UAE country features. Peculiarities of holidays in the UAE - explanations of the tour about alcohol. Means of transportation in the country

To each according to his needs. This is how we can rightfully characterize a vacation in the UAE, a man-made lush fairy tale among the dunes, a paradise for shoppers and divers, a country that never ceases to surprise even the most skeptical tourists with many years of experience in top-class resorts with enviable regularity. Capricious young ladies, accustomed to snow-white sand and clear blue waters, are delighted with the Emirati beaches. Inspired extreme sports enthusiasts explore underwater, sandy and, paradoxically, snowy spaces, dreamy people wander the length and breadth of the mysterious nooks and crannies of traditional bazaars, while gourmets and other hedonistically inclined people enjoy delicious national cuisine and aristocratically attentive service. In the Emirates, everything goes together with everything: the playful sea breeze plays with the expensive curtains in the windows of a seven-star hotel, the glowing needle of the Burj Khalifa is visible from the nomads’ camp in the dunes, and the “dromedrome” for camel racing is neatly squeezed between the high-rise buildings of modern business centers.

But this is unnecessary

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Lie on the beach

Let’s not hide: along with the above-mentioned rich opportunities for all kinds of vacation activities, the UAE attracts tourists primarily with the prospect of basking in the hot Arabian sun, surrounded by the luxury of human works. In the Emirates, it is much less likely to spend two weeks of hard-earned rest from your employer in an unpleasant environment of often insane compatriots, as happens, for example, on popular mass destinations. Of course, all-inclusive is not uncommon here, but the cost of enjoying “all-inclusive” is many times higher than similar pleasures in Egypt, Turkey or Tunisia, thus sweeping away in advance a good half of the irrepressibly partying working masses. In addition, there is a certain amount of exoticism in a beach holiday on the Emirati shores: while only the lazy have not plunged into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the waves of the Persian and Oman Gulfs have today washed the bodies of a relatively small number of Russians. Another plus of the beach Emirates is the oriental manners so sweet to the northern soul: snow-white robes of local residents, races on precious camels, jewelry bursting with kilograms of gold and the nose-tickling aromas of spices, incense and perfume.

3 days in the UAE

Buy everything your heart desires

Shopping is another well-known feature of the United Arab Emirates. In general, being here, you understand how global the idea of ​​​​the ideological masterminds of turning the UAE into a tourist mecca was: to satisfy every whim of visitors with 200% fulfillment of the plan. If you want shops, here you have huge shopping centers, crammed from the bottom to the top with a variety of goods: from general civilian souvenirs to highly specialized women's niqabs, leaving only the eyes visible. The same specific Emirati scale is felt, for example, in gold shops: tourists are offered not just jewelry boutiques, but the whole Gold & Diamond Park - a megamall with almost the equivalent of the gold reserves of an average European country. Fans of gambling oriental bargaining are not left unattended: in shops on the streets of Sharjah and Dubai, you can foam at the mouth and knock down the price of a luxurious carpet or fabulous pointed-toe slippers.

Explore the surroundings

A man-made paradise in the heart of the Arabian Desert, the UAE boasts the most primitive, lifeless landscape within walking distance of modern infrastructure. Here you can listen to the mournful age-old songs of the Bedouins under the Asian sky literally sagging under the weight of numerous stars, drive through the dunes in ultra-modern air-conditioned jeeps and admire from afar a silk tent with heavy curtain tassels and a fluttering family banner - this is some emir, tired of business negotiations, relaxing in the old fashioned way in the open air. Fans of unusual combinations can ski on the largest artificial slope under the roof of Ski Dubai (and inhale the aroma of real Christmas trees planted around). Diving enthusiasts will delight in swimming in the company of sharks, rays and other cold-blooded creatures at the Dubai Aquarium. Finally, you can enjoy the panorama of the desert-futuristic surroundings from the 124th floor of Borj Khalifa (and dine here in the world’s highest restaurant).

If in summer the territory of the United Arab Emirates turns into a hot frying pan on which you can easily “fry”, then already in October the thermometer shows not “hellish” 45-50 °C, but a completely tolerable +35 °C. Therefore, those who are tired of Egypt, it’s already cool in Turkey, and Thailand is too expensive, should pay attention to the Emirates.

By the way, prices here are no longer so steep. If in 2009 a week-long tour in November in the Fujairah “five” cost $1,500, now it will cost $1,000. True, when planning to come here, be aware that the Persian Gulf cannot be compared in terms of the richness of the underwater world with the Red Sea, and Thai exoticism is undoubtedly brighter than the deserts of Arabia. But the Emirates have some trump cards up their sleeves for tourists.

WHICH EMIRATE TO CHOOSE

The cost of the tours includes: accommodation for 1 person, 7 nights in a 5* hotel, meals - “breakfast” (except Fujairah, where “all inclusive”), air travel, transfer.

1. SHARJAH: SOBE AND STRICT

$900-950

The only emirate that directly overlooks the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. However, most of Sharjah's beach hotels are located on the Persian Gulf coast. But if you are offered a hotel near Khorfakan, then know that you are going to the Indian Ocean. There are a dozen and a half 4-5* beach hotels in Sharjah and the same number in city hotels. And in Khorfakan there are several more “fours” and “fives”. Sharjah can be described as a place for a relaxing holiday in mid-priced beach hotels. In the minds of Europeans, the emirate is firmly associated with a ban on the sale of alcohol. But for a family holiday this is only a plus. In addition, no one will forbid you to drink a martini bought at duty-free in your own room. Since the emirate is adjacent to Dubai, tourists have access to all the possibilities of this city, but at the same time they can return home on the same day.

2. ABU DHABI: PATHOSIC

$1000-1100

The largest of all the UAE emirates. And the city of the same name is also the capital of the state. Abu Dhabi cannot be called a resort region, although all the world's hotel chains are represented in it, and new ones are being built quickly. The city is more business oriented. But you definitely need to come here on a tour: look at the themed Ferrari Park, man-made islands, skyscrapers of incredible shapes. For example, the Capital Gate building is 160 m high, built at an inclination of 18°. And then return from all this pathos and luxury to a calm beach hotel somewhere in another emirate.

3. DUBAI: LIBERAL

$1400-1500

The second largest emirate, but the most famous and liberal in terms of norms of behavior. There are many hotels here for all budgets: from the most pretentious to the most budget. For example, a week-long tour for two in a hotel that resembles a sailboat will cost $15,000. And there are also inexpensive but high-quality city hotels. In the summer you could find week-long tours there for $350 per person. By the way, Dubai is the only emirate where the “star” classification of hotels complies with international standards. In other emirates there is no strict attitude towards “star rating”, but if a hotel has four stars attached to its façade, then the service and accommodation correspond to their number.

From city hotels there is a free shuttle to the beaches, which are both municipal (free entrance) and paid (entrance - about $2). Dubai has an indoor, year-round ski resort, Ski Dubai, the height of a 25-story building and five ski slopes. There are two giant water parks: Aquavenure - a water park with an area of ​​17 hectares and Wild Wadi Aquapark - 6 hectares. Some may be impressed by the climb to the famous Burj Al Arab hotel (height 321 m, in 2006 it lost the title of the tallest hotel in the world to Dubai's Rose Tower with a height of 333 m) and the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa (828 m ) included in one excursion.

As we can see, Dubai is a good place to spend time for those who are looking for an active city life, but with the opportunity to sometimes lie on the beach. For a more relaxing holiday, you should head further north along the Gulf coast.
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4. RAS AL KHAIMAH, UMM AL-QUWAIN: PROMISING

$800-900

These small emirates in the north of the country have a similar tourism infrastructure - mid-level hotels built in recent years along sandy beaches. Although the resorts are designed for the client to spend a week in them without going out, there is still somewhere to get outside the hotels. For example, in Ras al-Khaimah there is one of the largest camel breeding grounds, where camel racing is held from September to April.

5. FUJAIRAH: ALL INCLUSIVE

$900-1000

Overlooks the Indian Ocean. The resort areas of the emirate are very reminiscent of the resorts of the Gulf of Aqaba - for example, Taboo in Egypt. In both places, sun-scorched ridges rise along the coastline. And hotels are built where the mountains recede slightly inland and nature has the opportunity to form sandy beaches. There are about a dozen 4-5* hotels in Fujairah. A good place for those who have little interest in shopping centers and other crowded places. However, free transfers from hotels in Fujairah to Dubai are organized for such tourists. A special feature of the Fujairah hotel base is that all-inclusive meals are common in hotels here. This is an important point, since most often hotels in the UAE adopt the “breakfast” food system. Fujairah has many excursions for nature lovers - trips to the mountains in jeeps, fishing or night crab hunting.

WHERE TO ESCAPE FROM THE BEACH

Falconry - an Arabian passion

In the Arab world, falcon hunting is highly respected, and therefore shows are held everywhere in the Emirates in which the feathered predators demonstrate their skills. The most professional Birds of Prey Show in Dubai.

Camel racing: galloping on the sand

In autumn and winter in the UAE it is camel racing season. The largest “camel tracks” are in Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah. Up to 70 animals take part in one race, accelerating up to 60 km/h.

Night crab fishing - only in the Emirates

Nowhere else in the world will you be offered this. At night, under the light of lanterns and knee-deep in water, you need to find a crab at the bottom and put it on a spear.

NOTE FOR TOURISTS

IF YOU GO ON YOUR OWN. Two Ukrainian carriers fly to the UAE (a round-trip flight to Dubai and Abu Dhabi costs about $500) and two local budget airlines based in Sharjah and Dubai (a round-trip flight costs about $400). As for housing, the cheapest is 2 We found a single room in a city hotel in Dubai for $50 (the average price of a two-room apartment is $100). Including city tax (10%) and service charge (10%), that works out to $60. For a brother - $30. There are also hostels here: a place in a double room will cost $35. In total, a budget option for a week's holiday in the Emirates (assuming that you will be flying on a low-cost airline, paying $30 per day for accommodation, and spending $20 on food), plus a $75 visa will cost you at least $825. As you can see, you can’t save money as a savage, since you can buy a week-long tour with accommodation for three people in Dubai for $700.

WHERE WE ARE ARRIVING. When purchasing a tour, ask about the airport of arrival. The duration of the transfer depends on this. So, from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah - 300 km, to Sharjah - 190, Dubai - 170. But from Dubai to Fujairah - only 130 km, Sharjah - 20 km. Some tour operators partner with a “low-cost” airline based in Sharjah. From here to the resorts of Umm al-Quwain and Ras al-Khaimah, it is even closer than from Dubai - a maximum of 80 km.

BORDER. An entry stamp into Israel is no longer an obstacle to entry into the UAE. “Today these fears are groundless. It's a different matter when it comes to a cruise on the Persian Gulf. Because of such a mark, they may be prohibited from boarding,” explains Dmitry Gudziy, deputy director of the tour operator Natalie Tours Ukraine.

DEPOSIT. Hotels in the UAE often require a cash deposit - from $80 per person per week in Fujairah beach hotels and up to hundreds of dollars per night in deluxe hotels. The client can take a deposit in dollars or euros, and return it in dinars. Moreover, at an unfavorable exchange rate. Of course, you can use a payment card. But all is not well here either. Sometimes they block a much larger amount than agreed upon.

"EMIRATES - NOT FOR PEDESTRIANS"

Kiev resident Antonina Lomachuk traveled to the UAE in the fall of 2010. “From the experience of that trip, I can say that an ideal trip around the country looks something like this. The program must include two to three nights in a city hotel in Dubai. There is no need to have complexes about the quality of housing. City hotels often differ from beach hotels except in smaller rooms and a small area. And cheap accommodation. At the same time, there is a lot to see in Dubai. Take a ride on the metro, whose trains move themselves, without a driver. Be sure to visit the water park of the Atlantis Hotel, which in three years has become a symbol of the artificial “palm tree” island near Jumeirah. The water park occupies a third of the entire area around the hotel, and it made a huge impression on me. Although I'm definitely not a fan of such fun. Let me give you an example: one of the attractions is that you are literally catapulted from the top of a “Sumerian pyramid” thirty meters high into a transparent tunnel that passes through a lagoon where sharks and rays swim. By the way, if you count the costs of living in the city, travel to the water park (one of the stages of the move will be a monorail from the shore to the far end of the “palm tree” island), a tour of the hotel, it turns out that it is more profitable for a family of 2-3 people check into the hotel for a couple of days.

And after the city, you can spend some time somewhere on the coast, away from the cities. For example, in Ras al Khaimah. For me, the local coast is stubbornly associated with Odessa’s Zatoka, but brought to the ideal. The same shallow sea, fine sand beaches, low-rise hotels. True, there is a lot of greenery and the territory is huge. Much has been said that the UAE is not a country for supporters of public transport. The way it is. Although the bus stops are air-conditioned, buses rarely operate. You can't rely on them. All that remains is either a rental car or a taxi. You also need to know how to handle a taxi. For example, between Sharjah and Dubai it’s only a quarter of an hour’s drive. But if you take a taxi from Dubai to the border of the emirates, and then walk 10 meters and change into a car with Sharjah license plates, it will cost three times less than a “non-stop” transfer.

About the UAE

Not so long ago, here, on the site of this fabulous country, there was an ordinary desert. Today, the Emirates symbolize the standard of style, luxury and IT technology combined with the Arab world. In place of the desert and dunes, modern shopping centers and palm groves have grown up, people travel here in expensive sports cars, and artificial islands have been created on the coast and some of the best hotels in the world have been built. Oriental fairy tales have become a reality here, in which rich sheikhs sincerely welcome guests from all over the world.

Cities and resorts of the UAE

Abu Dhabi. The largest resort city and the largest of the emirates in the UAE. The city is designed in a high-tech style, not only is it home to a large number of luxury five-star hotels, most of which are recently built, but also a huge amount of entertainment, including the Ferrari Park and the Formula One track.

Dubai is the second largest emirate. Dubai is famous for its beaches on the Persian Gulf. Holidays in Dubai will seduce you with its shopping; this is where world-famous markets and shopping centers are located. Dubai is home to the world's most expensive hotel, the Burj Al Arab, and one of the world's tallest buildings, the Burj Khalifa.

Jumeirah- This is, first of all, the most fashionable residential area of ​​the Emirates. This area is densely built up with villas, clubs and skyscrapers. The main attraction is the artificial island made in the shape of a palm tree.

Sharjah it is the third largest Emirate. A special feature is that alcohol is completely prohibited here. There are not very many hotels in Sharjah, but most are located either on the first line of the sea or not far from it.

Ras al Khaimah– located in the north and began to open as a resort relatively recently. There are not many hotels in Ras Al Khaimah, but most of them support the all-inclusive system. An equally important factor is that, unlike, for example, Sharjah, there is no prohibition here and alcohol is allowed.

Fujairah is an emirate located on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Fujairah's climate is milder and the terrain and nature are more diverse. On the coast of Fujairah there are coral reefs that attract divers. As elsewhere in the UAE, there are a large number of modern hotels, shopping centers and restaurants.

Umm Al Quwain– this is not a tourist Emirate. Despite the excellent beaches and quiet lagoons, there are not many hotels here compared to other cities in the UAE. For the most part, local residents live here. Um Al Quwain has an amusement park and several architectural monuments.

Ajman it is the smallest emirate in the UAE. There are not many hotels here, but they are all of a very high level, have a large area and their own beaches.

Seasonality in the UAE

The low season in the UAE is summer. At this time of year the temperature rises above 30-35 degrees and there is practically no precipitation. The optimal time for a holiday in the UAE is considered to be from October to April. With good, sunny weather and a warm sea, the temperature is very comfortable for relaxation, and the sea is ideal for swimming.

Difference in time

UAE time is one hour ahead of Moscow.

Currency in the UAE

The local currency is the dirham, the exchange rate of which is closely tied to the dollar exchange rate.

UAE visa

Russian citizens do not require a visa to the UAE for a stay of up to 30 days.

UAE language and religion.

Islam is practiced in the UAE. The official language is Arabic, but most of the population speaks English, and in many hotels the staff speaks Russian.

Culinary features of the UAE

As in all Muslim countries, in the UAE all dishes are prepared from beef, veal and goat. Particular attention is paid to soups, dairy products and desserts made from honey and nuts. In the Emirates they do not drink alcohol, and their favorite drink is strong coffee. For lovers of good food, the Emirates is an ideal place; restaurateurs from all over the world are eager to open their representative offices here; it is no coincidence that this small country leads in the concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. In addition, there are a large number of cafes in the UAE offering dishes at very affordable prices.

UAE transport system

The Emirates has a well-developed public transport system, but the optimal means of transportation for tourists is a taxi. Most hotels regularly organize free shuttles to beaches and major shopping centers.

We must remember that the Emirates is an Islamic country with its own rather strict laws. There is virtually no crime in the UAE. The UAE is a country with strict laws; there is practically no crime here.

Swimwear or toplessness is prohibited.

You cannot photograph Arab women - this may be perceived as insulting, and it is not recommended to photograph the state. institutions.

Gambling is prohibited in the UAE

Alcoholic drinks are prohibited in the UAE. You can only drink them in restaurants and bars. Drinking in public or driving under the influence is a serious offence.

We went with Lick Tour and their host Best Time Travel. We were lucky with our guide, Andrei Gorbach, who opened our eyes to this country. He lived in the Emirates for 17 years, and despite the fact that neither he nor his children born in the Emirates enjoy the benefits of UAE citizenship, Andrey speaks very warmly of the government. During the trip, we met a lot of foreigners. Some live for a year, others for 8 or 10 years, but everyone definitely doesn’t want to return home. Moreover, these people are not from Bangladesh or the Philippines, but from Germany, Italy, Spain, i.e. developed countries of Europe. The UAE is very similar to the US in terms of business freedom. Here the chances of earning a million honestly are much greater than ours. Or simply ensuring a normal standard of living is quite easy, since the salaries of skilled workers are high and there are no taxes. Women say that this country is the safest country, they love children and respect women. Having visited the Emirates, you will definitely see a different side of Islam, not the one shown on TV. No one follows religious rules as strictly as we think, no one rushes at women in revealing dresses.

Everything is tolerant, respectful, peaceful and hospitable. This is understandable, because the UAE is being built by ambitious sheikhs and hungry foreigners. Of the 9 million population, there are only 950 thousand indigenous Arabs. Highly skilled and unskilled work is performed by foreigners. Locals prefer government service.

Interesting sir. UAE device. 7 emirates form the federal budget; the communist principle “from each according to his ability, to each according to his need” applies here. As a result, 89-90% of the budget comes from Abu Dhabi, 8-9% from Dubai and 1-2% from the remaining 5 emirates. This is probably why, since the founding of the federation, the ruler of Abu Dhabi has always been elected president, and the vice president, who is also the prime minister, is the ruler of Dubai. Elections are held by voting of all 7 sheikhs. You can respect the sheikhs of the emirates only because oil revenues account for only 36% of the country's income. Remaining faithful to religion, they stopped blindly following dogmas that hinder the development of other Arab countries.

If I were faced with the issue of emigration, I would choose the UAE. Because it’s warm, by the sea, a multicultural and multinational society, a dynamically developing economy, which allows you to find a suitable job and quickly ensure a normal standard of living, the police will never stop you just to check your license.

I would include censorship, lack of freedom of speech and freedom of the Internet as the disadvantages of the UAE. Lack of competition in the telecom market, as a result of which tariffs are quite high.

I used to think that Dubai was developing solely on petrodollars. It turns out that Dubai began to develop back in the 50s, while oil was found only in 1958, and then on the territory of another emirate, Abu Dhabi. Dubai was founded in the 19th century by immigrants from Abu Dhabi.

The ruler of Dubai relied on free economic zones, attracting foreign investment through the abolition of taxes, minimum tariffs and favorable conditions for business. As a result, Dubai is now the most developed emirate, with a high concentration of skyscrapers, expensive shops, and a lot of the “best” entertainment. To attract tourists, a policy is being pursued where they look for characteristics in any object in order to call it “the very best.” Those. They not only built the tallest building in the world, they made the largest singing fountains in the world, they will soon build the largest Ferris wheel. But the area around the Burj Khalifa is also called the most expensive square mile; they built the metro in record time, or, for example, when a hotel in the style of Louis was built in Abu Dhabi. It was called the tallest hotel in the classicism style of the 17th century :)

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, the oldest and richest emirate. Although in terms of development dynamics it is inferior to Dubai. It began to actively develop after the discovery of oil here. We must pay tribute to the sheikhs of Abu Dhabi, they are investing oil income in culture and new technologies. Abu Dhabi seemed to me a city more comfortable to live than Dubai. The buildings here are not so dense and high, there are more green areas. It's a pity that there is no metro and tram here like in Dubai. But when the “cultural district” is completed, where, for the first time in the Emirates, an opera building, the Guggenheim Museum of Contemporary Art, and a branch of the Louvre will appear, this will be a significant reason for tourists to replace their hotel in Dubai with a hotel in Abu Dhabi.

As the locals say, “Dubai is for the young and ambitious, Abu Dhabi is for families, and Sharjah is for retirees.” If I were choosing where to live in the Emirates, I would choose Sharjah. This is also a modern city; unlike Dubai, there are no widespread construction projects here. It is green, spacious, and has many historical and cultural attractions. In Dubai, they only build what can later be sold at a high price, i.e. housing and offices. In Sharjah, on the contrary, newly built houses along the coast are being demolished in order to restore the old city. There will be a huge cultural district of museums, galleries, cafes and shops. All buildings are restored in the traditional way of construction, i.e. exactly as they were built in the 18th century. The ruler of Sharjah has great respect for this project. Yes, in Sharjah you can’t drink or smoke, not even hookah, but only in public places. No one goes home to check. And you can buy any alcohol in another emirate, 20 minutes away. ride.

Ajman is a small, but also rapidly developing emirate. In terms of the quality of emotions, Ajman eclipsed all memories from other emirates. This happened because we visited the Sheikh's stable, where the most beautiful and expensive horses in the world live. This stable is managed by the heir to the ruler of Ajman. There they care for and breed horses that participate in the most prestigious “horse shows”. Those. such competitions where the most beautiful horse is chosen. And of course, in this stable lives a multiple winner of the most famous Paris Salon under the patronage of the King of Morocco. This white stallion costs 7 million euros! He never rode under saddle. The doctor discharged him from Brazil. And the food is delivered from the UK. In general, in this stable, only two horses are given a saddle. And the coat of all horses is silkier and softer than that of many domestic cats.

And the second place in Ajman that made me think about immigrating to this country was the project of the Libyan development company, Alzora. Among the mangroves and bays, they began to build a residential and business area. On a large area, everything you need for life will be built, using the latest technologies to preserve the environment around. The mangroves are carefully protected; not a single pink flamingo left them during construction. I saw with my own eyes that there were hundreds of them there. Since the country is small and the roads are good, it will be very convenient to work in Dubai and live in Alzor, Ajman. Plus, Alzora will be a free economic zone, i.e. without taxes and fees, with preferential tariffs for electricity and water.

Ras Al Khaimah

There is sea and beaches in every emirate, but the UAE residents themselves consider Ras Al Khaimah the best place for a beach holiday. Liberal regulations in this area allow the sale of alcoholic beverages in hotels and restaurants. And Rixos Bab Al Bahr even operates on an All Inclusive system and includes alcohol in the price of your stay. The second advantage is the price. The average room rate is several times lower than in similar hotels in Dubai.

Like Dubai, it has its own artificial island, Marjan Island. Marjan is the name of a seahorse that is common in local waters. However, you need to have a rich imagination to see this fish in the outlines of the island. So far, there are only a few hotels of famous world brands operating on the island, and the island looks deserted.

Wanting to keep you busy, the Ministry of Tourism of the emirate offers the following two-week program:

1 day. We arrive and settle in. We get to know the guests and hotel staff (by the way, there are many Russians and Ukrainians among the staff).

Day 2. City Tour

Day 3. Full day rides on the Prince of Sea yacht.

Day 4 Visit to a Bedouin settlement in the desert, with barbecue, jeep safari, and possibly an overnight stay in the desert.

Day 5 Relaxation on the beach.

Day 6 Let's learn to fly airplanes at Aljazirah Aviation Club.

Day 7 We play golf.

Day 8 We swim in the IceLand water park.

Day 9 Learning to sail a sailboat.

Day 10 SPA at the hotel.

Day 11 Let's go to the mountains.

Day 12 We ride horses and camels at RAK Country Club.

Day 13 We watch a falcon show and walk in nature.

Day 14 Farewell evening, flight home.

We almost forgot about the beach :-) But now let's go into more detail.

Ras Al Khaimah is not deprived of natural resources. In addition to good beaches on the ocean, the emirate has a picturesque desert with red sand. Part of the desert is a nature reserve and wild camels live here. You can meet them if you turn off the asphalt road and drive a little deeper into the desert.

One of the entertainments for tourists is visiting Bedouin camps. A copy of an ancient settlement has been restored in the middle of the desert. Tents, fires, carpets and hookahs... For an evening or all night you can immerse yourself in the charm of the red desert. An extra cup of Arabic coffee will certainly encourage you to get active. For sand-boarding (descent from a sandy mountain on a snowboard), a rather steep slope is used. The resistance of sand is much greater than that of snow, so the descent speed is low and there is no need to lean over. Just keep your balance and choose the right trajectory... you are guaranteed a lot of laughter, great photos and sand in all your pockets. A more traditional extreme sport is camel riding. Sit down and hold on tightly to the handle of the saddle! However, a strong animal’s sudden rise to its feet will still take you by surprise.

Traditional food, a fire and a hookah imperceptibly bring night closer and reveal another desert overhead - an endless sky with millions of stars.

If you get bored with a regular beach holiday, you can stay at the Banyan Tree Desert Resort. This is a famous Thai chain of luxury spa hotels. Banyan Tree Desert Resort is located in a protected desert area. An unusual, relaxing and beautiful holiday.

Another exciting adventure in Ras Al Khaimah is flying small sports planes. The flight takes place at a speed of about 100 km/h at an altitude of about a kilometer, in a small two-seater Aeroprakt-22L made in Ukraine. According to Indian instructors, they are very reliable, unpretentious in operation, and have practically no competitors in price. The club has as many as 50 of them. There are two seats and two steering wheels in the cockpit, the instructor sits at one, and you sit at the other! After gaining altitude, the instructor willingly lets you control the plane in the air. Suddenly the pilot turns off the engine and the plane glides. Driving an airplane turns out to be no more difficult than flying a car. During the half-hour flight, you have time to explore the artificial islands of Marjan Island, the entire coastline, huge hotels, luxurious villas, and the vast territory of the ceramics factory, which stretches for many kilometers. If you're lucky, you'll see flocks of pink flamingos in the shallow waters, and huge turtles underwater, whose path passes the shores of the emirate. All this costs 250 dirhams (approx. $70).

The four shopping malls located on the territory of Ras Al Khaimah will not satisfy an experienced athlete of this sport, so I recommend going to Dubai for shopping. Dubai is only a 40-minute drive away, and all hotels in Ras Al Khaimah have paid or free shuttles (usually 100 dirhams or $30). Taxis are also very cheap.

The IceLand water park will be great fun for kids. It doesn’t blow your mind, and the prices are quite high. However, you definitely need to go to the “Ice Country” for a day.

Ras Al Khaimah also has the highest mountains in the UAE. The name of the emirate translates as “top of the tent.”