The largest resort in the Emirates, which has an ancient unique history, the center of the "black gold" (oil) industry, an oasis in the middle of the desert, teeming with fountains and interesting buildings of various architectural trends. Parks Abu Dhabi wonder how good, 90 amazing fountains in the middle of the desert are a challenge to nature. No wonder this resort is called a city-park. With a general water shortage in the country, Abu Dhabi looks truly like an earthly paradise, and you will be surprised at such a fantastic natural paradox. However, tourists come here precisely to be surprised. Such luxury, chic, wealth, impeccable service, architectural extravaganza and year-round beach eden, as in Abu Dhabi, cause delight and will be remembered for a lifetime.
The pride of Abu Dhabi is its ultra-fashionable skyscrapers and comfortable modern hotels, which are active day and night, as entertainment complexes, sports clubs and comfortable beaches are concentrated here.
Welcome to Family Park or Water Park in Abu Dhabi, where there are tons of fun activities for both adults and toddlers.
The cosmopolitan resort of Abu Dhabi is a synergy of luxury, an oriental tale and a fashionable beach holiday, and you definitely need to visit here at least once in your life.
The third largest resort in the Emirates and the cultural center of the country, because the most important historical and architectural monuments of the Emirates are concentrated here, it is not for nothing that UNESCO has included Sharjah in the list of the greatest capitals of the world. Therefore, in order to combine a beach holiday with knowledge of the history of the UAE and acquaintance with the Arab masterpieces of ancient architecture, you need to go to Sharjah. By the way, this emirate is the only one washed by the waters of both the Oman and the Persian Gulfs, and for a beach destination it is a great temptation. In this regard, many tourists cannot deny themselves a beach vacation in Sharjah, even in spite of the strict "dry law" (alcohol is not sold even in hotels) and the local harsh religious customs. Meanwhile, these inconveniences are covered by attractive prices for tours to Sharjah, as you know, vacation here is financially more profitable than in other emirates.
Sharjah's most popular beaches are Al Khan and Al Cornish, clean, well-maintained, surrounded by palm trees, with impeccable service and gentle warm waves.
When enjoying a beach holiday, switch to entertainment at Al Jazeera Park, and then admire Sharjah National Park, where the green Arab Eden stretches over 63 hectares - with ponds, barbecue areas, playgrounds, cafes with picturesque terraces, attractions and the famous "tunnel fear. " The main highlight of Sharjah National Park is a miniature of the emirate, made in an interactive style. A vacation at the Sharjah resort is full of exotic surprises, cultural relics and the delight of beach entertainment.
A young, amazingly beautiful resort on the shores of the Indian Ocean, quiet, green, teeming with mountains, waterfalls, mineral springs and wonderful beaches on the shores of the Gulf of Oman.
Fujairah is considered to be the best diving destination. Veteran diving fans gather here, but novice amateurs will always find a place "on the bench" in local diving schools. So, if you have never been under water before, but are passionately dreaming about it, welcome to Fujairah. Another local specialty is bullfights, which are held on Fridays on the waterfront of the city.
A beach holiday in Fujairah is recommended to be combined with a visit to the healing springs for which the emirate is famous: the hot spring Ain Al Gamur, which arose on the site of an old volcano and a source in the Ain Al Madhab Gardens. Sulfur baths on Ain Al-Gamur treat many diseases and restore beauty to the body, and several luxury hotels function on the territory of the famous Gardens. As you can see, the Fujairah resort is unique, because here you can combine a beach holiday with treatment and SPA procedures.
Umm Al Kuwait
A tiny resort in the UAE, occupying only 1% of the country. Umm Al Kuwait famous for its giant date garden, surrounded by picturesque dunes. Local beaches are a godsend for fans of windsurfing and yachting. This Arab resort is home to the largest and most famous Nautical Club in the UAE, as well as the legendary Horse Riding Academy. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Then you are in Umm Al Kuwait! After an active holiday, you can taste the beauty of a beach holiday. The coastline of the resort is indented and therefore there are many wonderful cozy lagoons on the beaches, where it is so nice to hide from prying eyes, especially if you are a romantic couple on their honeymoon.
The northernmost but most fertile resort in the country, located on both sides of the bay and connected by a bridge. In ancient times, there was the city of Julfar, famous as the center of the pearl trade. Tourists have not yet fully figured out all the charms of Ras Al Khaimah, but those who have been here once dream of returning again. The fact is that the close proximity of the mountains to the coast creates a special mild climate in this resort, thanks to which the region has a lush natural vegetation unusual for the emirates. When you relax on the green beaches of Ras Al Khaimah, you get the impression that you are on fabulous islands.
Ajman
Ajman is the only emirate where there are no oil fields, but it is famous for the production of single-masted ships "dhow". The area of \u200b\u200bAjman is small, of the 600 kilometers of the coast of Ajman, total for the emirates, only 8 belongs, but the sand here is snow-white. The presence of mineral springs, comfortable beaches, shopping malls, museums and architectural monuments make Ajman 
The quiet, cozy provincial resort of Korfakkan adorns the eastern part of the emirates and is famous for fishing, diving, palm trees and strawberry plantations. Fishermen from all over the world come here to “hunt” for royal fish, tuna and sea bass and even see sharks. Meanwhile, there is no special entertainment in the city itself, except that you can stroll in the local green Corniche park, try to see the ruins of ancient houses hidden under the water surface of the Rifais dam, admire the main architectural pride of the resort - the Ruler's Palace, located on a hill, wander through the souvenir shops and sample Arabian cuisine in colorful coastal restaurants. Inveterate fishermen, striving for exoticism and sedate couples who appreciate silence, uncrowded beaches and pristine nature come to rest.
Regardless of whether you are traveling to the UAE as a family, alone, with a youth group or a romantic couple, there is a place for everyone in this amazing country, as any of the emirates' resorts will satisfy your expectations in terms of weather, conditions and service.
Beach resorts in the UAE are the main magnet for tourists, despite the fact that there are many interesting attractions here. It is unlikely that the UAE would have been visited by millions of tourists if there were no beach resorts with luxury hotels.
Which resort in the UAE to choose for vacation? Beach resorts in the UAE have different characters, but they all offer a large selection of beachfront hotels. Many tourists do not ask themselves which resort in the UAE to choose, but are mainly engaged in choosing a hotel. But still, it would be correct to take into account the resort area in which the selected hotel is located, so as not to be disappointed later.
Below we have presented the main UAE beach resorts that offer the very best for a beach holiday. After getting to know these resorts, you can choose the place that suits you best.
Dubai
A multitude of man-made wonders in harmony with natural beauty is Dubai's main calling card. In less than four decades, the tranquil desert kingdom has grown into one of the world's busiest cities and a leading tourist destination in the UAE.
The main attraction of Dubai is the tallest man-made structure in the world - the Burj Khalifa. Near this tower you can see a colorful spectacle in the evenings - a fountain show. Also not far from the famous tower is the largest shopping center in the world - Dubai Mall. This mall is one of the best shopping spots in Dubai. Hidden in the Dubai Mall, the aquarium has the world's largest screen, so it attracts thousands of tourists every day.
It is also worth highlighting the iconic Palm Jumeirah islands, which were created by man.
Far from the vibrant lights of Dubai lie vast deserts where you can enjoy the experience of living in traditional Bedouin desert camps. The amazing thing is that the desert in the Dubai area ends right at the seaside. The sparkling blue waters of the Persian Gulf, on which numerous beaches lie, attract tourists from all over the world.
For shopaholics, Dubai offers an internationally renowned shopping festival that attracts millions of people from all over the world.
It is also worth noting that Dubai is home to numerous sporting events. Sports enthusiasts can visit the World Cup Horse Racing, golf tournaments and many other competitions.
Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates is one of the fastest growing countries in the world and its capital, Abu Dhabi, offers an ever-expanding range of interesting and unique destinations. Since this city is named after an Arab gazelle (Dhabi), it is not surprising that Abu Dhabi's development is proceeding at the speed of a gazelle.
The discovery of oil in the Abu Dhabi area in 1958 marked the beginning of a rapid transformation of the place. The investment has led to the development of modern infrastructure that the locals could not even dream of 50 years ago.
Among the top tourist spots in Abu Dhabi are the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Corniche, Al Hosn Palace (White Fort), Al Ain National Museum, Al Ain Wildlife Park and Ferrari World, the first Ferrari theme park on a picturesque island.
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi's most famous landmark, is one of the largest mosques in the world. It has a capacity of 40,000 worshipers, 80 domes, 1,000 columns and the world's largest handmade carpet. Open to non-Muslims, the mosque offers free admission for one hour a day.
Almost 200 islands surround the city of Abu Dhabi, making it one of the top holiday destinations. Yas Island is home to the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix. In addition, Yas Island has several luxury hotels and the Ferrari World theme park.
Bu Tina Island, which is part of the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, is home to a variety of plants and marine life. Claiming to be one of the new seven wonders of the world, this serene island paradise is the perfect place for a quiet, relaxing getaway.
Luxury hotels, exciting attractions, exciting entertainment - Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer its guests.
Ras Al Khaimah
For those exclusively interested in beach resorts, Ras Al Khaimah should be at the top of the priority list. This resort area is located at the northernmost tip of the UAE, in the emirate of the same name. Ras Al Khaimah was once a tiny fishing community, but even today, with beautiful beaches and breathtaking views of the Hajar Mountains, it has a quieter vibe than Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
It can be said that the Ras Al Khaimah resort is lacking in size, although it has ambitions to become one of the most popular resorts in the UAE. The government is investing millions of dollars in infrastructure development in Ras Al Khaimah, which is why beautiful new hotels, exciting theme parks and other tourist attractions are constantly appearing here.
Tourists in the resort area of \u200b\u200bRas Al Khaimah can enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities, from snorkelling and fishing to mountain biking, rock climbing and golf.
Ice Land Water Park is a polar themed water park that has an artificial waterfall and water soccer field. Several other entertainment complexes will appear in Ras Al Khaimah in the near future.
Fujairah
The Fujairah resort area is located between the majestic Hajar Mountains and a long strip of sandy beaches. The emirate of Fujairah is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty. It is the only emirate that is almost completely covered with mountains. Fujairah has rich traditional buildings that blend with contemporary luxury.
Known in the past as the "land of the sea giants", the city of Fujairah offers some of the most important archaeological finds in the Gulf region. Excavations show that human presence in the region dates back to the Iron Age.
Fujairah overlooks the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean and has one of the richest marine environments on the planet. The waters around this resort area are home to many exotic fish and coral species, making them some of the best diving spots in the world.
The beautiful and clean beaches of the city are perfect for those who like to relax in the sun. So the resort area of \u200b\u200bFujairah deserves your attention if the beach holiday is your top priority.
Sharjah
If you want to find the right balance between a beach holiday and the amazing sights of Dubai and Abu Dhabi during your vacation in the UAE, then you should pay attention to the city of Sharjah, which is located a few kilometers from the center of Dubai. You can reach all of Dubai's iconic landmarks fairly quickly from here. But Sharjah also has many attractions that deserve your attention.
Which resort in the UAE to choose?
Choosing a resort in the UAE is not an easy task, despite the fact that there are not as many resorts as, for example, in Greece and Turkey. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are most suitable for those tourists who prefer not to spend a lot of time on a beach holiday, but to visit the most interesting places. Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are more suitable for beach lovers, as they are quieter places without an abundance of attractions. As for Sharjah, this city is suitable for those who want to roughly divide their time for beach holidays and sightseeing.
Just some 40 years ago, the UAE was a solid desert. And now many tourists from all over the world come here to observe the result of architectural and technological progress. The Emirates are growing and developing at an incredible rate. Surrounded by the warm, clear waters of the Persian Gulf, they are always fully armed and happy to receive "overseas" guests who want to simultaneously relax on the beach and the possibilities of a developed metropolis.
UAE is a country where the impossible is possible!
5 reasons to visit the Emirates:
- The holiday season in the UAE lasts all year round. The hottest months are June-September. The temperature reaches 40-42 ° C, but you will not notice this heat - air conditioners in the Emirates work at every step. In January, the air temperature does not drop below 25 ° C.
- There are wealth, purity, luxury and the smell of expensive perfume all around. And local traffic cops patrol the streets of megalopolises in Bugatti and Lamborghini cars.
- The desert in the UAE is the most real, with dunes. What the resort area of \u200b\u200bEgypt cannot boast of. So feel free to go on a jeep safari!
- Here you will not meet drunken brawlers. The laws are strictly enforced in the emirates. By the way, if a tourist stares at a Muslim woman for a long time, he can be fined or imprisoned. Be sure to check your local dress code.
- A relatively short flight (4-5 hours) will allow you to be on a paradise beach, no worse than in the Maldives or the Dominican Republic, but 2-3 times faster. With the same fluffy and clean sand and smooth entry into the sea!
See also: Which beach is right for you?
Which emirate to choose?
First, decide what you will do. Going to clubs? You are in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. If you want a comfortable family vacation, the emirate of Fujairah is for you. For inexpensive quiet relaxation go to the emirates of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah.
The UAE is a large shopping center. All emirates have malls and markets. The locals have a special attitude towards them - in shopping centers they spend evenings, weekends, celebrate holidays and just drop in here at any free minute.
The Emirates has city hotels, first line hotels with a private beach and coastal hotels near municipal beaches. City hotels usually have their own swimming pools, which are located on the upper floors of the building. Love breathtaking views? Look for a hotel with a pool located as high as possible above sea level.
Focus on the price: the farther the emirate is from Dubai - the main entertainment and shopping center of the country, the cheaper the hotels. However, from hotels in the distant emirates, a bus runs to Dubai several times a week, paid or free, depending on the hotel.
Dubai
The most cosmopolitan and "Europeanized" emirate. This is a huge metropolis with a vibrant nightlife, one might say, "the second Moscow". Only here there are more shopping centers, water buses are widespread, and the subway generally runs without drivers.
Dubai has a very busy nightlife and restaurant scene. Everywhere you can smoke delicious hookah, taste the delights of world cuisine and buy designer things. However, young people under 21 are not allowed into the clubs.
If you are planning to visit the Emirates for the first time, then go here. From the excursion program - the tall Burj Khalifa, Pearl Divers' Village, Dancing Fountains and much more
Dubai hotels do not have their own territory on which to walk. And there is no beach holiday as such either - many go to swim in the neighboring emirate of Sharjah.
Sharjah
A very strict and conservative emirate, "dry law" reigns here. It is forbidden to drink alcohol in open restaurants, on the street, on the beach, and alcohol is not sold in the hotels themselves.
Sharjah is also the cultural capital of the country with numerous attractions. Boys of all ages will find it interesting to visit the Museum of Vintage Cars.
Holidays here are much cheaper than in the larger emirates, so Sharjah is popular with few Russian tourists who drink. It is quiet and calm, not crowded beaches. Located 45 km from Dubai.
Fujairah
Fujairah is called the most beautiful emirate of the country, it is located in a bay, and many hotels have their own beaches. There are fewer skyscrapers here, and therefore much more comfortable. Lovers of exotic and diving come to Fujairah: there are many corals in the sea, you can see moray eels, butterfly fish and other underwater inhabitants.
Among the attractions of the emirate are the Museum of Ancient Settlements, the Old Town district, and a busy port. The city itself is decorated with numerous fountains and sculptures with traditional Arabic motives.
This is the northernmost emirate, so it is always 2-3 degrees cooler and more green. From Dubai, drive about 5 hours.
Ras al-Khaimah
There is much less entertainment in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Better to come here for an excursion from a neighboring emirate. From Dubai about 1.5 hours drive - buses run for an additional fee.
Few tourists, there are more locals on the beach. But there is also a lot of entertainment for tourists: again, shopping malls, camel racing, sailing and others. The area of \u200b\u200bthe Old Town is rich in historical sights, for example, the ruins of the palace of the Queen of Sheba. Ice land water park is open for children and adults.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the business center of the UAE; there is no beach recreation area here. However, it is worth visiting the emirate! You will be amazed by the breathtaking views of the mosques scattered across the "field" of skyscrapers, the beautiful architecture of modern buildings. You will see palaces, monuments, numerous fountains. It is as luxurious here as in Dubai. You can even safely buy gold from the machine. The nightlife is also quite active. Among other things, this is the greenest emirate!
Where to go with children?
In the UAE, children are very fond, so here you can find good water parks, zoos, which is only the Dubai Aquarium - the largest in the world. There is practically no animation in hotels, and All Inclusive is not very common. However, the All Inclusive meal plan will be the only reasonable option, since the prices for food in all cafes proudly called “restaurants”, regardless of the menu, are quite high. For a relaxing family vacation with children, choose the emirate of Fujairah.
Where to spend the time that we expect throughout the year in the UAE? What city to spend your time in - useful tips from Travel The World.
👁 Before you start ... where to book a hotel? In the world, not only Booking exists (🙈 we pay for a high percentage of hotels!). I have been using Rumguru for a long time
skyscanner
👁 And finally, the main thing. How to go on a trip without bothering? The answer is in the search form below! Purchase. This is such a thing that includes flights, accommodation, meals and a bunch of other goodies for good money 💰💰 Form - below !.
United Arab Emirates, a hospitable Middle Eastern country, offers excellent conditions for relaxation at its resorts and beaches. Where to spend the time that we expect throughout the year in the UAE? Which city to spend time in - Sharjah, Fujairah or Dubai? We have prepared a short overview that will help you decide on the answer to this question.
The richest emirate, just some 50 years ago, was a small village, is rightfully considered a place of "luxury" in all respects, recreation. All the most ambitious wonders of modern architecture are located here: the sail-shaped Burj Dubai hotel (by the way, seven-star), the tallest skyscraper in the world Burj Khalifa, bulk islands in the shape of a palm tree and much more. Why do tourists go to Dubai? The most exciting activity in this city is shopping. There is everything for this - huge malls and shopping malls, countless shops, whose windows are buried in gold.
If you come to this emirate just to relax - you are welcome to the spacious and wide beaches washed by the warm and transparent waters of the Persian Gulf. In addition, Dubai offers a variety of entertainment for all tastes and colors. Plan your expenses in advance before traveling - an article on how much money to take with you to Dubai will help you with this.
Abu Dhabi
The beautiful and modern Middle Eastern city in the UAE is very popular with tourists. This is largely due to the fact that the authorities were able to incredibly harmoniously combine the beauty of the desert sands and man-made oases, of which there are many in the city and the abundance of greenery in which is simply surprising. Along with this, Abu Dhabi is full of modern skyscrapers, ideal roads and many restaurants and shops. Do not forget to visit the Gold Souk, just be careful - the incredible amount of gold sold there can cloud your mind ... or maybe not).
Umm al-Quwain
The main highlight of this emirate is the famous camel racing. If you are a gambling person, you can place your bet on one or another representative of this mammalian family and, if you're lucky, hit a good jackpot. If you are traveling with children, then you should definitely visit the DreamLand water park, the heart of which is an artificial volcano, outwardly indistinguishable from the real one, of course of a smaller size.
Fujairah
So, we got to the most that neither is the “beach” emirate. Fujira is located on the shores of the Gulf of Oman. In addition to fabulous beaches, where you want to spend endless time, diving enthusiasts will find something to do here - swimming among bright corals and fish of all colors of the rainbow will bring great pleasure. If you have just started learning the basics of diving - local clubs will help you.
👁 Do we book the hotel as always on the booking? In the world, not only Booking exists (🙈 we pay for a high percentage of hotels!). I have been using Rumguru for a long time, it is really more profitable than 💰💰 Booking.
👁 And for tickets - to air sales, as an option. It has been known about him for a long time 🐷. But there is a better search engine - skyscanner - there are more flights, prices are lower! 🔥🔥.
👁 And finally, the main thing. How to go on a trip without bothering? Purchase. This is such a thing that includes flights, accommodation, meals and a bunch of other goodies for good money 💰💰.
Knowing the features of each of them, tourists can choose the best vacation for themselves.
On the shores of the Persian Gulf, there is a strange state - the United Arab Emirates. All together - a constitutional monarchy, each emirate separately - an absolute monarchy. At all corners, the "Emirates - a single state" is declared, upon closer examination it turns out that they differ. And if you do not take into account this difference, then the money spent on holidays in the UAE will not bring joy, but torment. Let's make it so that this does not happen, especially since the best season is now in full swing there, when the deadly summer heat gives way to normal European weather.
ABU DHABI
Fried Manhattan
The capital is also the capital in the East. The island, which has two undoubted wealth - a source of fresh water and herds of Dhabi antelopes - was inhabited by Bedouins in the 18th century. The city owes its rapid and endless growth more than any other in the state to petrodollars. The emirate of Abu Dhabi produces the lion's share of all Emirati oil. Another significant source of income is free economic zones, which have made the UAE almost the main bazaar in the world and a manufacturer of the most inexpensive goods. Mostly not tourists, but businessmen go here, to Abu Dhabi. Rest for them also matters, and the rest is upscale, but the capital is, first of all, a business center. However, it is worth looking at Abu Dhabi - skyscrapers of the most modern architecture, crowding the entire space of the center, chic fountains on the embankment, focused on moneybags, "brand" boutiques. Since there are comparatively few of the most profitable guests - “shopniks” and vacationers - here, the return on hotels is not so high either. So in a five-star hotel it is quite possible to see some archaic type of mixer with two taps ...
For an instant acquaintance with Abu Dhabi, you need to break through to the observation deck of the Hilton skyscraper, a hotel one and a half times larger than all other buildings on the island. Looking from above, you will understand everything at once - both how everything is richly and well arranged here, and that it is better to look for a serene vacation elsewhere.
Dubai
"Yellow Devil" with excellent taste
Unlike the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the second member of the federation, Dubai, is twenty times smaller. But since you and I do not care how much desert someone owns, we will focus on the inhabited territory. Here Dubai is quite on the level - there are enough skyscrapers, greenery, and other pleasant trifles. Evil tongues - with which the official Emirati version absolutely does not fit - say that the smuggling trade in gold laid the foundation for the well-being of local residents in the last century. However, the Emirates are still too young for their history to take on a canonical form. I do not like smuggled gold - let's talk about legal. Fortunately, it now passes, on average, 150-170 tons per year through the local coast, a third of which is consumed ... by local residents. In the "golden quarter" the shops are so packed with jewelry that the counters are not visible.
Are you not going to the Emirates for gold? We still have something to talk about. Shop tourists have spoiled the image of a "Russian friend", but not to such an extent that someone tries to recoup you. But the "shuttle traders" did a good job at making life easier for customers: if in elite stores, where you want to get hold of the latest electronics, expensive watches or "haute couture" fur coats, you still need to bargain hard (and 25-30 percent discount will serve as a reward for persistence and knowledge English), then in the shops of the Cherkizov-Luzhnikov consumer goods at the word "Russian" they immediately name the minimum price. And in the eyes of the seller - complete hopelessness ...
Dubai is of course a huge store. But more and more people are coming here for another - otherwise, where would luxury hotels come from? The beaches in Dubai are almost ideal - fine yellow sand smoothly goes into the blue-blue sea, in terms of cleanliness and sifting, it is quite suitable for filling the hourglass mechanism. The water is clean, warm and gentle. If you are not too lazy and stomp on the beach before breakfast, then it is quite possible to see how local crabs quickly rush along the shore. Later, you will not see crabs - only empty burrows-shelters and turrets dug nearby, from which crabs look around the surroundings in the morning, will remain.
The surface of the bay is ideal for all kinds of water sports, be it surfing, jet skiing or water skiing. There are two world-class golf courses, a racetrack ... In winter, every Thursday and Friday there is a different camel race. True, they won't take you as a jockey - you are not eight years old, after all, but this is the norm for camel riders, but you can cheer to your heart's content. They will offer to watch a training run - also do not refuse. Believe me, this is a sight: two dozen lathered camels are rushing along the path, and a similar number of jeeps are on a parallel course. These are the owners of one-humped horses cheering for their own. Tired of horse racing - you will find excellent parks (including aqua and zoo), as well as ... an ice rink.
The city-cutting Dubai Creek, artificially lengthened in the early 70s, is a lively place. You can travel by water either cheaply, on a small abra boat, a local water taxi, or by buying a special excursion - with dinner, belly dancing and a detailed story about everything that can be seen on both banks. Those who are affectionately called "nerds" by today's youth, that is, people who do not hesitate to develop their own erudition, will not be left idle in Dubai either. Something left over from British rule has now been turned into museums, and the main one, located in the restored Al-Fahidi fort, is packed not only with interesting exhibits, but also with modern optoelectronic things: a coppersmith, for example, in front of your eyes sculpts a new coffee pot. And that he is a hologram does not come immediately.
Is it possible to be in these parts and not visit the desert? Therefore, when planning a trip to the Emirates, prepare money for a jeep safari. This is about $ 100 per person, and do not be indignant when you find out - for this money you will not be allowed to steer. Why? Because you will become deaf from a woman's screeching (women will go with you, won't they?) And from the creak of your own teeth, even when you are next to the driver. Dizzying jumps along a hundred-meter height dunes require not only courage from the driver, but also skill. To calm the nerves - dinner in the "Bedouin village", henna tattoo (disappears in a week) and all the same belly dance.
If you just intend to spend a week in an exotic country, then Dubai is the best place for the first time.
SHARJAH
Islamic stronghold
A kilometer, no more, separates the development of Dubai and the neighboring emirate of Sharjah. In British times, this was the main base of the colonial administration. True, the tanned children of Albion went to Dubai to play golf. Apparently out of opposition to British culture or for some other reason, but the laws in Sharjah are the most draconian. Even the hotel bar-restaurant will not serve you anything containing even a drop of alcohol.
Prohibition is strictly observed here. A drunk tourist is caught - the execution is guaranteed. According to the stories of knowledgeable people, only in Sharjah there is punishment with sticks. So that it would not be so painful and, in addition, the punishment had a pedagogical meaning, the performer does not hit with all his might, but holding the Koran under his arm. And yet Sharjah competes with Dubai in popularity among tourists. Why is she attractive? First, the same draconian laws. Believe it or not, millions of people all over the world do not associate a good rest with the obligatory kick in the insole and subsequent adventures. They want silence, peace, comfort, good hotels and interesting places for walking. All this is present here. In addition, Sharjah is interesting for its architecture - not western, like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but eastern. Much has been preserved here from ancient times.
A walk along the pier of traditional Arab dhow boats, which still sail from the Gulf to India, Sri Lanka, and Africa, is a separate pleasure. It does not matter that the goods are modern car tires, refrigerators and so on. They load everything by hand, shout, eat, swear, sleep ... Without looking back at the skyscrapers, look at this colorful world of dhow - and you will feel that you are transported to the times of Sinbad.
And when you remember that you haven’t bought anything for your family and friends yet, you will sit in a taxi and say the password “trains” in Russian. The taxi driver will instantly bring you to the central square of the city. There is the largest mosque in this area, which can accommodate three thousand worshipers, and the coveted shopping arcade, which really looks like two armored trains standing on the siding. Nearby there is a vegetable and fish market, and if you want to be curious about what the depths of the Gulf are rich in, take the fish market before sunset, five or six hours in the afternoon.
AJMAN
Emirati "monopole"
The smallest emirate is wildly popular with both tourists and non-Muslim part of the permanent population of the UAE. The thing is that he bears the title of "the most drunk". These are, of course, conventions - drinks are not sold here on every corner, and prices are noticeably higher than in Moscow, but still, all the same ... Many people have a question: why, it is difficult to come to Ajman for a couple of bottles from any neighboring emirate? Most, in general, do so, but Ajman has only one neighboring emirates ... Sharjah! And the local police consider it not only drinking and being drunk as a violation of anti-alcohol legislation - it is enough that they find a sealed bottle in the car. Yes, and at the Sharjah airport, the import of alcohol is completely prohibited. So if they find anything with you, the only consolation is that the Koran will be kept under your arm ...
However, the hotels in Ajman, although they are few, are good, the beaches are excellent. It will be interesting for amateur ships to know that the famous dhow boats, to this day being built according to the technology proven over the centuries and covered exclusively with Indian teak, are born here. There was also a pearl craft for several centuries, the secrets of which can be found in the museum. Shell divers were left without work because of the enterprising Japanese, who in the 1930s developed the technology for domestication of pearl mussels and flooded the market with full-fledged, but inexpensive pearls.
UMM-EL-KAIVINE
Fish with dates
Striving, as before, to the northeast along the luxurious (and by Russian standards, so alien in general) roads, we find ourselves in Umm al-Qaiwain. There are few hotels. There are also few attractions. Pink flamingos nest on an island nearby. In the evenings for vacationers, they arrange a crab hunt in shallow water. Fishing is traditionally developed here (there are still more fishing villages than hotels) and the cultivation of dates. There are more than thirty varieties of them, and in a week you can become a real connoisseur of this most revered fruit in the United Arab Emirates.
RAS-EL-HAIMA
Resort roulette
Like Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah is one of the poorest emirates - there is no oil, like in Abu Dhabi, no gas, like in Sharjah, no bazaar with a huge turnover ... However, the climate here is a little milder - it affects the proximity of the mountains stretching along the coast of the Indian Ocean. In both emirates outside the hotel you can hardly find anything interesting, but when choosing a hotel you can get a very advantageous offer. This is not surprising: these emirates are only being promoted as a resort area, so hotel owners sometimes set dumping prices.
FUJEIRA
"Foreign" exotic
The road to Fujairah, the only emirate that does not go out to the Gulf, but lies entirely by the Indian Ocean, is cut through practically lifeless mountains. They are not very high - on the strength of one and a half thousand meters, but this is quite enough to create here its own microclimate.
The main disadvantage is that at the height of summer, monsoons blow here, storms. Again, the farthest from the capital, and therefore everything looks pretty provincial. But there are also pluses: the lowest prices for everyday goods and the best scuba diving in the Emirates.
However, there are not so many diving centers here as it could be given the incredibly rich underwater life. This is one of the few places in the world where even a "dummy" diver can be guaranteed a meeting with a shark. Moreover, the shark will definitely be quite large (I was "given" a two-meter high) and not biting. I drove the poor fellow to exhaustion, trying to photograph her irresistible smile.
Here corals are already found not as lonely twigs-bushes, as in the Bay, but form full-fledged thickets. Accordingly, there is a whole range of near-coral - divine coloring of butterfly fish, moray eels, parrot fish. For those who are obsessed with the underwater world, a separate piece of advice - expect that there will be no super transparent water. This means that in most cases you will have to limit yourself to close-ups when shooting and filming.
In the city of Korfakkan, I happened to encounter an unexpected service - a special scraper and a bottle of solvent were sure to be found on the beach.
Ask why? Scrape off the fuel oil from the heels. After all, Fujairah is a large oil terminal, where oil from the mainland is supplied by pipeline. However, if we put all the pluses of rest in Fujairah on one side of the scale, and the occasional black oil misunderstandings on the other side, then the pluses will definitely outweigh. And I have not yet mentioned the waterfalls - you will not find such a miracle anywhere else in the Emirates.
