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The United Arab Emirates is a fascinating country located in the Middle East, and it’s made up of seven distinct emirates. Each one has its own unique landscape and attractions while sharing a mutual culture. From the cosmopolitan city of Dubai to the scenic mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, this guide provides an overview of all seven emirates and what makes them stand out from each other.
The UAE is a small country that as a whole share an Emirati culture, with similar traditions and foods. The variation between regions is more the natural landscape and Dubai out of all the Emirates is unique due to its huge expatriate population which dwarfs the local Emirati population.
We’ve included the unique attractions of each emirate. If you choose to visit a museum or do a cultural experience in one of the Emirates, you will find many similarities to other Emirates. We hope this guide helps you discover all that the United Arab Emirates has to offer!
Enjoy your stay and have a wonderful time exploring these amazing emirates.
The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Together they form a unique country with something to offer everyone.
The United Arab Emirates lies in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula and is bordered by Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south. The country’s total area is approximately 83,600 square kilometers (32,300 sq mi) with a desert climate.
The population of the UAE is estimated at 9.6 million (as of 2021), with Abu Dhabi and Dubai being the most populous emirates.
The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in many parts of the country. As for culture, the UAE is a melting pot of different cultures coming together to form its unique identity. You’ll find both Persian and Indian influences due to the many years of trade along with migration.
The United Arab Emirates has a unique cuisine that’s influenced by Arabic, Indian, and Persian traditions. Traditional dishes include “machboos” (rice with spices and meat), “harees” (a dish made from wheat and meat), and “chebab” (pancake).
Many of these dishes are shared across the UAE and even many dishes are similar across the whole Arabian Gulf region.
Arabian Tea House: Branches in Dubai & Sharjah, serving Emirati and Middle Eastern Dishes.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Café: Located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah and offers a range of Emirati dishes.
Skeek Restaurant: Located in Ras Al Khaimah, focuses on modern Emirati cuisine.
Tawa Bakery: Based in Abu Dhabi & Dubai this one is unique and offers Emirati plus other baked goods gluten-free.
Some of the customs and traditions found in the UAE include:
There are a few things visitors should keep in mind when visiting the UAE as it is a Muslim country. Such as respecting traditions around clothing, not drinking alcohol in public, and avoiding public displays of affection.
Dubai is the most liberal and westernized out of all of the Emirates so rules around modesty are a lot more relaxed here but for other Emirates, you will need to be more aware of the rules. Especially Sharjah which tends to be one of the strictest, alcohol is also illegal in Sharjah.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an annual Formula One race held in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. Held since 2009, it has become a popular event for residents and tourists alike.
The Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships is an annual tournament held in Dubai. It attracts some of the world’s top players and is one of the most prestigious events on the professional tour.
The Sharjah Light Festival is held every year in December, featuring displays of light art installations from around the world. It has become an increasingly popular event with visitors coming from far and wide to witness the impressive displays.
The Dubai Cup is an annual horse race that takes place in the city of Dubai. It attracts some of the world’s best horses and riders, making it a popular event where everyone gets very dressed up to attend.
Dubai is known globally for its New Year’s Eve celebrations where you can witness fireworks across the city at its many iconic attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab & Palm Jumeirah.
The capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate by landmass and home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the country. It features an array of modern attractions such as Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit, as well as traditional sites like Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. There’s plenty to explore here from museums to markets and from beaches to desert safaris.
If you fly into Dubai Airport, it’s easy to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai. The journey takes around an hour or around an hour and a half if you take the public bus.
The most populous emirate and the commercial center of the UAE, Dubai is known for its modern skyline, luxurious shopping malls, and famous manmade attractions such as Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall what make it a great destination for a short layover. It’s an ideal destination for expats as well as beach lovers with plenty of sandy beaches and hotel resorts to explore.
Also read: What Dubai taught me
The third largest emirate and cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah is known for its unique charm and traditional beauty. Its coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches and there are a number of historical sites to explore.
Ras Al Khaimah is known for its stunning beaches, traditional villages, and archaeological sites. This Emirate offers plenty of activities from mountain hiking to hot springs and from watersports to exploring the local culture.
Umm Al Quwain is known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional fishing villages. It is home to some stunning landscapes and an array of wildlife making it a great destination for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and bird watching. There are also many farms here.
The smallest emirate in the UAE, Ajman is known for its traditional markets, historic sites, and idyllic beaches. It has activities on offer such as dune bashing, camel racing, and sailing. It can also be a lot more affordable than other Emirates if you’re wanting to stay at a beach resort or luxury hotel.
Fujairah is known for its stunning beaches, rich natural aquatic life, and dramatic mountains. It has some of the best diving spots in the region and offers plenty of activities from trekking to fishing.
It is clear that the United Arab Emirates has much to offer, from stunning waters perfect for diving in Fujairah to traditional historical sites in Sharjah. With its rich history, diverse culture, and an array of activities on offer for all ages, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing luxury beach holiday in Dubai or an adventurous getaway into nature, the UAE has it all!
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today and discover why the 7 emirates of the United Arab Emirates have become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
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