Let’s shalala lala to United Arab Emirates (UAE), the home of the world’s craziest buildings and architecture that have travelers do nothing but gasp in awe. The “oh-wow” moments in Dubai any day could be as great as the sum of all the French kisses in France in one year, the total litres of beer being poured in Oktoberfest in Germany, and the gazillion of tomatoes flying overhead of the crazy crowd during La Tomatina festival in Spain.
This Middle-East country is a federation of 7 states (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm al-Quwain and Ras al-Khaimah) located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf. So what are you waiting for? Still lingering in the chocolate shops in Switzerland or Leaning Tower of Pisa is finally falling and pressing you against the earth in Italy? No? Oh! I got it! You might be lost your way in the labyrinth of white-washed houses and blue domes in Greece, or you are so unwilling to alight from the Elevador da Bica in Portugal because of the fabulous landscapes in Lisbon.
Whatever it is, let’s pack your stuff and head to UAE. If you are from Turkey, it’s 90% that you are feeling dizzy now after watching the popular Whirling Dervishes. Take a Panadol and go!
The Magic of United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The skyscrapers in UAE’s modern cities certainly outline how space age is going to look. Before the exploding oil industry, these seven sheikdoms were just sleepy backwater dependent on fishing and pearls. In recent years, Dubai has surged up behind the unparalleled investment in luxurious hotels and infrastructure. It is now developed as a tourism honey spot for short break and holiday destination with fabulous shopping and prosperous cultural life. Abu Dhabi, UAE’s capital situated on an island linked to the mainland by two bridges, has been growing fast too thanks to its new airline, Etihad, while other emirates are slowly becoming more competitive in their own ways. United Arab Emirates is no longer just a stage for Dubai to strut its ever-increasing wild things. This wonderful little federation, a lot of travelers would call it touristy “Disneyland”, has more to offer behind its modern, clean and dynamic façade.
This Islamic state is a contradictory yet harmonious tourist destination where traditional Bedouin lifestyle and customs morph into the very Western edition of unbridled consumerism, where DJ’s disc spinners stop turning before being cut short by the muezzins’ morning call to prayer. It remains an unfathomable question how those savvy sheikhs (Islamic leaders) manage to find the poise amid all the apparent contrasting forces. Just like Japan, the leaders manage to have their realms undergo an evolution to reach futurism while maintaining the deep-rooted customs. It’s advisable that you bring enough money there not only because it’s a high costing travel destination but in case your jaws are seriously dropped by the incredible hotels and real estate project, you could immediately ask for a surgeon to make them up.
The UAE is a fairly safe Middle-East travel spot in the perception of western tourists, offering cozy home feels with a touch of the exotic. Whether it is hitting the zenith of shopping experience at designer clothing shops with your credit cards, or simply lazing on a beautiful beach and sip a cocktail thinking of which connoisseur restaurant to head to with your darling, all the wild dreams you could have are promised to come true here. If hedonism is not your cup of tea, what about realizing the romance of riding a camel under starry sky in Abu Dhabi’s extensive desert sands, bargaining the price of souvenirs in the popular souqs (markets in any Arabized or Muslim city) in Sharjah, immersing yourself in the ambience of the heritage districts or the splendid mountain backdrops of Hatta, or diving the coral-filled waters of the Gulf especially the intact beaches near Ras Al-Khaimahare? Okay, I know most travelers are insatiable, just soak up the mélange of everything as that’s what makes this one-of-a-kind gem in the Middle East.
Travel To United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Top 7 Best Places
There are seven overwhelming cities in this touristy “Disneyland” that you should visit if you ever step into its UAE’s territory. It is basically an easy starting point for travels in the Middle East and hence if you don’t do it right here, you will certainly get lost in other Arabian countries.
- Dubai - Cruise across Dubai’s chaotic creek in an abra (water taxi) – no matter the time of day, it never looks the same.
- Abu Dhabi - Join the locals for an often steamy stroll along the city’s stunning Corniche.
- Sharjah - Admire the historic wind- tower architecture in the atmospheric heritage area.
- Al Ain - Lose yourself in the labyrinthine lanes of Al-Ain’s shady date-palm oases.
- Ajman - The smallest emirate, one of the budget destinations.
- Liwa - Wonder at the spectacle of the shifting sands that drift across the roads in the desert of Liwa.
- Dibba - Count the colored doors as you kick back in the low-key fishing town of Dibba.
3 Reasons Why I Love United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Oh my god, it’s not at all hard to state 3 reasons here as I’ve got more than 10 in my mind. But let’s just say the 3 best of the best reasons.
- If you have been walking the world with me in these days you should know I love Japan so much especially Tokyo due to the skyscrapers and bullet train that tell us what futurism means. This Islamic state does the same, presenting us so many “wow-wow” futuristic buildings that best described as “aliens in the desert”.
- Of course I’m not a multi-millionaire but I love fashion as you all know. Dubai is the centre of all the highest end haute couture as sheikhs have deep pockets and adore their wives. I would love to walk in the middle of luxury forgetting who I am, what I want, when and why and how I get here. Am I weird?
- Okay I should wake up now. I’m not used to too much luxury (just a little at times). So let’s do something romantic but that doesn’t need much money like riding a camel under star-filled sky in the widespread sand dune in Abu Dhabi’s desert.
United Arab Emirates, UAE
United Arab Emirates, UAE flag
United Arab Emirates, UAE map
map of UAE, United Arab Emirates - attractions
Al Majarrah Souk on the south bank of Khaled Lagoon, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Beach at Dubai Marina and parts of the Palm Beach
Burj Al Arab Hotel reflected on beach at sunset, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai, the city of gold, looks charming at night
Interior of Al-Muntaha, the top floor restaurant in Burj al-Arab hotel, featuring wave-like ceiling design
Jumeirah Mosque on Beach Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Twin Towers building, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
UAE girls have big and sexy eyes
