides too plus special areas for children. Other amenities include multi-cuisine dining, cabanas, gazebos, changing rooms, prayer rooms and even a gifts & souvenirs shop. icelandwaterpark.com

Activities

Tower Links Golf Club

Tower Links Golf Club is a championship 18 hole, par 72 golf course. The course uniquely crisscrosses through a mangrove reser ve w ith the Hajar Mountains framing the background. The back nine holes and practice facilities are fully floodlit enabling night play. The course is 7,200 yards in length with four tees - Championship, men, seniors and ladies - providing tee-off opportunities for all standards of play. The watchtower inspired clubhouse offers a range of exclusive facilities and dining options. towerlinks.com

Al Hamra Golf Club

This championship eighteen-hole golf course, designed by Peter Harradine, meanders around four inter-connected open water lagoons. The stunning Par 72 Championship Golf course measures 7,325 yards at full length designed with five varying tee options on each hole. The course lends itself perfectly to all levels of golfers. alhamragolf.com

Ras Al Khaimah Equestrian And Adventures Club

Set amidst a nature reserve and just steps away from the renowned Banyan Tree Al Wadi desert resort, this club offers guests the chance to interact with the famed Arabian horses. If you are a beginner, this is a great chance to learn riding from some of the UAE’s finest instructors. The Country Club also boasts a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. +971 7 243 5422

Rak Shooting Club

Learn how to fire shotguns and long rifles at the RAK Shooting Club. The Club offers a 50 metre indoor range and a 200 metre outdoor rifle range. Lessons are available too. +971 7 236 3622

Desert Adventures

Ras Al Khaimah offers some of the most exciting desert experiences within the UAE. A visit to the emirate would be incomplete without engaging in these.

Bassata Desert Village

Recreating Arab traditions, Bassata makes for a highly entertaining evening. Watch live entertainment shows including belly dancers, tanoura performances, falconry shows and a sumptuous barbecue dinner.

The camp also arranges adventures such as camel and horse rides. +971 55 334 1526

Bedouin Oasis

Al Jazirah Aviation Club

Looking for a breathtaking view? The head to Al Jazirah for exciting aerial tours that yield stunning views of turquoise waters and shimmering sands.

Excursions include Micro-light flying, gyrocopters, powered parachutes & more. jac-uae.net

Archery

Perfect your aim at Banyan Tree Al Wadi’s (banyantree. com) sleek range, specially designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment. The tented deck of the archery range is the perfect location to learn the basics of this ancient sport, for both adults and children.

The RAK Shooting Club also has facilities for archery.

Taking inspiration from the lifestyle of the nomads or Bedouins as they are locally called, Bedouin Oasis is ideal for a relaxed evening while discovering ancient traditions, watching engaging live performance including belly dancing and partaking delicious local cuisine. +971 7 233 8828

Desert Safari

A 4x4 tour of the Al Hajar Mountains and its steep canyons, terraced slopes, surrounding deserts and indigenous flora and fauna, is a truly memorable experience. Most tour operators can arrange desert safaris which include dune buggy driving and sand boarding and other thrilling activities which culminate in a sumptuous BBQ dinner.

Bowling

Ras Al Khaimah consists of two modern bowling centres within the city, with facilities for snacks and other indoor games – Brunswick Bowling (+971 7 235 5313) and Super Bowling (+971 7 228 9595). www.uaetourism.ae | 97

Sailing

Sailing is an integral part of Ras Al Khaimah’s culture.

Due to the favorable weather and water conditions, the emirate has been a popular destination for sailors.

Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club (alhamramarina. com) also offers excellent sailing facilities including the newly launched RAK Sailing Academy (raksailingacademy.com), which offers various boat excursions and sailing lessons by professional trainers.

Falconry Display

Prince of Sea

Mountain Climbing

Khor Al Jazeerah

Witness one of the most unique falcon shows in the UAE at the Banyan Tree Al Wadi (banyantree.com), the first desert spa resort of the Middle East. Housing the region’s most diverse and interactive display of falcons, hawks, kestrels, owls and eagles, be a part of the action at the Falconry Deck or just sit back and be amazed. A tour of the world class Falconry Mews, Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre, rounds off this one-of-a-kind experience in style.

Located in the shadow of the rugged Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah offers the UAE’s most preferred and challenging mountain climbing routes. Jabal Jais is the emirate’s most popular challenge. Challenging Adventure LLC (challengingadventure.com) provides equipment and training while Wonderlead (wonderlead.net) can arrange hiking tours.

Water Sports

Ras Al Khaimah’s pristine beaches and tranquil weather conditions make it an ideal destination for water sports. There is a wide selection of activities to choose from that includes scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, yachting, fishing or treat yourself to a Kayak excursion on the sea or in the mangroves.

Most beachside hotels and resorts will provide equipment and training. Some of the emirate’s top water sports providers are: Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club (alhamramarina.com), Adventure Sports at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa (rasalkhaimahresort.hilton.com), and FlyFish (+971 50 775 9494) located on Al Marjan Island. and the Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort (alhamraresorts.com).

Scuba Diving And Snorkeling

Ras Al Khaimah’s natural waters have many ship wreck sites that make them an interesting dive for guests. The ship MV DARA that sank in 1961 is very popular among the diving community. As you explore the ruins of the vessel, barracudas, rays and turtles put on a breathtaking marine show.

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Ideal for a romantic rendezvous, the luxurious Prince of Sea sails out into the Arabian Sea each evening. Guests are treated to a leisurely two-hour cruise in the calm waters accompanied by lounge music, seafood dinner buffet and drinks. Full day trips which include swimming, snorkeling and turtle spotting are also available. +971 50 372 1772

NATURE RESERVES

Famous for its wetland and dense mangroves, Khor Al Jazeerah is one of the most coveted bird watching sites in the UAE. Several exotic species of birds such as flamingo, heron and plover have been spotted at Khor during the peak migratory season.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi Resort

Ras Al Khaimah’s first desert resort, this luxurious retreat offers guests unique experiences within its natural settings. The resort offers a wide variety of exclusive services and facilities including 101 villas with private pools together with a variety of Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities, dining outlets, kids’ club and the falconry mews. The resort’s Activity Centre conducts educational classes on a variety of topics such as indigenous flora and fauna and even learning how to hunt using falcons and owls. Its ‘Falconry Mews’ serves as a training facility for the noble hunting bird.

Nestled among the reserve’s tall ghaf trees are, wooden decks allow guests panoramic views across the desert. banyantree.com

ACCOMMODATION & SPAS

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Inspired by the palaces of the Arabian Peninsula, the Waldorf is an opulent meld of indulgent accommodation, chic dining and entertainment venues, sophisticated conference and event facilities, luxurious spa experiences, an 18-hole championship golf course and a private beach. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

Rixos Bab Al Bahar

Luxury’s new address, the Rixos on the Al Marjan Island is an exotic confluence of contemporary extravagances and traditional Turkish hospitality.

Taste cuisines from around the globe at the resort’s 14 restaurants and lounges. Night owls will love the peppy nightclub and the Rixos Entertainment Centre with its lively dance shows, operas and musicals. Sports buffs are in for a treat at the Rixos with its gamut of adrenaline pumping activities such as water polo, parasailing, pedalos and kayaking among others. babalbahr.rixos.com

activities such as ATV rides, rock climbing, trekking and discovery walks among others. marjanislandresort.com

Double Tree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Another jewel in the emirate’s hospitality crown, Double Tree by Hilton is an enigmatic collection of inviting suites and rooms, epicurean dining, exciting sports facilities and the UAE’s first eforea: spa. This stunning beachfront resort is perfectly suited for events and conferences as well. doubletree3.hilton.com

Marjan Island Resort & Spa

Rising above the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, the Marjan Island Resort & Spa is anchored on a pristine island. Claiming to be a ‘palette of Arabian Magic’, Al Marjan presents palatial accommodations, a holistic wellness spa and a suite of other world-class leisure, recreation and wellness facilities. Children have access to the Pirates Club and Youngsters Entertainment Fun Centre while adults are offered state-of-the-art gyms as well as a variety of outdoor

Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach

Live like the Bedouins of yore – albeit luxuriously – in tented villas. The villas have their own plunge pools while the interiors are draped in rich Middle Eastern furnishings. The resort can arrange a plethora of water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and even abra (traditional boats) cruises. banyantree.com

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Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa

Choose from intimate private chalets or elegant suites at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah. The spectacular private beach ensures unobstructed access for everyone. Bask in the lap of luxury at the Spa or get the adrenaline pumping at the water sports centre.

Young ones will love the Kidz Paradise club with its collection of indoor and outdoor playgrounds, pool with water slide and supervised games. rasalkhaimahresort.hilton.com

Al Hamra Village Golf and Beach Resort

Al Hamra’s rich Arabic influences are evident in its wind-tower villas and palm lined avenues. Among its facilities are a therapeutic massage centre, health club and gymnasium plus access to the Al Hamra Golf Club. alhamraresorts.com

Mangrove Hotel

Overlooking a beautiful view of the mangroves and the Qawasim Corniche, Mangrove Hotel offers elegant and cozy ambience in the middle of the Ras Al Khaimah city. mangrovehotelrak.com

EATING OUT

Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria

Golden Tulip Khatt Springs Resort & Spa

A famed Waldorf Astoria tradition, Peacock Alley is an impressive signature lounge, serving the world's finest coffees, light bites and other signature Waldorf dishes such as the renowned Waldorf Salad. Peacock Alley is also home to another Waldorf legend, the exquisite grand lobby clock designed and built by Smith of Derby. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

Anchored at the foot of the Majestic Hajjar Mountains, Golden Tulip overlooks an emerald valley of date palms and farm land. Other highlights include the Spa fitted with indoor hydro pools, an ice grotto, snail showers and warm stone beds. There’s also a Ayuverda Centre for herbal and mineral treatments. goldentulipkhattsprings.com

The Cove Rotana Resort

Designed like an Arabian citadel, the ivory Cove Rotana is perched on an idyllic water inlet. Take a dip in the resort’s private beach or dive into its swimming pools. Be pampered at the Bodylines Spa while the kids are kept busy at the Flipper’s Kids Club. There’s a vast range of water sports and desert activities on offer too. rotana.com/thecoverotanaresort

Mojito at Rixos Bab Al Bahar

The emirate’s favourite evening spot, this chic lounge offers the guests a range of 31 mojito flavours, one for everyday of the month, created by an expert mixologists. Glorious views of the Arabian Gulf and facing the Rixos entertainment centre, Mojito promises an evening to remember. babalbahr.rixos.com

Sands at Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach Sands is the perfect venue to spend a restful evening sipping zesty cocktails or fine beverages while enjoying Arabic Shisha. banyantree.com 100 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

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Safran at Banyan Tree Al Wadi

Overlooking the nature reserve’s watering hole, Safran is Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant offering authentic Thai cuisine - from grilled tiger prawns to stick mango rice spring rolls and black sesame ice cream. banyantree.com

CULTURE & ARTS

The Ras Al Khaimah Cultural Centre

Established by the Ministry of Information and Culture, the Centre is committed towards promoting cultural awareness in the emirate. The state-ofthe-art centre includes a public library and theatre.

The Cultural Centre also regularly organises competitions and events to generate awareness.

Samakmak at Al Hamra Residence & Village Resort

Samakmak is renowned for the freshest and most complete seafood dining experience. alhamravillage.com

Pesto Ristorante Italiano at Corniche Al Qawasim

Overlooking the azure Arabian Gulf, lush mangroves and the majestic Hajar Mountains, the Pesto offers a variety of authentic Italian dishes including freshly made pastas and pizzas. Shisha pipes on the terrace of second floor lend an Arabian feel. +971 7 226 4030

SPORTING EVENTS

Spring Traditional Rowing Regatta

Adopting the ethos of ‘real food for real people’, Feats serves a lavish buffet of Indian, Italian, Mexican and Asian cuisine. +971 7 243 2278

An event that brings the community spirit within Ras Al Khaimah to the fore and reinforces the ageold rowing boat tradition to the wider population, the 2km rowing regatta is held at Khor Al Mataaf during spring and autumn. The event is held under the aegis of the RAK Sailing Academy. raksailingacademy.com

Al Sahari Restaurant

Ras Al Khaimah Classic

Feast

Extremely popular with the local community, Al Sahari serves the best Arabic cuisine in town. +971 7 233 3966

A part of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Golf Tour, the Ras Al Khaimah Classic is held at the Tower Links Golf Course. menagolftour.com

MICE

The MICE industry is gaining rapid momentum in the emirate. Both Banyan Tree Resorts, the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach, Al Hamra Village and Cove Rotana hotels, all offer state-of-theart venues, cutting edge technology, efficient and reliable services and bespoke dining options for a wide range of events. www.uaetourism.ae | 103

Ras Al Khaimah Exhibition Centre

The busiest exhibition centre in the emirate, The Ras Al Khaimah Exhibition Centre stages many trade, education and business events. Spanning 37,400 square metres, it is located in the Al Nakheel Area, the Centre has an Exhibition Hall as well as an Exhibition Complex with separate and multiple entrances for both. The facility also has a car park for more than 1,000 vehicles and a small mosque. Fax and email facilities as well as sales and secretarial services are available on request. rakexpo.ae

FESTIVALS

Awafi Festival

Considered a pioneering event in the emirate’s social calendar, each year the Awafi Festival draws in thousands of visitors not just from the UAE, but also the GCC and beyond. The spring festival celebrates the emirate's ethnic and cultural heritage through theatre performances, cultural displays, and outdoor sports events held amongst the dramatic desert scapes of Awafi.

cITy ToUR

Most tour operators and hotels can arrange city tours for tourists which can be tailored to specific interests.

SEAWINGS

Experience the splendour of the emirate’s vibrant landscape with the Seawings Urban Experience which takes off from the pristine shores of Ras Al Khaimah. The exciting aerial tour yields picturesque views of the city, the majestic Hajar Mountains as well as the azure Arabian Gulf. seawings.ae

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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Getting to Emirate Airport

Established in 1976, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport operates passenger and cargo services to a variety of destinations covering Europe, the Middle East, North & East Africa, Central Asia, Sub-continent and the Far East. The present airport is set for more expansion in the coming years but currently consists of two passenger terminal buildings and a dedicated cargo terminal facility.

Located about 18km from the heart of the city, it can be conveniently reached by taxi.

Ras Al Khaimah is about 80km away from Dubai International Airport and at a distance of 70km from Sharjah International Airport. The emirate also enjoys excellent land routes with all the other emirates and most are within a two-hour driving time.

GEoGRAphy

Ras Al Khaimah is the fourth-largest emirate, occupying 2,478sq km. Its landscape is quite varied compared to the rest of the country, boasting some 65 km of coastline along the Arabian Gulf and fertile plains, as well as the great Hajjar mountains, which reaches heights of up to 1900 meters.

LocAL TImE

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

GoVERNmENT

The emirate is an absolute monarchial one, currently ruled by HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi, Ruler

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of Ras Al Khaimah, who is also a member of the UAE Supreme Council which is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE.

EcoNomy

Ras Al Khaimah’s main focus has been on developing its industrial sector. It opened the UAE's first cement company in the early 1970s and is now the UAE's largest producer of cement. In the 1980s, the emirate formed R AK Ceramics, which has become the world's largest ceramics producer, and Julphar, the Gulf region's first pharmaceuticals company with distribution in more than 45 countries worldwide.

RAK Free Zone, established in 2000, is one of the fastest growing free trade zones in the region.

Traditional industries, such as fishing and agriculture, continue to play an important role in RAK's economy. In 1955, the first agricultural research center in the UAE was established here, and since then, innovative methods of arid zone cultivation have made the emirate one of the leading agricultural producers in the UAE. Recent efforts include the establishment of the Institute of Advanced Technology, a premier institution for research and development that will significantly boost industries in RAK. The emirate has also embarked on an aggressive development programmes, with a particular focus on tourism and real estate. Capitalising on its virgin coastline and mountains, RAK has launched several mixed-use projects that will feature five-star hotels, residential units and resorts.

pubLIc TRANSpoRT

RAK Transport Authority has a fleet of o metered taxis which are the preferred m transport within the emirate. Al Hamra bus cater to inter-emirate requirements wh Al Hamra Limousine service caters to the a Rent-a-car services are also available at a and across the city.

mEdIcAL cARE

RAK Hospital (+971 7 207 4232) and Saqr H (+971 7 222 3666) are government facilitie offer a range of reliable and professional hea services. Private clinics are also available in

popuLATIoN

300,000

www.uaetourism

FUJAIRAH: MEET NATURE A land of natural rugged beauty punctuated with majestic mountains and azure oceans: meet Fujairah, UAE’s only emirate on the east coast.

F

or nature lovers, Fujairah is akin to pa radise. Bounded by lof t y Haja r Mountains on one edge and the sparkling Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean on the other, its vista is unlike any other. Whether you want to dive to the depths of the ocean or scale the rugged peaks, go scuba diving or rock climbing, wadi bashing or snorkeling, you can do this in Fujairah. Add to this the opportunity to see the sport of bull butting, walk through historical forts, unwind at luxurious resorts, tuck into lavish meals and shop at chic malls.

A holiday in Fujairah is truly an eclectic one.

ATTRACTIONS

Whether you want to soak in the sun, inhale the heady mountain air or feel the salty sea breeze, Fujairah is the place to be in. While its great outdoors are its biggest attractions, those looking for luxury and retail therapy won’t be disappointed either.

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MAllS

Fujairah City Centre

The new Fujairah City Centre is the shopping and entertainment highlight of the city. A social hotspot, the mall has a chic selection of high street and budget shops. Choose from H&M, Promod, Garage or Max and Centrepoint. Catch a movie at its VOX Cinemas, play engaging games at Magic Planet and taste cuisine from around the world at its expansive food court. citycentrefujairah.com

Lulu Mall

A one-stop-shop for everything from fashion to food, Lulu Mall has over a hundred local and international stores including dining and leisure options. Kids will love the Sparkys entertainment centre while the ice rink – the only in the city – promises fun for the whole family. lulumallfujairah.com

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Fujairah Trade Centre

For those shopping on a budget, Fujairah Trade Centre’s shops selling a variety of accessories, readymade clothing and trinkets are ideal

Heritage areaS

Fujairah has carefully preserved its historical sites and each year in April, the Emirate organises the 'International Heritage Day' event to bring to fore its history and traditions.

Fujairah Fort Century Mall

Century Mall brings to Fujairah an assortment of 100 stores such as Call It Spring, Matalan and Areej among others. The multi-cuisine food court will satiate all palates while Space City will keep little ones happily occupied. facebook.com/centurymallfuj

Gold Market

Buy an ever-lasting memoir of your trip to Fujairah at the gold market. Choose from a variety of ornaments crafted from 18k, 22k and 24k gold.

SoukS

An important part of the UAE’s shopping offering, the traditional souks of Fujairah are unique and unmatched across the country.

Friday Market

Fujairah’s Friday Market is renowned across the UAE. This quirky open-air souk sells carpets, souvenirs, plants and some of the freshest fruits and vegetables.

Do tuck into the boiled and roasted corn on the cob and wash it down with fresh tender coconut water.

Made of rocks, gravel and clay, the imposing Fujairah Fort stands on a 20-metre high, rocky hill. Uniquely structured, it has three circular towers and one square tower. Carbon dating indicates the fort was built between 1500 and 1550 AD and rebuilt again sometime between 1650 and 1700 AD. In 2002, the fort was renovated to its former glory.

Fujairah Heritage Village

Replicating the traditional way of life in the Emirate, the Heritage Village showcases tools, houses, cooking utensils and even farming methods used in the past.

The highlight of the village is the traditional Al Yazrah irrigation technique on display.

Fujairah Museum

Delve into the city’s past at Fujairah Museum. The museum has three halls: the first is dedicated to various occupations of the past such as agriculture, fishing, weaving and pottery. In the second hall, visitors can view an armory of ancient weapons, tools and utensils. The third hall showcases artifacts that date back to Bronze Age, found in archeological digs at Bithnah and Qidfa – the emirate’s important historical sites.

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Bithna Fort

Built in 1735, Bithna Fort was one of the most important fortresses in the eastern part of the UAE. It stood watch over the strategic route across the Hajar Mountains through two wadis. These and the surrounding palm orchards, make Bithna a sight to behold.

Awhala Fort

Carbon dated to the 9th century BC, this Iron Age fort is considered as one of the largest structures of that period in the south east of the Arabian Peninsula.

Awhala was excavated only in 1996. The structure of the fort bears a distinct Neo-Assyrian influence, linking it to the Mesopotamian civilisation.

Al Hayl Castle

THINGS TO DO

Family Parks

Madhab Sulpheric Spring Park

Blooming in the foothills of the majestic Hajar mountains, Madhab gardens were once renowned for their hot mineral water springs. While the flow of this medicinal water has now dwindled, the garden continues to flourish. A popular picnic spot among local residents, the garden offers swimming facilities, rides and play areas as well as an outdoor theatre, used during festivals for traditional singing and folklore dances.

Al Muntazah Park

A green space meant exclusively for ladies and children.

Nestled in Wadi Al Hail, this historic castle was used for surveillance, patrolling and defense. It was once occupied by the ruling family and the monument comprises of a majlis, other meeting rooms, bedrooms, kitchen and even weapons ports.

Bidyah Mosque

Al Bidyah Mosque is the oldest in the United Arab Emirates. Built in AD 464 it consists of a prayer hall with a prayer niche or Mihrab, pulpit and arches . A central pillar divides the internal space in to four squares of similar dimensions while supporting all four domes that can be seen from the outside. The interior design of the mosque is a combination of stone carvings and openings for ventilation and light.

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Fujairah Corniche

The corniche is one of the Emirate’s most popular draws especially in summers when throngs of visitors head to it for a refreshing swim or fun barbecue.

NaTural SITeS

Wadi Wurayah

Wadi Wurayah is the UA E's first protected mountain area. The wadi features on the Ramsar Convention’s list of wetlands around the world which are of international importance for biodiversity conservation. Spanning 1,29 sq km, it shelters over 500 indigenous species including 20 species of mammals, 17 species of reptiles and amphibians (five of which are endemic to the area), and 19 species of insect never before discovered by entomologists. The endangered Arabian Leopard and Tahr (mountain goat) are regularly sighted here. Wadi Wurayah is blessed with refreshing fresh water pools and the UAE’s only year-round waterfalls.

Wadi Siji

Wadi Siji lies in the mountains of northern Fujairah. The area is dotted with farms making it a picturesque natural escape.

Wadi Ham

The longest wadi in the UAE, Wadi Ham runs for nearly 30km, beginning from the village of Masafi.

The wadi is easily accessible as a major portion of the dam runs along the main road. Although the wadi remains dry for most of the year, during the annual rains in winter, water gushes down the wadi making it a popular picnicking spot.

Scuba Diving

Being the only emirate on the UAE’s east coast, it is only in Fujairah that divers can explore the waters of the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean. This coast is famous for its diverse coral reefs, captivating shipwrecks and sand gullies. Some of the most popular diving sites are Martini Rock and Shark Island; Inchcape1 and Inchcape2; Dibba Rock and Sharm Rocks. Al Boom Diving Club offers some of the most comprehensive diving and snorkeling packages. alboomdiving.com

Fujairah International Marine Club

Fujairah International Marine Club (FIMC) offers a range of exhilarating aquatic sports. The facilities at the FIMC include a dive club, fishing trip, summer holiday activities for children, Jet Ski and boat hire, and restaurant. The Club’s friendly and professional staff offers training as well as equipment.

The FIMC also organises international events such as Offshore Powerboat and Formula 2000 powerboat championships, UAE Dhow and Rowing races and the Fujairah Regatta. fimc.ae

NaTural aDVeNTureS

Wadi Trekking

Explore the rugged beauty of Fujairah’s wadis on foot. Trek through the dry river beds and make your own wildlife discovery. When tired, take a refreshing dip in the wadi’s many pools and waterfalls. www.uaetourism.ae | 111

SPECTATOR SPORTS

Bull Butting

Bull butting has been held in emirate for hundreds of years. Each Friday evening during the winter months, throngs of people from across the UAE gather at the Al Ghurfa suburb to watch the sturdy Brahman bulls in battle. The goal of the duel is for one of the bulls to butt the other out of the inner circle. A fence and metal barrier surround the arena to keep the bulls from venturing too close to the audience but most spectators still prefer to watch the excitement from inside the ring.

Fujairah’s bull butting is not a blood sport.

Fujairah Tennis & Country Club

The Club's sports and leisure facilities comprise a state-of-the art tennis stadium, six floodlit ATP tennis courts, a health club, swimming pool, squash courts, multipurpose air conditioned indoor sports hall, food and beverage outlets as well as a boutique hotel.

Dibba

Dibba is a coastal region which lies at the north east of the UAE peninsula on the Gulf of Oman.

The region is divided into three prominent parts.

Dibba Al-Fujairah is the largest of the three and has a number of small villages and beaches. A visit to Dibba yields breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. Take a cruise aboard a traditional Arab dhow to see the 'fjords' of Dibba; their lack of vegetation gives them a surreal feel. Dibba Castle is the historical highlight of Dibba town.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Bowling

The Emirate’s only bowling hangout, the Fujairah Bowling Centre at Al Diar Al Siji Hotel promises a fun evening for all. The centre also has special facilities for children. +971 9 201 4555

Ice Skating

Whether you want to figure-skate, play ice-hockey or just want to have some freestyle fun, the ice rink at Lulu Mall is the place for you. lulumallfujairah.com 112 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

Maktoum Championships

Held over 20 days, a range of sports such as beach football, beach volleyball, basketball, chess, and bowling among others, are played as a part of the Maktoum Championships. Events for women and individuals with special needs are also organised.

The annual championship is usually held in the month of Ramadan. facebook.com/pages/Maktoum-Championships

Al Saif Competition

This is a traditional sword championship which attracts skilled swordsmen from across the UAE. ar-ar.facebook.com/pages/Al-Saif-Competition

ACCOMMODATION & SPAS

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

Nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is Fujairah’s most panoramic resort. Dine at nine specialised restaurants, work-out at the fullyequipped fitness centre, or sign up for a dive at the professional dive centre. There are also Kids and Teens Clubs. Rejuvenate at the Spa Al Aqah. lemeridien-alaqah.com

Hilton Fujairah Resort

With the dramatic Hajjar Mountains as a backdrop and the waves of the Indian Ocean breaking on its shores, the Hilton Fujairah Resort is perfect for an idyllic stay. Guests can choose from garden or sea view rooms and suites. The Hilton also has a fully-equipped water sports centre and kids ‘adventure playground’. www3.hilton.com

Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort

This A rabesque hotel features a var iet y of accommodation styles; amenities include swimming pools, tennis courts, beach volleyball area, a water sports centre and kids club. miramar-al-aqah-resort-fujairah.com

Al Diar Siji Hotel

Al Diar stands in the heart of Fujairah city. Its

elegantly appointed rooms, advanced business centre and proximity to the city’s industrial and commercial venues make it an ideal business hotel. Al Diar boasts Fujairah’s only Bowling Centre; other amenities include a fully-equipped gymnasium, floodlit tennis courts, basketball court and health club. aldiarhotels.com/aldiarsijihotel

Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah

The elegant rooms here offer panoramic views of the ocean. The resort has a host of family friendly amenities which include a water park, games room, Spa Zen and dive centre. radissonblu.com/resort-fujairah

Concorde Hotel Fujairah

Located in the heart of Fujairah city, Concorde offers superbly furnished rooms & suites. The hotel has fully-equipped, separate gym facilities for ladies and gents including treatment rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, steam baths and Moroccan baths. concordefujairah.com Other hotels in Fujairah are Nour Arjaan Rotana, Sandy Beach Hotel and Resort, Royal Beach Motel, Holiday Beach Motel, Fujairah Beach Motel, City Plaza Hotel, Al Siji Hotel Apartments, Al Diyafa Residence, Emirates Spring Hotel Apartments, Oasis Residence, Al Diyar Residence, Fortune Residence and California Suits Residence. www.uaetourism.ae | 113

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah Beach

Sports enthusiasts will love the palazzo-style estate resort. Its state-of-the-art water sports centre offers a variety of activities like wind surfing, sailing, kayaking, banana ride, parasailing, wake boarding, deep sea fishing and water skiing as well as PADI certified dive courses. Rotana’s Zen The Spa offers a range of holistic treatments. rotana.com

EATING OUT

Fujairah restaurants offers a sumptuous array of global cuisines.

Al Nokhada - Radisson Blu Resort

Recreating the taste of authentic Arabia, A l Nokhada serves traditional Arabic seafood and Khaleeji dishes. Choose from a wide selection of hot or cold mezzeh and a range of mixed grills.

Al Meshwar Lebanese Restaurant

Al Meshwar is renowned for the brilliant Arabic/ Lebanese fare its serves. Portions are generous and prices are economical. Its hummus, grilled prawns and lamb and fresh Arabic bread served piping hot from the oven will have you coming back for more. +971 9 223 1113

Waves – Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa

Trendy yet relaxed restaurant located on the beachside with a panoramic view of the beautiful landscaped gardens and majestic Indian Ocean offering a delicious à la car te dinner menu complimented with a selection of fresh fish. After 114 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, Waves transforms into the perfect setting for a romantic candlelight dinner.

Caesars Restaurants & Confectioners

Caesars excels at serving a multi cuisine menu such as Indian, Chinese, Persian and Continental and a variety of sizzlers. The restaurant also has private cabins and family halls for more intimate occasions. +971 9 224 9900 Sadaf Iranian Restaurant, Q aisar Indian Restaurant, Golden Fork and Al Malah Lebanese Restaurant are also popular joints. The Fujairah City Centre also offers foodies a wide range of restaurants and cafes including Chilis, Hatam, Beanstro and other fast food chains such as KFC and McDonalds.

CULTURE & ARTS

Fujairah International Monodrama Festival

Fujairah is recognised as the leader of monodrama in the world. The biennial Monodrama Festival is the highlight of the emirate’s cultural calendar and the 2014 edition saw around 300 guests from across 50 countries converge in the emirate. The nine day event is organised by the Fujairah Culture and Information Authority.

Fujairah Rababah Forum

Organised by the Fujairah Culture & Information Authority, this event casts light on the once popular Bedouin music instrument, the Rababah.

A constellation of composers and musicians from as many as 12 Arab countries gather in Fujairah for the event which is held every two years. The Rababah Forum has become one of the main international and Arab cultural events dedicated for this traditional string instrument as it attracts distinguished researchers, players as well as academics from across the world.

MICE

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah Beach From grandiose ballrooms to picturesque beach event spaces, the Rotana has an extensive range of meeting and even facilities complemented with superb technology and skilled support staff.

Hilton Fujairah Resort

Be it a fun-filled social soiree or a brisk business conference, the Hilton’s exceptional meeting and conference venues and exclusive services will make your event a sure success.

Al Diar Siji Hotel

From a private boardroom to state-of-the-art auditorium and ballroom, Al Diar is known for its efficient handling of all business and personal events.

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort has a wellequipped business centre with the latest audio visual equipment staffed by multi-lingual professionals committed to making each event a success. The hotel offers a range of conference and banqueting rooms including the spectacular Hajar ballroom which caters to large conferencing and banqueting requirements. The resort also has an outdoor stage and events area for up to 1,000 guests. lemeridien.com/fujairah

Fujairah Exhibition Centre

Managed by the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, this exhibition hub is strategically located between Fujairah International Airport and Fujairah Trade Centre on one side and the seaport and free zone on the other. Providing

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1,080 square metres of indoor floor space, the Fujairah Exhibition Centre is equipped with the latest technology requirements of today’s trade fairs.

The facility has three main halls in addition to 2,520 square metres of outdoor exhibition space. fujairahexhibitioncenter.com

CITY TOUR

Most tour operators offer city tours that will cover visits to the emirate’s heritage areas, Friday Market, Wadi Wurrayah, a dhow cruise, the Madhab Sulpheric Spring Park as well as the beaches of Dibba. Special requests will have to be made if you want to include water sports in your trip. While driving around Fujairah city do not miss the spectacular sculptures of Arabic figurines (Coffee Pot, Fish, Falcon etc) at the roundabouts.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Getting Here Airport

Fujairah International Airport (FIA) mainly caters to private jet charters and cargo airlines. A few passenger airlines from East European countries operate here. Domestically, Rotana Jet operates daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. The other closest airports to Fujairah are the Sharjah

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International Airport (driving time of 90-minutes) and Dubai International Airport (driving time of approximately 2 hours).

Cruise

Fujairah is becoming an important port of call for cruise liners arriving in the UAE. Luxury liners such as Royal Caribbean International and Costa Cruises are regular visitors to the emirate.

GEOGRAPHY

Fujairah is the only emirate of the UAE which is situated in the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean. The Hajar mountain range, running from Al Ain to Ras Al Khaimah, divides the UAE in two, separating Fujairah from the rest of the country. Fujairah extends to a distance of 70 km and covers a total of 1,450sq km. It composed mainly of mountain series, hills, flatlands, oases and some desert areas.

LOCAL TIME

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

GOVERNMENT

The emirate is an absolute monarchial one, currently ruled by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, who is also a member

of the UAE Supreme Council which is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE.

ECONOMY

Fujairah is developing from a regional hub into a global logistics hub due to its strategic location – it is the only emirate on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz, which gives it access to the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean beyond. Its location is transforming this emirate into a bulwark of Gulf security and a global energy hub. The Dolphin Energy pipeline, completed in 2007, is the first multinational gas grid in the Gulf, and links Fujairah to the biggest gas field in the world, Qatar’s North Field. In 2014, a liquid natural gas pipeline was laid from Abu Dhabi to the Fujairah port. Now nearly half of Abu Dhabi’s crude oil is being exported from Fujairah. The emirate’s quarries are known as the ‘bread basket’ for construction projects across the UAE as they provide the much needed stone.

The Port of Fujairah with its strategic location on the UAE East coast, at the crossroads of shipping lines between East and West is one of the Emirate’s vital facilities. It offers an important access to the markets of the Indian sub-continent and East of Africa. Fujairah is the world’s second-largest supplier of bunkering services, fueling ships at sea on a scale lower than only Singapore.

With the establishment of the Fujairah Free Zone more than a decade ago, commercial activity in the emirate has flourished. The Free Zone is in close proximity with the airport and sea port

making it doubly lucrative for investors. Offering 100% ownership, low tariffs and within a minimum start up time, Fujairah Free Zone is becoming the preferential venue for businesses in the UAE.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Taxis and buses are easily available in the emirate.

There are daily coaches from Fujairah to Dibba and Dubai and vice versa.

MEDICAL CARE

The emirate has a government hospital which offers a range of reliable and professional health care services. Al Sharq Hospital and GMC Hospital are Fujairah’s leading private hospitals.

POPULATION

192,190 in 2013

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Visitors' information One of the safest countries in the world, travellers' and residents' comfort is of paramount importance to the UAE. Travelling to a new city is always exciting, but it is also challenging. Here we list some travel essentials which ensure the perfect UAE experience.

GEoGraPHY

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprises of seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi – the capital city, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. It is bordered by the countries of Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The UAE has a 644km long coast at the southern Arab Gulf, where all of its Emirates are located except Fujairah. The 90km coast of the Emirate of Fujairah is located at the Gulf of Oman.

The area of the country is 83,600sq km. Most of the country’s coast is dominated by sand except for the northern area at Ras Al Khaimah, which constitutes the Hajar range. The UAE also has hundreds of islands within the Arabian Gulf, of which 200 are in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi alone.

Some of the country’s most important islands are Sir Bani Yas, Das island, Abu Al Abyadh, Abu Mousa, Sir Bu Nair, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, Al Hamra and Al Jazira Al Syniyah islands.

LoCaL timE

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

CLimatE

A sub-tropical, arid climate with clear, blue skies almost throughout the year. Light showers occur in winter. Temperatures vary from season to season; January can fall to a low of 15°C, while July can rise to a high of 48°C.

CLotHinG

Lightweight summer clothing is ideal most days of the year. Do carry a light jacket or shawl during winter months, as the evenings tend to get chilly.

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CUrrEnCY

The UAE currency is the known as the Arab Emirate Dirham, denoted by AED or more commonly, Dhs. One dirham is divided into 100fils. Linked to the Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary Fund, the dirham has held constant against the US dollar at a mid-rate of approximately US$1= Dhs3.679.

finanCE anD BUsinEss

Banks

Most international banks have representative branches in each Emirate. Operating a six-day week, they work from 8am - 2pm, Saturday - Thursday.

Friday is the official holiday.

Credit Cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted in the UAE.

Business Hours

Fr iday is the officia l holiday. G over nment organisations, schools and many private companies remain closed on Saturday as well. Consulates and embassies are generally open from 8am - 2pm with their weekend on Friday and Saturday.

EConomY

Oil and its related activities form the bulk of the UAE’s economic activity. Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s most important hydrocarbon suppliers, ranked among the top five exporters of crude oil and top 25 exporters of natural gas. However, Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates are actively pursuing a policy of economic diversification. Dubai and the other Emirates rely mostly on trade, tourism, real estate and financial services.

GOVERNMENT

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the union. HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum the VicePresident of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.

The country’s governing structure consists of the President, Prime Minister, Supreme Council, Federal National Council, Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers and the Cabinet. The UAE’s Constitution allows certain flexibility in the distribution of authority between the federal and local governments.

This allows the seven Emirates to incorporate in their own local government matters not included in the Constitution.

The Supreme Council is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE. It is also the highest legislative and executive authority responsible for drawing up general policies and approving various federal legislations. The Council consists of the rulers of the seven emirates. Each emirate has one single vote in the council resolutions and deliberations.

The Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister, is the executive authority for the federation. Under the supreme control of the President and Supreme Council, it manages internal and foreign affairs of the federation as laid down by the constitution and federal laws.

December 2, is celebrated as the UAE’s National Day.

LANGUAGE

Arabic is the official language of the UAE. English is widely spoken and understood and used in business and commerce.

GETTING AROUND

Metered taxis and public buses are easily available across the UAE. Dubai’s public transport network is especially intensive and includes the Dubai Metro, water buses and even ladies' taxis. All the emirates offer car hire services too.

Car Hire

A range of local and internationally renowned companies offer cars for hire. To avail the facility, customers must provide their passport together with a valid international driving licence.

MEDICAL CARE

Local Hospitals

Medical facilities in the UAE are regulated by the G overnment Hea lth Author ities of the respective emirate. Each emirate has well-equipped government hospitals operated by highly qualified

staff. There are numerous private clinics and hospitals with both in-patient and out-patient facilities in all the Emirates.

NEWSPAPERS

Gulf News, Khaleej Times, The Emirates Post, The Gulf Today and The National are the daily Englishlanguage newspapers, while Arabic newspapers include Al-Bayan, Al-Emarat Al-Youm, Al-Ittihad and Al-Khaleej.

International newspapers and magazines are readily available in all major bookshops and supermarkets.

POPULATION

Estimated at close to 9.2 million in October 2013

RELIGION

Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city.

However, equal respect and tolerance is extended to other religions.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Etisalat and du are the key telecommunication operators in the country. Direct dialling is available to most countries in the world. Calls made from one fixed line to another within any Emirate are free of charge. Full telex, fax and electronic mail facilities are widely available.

Most local hotels provide guests with internet facilities at a nominal charge. The UAE also has several internet cafés. The Etisalat UAE travellers helpline for tourism is 800 2300 and visitors may call 7000 1 7000 for enquiries on entertainment and shopping.

TIPPING

Tipping practices are similar to those in most parts of the world. Where no service charge is included, a tip is always appreciated.

UTILITIES

Electricity

220/240 volts at 50 cycles. US-made appliances may need an adaptor.

Water

Tap water is quite safe to drink. Locally bottled and international mineral water is served in hotels and restaurants and is also available in supermarkets.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Officially, the metric system is followed.

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TRAVELLING TO THE UAE

The visa application procedures and requirements detailed below are for information only and are subject to change without prior notice.

If your country of nationality appears on the list below, no advance visa arrangements are required to visit the UAE. Simply proceed to immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visit visa.

Eligible Countries:

Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria and The Vatican.

Requirements for a Visa Application: • • • •

Clear passport copy of the sponsor Clear passport copy of the sponsored person Traveller insurance All photographs are to be recent colour photographs.

Polaroid photographs are not acceptable • Those who are already in the UAE may not obtain another entry permit until he/she departs from the country General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai working hours are from 8am - 2pm, Sunday - Thursday except public holidays. On Fridays and Saturdays the offices are closed.

Important: For the latest visa information, please check with the UAE Embassy nearest you or contact your travel agency, tour operator or hotel.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Visas for other Travellers:

• Citizens of other countries should apply for visas to the UAE embassy • All visitors to the UAE are required to have health insurance • Only UAE nationals are allowed to sponsor visitors who are friends Visa fees: Please check with the UAE embassy nearest you or contact your travel agency 120 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

The UAE is a progressive, forward-thinking country and extends a warm welcome to all nationalities – and in return, asks all residents and visitors alike adhere to some basic courtesies and etiquettes.

Occasional, high-profile cases involving tourists disrespecting the country’s Islamic codes and customs illustrate the importance of respecting the local culture. Amid the sensational headlines, it’s worth remembering that many of the incidents that have been widely reported would be considered inappropriate, if not illegal, in many of the subjects’ host countries, too.

Clashes occur when people confuse the city’s liberal, rapidly changing outlook with matters of regulation, cultural identity and etiquette. In most cases, the recommendations are not oppressive but common sense.

BEAR IN MIND......

• Dress modestly in malls and all public places.

Shoulder-baring, short, revealing and transparent clothing is not acceptable for both men and women.

• Sw imwear (bikinis and shor ts) is strictly prohibited outside of beaches and swimming pool areas. Change into casual clothing when leaving these areas. During Ramadan, a modest dress code is particularly important.

• Public displays of affection between a man and woman are considered disrespectful and can be subject to arrest.

• The UAE follows a zero-tolerance policy for drunken driving and inappropriate behaviour while under the influence of alcohol; both are subject to arrest. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in public places and should be restricted to hotels/ pubs only.

• The UAE adopts stringent policies including imprisonment for drug use or its dealings.

• Swearing and obscene gestures are considered extremely offensive.

• During Ramadan, as a mark of respect for Muslims observing the fast, eating, drinking and smoking in public during the fasting hours are strictly prohibited.

• Photographing military installations, government buildings and private premises is strictly prohibited.

• Avoid taking pictures of women and children unless you have their prior permission.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS - YEAR 2015 01 January

New Year's Day

03 January

Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad-PBUH)

16 May

Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)

18 June

Ramadan Expected to begin*

17 July

Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)*

22 September

Arafat (Haj) Day*

23 September

Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)*

15 October

Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)*

02 December

National Day *subject to appearance of the moon

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LISTINGS EMBASSIES IN ABU DHABI (+971 2) Afghanistan, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Tel: 447 2666 afghanembassy-uae.com Australia, Embassy of Tel: 401 7500 uae.embassy.gov.au Albania, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 658 2505 albanianembassyuae.com

Bosnia & Herzegovina, Embassy of Tel: 644 4164 bhmc.ae Brazil, Embassy of Tel: 632 7727 abudhabi.itamaraty.gov.br Brunei Darussalam, Embassy of Tel: 448 6999 Canada, Embassy of Tel: 694 0300 canadainternational.gc.ca/uae-eau

Angola, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 447 7042 adangola.ae

Chili, Embassy of the Tel: 447 2022 chile-uae.com

Algeria, Embassy of Democratic and

China, Embassy of the People’s Republic of Tel: 443 4276 ae.china-embassy.org

Popular Republic of

Tel: 444 7068 algeria.mwasala.com Argentina, Embassy of Republic of Tel: 443 6838 Armenia, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 444 4196 uae.mfa.am/en Austria, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 694 4999 bmeia.gv.at Azerbaijan, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 666 2848 azembassy.ae Bahrain, Embassy of the Kingdom of Tel: 665 7500 Bangladesh, Embassy of the People’s Republic of Tel: 446 4733 bdembassyuae.org Belarus, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 445 3399 Belgium, Embassy of Tel: 631 9449 diplomatie.belgium.be/united_arab_emirates Benin, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 639 4665 beninembassy.ae 122 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

Cyprus, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 665 4480 Czech Republic, Embassy of the Tel: 678 2800 mzv.cz/abudhabi Denmark, Royal Danish Embassy Tel: 441 0104 fae.um.dk Djibouti, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 633 0161 Dominican Republic, Embassy of Tel: 658 0788 drembassyuae.com Egypt, Embassy of the Arab Republic of Tel: 444 5566 Eritrea, Embassy of the State of Tel: 633 1838 Finland, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 632 8927 finland.ae France, Embassy of Tel: 813 1000 ambafrance-eau.org Gambia, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 643 3955

Germany, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Tel: 644 6693 abu-dhabi.diplo.de Guinea, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 673 5551 Hellenic, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 449 2550 hellenicemb.ae Hungarian Embassy Tel: 676 6190 India, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 449 2700 indembassyuae.org Indonesia, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 445 4448 indonesianembassy.ae Iran, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 444 7618 Iraq, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 441 8022 Irish Embassy Tel: 495 8200 embassyabudhabi.com/Irish Italy, Embassy of Tel: 443 5622 ambabudhabi.esteri.it Japan, Embassy of Tel: 443 5696 uae.emb-japan.go.jp Jordan, Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom Tel: 444 8588 jordanembassy.ae Kazakhstan, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 449 8778 kazakhstan.ae Kenya Embassy Tel: 666 6300 kenyaembassy.ae Korea Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 643 9122

Luxembourg, Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Tel: 491 2446 Malaysia, Embassy of Tel: 4482 775 Mauritania, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Tel: 446 2724 Montenegro, Embassy of Tel: 441 8901 Morocco, Embassy of the Kingdom of Tel: 443 3973 moroccan-emb.com Nepal, Embassy of Tel: 634 4767 nepalembassyuae.org New Zealand, Embassy of Tel: 441 1222 nzembassy.com Nigeria, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Tel: 443 1503 nigerianabudhabi.org Oman, Embassy of the Sultanate of Tel: 397 1000 Pakistan, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Tel: 444 7800 pakistanembassyuae.org Palestine, Embassy of the State of Tel: 447 1440 Philippines, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 639 0006 philembassy.ae Polish Embassy Tel: 446 5200 abuzabi.msz.gov.pl Portugal, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 650 5541 embportugal-uae.com Qatar, Embassy of the State of Tel: 449 3300

Kuwait, Embassy of the State of Tel: 447 7146

Romania Embassy Tel: 445 9919 abudhabi.mae.ro

Lebanon, Embassy of Tel: 449 2100 lebembassyuae.com

Netherland, Embassy of the Kingdom of Tel: 695 8000 uae.nlembassy.org www.uaetourism.ae | 123

Norway, Embassy of the Kingdom of Tel: 403 8400 norway.ae Russian Federation, Embassy of the Tel: 672 3516 uae.mid.ru Saudi Arabia, Embassy of Kingdom of Tel: 444 5700 Senegal, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 633 6929 Singapore, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 222 2083 Somalia, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Tel: 666 9700 South Africa, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 447 3446 Southafrica.ae Spanish Embassy Tel: 626 9544 Sri Lanka, Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Tel: 631 6444 srilankaembassyuae.com Sudan, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 444 6699 Swaziland, Embassy of the Kingdom of Tel: 666 9059 Sweden, Embassy of the Kingdom of Tel: 417 8800 swedenabroad.com/abudhabi Switzerland, Embassy of Tel: 627 4636 eda.admin.ch/uae Syrian Arab Republic, Embassy of the Tel: 444 8768 syrianembassy.ae Tanzania, Embassy of United Republic of Tel: 631 3088 Tajikistan, Embassy of Tel: 394 5814 Thailand – Royal Thai Embassy Tel: 557 6551 thaiembassy.org 124 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

Tunisia, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 681 1331 Turkey, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 410 9999 Turkmenistan, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 449 1088 Uganda, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 665 9931 ugandaembassyuae.com Ukraine, Embassy of Tel: 632 7586 Union of Comoros, Embassy of the republic of Tel: 558 3765 United Kingdom, Embassy of the Tel: 610 1100 gov.uk United States of America, Embassy of the Tel: 414 2200 abudhabi.usembassy.gov Uzbekistan, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 448 8215 uzbekembassy.ae Venezuela, Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Tel: 445 2240 embavenezabudhabi.ae Vietnam, Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Tel: 441 7899 vietnamembassy-uae.org Yemen, Embassy of the Republic of Tel: 444 8457

CONSULATES IN DUBAI (+971 4) Consulate General of The Federal Republic of Germany Tel: 349 8888 dubai.diplo.de Consulate General of Australia Tel: 508 7100 dfat.gov.au Consulate General of Canada Tel: 404 8444 canadainternational.gc.ca/uae-eau Consulate General of Federal Republic of Somalia Tel: 272 2559

Consulate General of India Tel: 397 1222 cgidubai.com Consulate General of Japan Tel: 331 9191 dubai.uae.emb-japan.go.jp Consulate General of Lebanon Tel: 397 7450 lebanonconsulate-uae.com Consulate General of Mexico Tel: 395 5404 Consulate General of New Zealand Tel: 331 7500 nzte.govt.nz

Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran Tel: 344 4717 dubai.mfa.ir Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Tel: 397 3600 pakistanconsulate.ae Consulate General of the Kingdom of Denmark Tel: 348 0877 denmark.ae

Consulate General of Panama Tel: 337 2538

Consulate General of the Kingdom of The Netherlands Tel: 695 8000 uae.nlembassy.org

Consulate General of Romania Tel: 349 2979 dubai.mae.ro

Consulate General of the Kyrgyz Republic Tel: 236 4453 kyrgyzconsuae.org

Consulate General of Switzerland Tel: 329 0999 eda.admin.ch

Consulate General of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Tel: 238 8199 cgbdubai.org

Consulate General of Tajikistan Tel: 394 5814 Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt Tel: 397 1122 Consulate General of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria Tel: 344 43 77 cgalgeria-dubai.com Consulate General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Tel: 398 6535 slcgdxb.com Consulate General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Tel: 269 9111 Consulate General of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Tel: 397 0500 jorconsulate.com Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Tel: 398 8229

Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China Tel: 394 4733 dubai.china-consulate.org Consulate General of Peru Tel: 422 7550 peru.ae Consulate General of the Republic of Angola Tel: 344 7541 angolaconsulate.ae Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria Tel: 344 2419 Consulate General of the Republic of Burundi Tel: 453 7300 Consulate General of the Republic of Chad Tel: 273 8470 Consulate General of the Republic of Djibouti Tel: 268 1134 Consulate General of the Republic of France Tel: 408 4900 consulfrance-dubai.org www.uaetourism.ae | 125

Consulate General of the Republic of Ghana Tel: 398 7799 ghanaconsulate.ae

Consulate General of the Royal Thai Tel: 348 9550 thaiconsulatedubai.com

Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia Tel: 398 5666 indonesianconsulate.ae

Consulate General of the Russian Federation Tel: 328 5347 ruconsdubai.ae

Consulate General of the Republic of Iraq Tel: 358 4700

Consulate General of The State of Eritrea Tel: 222 0323

Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan Tel: 339 7151 kazconsulate.ae

Consulate General of the State of Kuwait Tel: 397 8000

Consulate General of the Republic of Kenya Tel: 342 8111 kenyaembassy.ae

Consulate General of the Syrian Arab Republic Tel: 357 2227

Consulate General of the Republic of Malta Tel: 331 1015 Consulate General of the Republic of Mozambique Tel: 398 8304

Consulate General of the State of Qatar Tel: 396 0444

Consulate General of The Union of Comoros Tel: 229 9044 Consulate General of the United republic of Tanzania Tel: 394 0200

Consulate General of the Republic of Niger Tel: 266 4642

Consulate General of the United States of America Tel: 309 4000 dubai.usconsulate.gov

Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore Tel: 321 9498 mfa.gov.sg

Consulate General of Malaysia Tel: 398 5843

Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa Tel: 397 5222

Consulate General of the kingdom of Morocco Tel: 349 6377 moroccanconsulate-dubai.com

Consulate General of the Republic of Sudan Tel: 397 7722

Consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan Tel: 388 3727

Consulate General of the Philippines Tel: 220 7100 dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph

Consulate General of Saudi Arabia Tel: 397 9777

Consulate General of the Republic of Tunasia Tel: 261 7070

Royal Norwegian Consulate Tel: 382 3880 Norway.ae

Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey Tel: 331 4788

Consulate General of the Republic of Italy Tel: 331 4167

Consulate General of the Republic of Uruguay Tel: 329 7369

Consulate General of the Republic of Korea Tel: 344 9200

Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tel: 370 6060 uzbekistanconsulate.ae

Consulate General of the State of Palestine Tel: 397 2020

Consulate General of the Republic of Yemen Tel: 397 0131 126 | visitUAE Tourism Guide 2015

Consulate General of United Kingdom Tel: 309 4444 Ukinuae.fco.gov.uk

HOSPITALS IN ABU DHABI (+971 2) Ahalia Hospital Tel: 626 2666 ahaliagroup.com

Al Mafraq Hospital Tel: 501 1111 mafraqhospital.ae Al Noor Hospital Tel: 800 26422 alnoorhospital.com Al Noor Hospital, Airport Road Branch Tel: 444 6655 alnoorhospital.com Al Noor Hospital Al Ain Branch Tel: 766 7666 alnoorhospital.com Al Noor Hospital – Mussafah Polyclinic, Mussafah Tel: 552 0777 alnoorhospital.com Al Noor Hospital – Beda Zayed Clinic, Madinat Zayed (Western Region) Tel: 884 6633 alnoorhospital.com Al Noor Hospital Specialty Clinics Al Dhafra Bldg, Madinat Zayed (Western Region) Tel: 884 8883 alnoorhospital.com Al Noor Hospital Specialty Clinics – Al Mirfa Branch, Al Mirfa City (Western Region) Tel: 883 2000 alnoorhospital.com Al Salama Hospital Tel: 696 6777 / 643 2143 alsalamahospital.com Corniche Hospital Tel: 672 4900 cornichehospital.ae CosmeSurge and Emirates Hospital – Abu Dhabi Tel: 446 6648 cosmesurge.com CosmeSurge and Emirates Hospital – Khalifa City Tel: 557 2220 cosmesurge.com

National Medical Centre Hospital – Abu Dhabi Tel: 633 2255 nmc.ae Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Hospital Tel: 819 0000 skmc.ae

HOSPITALS IN DUBAI (+971 4)

Al Zahra Private Medical Centre Tel: 331 5000 alzahra.com American Hospital Dubai Tel: 336 7777 ahdubai.com Belhoul European Hospital Tel: 345 4000 belhouleuropean.com Dubai Hospital Tel: 219 5000 web.dohms.gov.ae CosmeSurge and Emirates Hospital – Dubai Jumeirah Tel: 344 5915 cosmesurge.com CosmeSurge and Emirates Hospital –Dubai Marina Tel: 447 1777 cosmesurge.com Iranian Hospital Tel: 344 0250 ihd.ae Kuwait Hospital Tel: 257 8882 mymd.ae Latifa Hospital (was Al Wasl Hospital) Tel: 219 3000 dha.gov.ae GMC Thumbay Hospital – Dubai Tel: 603 0555 gmchospital.com Mediclinic – Welcare Hospital Tel: 282 7788 mediclinic.ae Mediclinic – City Hospital Tel: 435 9999 mediclinic.ae Mediclinic Beach Road Tel: 379 7711 mediclinic.ae

Mediclinic Meadows Tel: 453 4040 mediclinic.ae Mediclinic Arabian Ranches Tel: 453 4020 mediclinic.ae Mediclinic Dubai Mall Tel: 449 5111 mediclinic.ae Mediclinic Mirdif Tel: 288 1302 mediclinic.ae Mediclinic Ibn Battuta Tel: 440 9000 mediclinic.ae Mediclinic Al Qusais Tel: 258 6466 mediclinic.ae Mediclinic Al Sufouh Tel: 366 1030 mediclinic.ae Mediclinic Middle East Tel: 550 8800 mediclinic.ae National Medical Centre Speciality Hospital – Dubai Tel: 267 9999 nmc.ae National Medical Centre Hospital – Dubai Tel: 268 9800 nmc.ae Neurospinal Hospital Dubai Tel: 342 0000 nshdubai.com Rashid Hospital Tel: 800 342 dha.gov.ae

HOSPITALS IN SHARJAH (+971 6)

Al Zahara Private Hospital Tel: 561 9999 alzahra.com CosmeSurge and Emirates Hospital – Sharjah Tel: 524 5444 cosmesurge.com GMC Medical and Speciality Centre – Sharjah Tel: 535 8111 gmchospital.com New Medical Centre – Sharjah Tel: 575 8000 nmc.ae www.uaetourism.ae | 127

HOSPITALS IN AJMAN (+971 6) GMC Hospital – Ajman Tel: 746 3333 gmchostpital.com Gulf Medical University Tel: 743 1333 gmu.ac.ae

HOSPITALS IN RAS AL KHAIMAH (+971 7) CosmeSurge and Emirates Hospital – Ras Al Khaimah Tel: 235 6001 cosmesurge.com

HOSPITALS IN FUJAIRAH (+971 9) GMC Hospital – Fujairah Tel: 224 4233 gmchospital.com

AIRLINES

Etihad +971 2 599 0000 Emirates 600 55 5555 (Toll free) Fly Dubai 600 544445 (Toll free) Air Arabia +971 6 558 0000 Rotana Jet +971 2 444 3366

TAXIS IN ABU DHABI (+971 2) Al Arabia Taxi Tel: 558 8099 Al Ghazal Express Tel: 444 5885 Al Ghazal Taxi Tel: 444 7787 CARS Taxi Tel: 551 6164

AJMAN

Fire Police Ambulance

02-997 02-999 02-998

Fire Police Ambulance

06-997 06-999 06-998

Electricity Abu Dhabi Electricity Al Ain Water Abu Dhabi Water Al Ain Traffic Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Police Abu Dhabi Police Al Ain

02-991 03-991 02-991 03-991 800-3333 02-4461461 03-7638888

Electricity and Water Traffic

06-7111111 06-7439999

DUBAI Fire Police Ambulance

04-997 04-999 04-998

Electricity and Water Traffic Dubai Police operations room

04-991 800-7777 04-6095555

SHARJAH Fire Police Ambulance

06-997 06-999 06-998

Electricity, Water, Gas Traffic: Sharjah Police General Directorate Police Headquarters

UMM AL QUWAIN Fire Police Ambulance

06-997 06-999 06-998

Electricity and Water Traffic Police

06-7665333 06-7670707 06-7656677

RAS AL KHAIMAH Fire Police Ambulance

07-997 07-999 07-998

Electricity and Water Traffic Police

07-2288444 07-2356666 07-2356666

FUJAIRAH

06-991

Fire Police Ambulance

09-997 09-999 09-998

06-5943032 06-5633333

Electricity and Water Traffic Police

09-2222226 09-2229884 09-2224411

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TAXIS IN DUBAI (+971 4)

Al Arabia Taxi Tel: 285 5566 Cars Taxi Tel: 269 3344 Dubai Taxi Tel: 208 0808 (Also to book in Ladies Taxi) Metro Taxi Tel: 267 3222 National Taxi Tel: 327 4666

TAXIS IN SHARJAH (+971 6)

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS ABU DHABI

National Taxi Tel: 555 2212 National Transport Company Tel: 622 3300

Advantage Taxi Tel: 572 5252 Citi Taxi Tel: 533 3550 Emirates Cab Tel: 539 6666 Sharjah Taxi Tel: 535 6111 Union Taxi Tel: 532 5555

TAXIS IN AJMAN (+971 6) Advantage Taxi Tel: 746 9888 Arabia Taxi Tel: 740 8000 Cars Tel: 740 7878 Speed Trans Tel: 748 3030

TAXIS IN RAS AL KHAIMAH (+971 7) Al Arabia Taxi Tel: 235 6899

TAXIS IN FUJAIRAH (+971 9) Cars Taxi Tel: 224 4889

United Arab Emirates The National Council of Tourism & Antiquities Tel: +971 2 443 4166 | Fax: +971 2 446 8449 | P.O.Box 408, Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971 4 254 5555 | Fax: +971 4 254 5554 | P.O.Box 92222, Dubai, UAE uaetourism.ae | info@ncta.gov.ae | @nctauae | visituae