Comparative characteristics of the emirates or which emirate to choose for a holiday? Holidays in the UAE: which emirate is better? Review of holiday offers in various parts of the UAE Which emirate is better to fly to on holiday?

The country of sheikhs - the United Arab Emirates - is located in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula. The shores are washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman).

Why go to the UAE

The UAE is a fabulous country where, among the sands of the endless desert, skyscrapers made of glass and metal soar into the sky; a place where ancient customs combine with the latest technology. If you love excellent hotel service, shopping from morning to evening, swimming in the eternally warm sea and are picky about the choice of entertainment - this is the place for you. The Emirates is home to the world's largest aquarium, a ski resort in the desert, an amazingly beautiful mosque and, of course, many shopping centers with thousands of shops.

UAE visa

A visa is not required to travel to the UAE. Upon arrival in the UAE, a tourist’s passport is stamped free of charge indicating their arrival in the country. The visa is valid for 30 days. In case of several entries/exits from the country, you need to obtain visas each time.

The country unites 7 emirates. The largest emirate is , the smallest is . All emirates, except , have areas on the coast of the Persian Gulf. located on the shores of the Gulf of Oman.

When choosing tours to the UAE, tourists give preference to the emirates and.

Weather in UAE

The season in the UAE lasts all year round - it is warm and there is practically no rain. The best time to visit the Emirates is considered to be from late October to April, when it is not very hot. The sea water off the coast of the UAE is always warm: the temperature does not drop below 18°C. In winter, the water in UAE hotel pools is heated, its temperature is 25-27 °C. In summer, air temperatures can reach 50 °C and sea temperatures can reach 35 °C.

Round trip flights to the UAE

Prices for tickets per person departing from Berlin are shown.

Sights of the UAE

The Emirates cannot boast many historical attractions like cities in Europe or Asia. The country's rapid development began only half a century ago. However, the lack of ancient ruins and ancient houses of the UAE city is more than compensated by ultra-modern skyscrapers, luxurious amusement parks, beautiful embankments and, of course, oriental bazaars in air-conditioned shopping centers.

The best in the Emirates

If you definitely want to touch history and culture, then you should pay attention to the beautiful mosques - for example, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in - or the Bastakiya area, where clay houses, a fort building and the atmosphere of an Arab village have been preserved.

Picturesque oases are scattered throughout the emirates, and there are healing mineral springs in the emirates. For wildlife lovers, we recommend visiting the unique mangrove reserve, zoo and Sheikh's Palace in Al Ain in Abu Dhabi.

On an excursion to the UAE, you can go into the desert on jeeps and ATVs, travel around all the emirates and even visit the neighboring Sultanate of Oman, sail on a yacht on man-made islands or simply in the Persian Gulf, even fly in a helicopter near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper or in a hot air balloon over surroundings.

Shopping

People come to the UAE for quality shopping - there are many multi-storey shopping centers and markets. The most famous of them are The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Souk Madinat Jumeirah next to Palm Jumeirah, Gold Souk in Dubai's Deira district, Abu Dhabi Mall. ​

Souvenirs

The most popular souvenirs that tourists bring from the UAE are chocolate and candies based on camel milk, amazing dates with and without filling, soft toys, seven sands - a bottle of multi-colored sand from different emirates, small carpets, hookahs, jewelry and jewelry.

Transport

Compared to Russia, public transport in the UAE is very poorly developed. This is explained by the fact that almost every resident has his own car. Buses and metro are mainly used by migrant workers and tourists. Regular city bus service is only available in and Abu Dhabi. A bus ticket is inexpensive - about 1.5 dirhams.

Most often, tourists travel by taxi. Each machine is equipped with a meter. If you are traveling from one emirate to another, be prepared for the fact that a certain amount will be added for crossing the “border” (each emirate has its own, but no more than 5 dollars). You will also have to pay extra for travel on toll roads.

The metro is popular with both locals and tourists. It is fully automatic, there are no drivers. The Dubai Metro has 2 lines in total; they are connected to each other and to the tram line. There are 3 categories of tickets for payment - “golden” (with a panoramic view and a guarantee of a seat in the head/tail car, they cost 2 times more than regular ones), women’s and children’s tickets (tickets to a certain section of the car) and regular ones. Ticket prices range from 1.8 to 11 dirhams.

There is a tram line in the Dubai Marina area, and on the Palm Jumeirah there is a monorail railway, which tourists love to ride on. One trip on the monorail costs 15 dirhams.

To rent a car in the UAE, you will need an international driver's license and a credit card. All personalized cards issued in the Russian Federation are considered credit cards. In some cases, you can rent a car using a Russian ID and without presenting a credit card. However, if you are stopped by the police, you will have to pay a huge fine. When renting, the amount on the bank card is “frozen” (750-2000 dirhams), it is important that it is available.

Alcohol

The UAE is a Muslim country where there is a ban on alcohol consumption. Each emirate sets its own law on alcohol - for example, it doesn’t even smell like it: you can’t not only drink it, but even transport it and store it. Surrounded by , there are a couple of liquor stores. You can find alcoholic cocktails on the menu, but be prepared that they will be expensive. Alcohol can be brought into your hotel room in some emirates. You can buy wine, beer and other drinks in duty-free shops upon arrival, but only a little. The quantity is monitored - lovers of strong drinks can easily be deprived of their favorite drink.

Customs and traditions

Religion in the UAE is Islam. Believers perform namaz 5 times a day. The call to prayer is heard through mosque loudspeakers, as well as on radio and television.

Holy month Ramadan- a special period for Muslims, a time of fasting, humility and prayer. Its beginning is determined by the lunar calendar, each year a new date. In 2018, Ramadan lasts from May 15 to June 14, in 2019 - from May 5 to June 3.

During Ramadan, Muslims are prohibited from eating and drinking before sunset, so many cafes and restaurants are closed during the day. Tourists are not recommended to eat or drink on the street, and when going on excursions, they should take food rations with them. Many hotels are being renovated just in time for Ramadan. However, there are also advantages from visiting the UAE at this time, and considerable ones - there are almost no traffic jams in cities and on highways, there are no queues to attractions (many increase opening hours until late at night), there are fewer crowds in shops, and in hotels and on the beaches there are much more calmer and more spacious.

Women are strictly prohibited from appearing on the street in open or translucent clothing. Firstly, it is indecent, and secondly, the locals will immediately call the police and the “half-naked” tourist, according to the Arabs, will be fined a hefty sum (the morality police are especially fierce). We recommend dressing in such a way that your clothes cover your knees, elbows and décolleté. You cannot hug or kiss on the street in public places.

Kitchen

The UAE is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, so there will be plenty of seafood on the hotel menu: there are grilled lobsters, various fish, and shellfish. Many tourists like to try kebabs, hearty chickpea-based snacks, exotic fruits, and dates. In the emirates they sell ice cream made from camel milk and milk itself.

Useful to know about the UAE

• The plane is flying from Moscow to about 5 o'clock. Transfer to hotels is about 1.5 hours, to Abu Dhabi hotels - about 2 hours.
• Time in UAE ahead of Moscow by 1 hour.
• In three emirates - , and - is charged tourist tax for accommodation. The tax is paid upon check-in at the hotel (in dirhams, foreign currency or a bank card). The amount of tax in and is from 2 to 6 dollars per night depending on the star rating of the hotel. In Abu Dhabi, tourists pay $5 per night, regardless of hotel category.
• In most hotels in the UAE upon check-in a deposit is taken. Depending on the hotel, the range can be very large: from $10 to $400 per night or from $50 to $600 per period. Sometimes the deposit is calculated based on the room rate (usually 50% of the nightly rate). The amount is refunded upon departure from the hotel. In some hotels, you can agree not to pay a deposit if you empty the minibar and turn off the phone.
• It is not recommended to drink tap water in the UAE; it is desalinated or purified sea water. Bottled water is produced from oasis springs. Average water bottle price(0.5 liters) - 1.2 dirhams.
• Religion in the UAE - Islam Sunni persuasion.
• Language in the UAE - Arab. The majority of the population knows English, and signboards, road signs, and signs are duplicated in it.
• It is strictly not recommended to photograph local residents without permission, especially women. Also refrain from taking photos near government agencies.
• In the UAE, many objects do not have a permanent address - residents are guided by signs and nearby buildings.
• If you get sick, contact the insurance service by phone specified in the insurance policy that you received when purchasing the tour. If you just call an ambulance, you can get a hefty bill.
• The UAE is very strict about cleanliness. Fine for a discarded wrapper or cigarette butt on the street or beach is from 200 dirhams (3,200 rubles).
• Friday and Saturday in the UAE - weekend, Thursday - shortened working day. Banks, post office and government agencies close early- the working day begins at 8 am and ends at 15 o'clock, sometimes at 13 o'clock.
• Mosquitoes and mosquitoes not in the UAE, so you can do without a fumigator. Most shopping centers and public places are equipped with powerful air conditioners. To stay warm, bring clothes with sleeves.
• Snorkeling and diving in the UAE there is only in, in the rest of the emirates there is no vibrant underwater life. Those who come here on an excursion are given free fins and a mask.
• Surprisingly, in the UAE cannot be imported nothing that was produced in Israel and even things with the Israeli logo will be taken away at customs and may be denied entry. If you have a favorite keychain with mogendovid or you are bringing Dead Sea cosmetics to someone, it is better to leave them at home or use the postal service. The list of items prohibited for export is standard: no weapons, antiquities or cultural heritage. From the unusual - from the Emirates palm trees cannot be removed Weather by month

Air temperature in December: +26 o C.
Water temperature in December: +24 o C.

UAE Map

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the luxurious capital of the United Arab Emirates, which is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf among the endless sands of the desert. The city is unique in its combination of history and modernity - oriental bazaars coexist with modern universities, mosques with supermarkets, museums with entertainment complexes.

The large number of mosques in the city center is a reminder that Middle Eastern Manhattan, lined with skyscrapers and highways, is still part of the Muslim world.

The possibilities for excursions and entertainment here are truly enormous - the Sheikh's Palace, the old Al Husn Fort, the oasis city of Al Ain, the Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium, the Ferrari World theme park, the carpet and camel bazaars - this is just a small part of what is possible visit while in the largest and richest emirate of the country.

pros

• Many attractions, interesting places and entertainment opportunities
• The streets are very clean, as fines for throwing garbage are very high

Minuses

• All hotels have views not of the sea, but of a narrow strip of water and nearby islands
• Some city parks have a fee

Dubai

Dubai is the most famous city and emirate in the UAE. Everything here is the best - tall, big, expensive. The coastal waters of the resort are the site of the implementation of ambitious projects to create the man-made islands “Palm” and “Peace”. Although Dubai has a very colorful old quarter, a historical and ethnographic village and mosques, lovers of history and excursions will find it a bit boring here.

Dubai is interesting for shopping, which can be done both in ancient oriental bazaars and in ultra-modern shopping centers. In addition to shopping, the resort will impress with the architecture of skyscrapers and luxury hotels, as well as beaches with sand brought from Egypt.

pros

• There is an opportunity to ski at any time of the year at the Ski Dubai complex
• Relatively large number of entertainment and attractions
• Excellent transport system
• Great shopping
• Active nightlife

Minuses

• On weekends there are many locals on the city beaches
• Quite expensive

Sharjah

Sharjah has a unique location - access to two ocean bays: the Persian and Oman. In addition, the resort is convenient due to its close location to Dubai, which allows you to enjoy a relaxing family holiday and, if possible, visit the attractions of a more famous neighbor or go to shopping malls at any time.

Sharjah is considered the cultural capital of the country - there is an archaeological museum, a cultural center, and the Koran monument, located in front of the largest King Faisal Mosque in the entire Middle East, which can accommodate 3,000 people. For the youngest travelers, there is the Al-Jazeera amusement park with a mini-zoo and swimming pools, as well as the Desert Park with a farm for children and a natural history museum.

pros

• Life and hotels are cheaper than in nearby Dubai
• No public transport

Minuses

• Virtually no nightlife
• Strict norms, laws and regulations, for example: swimming on beaches is possible only during daylight hours and in clothes that cover arms and legs; Violating this rule may result in you being taken to the police station.

Fujairah

The sandy landscapes so typical of the UAE are diluted in Fujairah by the Hajar Mountains and green oases. In this emirate, oil is not extracted, skyscrapers are not built - life here is measured and calm. This is the only resort that has access to the Indian Ocean.

Fujairah is renowned as the best diving and snorkeling destination in the entire country. The underwater world of Shark Island is rich in lobsters, stingrays, and many exotic fish, and near the Musandam Peninsula you can find turtles, barracudas, dolphins and reef sharks. Those who decide to head to the mountains can visit waterfalls, visit hot springs and look into gardens.

pros

• Beautiful underwater world
• Lots of excursions and entertainment

Minuses

• Lack of nightlife, bars, discos
• Long distances between attractions

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras al-Khaimah is the northernmost of the emirates, located on the border with the Sultanate of Oman and is not very popular among tourists.

It has a milder climate, clean uncrowded beaches and mineral water springs. In the Old Town of Ras al-Khaimah you can visit a dilapidated fort, ancient watchtowers, a national museum, and a local market. The more active ones will find the Ice Land amusement park with numerous waterfalls, slides, play areas, swimming pools and attractions.

In order to improve your health, you need to go to the Masafi region - get natural drinking water or visit the town of Hatt to plunge into the hot springs. Here, by the way, you can undergo a set of Ayurvedic spa treatments using thermal water - this is not the case in any other emirate.

pros

• You can combine a beach holiday with treatment
• Good climatic conditions and gorgeous beaches

Minuses

• No public transport, only taxis
• Tourist infrastructure is not very developed

Ajman

There is an almost homely atmosphere in Ajman - this is due to the fact that this poor emirate occupies the smallest area of ​​all seven. Here, among numerous palm trees and beautiful beaches, tourists will find a cozy and friendly environment. In the evenings, both locals and vacationers go for a walk on the embankment - after the sun sets and the heat subsides, life begins to boil here.

There is no prohibition in Ajman; alcohol can be freely purchased in any store, but it will not be possible to take it out of the emirate. You can diversify your holiday by visiting mineral springs, camel racing or water sports.

pros

• Ajman is located just 10 km from Sharjah and 30 km from Dubai, so you can go to its neighbors for entertainment and shopping centers

Minuses

• Few excursions, shopping

Umm Al Quwain

Those who want to see real Emirati life without the luxury of Dubai and the glitter of Abu Dhabi should go to provincial Umm al-Quwain. Thanks to its territorial location, the residents of the emirate were able to preserve traditions and their usual way of life. The city itself is located on a small peninsula, on a coastline indented by lagoons, bays and bays.

Umm al-Quwain is an ideal place for those who want to observe the leisurely Arab life through the smoke of a hookah and the sound of the coastal waves. More active entertainment includes an aquarium and the largest park in the Middle East, Dreamland, with an artificial 18-meter volcano. In addition, you can sail to the islands, watch camel races, knock out all the targets at the shooting club or practice water sports at the Marine Club.

pros

• Unique atmosphere and color

Minuses

• Few hotels and accommodation options
• No public transport

4.17 /5 (6 )

Choosing an emirate for a holiday in the UAE - tourist highlights and best hotels

Most guests of the UAE equate a holiday in the United Arab Emirates with a holiday in Dubai. This is not entirely true. Six of the seven emirates of the UAE are actively investing in the development of tourism - the construction of classy hotels, tourism infrastructure and entertainment venues. And each of the UAE emirates is the best in some way. SeredinaLeta has collected for you the highlights of a holiday in different emirates of the UAE, their attractions and the best hotels.

Holidays in the emirate of Dubai - the best for entertainment

Dubai is the center of tourism, infrastructure, world records and the best new products in the UAE. Every year the emirate breaks its own attendance records. Despite the fact that prices in Dubai are on average more expensive than other emirates of the UAE and new hotels are constantly opening, hotel occupancy is consistently above 75%. By 2020, Dubai plans to attract 25 million tourists a year. Can you imagine? An incredible number...

Holidays in Sharjah - accessibility of attractions and beach holidays

The Emirate of Sharjah is Dubai's closest neighbor with a border just 15 km from Dubai Airport. Sharjah also has its own airport that receives Air Arabia flights from Ukraine.

Regardless of the airport of arrival, a holiday in Sharjah always involves a quick transfer to your holiday destination.

Tourist highlight or very important A special feature of holidays in the emirate of Sharjah is prohibition . In Sharjah, alcohol is not served in hotels and restaurants, it cannot be bought in stores, it cannot be consumed openly, and even the transport of alcohol into Sharjah is officially prohibited.

Holidays in Sharjah are chosen by those who do not depend on “alcohol doping” for an active pastime or who carefully carry alcohol with them for closed parties in their room. Sharjah's All inclusive food system also has its own characteristics. It includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and soft drinks, which are free with meals only. This feature makes it possible to use the all-inclusive system for an inexpensive surcharge.

What's better than a holiday in Sharjah? Advantages of the emirate:

• ♦ Quick accessibility to Dubai infrastructure and attractions
• ♦ Sharjah is considered one of the cultural capitals of the Muslim world with many historical sites, art galleries and museums. In addition to cultural heritage, Sharjah also offers quality shopping, tourist entertainment and attractions.
• ♦ Prices for holidays in Sharjah are generally 30% lower than similar hotel prices in Dubai
• ♦ Sharjah beaches with imported white or local yellow sand are clean, safe and great for families with children in the UAE
• ♦ Sharjah has a large selection of hotels with direct access to the beach
• ♦ On vacation in Sharjah there are no problems with tourists of the “tagil” category, because in reality they are not there :)
• ♦ Sharjah hotels often use a passport as a deposit rather than a cash deposit

Holidays in the Emirate of Ajman - the best family hotels

The tiniest emirate, Ajman, has in recent years transformed into a well-maintained, modern, well-developed tourist city.

In Ajman, there is something to see and a place to go for both children and adults: an ancient fort with a working museum, two huge parks with amusement rides and playgrounds. Entertainment is accessible by transport to guests of all hotels in Ajman, because the emirate is very small in territory. The journey to Dubai from Ajman hotels takes approximately 30 minutes. Many hotels provide transfers to Dubai malls and very good prices by Emirati standards.

What is the best holiday in Ajman? The Emirate of Ajman is a “fishing place” and is famous for its fishing excursions. You can enjoy the prepared catch directly on the boat or in numerous restaurants in Ajman. Many hotel restaurants in Ajman will also happily serve freshly caught fish.

When choosing a holiday in Ajman, you should be attentive to the concept of food. Several of the best hotels in Ajman are alcohol-free: Ramada Beach 4* and Bahi Ajman Palace 5*. We recommend paying attention to the best family beach hotels in Ajman Fairmont Ajman 5*, Ajman Saray 5* (all inclusive) and Ajman Hotel 5*. Of the economical hotels in Ajman with a beach, the best option would be Ajman Beach 3*- The optimum ratio of price and quality!

Holidays in Ras Al Khaimah - Marjan Island and great prices

Ras Al Khaimah is a poor and small emirate of the UAE with a population of only 300 thousand inhabitants. It is located an hour's drive (80 km) from Dubai airport. But the beaches of Ras Al Khaimah are a fairy tale. Recently, the emirate has changed and populated the artificial island with hotels - Marjan . And he continues to build! Money and hopes are being invested in tourism infrastructure, because Ras Al Khaimah is the country's poorest emirate in terms of oil and gas.

There are few attractions in Ras Al Khaimah, but they are there: beautifully preserved ancient city of Julfar And Watchtowers of Ras Al Khaimah . From September to April you can visit camel race , which are held on the 10-kilometer camel track in Ras Al Khaimah on Fridays and Saturdays.

On vacation in Ras Al Khaimah, you can go on an excursion to the incredibly beautiful Wadi Bi Canyon, comparable only to the Grand Canyon in the USA. There are healing properties right in the capital Khatts Springs hot springs . The highlight of Ras Al Khaimah is huge Ice Land water park in the style of the cartoon "Ice Age".

But the best holiday in Ras Al Khaimah is a beach holiday. A special feature of Ras Al Khaimah is its calmer and warmer waters than in other emirates of the Persian Gulf. Thanks to the mountain range, Ras Al Khaimah is always a little warmer and more comfortable for a winter holiday in the UAE.

Holiday prices in Ras Al Khaimah can be very attractive. Moreover, most hotels in the emirate offer an all-inclusive food system. We recommend hotels on Marjan Island with the best beaches: Rixos Bab Al Bahr 5*, Doubletree by Hilton Marjan Island 5*, Marjan Island 5*.

The best VIP hotels on the coast of Ras Al Khaimah Hilton Ras Al Khaimah 5* and luxurious Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah 5* They offer only breakfast or half board meal plans. Moreover, the Waldorf is a classic of true luxury, and the Hilton is so large that while relaxing there at the same time, it’s easy not to meet anyone during your entire vacation.

Among the inexpensive hotels on the coast of Ras Al Khaimah we recommend Smartline Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort 4* And Beach Hotel by Bin Majid Hotels & Resorts 4*. The only caveat is that the low tides are noticeable on the beaches of the Ras Al Khaimah coast. You can swim, but at low tide the buoys are waist deep.

Holidays in the Emirate of Fujairah - the best underwater world

Fujairah stands apart among the UAE emirates in terms of nature, water color and marine life. Fujairah is the only emirate with a beach fronting the Gulf of Oman in the Indian Ocean.

Fujairah has the best underwater world in the UAE: fish, corals, turtles and diving on Shark Island. The appearance of the emirate of Fujairah contrasts greatly with Dubai - much less skyscrapers and much more greenery.

Holidays in Fujairah are chosen by beach lovers, since the road from the airport to Fujairah hotels through the mountains takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. Many tour operators offer to combine holidays - 2 days in Dubai and then a beach holiday in Fujairah. A very interesting and economical combination of different pleasures in one vacation.

Fujairah's natural microclimate is ideal in winter, when the rest of the UAE emirates are still cool. In high summer, on the other hand, Fujairah is subject to monsoons and can be windy. It is better to move your vacation to the Gulf emirates of the UAE.

An important nuance of the emirate of Fujairah is the presence of a huge UAE oil terminal on the coast. While on vacation in Fujairah, you need to be prepared that “fuel oil misunderstandings” on the beaches are occasionally possible. Hotels in the emirate are trying to quickly eliminate the consequences, but heels and swimsuits sometimes have to be thoroughly washed.

However, this is almost the only disadvantage of a holiday in Fujairah. For example, could you put the words “UAE” and “waterfall” next to each other? No? And in Fujairah there are, just as there are museums, traditional villages , gold market and Friday Beach Bullfight .

Most hotels in the Emirate of Fujairah work with an all-inclusive food system and try to offer their guests the best range of services, “like in Turkey, only with UAE quality.” When choosing a holiday in Fujairah, it makes sense to pay extra for “All inclusive”, since if you eat on your own, you won’t be able to get more flavor for the same price.

There are few hotels in Fujairah and they are all worth their prices. We suggest highlighting Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort 5*- as an excellent family hotel in Moroccan style with animation and the best prices.

Tours to Abu Dhabi - the best chic

Abu Dhabi is the richest, greenest and most expensive emirate in the UAE. Vacations in Abu Dhabi are chosen for respectable, less noisy leisure and business. The capital of the UAE, like Dubai, does not sleep 24 hours a day and offers a lot of nightlife entertainment. But a holiday in Abu Dhabi has a special chic.

Fashionable hotels, gold dust on desserts, limousines, boutiques and clubs, the best conference rooms, shopping, theme parks and an exciting excursion program - all these are the highlights of travel in Abu Dhabi. Transfer from Dubai Airport (this is where all tour flights to the UAE land) to hotels in Abu Dhabi takes approximately 2 hours.

The main must-see holiday in Abu Dhabi is the famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque . One of the largest mosques in the world, it can accommodate 41,000 people at a time. When you visit the mosque, you will not only walk on the world’s largest handmade carpet, but also see a grandiose chandelier with a diameter of more than 10 m.

Local residents treat the Sheikh Zayed Mosque with awe and respect. It was built in memory of the emir, thanks to whom the UAE became known throughout the planet. Entrance to the Mosque is free. We recommend visiting it in the evening - the lighting here is incredible.

From Ferrari World parka Neither men nor ladies will come out calm. Thanks to the world of Ferrari, men most often choose SeredinaLeta for a holiday in Abu Dhabi. Children of school age will find the park very interesting. In Ferrari World, in addition to incredible exhibits, cars, souvenirs and restaurants, there are world's fastest roller coaster . Well, the UAE and Ferrari couldn’t help but appropriate them!

45 water attractions are offered to visitors by the Abu Dhabi Yas Waterworld water park. The water park is located on Yas Island next to the Formula 1 track. Yas Waterworld amazes with its brightness, scope and incredible amount of adventure. Most water park lovers consider Yas Waterworld the best in the UAE. Eh, do you love water slides as much as I love them?

Except for the November stage Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix , the emirate hosts several more world events - for every taste, but always on a grand scale. The world's most famous air show, the largest camel race in the East, an international arts festival... Events are distributed throughout the year. It is difficult to get to Abu Dhabi during such events - hotels are booked in advance.

The all-inclusive system is not popular in Abu Dhabi. It is believed that it somewhat limits the rest of a wealthy person. If you are planning an All inclusive holiday in Abu Dhabi, welcome to Beach Rotana 5*AndYas Island Rotana 5*. Most hotels in the emirate sell accommodation with breakfast or breakfast + lunch.

The coastline of Abu Dhabi is indented with artificial islands. Most hotel beaches in the capital of the UAE open into the internal canals of Abu Dhabi. The exception is the Yas Island hotels. These hotels have beaches overlooking the open sea, but they are located further from the main attractions of Abu Dhabi.

Which UAE emirate is better? We personally believe that each emirate is worthy of a visit and offers its own unique features for a holiday in the UAE. SeredinaLeta's credo is not to return to the same place twice, because the world is huge. But a holiday in the UAE can be so diverse that you can have a great time on your second and third holiday without ever repeating it.

Once upon a time, only wealthy tourists could afford a trip to the UAE. In recent years, tours to the UAE have become very popular and quite affordable. And the simplification of the visa regime for Russians (a visa can now be obtained directly at the airport of this country upon arrival) has become an additional incentive to travel to the Emirates.

At the same time, many tourists have a question: where is the best place to go to the UAE? The answer to this question depends on the purpose of your trip.

If you have never been to the country of the most expensive hotels, the tallest skyscrapers, the coolest water parks and the most unstoppable shopping, read this article. And then you will understand where it is better to go to the UAE with a child, which resorts and hotels to choose for a beach holiday, and where to go for unbridled shopping.

Where to go in the UAE and what to do there

As you know, the UAE consists of several emirates, which have their own characteristics: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.

All of them are of interest to tourists, each has its own zest. But what some tourists will like may be an unpleasant surprise for others.

For example, the prohibition law in force in Sharjah prohibits the serving of alcohol in hotels and the sale of alcohol in shops. Even tourists. Not even Muslims.

Do you like all-inclusive holidays? Great! There are such hotels in Fujairah. And they are all located almost right on the beach. Only there will be nowhere to go for a walk outside the hotel premises.

So, let's figure out all these emirates.

Abu Dhabi: a green city

So, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE. By all accounts, this is a very interesting holiday option. Firstly, in my memory Abu Dhabi remained very green, compared to Dubai, and, secondly, more calm and measured.

There are many good hotels to stay in Abu Dhabi. And the most famous of them is Emirates Palace 5*, which reminded me of the Hermitage - with its size and interiors.

I can also recommend the following hotels: InterContinental Abu Dhabi 5*, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana 5*, Al Raha Beach Hotel 5*, Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers 5*, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort 5*, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi 4*.

Inexpensive options: Al Ain Rotana 5*, Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel & Resort 5*, Grand Millennium Al Wahda 5*, Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi 5*, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi 5*.

Perhaps the best hotels for tourists now are hotels on Yas Island, which is an artificial island and was built relatively recently - in 2009. Because it has the best beaches.

See these hotels here: Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island 5* Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi 5*, Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi 4*.

And that's where the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix race track and the largest indoor Ferrari theme park .

The Yas Waterworld complex is also located on Yas Island. On an area of ​​15 hectares, there are 43 attractions, slides and entertainment that will not leave anyone indifferent.

Another landmark of the UAE, the largest mosque - Sheikh Zayed Mosque - also located in Abu Dhabi.

So, there is definitely something to do and see in Abu Dhabi.

Mom, I'm in Dubai!

The Emirate of Dubai is the most visited emirate by Russians. This is where many tourists fly to shop and look at the incredible architecture. When our plane approached Dubai airport, it seemed to me that we had arrived on another planet - the view from the window was so amazing!

The Burj Al Arab sail hotel, which has received the 7-star category and has become the hallmark of the UAE, is located in Dubai. Like the hotel Atlantis The Palm 5 * , located on an artificial artificial island in the shape of a giant palm tree.

And of course, the famous tower Burj Khalifa - a skyscraper with a height of 828 meters, the tallest building in the world! Climb to its observation deck and you will see a truly fantastic sight!

And the fountain show below, near the tower, which takes place in the evenings, will be the final chord in your Dubai sightseeing program. After which you can safely move on to shopping!

And you won’t have any problems with shopping in Dubai - in terms of the number of shopping centers, it is ahead of all other emirates combined. Each of these shopping centers is a small microcosm that has everything: shops and restaurants of all kinds, beauty salons, cinema halls, aquariums, children's attractions and even a ski slope and tubing track! You can spend every day in a new shopping center.

For a beach holiday, Dubai is also quite suitable. If funds allow, book yourself one of the hotels in Jumeirah or Palma.

If not, take a city hotel in Bar Dubai or Deire . They do not have their own beaches, but for swimming on the coast of Dubai there are two well-known beach complexes, which are used by vacationers of most city hotels - Al Mamzar Park And Jumeirah Beach Park. Most city hotels in Dubai offer a free (less often paid) transfer to these beaches.

Sharjah

Dubai's closest neighbor is the emirate of Sharjah. This emirate also has its own airport, and many charter flights from Russia fly to Sharjah airport.

What you might like holiday in Sharjah ? Advantages of this emirate:

• Quick access to the infrastructure and attractions of the Emirate of Dubai
• Holiday prices in Sharjah are generally 30% lower than similar hotel prices in Dubai
• Sharjah beaches with imported white or local yellow sand are clean, safe and great for families with children
• Sharjah has a large selection of hotels with direct access to the beach

Beach hotels here are cheaper than in Dubai, but they are not as luxurious, sometimes quite modest.

Some good ones we can recommend are: Hilton Sharjah 5*, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah 4*, Lavender Hotel Sharjah 4*, Lou Lou'a Beach Resort 3*, Al Seef Beach Hotel 3*, Beach Hotel Sharjah 3*, Sharjah Premiere Hotel & Resort 3*, Citymax Sharjah 3*, Verona Resort Sharjah 3*.

Sharjah has its own shopping centers, and the ones in Dubai are just a stone's throw away. The only thing that lovers of having a blast should remember is that there is a “prohibition” law in this Emirate. You can't even appear on the streets here while intoxicated, let alone in public places.

Ajman

Modest and calm Ajman is located just 10 km from Sharjah.

Its territory is the smallest of all seven regions of the country. But there is no “prohibition” in Ajman. On the contrary, the Hole in the wall store, next to the Ajman Beach Hotel, sells imported alcoholic beverages without any restrictions. True, exporting them from the territory of the Principality of Ajman is strictly prohibited.

Ajman's small size is more than compensated by its nature: beautiful palm trees, snow-white beaches and an atmosphere of comfort and friendliness. When the cool weather descends on the city, entire families flock to the embankment to barbecue on the soft sand, under palm trees, or on special white tables with blue picnic umbrellas.

The tourist infrastructure here began to develop not so long ago, but there are good hotels, and they have everything for a relaxing holiday.

We can recommend the following hotels: Ajman Hotel 5*, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel 5*, Fairmont Ajman 5*, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman 4*, Ramada Beach Hotel 4*, Ajman Saray A Luxury Collection Resort 4*, Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman 5*.

Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain is an even quieter and more provincial emirate, 34 km north of Ajman, and 50 km from Dubai, perfect for a relaxing holiday. Our tourists have already fallen in love with it for its good price/quality ratio.

In the emirate of Umm al Quwain, old traditions and way of life are preserved to this day. Here you can see the life of this country without the glamorous touch.

Umm Al Quwain is a true paradise for fishing lovers. Beautiful beaches and lagoons, historical and architectural monuments are complemented by the Dreamland amusement park and quiet, clean beaches. In addition, there are spectacular camel racing .

The emirate has a Marine Club with windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, etc.

The choice of hotels is still small, but they are inexpensive and quite decent: Umm Al Quwain Beach 4*, Bin Majid Flamingo 3*, Palma Beach Resort & Spa 4*.

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost of the seven emirates, has abundant greenery and is therefore considered one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the UAE. The favorable climate and fertile soils made it a real blooming oasis on the border of the mountains, close to the seashore. Tourists with children will be very pleased Iceland WaterPark which was built built in 2010. Also, travelers will have a truly unforgettable adventure - a flight on a light sports aircraft or an aerochute.

Perhaps Ras Al Khaimah is the best price offer for a beach holiday in the UAE. There are magnificent beaches and a decent hotel base - from 3 to 5 stars. Of those that our tourists have already loved, I would like to note Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort 5*, Bin Majid Beach Hotel 4*.

In my opinion, the Ras Al Khaimah region is ideal for families with children.

Fujairah

Now we have reached the last emirate - Fujairah. It is located farthest from Dubai airport, on the Indian Ocean coast, in the Gulf of Oman.

Fujairah is most loved by supporters of a relaxing beach holiday. And for those who are interested in diving, this is simply paradise.

There are no simple hotels in Fujairah - there are only luxurious “five” hotels, several of them operate on the “all inclusive” system. And this is quite reasonable, because... You won’t be able to go outside the hotel territory and buy something - there are no shops or restaurants here. There is almost no tourist infrastructure outside the hotel.

Hotels in Fujairah: Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah 5*, Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort 5*, Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah Beach 5*, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort 5*, Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort 5*, Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa 4*.

Another pride of Fujairah is Ain Al Ghamour hot springs , formed due to a volcanic eruption. Due to the constant movement of sulfur, the springs always remain hot. The average temperature of the spring is about 60 degrees Celsius and never drops below 40 degrees. Water is rich in various useful chemical elements. Every year people come here who want to cure their musculoskeletal system and skin diseases.

This is how different they are, these United Arab Emirates. Now that you know what is interesting about each emirate, you can easily select and book hotels for your holiday in the UAE: Find an inexpensive tour to the UAE

Choose and relax!

See you on the blog!

Recently, more and more Russian tourists prefer the fabulous United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, to the usual Turkey and Egypt. The “tourist paradise” grew up in just a few decades on the site of a barren desert. An important impetus for the rapid development of the country was the active oil production in the region, which began in the late 1960s. The realization that this valuable natural resource is exhaustible formed an economic model that would allow the Emirates to actively develop even after the depletion of black gold reserves. In addition to oil, the UAE had two more important economic advantages: firstly, an advantageous geographical location at the intersection of routes coming from Europe, Africa and South Asia, and secondly, a warm sea coast with magnificent gently sloping sandy beaches. The country's authorities decided to make the most of each of the advantages: to create free trade zones, the largest financial and business centers in the entire Middle East, and to form ultra-modern resorts of the highest class.

The official language in the UAE is Arabic, but due to the huge influx of employees from India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Ethiopia and other countries, dozens of languages ​​and dialects can be heard in markets and outside resort areas . Almost all hotel and restaurant staff speak excellent English, and in some places, especially in Dubai, even Russian. Due to the high level of labor migration, about 85% of the country's population are not citizens. In addition to Islam, residents of the UAE also profess Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity.

The largest cities are the capitals of all seven emirates into which the country is divided:

• Abu Dhabi,
• Dubai,
• Sharjah,
• Fujairah,
• Ajaman,
• Umm al-Quwain,
• Ras al Khaimah,
• as well as the oasis city of Al Ain in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Climate and weather

Like the entire Arabian Peninsula, the UAE has a tropical desert climate, characterized by ultra-high summer temperatures reaching +50 °C and almost complete absence of precipitation. In winter, the air temperature remains at a comfortable +20…+23 °C. When traveling inland, you should remember that in the desert it is always several degrees hotter during the day and much colder at night than on the coast. Nighttime winter temperatures in the desert can drop to 0°C.

The average water temperature almost all year round is +24…+27 °C, dropping in January - February to +18 °C and rising in August to +35 °C. During the winter months, the water in the pools warms up to +26…+28 °C.

It rains occasionally in winter and early spring, and the average number of sunny days per year is about 350-355 days. The average precipitation does not exceed 100 mm per year. In spring there is fog on the coast.

To put it mildly, one of the unpleasant natural phenomena in the UAE is dust storms, which, however, go unnoticed in large resort cities. An important feature of the Emirates climate is the low oxygen content in the air, which makes this climate unsuitable for recreation for people with heart and lung diseases. The most difficult months to bear are considered to be August and September, when the heat is 40 degrees and air humidity exceeds all imaginable limits. Therefore, the tourist season in the UAE is from late September - early October to May.

Nature

Most of the country is desert Rub al-Khali, which turns into clayey plains, which, in turn, crash into the Persian Gulf. The east of the UAE is occupied by rocky mountains Al-Hajjar located on the coast Gulf of Oman with a rich underwater fauna, the most beautiful representatives of which live in coastal coral reefs. The abundance of commercial species of fish, crustaceans and mollusks in the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs explains why for many centuries the main occupation of local residents was fishing and pearling.

Animals in the UAE also include wild goats, camels, mountain goats (ibex), Arabian leopards and some other desert inhabitants.

During the migration period, many birds stop to rest in the northern regions of the country.

In the largest resort cities, work is constantly being carried out to plant trees both in the cities themselves and in the immediate surroundings, but this initiative has not yet been crowned with significant success, since severe weather conditions kill the planted plants (and they are constantly replaced, spending huge amounts of money on this). Desalination of water for irrigation, in turn, leads to such an environmental problem as soil salinization.

Attractions

Any person who has not yet visited the UAE or who has visited the country only once, when mentioning this state, immediately sees unimaginable ultra-modern high-rise buildings in the high-tech style, created over the past few decades in Abu Dhabi and the largest city of the Emirates Dubai.

Among them is a skyscraper Burj Khalifa(“Khalifa Tower”), hotel Burj Al Arab(Burj Al Arab) in the shape of a sail and many others. Modern skyscrapers, magnificent in bright sunshine, become simply fantastic in the light of night spotlights and backlights.

But the few ancient buildings and winding streets in the cities of the UAE will help you plunge into the amazing and subtle world of the Ancient East. The most famous historical sights of the country are:

• Al Hosn Palace, or White Fort, in Abu Dhabi,
• Al Khail fortress near Fujairah city,
• Fujairah Fort,
• Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi,
• Jumeirah in Dubai,
• Al-Bidiya between Fujairah and Dibba, etc.

Nutrition

Speaking about the national cuisine of the UAE, it should be noted that all Arab countries are characterized by pan-Arab cuisine with some regional characteristics. Thus, the culinary traditions of the UAE were influenced by the cuisine of Iran, Lebanon, Egypt and other countries in Africa and Asia. The absolute rule of Arabic dishes is the complete absence of pork and the presence of a huge amount of spices.

It’s best to start getting acquainted with the local cuisine in the UAE from small shops and street cafes, where literally all dishes will be wrapped in pita bread or served with a round pita bun. Try it once manakish(melted local cheese with olives and aromatic herbs), falafel(tender chickpea balls fried in olive oil) and, of course, shawarma- and your mouth will always water at the mere memory of such yummy food.

In UAE restaurants, appetizers are required before serving the main course. meze, served on a large platter, divided into cells. Among meze Most often there are vegetable salads, nut-garlic pastes, eggplant caviar, wheat and corn porridges, as well as pies with meat and cheese.

Among the main dishes, seafood dishes delivered to the table almost from a fishing boat, and meat dishes from chicken, veal and lamb are extremely popular among tourists. It's worth ordering at least once for lunch Bricks- triangular envelopes made of the thinnest dough filled with fish, shrimp or minced meat. Among the gastronomic “celebrities” of the UAE are: Al Madrubu(boiled salted fish with sauce), fish and meat kebabs, biryani(basmati rice with meat or fish with the addition of vegetables, spices and sauce), etc.

Oriental sweets are a separate subject of conversation. In the UAE, the variety of desserts is so great that it’s impossible to count them all. Turkish delight, date honey, halva, Umm Ali pudding and much more are best purchased at the bazaar or in specialized shops.

Among the drinks, tea and coffee of various varieties are most often consumed. Freshly squeezed juices are sold everywhere. It is better to avoid alcoholic beverages while on holiday in the UAE, as for possession of alcohol or being intoxicated in public places you can be prosecuted and deported from the country.

Restaurants in the UAE are called all establishments, from tiny street cafes to huge chic restaurants in 5-star hotels.

Tips are always included in the bill.

Accommodation

The quality of 1-2 star hotels in the UAE is very relative, that is, you can easily encounter a lack of working air conditioning or water in the shower, during spring rain showers, roofs and windows leak, and there is water in the hotel courtyard. Often, the rooms of such hotels have inexpensive, noisy window air conditioners.

3-4 star hotels offer a completely different level of service, but the price almost doubles: if a room in the former costs $50-60 for two, then in hotels with 3-4 stars the average cost of living in a double room is approximately $100 .

There are luxury 5-star hotels in every resort in the UAE. The cost of living in double rooms of such hotels varies from $150 to $4,000. The best, but also the most expensive hotels are in Dubai. The cost of a room depends, as a rule, on the class of the hotel, the distance of the hotel from the coast, the view from the window, the time of year (cheaper in summer), the presence of a private beach, swimming pools with heated water in winter, etc.

Furnished rooms and villas are also available for tourists in the UAE. The average cost of a private one-bedroom apartment is about $1,000 per week, villas with a small pool and tropical garden - $8,000-9,000 per week.

Entertainment and relaxation

The main type of holiday in the UAE is a beach holiday. On the shores of the Persian (in the UAE it is called the Arabian) and Oman Gulfs, all the beaches are sandy.

Here you can rent sun loungers, sun loungers and umbrellas, you can practice water sports (windsurfing, water skiing, scooters, etc.), and have a snack in numerous cafes and eateries. Hotels located on the seashore have their own beaches. Guests of 2-3 star hotels visit paid and free city beaches. Expensive hotels located in the city center, as a rule, have an agreement with coastal hotels on free visits to private beaches for their guests, where regular buses run from the hotel.

Tourists who prefer an active holiday are offered unique safaris on camels, ATVs or SUVs along the sand dunes in the desert, a walk along the coastal waters under the snow-white sail of the national dhow boat, diving, playing golf or tennis, and a visit to one of the largest water parks in the world, Wild Wadi. Dubai, getting to know the fauna of the oceans at the Aquarium in the Dubai shopping and entertainment center and much, much more.

The undisputed leader in all kinds of entertainment, including nightlife, is the emirate of Dubai, but you can find good modern nightclubs in every major city in the country.

Purchases

When going to the UAE, many tourists are still at home anticipating the best shopping experience of their lives, and most often such expectations are met 100%, especially for cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai And Sharjah. There are two types of shopping in the Emirates: the first, traditional for all Eastern countries, is on shopping streets and bazaars, where it is customary to bargain even when the price seems more than attractive to you; the second - in shopping centers, which are entire streets and even cities under one roof, consisting of boutiques and stores of world-famous brands and brands. In the markets, high-quality counterfeits of well-known brands are most often sold.

Shops and shops located on shopping streets are usually open from 9:00 to 13:00, then they close and resume work only after 16:00, working until 20:00-21:00. During the month of Ramadan, shops are open from 16:00 to midnight. The day off, unlike European countries, in the UAE is not on Sunday, but on Friday, which is due to the peculiarities of religion. It is Friday (Juma) in the Islamic calendar that is the day of worship of Allah. Many large supermarkets are open on Friday after 16:00.

In addition to fashionable clothes, shoes and accessories, in the UAE it is customary to purchase various originally oriental things: products made of gold and copper, silk fabrics, oriental carpets, products made of camel wool, all kinds of coffee pots and hookahs, painted jewelry boxes, khanjara daggers and, of course, “delicious” souvenirs - oriental sweets and spices.

Transport

Direct flights to Abu Dhabi And Dubai are made from many of the largest cities in Europe, America, North Africa and Asia. Several direct flights depart daily from Moscow to the UAE. Charter flights operate regularly during the season. The flight duration is about 5 hours. The cost of a round-trip economy class flight will range from $425 to $750 depending on the airline and date of travel.

You can get to the UAE by taking a ferry that runs between the Iranian city Bandar Abbas And Sharjah(port of Mina Khaled) or Dubai(Port Rashid). Port Zayed in Abu Dhabi serves mainly cargo ships. The cost of a trip across the bay is about $55-60 one way.

You can travel between the emirates by bus. City public transport is not well developed - it is used, as a rule, only by visiting hired workers, so it is better to get around the cities by taxi or rented car. Taxis in the UAE are the main method of transportation for tourists, so many taxi drivers speak some English. Taxis are privately owned and operated by private companies. The former are a little cheaper, the latter are often equipped with meters. The fare for a taxi without meters should be discussed before the start of the trip, and be sure to bargain, as prices are deliberately inflated. A taxi caught on the street will cost less than one taken from a hotel parking lot. Local taxi drivers are not well versed in street names, so it is better to indicate the name of the place where you are going or a significant object located nearby.

Dubai has the only two-line metro in the country.

You can rent a car in the UAE with or without a driver. To drive a car, you need an international driving license (driving licenses from CIS countries are not valid in the UAE) and insurance. The driver's age cannot be less than 21 years.

In the UAE, those who violate traffic rules are punished to the fullest extent. The fine for running a red light is about $800, for not using seat belts - $150, for drunk driving - deportation from the country or imprisonment, for damage to government property - $10,000. The speed limit in cities is 60 km/h, on highways – 100 km/h. Parking in cities is almost always paid, except from 13:00 to 16:00. The quality of roads in cities and between the country's largest tourist centers is excellent, but local residents, especially rich young people, behave extremely rudely on the roads.

Almost all hotels with 3-star categories and above transport their clients to the beach and back for free on their own buses.

Connection

Mobile communications in the UAE are provided by the following operators: Etisalat and du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC), operating in the GSM 900 format. To buy SIM cards from local operators, you must present a passport. Etisalat has developed the Ahlan tariff plan specifically for short stays in the country. The cost of a call abroad is about $0.7, the cost of an SMS is $0.25.

You can call abroad from pay phones that provide excellent call quality.

You can access the Internet by connecting to the mobile operator Etisalat, using the services of an Internet cafe or free or paid Wi-Fi in many cafes, restaurants and hotels in cities.

Safety

The UAE is the safest Muslim country in the world. There is practically no crime here, not even pickpockets. You can walk at any time of the day, but in the evening and at night it is better to avoid areas where settlements of visiting hired workers are located.

For throwing away trash or jaywalking, you will be asked to pay $135, and for using foul language you will be taken into custody.

It is better not to drink tap water, as it is obtained by desalination of salty sea water.

There are many strong coastal currents in the Persian Gulf, so always soberly assess your strengths and do not let children go into the water alone, even if they are excellent swimmers. It is best to dive under the supervision of a local instructor who is familiar with the characteristics of the area.

Business climate

One of the main goals facing the UAE Government is to transform the country into the most important financial and trade center in the Middle East. To achieve this goal, a number of free economic zones have been created in the country, the banking and transport infrastructure is constantly developing, taxes are simplified (corporate, income, VAT, from the wage fund), currency is freely convertible (UAE dirham), free movement of capital is guaranteed, etc. .

All the best hotels are equipped with magnificent, ultra-modern conference rooms, suitable for both inter-corporate negotiations and the organization of large international symposiums and congresses. Annually business centers Dubai And Abu Dhabi conduct business seminars and exhibitions of products of world-famous companies.

Real estate

Foreign citizens have the right to purchase real estate in the UAE - this is even welcome. Since 2006, foreigners have received the right to purchase land plots for new facilities; the rest can be taken out for long-term lease. The cost of 1 m2 of housing ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. The residential real estate market comes mainly from new buildings; the secondary housing market is not developed.

Residential buildings in the UAE are always built at an accelerated pace and most often using low-paid labor, so even the so-called “luxury” complexes actually offer low-quality housing. Dense development, especially on the “palm trees” in the coastal waters of Dubai, leads to a lack of picturesque views from the window, and one can only dream of peace and tranquility here.

As commercial real estate, Russian citizens are most interested in office premises, shops, hotels and restaurants. The average cost of 1 m2 of office is $1,700, for a hotel - about $7,000.

In the UAE, Muslim traditions are strictly observed, so there are a number of prohibitions that also apply to tourists.

Thus, you cannot appear in beachwear outside of beaches and swimming pools, and sunbathing without a swimsuit or its upper part is strictly prohibited. Women are only allowed to sit in the back seat of a car and should never get into a car without a taxi badge (you may be mistaken for a woman of easy virtue). It is prohibited to be in public places while intoxicated. You cannot kiss, hug, or show obscene gestures. Gambling and sexual relations not legalized by marriage are prohibited. You cannot talk to local women on the street, so only men will be allowed to photograph, after asking their permission first. The country also has a strict ban on photographing sheikhs' palaces, military installations, banks and government institutions.

When entering a house or mosque, it is customary to take off your shoes.

Money, food and things are taken only with the right hand. When visiting the locals, you shouldn’t skip a few cups of coffee. When shaking hands, do not look the other person in the eye.

Customs restrictions, in addition to the standard import of weapons, pornography and drugs, apply to a number of medications, so it is best to obtain a prescription for the required medication with the Latin name and dosage.

When traveling to the UAE during the holy month of Ramadan, please remember that many establishments, including shops and restaurants, may change their opening hours. That is, during the day there are practically no places left where you can have lunch, since during Ramadan a strict fast is observed between dawn and sunset. Even tourists are frowned upon here and can officially complain to the police if they eat, drink, smoke or dress indecently (from the point of view of the local population).

Visa information

To visit the UAE, citizens of all CIS countries require a visa. Tourist visas are issued by the Dubai Visa Centre, Abu Dhabi Visa Centre, Asian Visa Center in Moscow and tour operators.

The main requirements for obtaining a visa through the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Visa Application Centers are:

• availability of air tickets to relevant airports in the country;
• traveling or holding a valid visa to the Schengen countries, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan;
• absence of marks indicating that you visited Israel.

Documents for obtaining a visa (copy of passport, photograph, application form, copy of children’s birth certificate) are submitted electronically. The consular fee for Russian citizens is $60, for citizens of other CIS countries - $75.

The UAE Embassy in Moscow is located at: st. Olof Palme 4, tel. (+495) 147 62 86, 147 00 66.