Just four decades old, the UAE is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. In 1971, our beloved founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan looked across the seven emirates that would form the UAE and dreamed of a building a great nation – a place where his people would thrive and prosper, then share his extraordinary vision with the rest of the world.
Though a young country, our history stretches back thousands of years. There are thousands of archeological sites across the UAE, unlocking the past and telling us the story of our country and of our people.
From pottery fragments on the sandy islands of the coast of our capital to the crumbled remnants of watchtowers standing guard at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf to the north, the UAE has a rich and remarkable history.
Our mission is to protect these priceless artifacts and tell our nation's story, instilling in our people a sense of pride and continued legacy while sharing this knowledge with the rest of the world to provide keen insights into some of humanity's earliest civilizations.
UAE is considered a harbor of opportunity and a "shining city on a hill" for millions, people from 202 different nations call the UAE home.
A third of the world's population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE. Thanks to this strategic position, along with the ambitious plans of our visionary leaders, the country is quickly becoming one of the world's favorite tourism destinations.
As a profoundly multicultural country, visitors from all over the globe find the UAE a welcoming place to visit. Along with its dazzling skyscrapers and sparkling beaches, we offer something for everyone – from topnotch global events and world-class museums to opulent hotels and the world's biggest shopping malls.
The UAE is an extraordinary country and we invite you to discover its history and culture. Learn about ancient Bedouins and merchants who first settled this land thousands of years ago, then explore the unrivalled attractions we offer the world today.
There is so much to do and learn in the UAE.
Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates. With the UAE's position as a global commercial hub and top tourist destination, English is widely spoken. Visitors will find their way around easily, with all road and traffic signs in Arab and English, along with all necessary documents, store signs, news and even restaurant menus available in both languages.
The UAE is a fast-growing country. According to a report issued by the National Bureau of Statistics, over 8 millions from over 200 countries call the UAE home.
The UAE is a land of opportunity for people from every corner of the world, with residents hailing from throughout the Middle East and North Africa, Asia, Europe and North Africa.
Around the world, the UAE is truly a beacon – a shining example of excellence, where hope thrives and peace triumphs. Our country is truly a melting pot, where anyone, regardless of nationality, origin, faith or creed, can live and work in safety and dignity, practice their faith freely and pursue their dreams unhindered.
The Constitution of the United Arab Emirates declares that the country's official religion is Islam. As a cosmopolitan country with residents and visitors from all around the world, the UAE Constitution also provides for freedom of religion, in accordance with established customs.
While the melodic calls to prayer regularly sound from the countries countless minarets punctuating the cities' skylines, nearly everyone can find a place of solace, in accordance with established traditions, to pray and worship as they see fit.
There are many tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. Among these the most attractive for tourists are:
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque is considered one the most stunning religious and architectural landmarks in Abu Dhabi today. It is one of the most significant architectural masterpieces in the UAE today and one of the most innovative and beautiful spots in the world. It was built on an initiative of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who is the father and founder of the United Arab Emirates.
The mosque, known among Abu Dhabi residents as the Grand Mosque, is considered as an evolutionary landmark with a global touch in terms of design and architectural material brought from almost all over the world including Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, Iran, China, Greece and, of course, UAE. The best quality of natural material and fabrics were used to build and decorate the mosque such as marble, stone, gold, precious stones, crystal and ceramic.
Emirates Palace:
A state-of-the-art hotel managed Kempinski, Emirates Palace is perhaps the most expensive hotel in the world. The Government of Abu Dhabi has spent around $3 billion to build the hotel. Many people mistake it for a presidential palace. Emirates Palace comprises 400 rooms and suites. Most of its interior designs are made of marble and pure gold. Several classical music and ballet dance concerts were organized in the Conference Hall of the Emirates Palace soon after it was opened. Emirates Palace is situated near ADNOC complex at a short distance from the Marina Mall. Visitors heading from t he city or the Corniche towards the Heritage Village or the Marina Mall will not miss the chance of having a glimpse of this magnificent edifice.
Al Maqta Fort:
This is a 200 year fort that can be viewed when you come close to the Maqta Bridge inbound to Abu Dhabi. The fort was used as a protective shield against robbery raids at that time. In view of its value in the history of the Emirate, the fort, like most of the other forts in the country, has been renovated in recent years.
Heritage Village (Front water, Abu Dhabi City):
Any visit to Abu Dhabi is incomplete if it does not include the superb Heritage Village that overlooks the Abu Dhabi Corniche, near the Breakwater, at a short distance from the enormous Marina Mall. At the Heritage Village, the visitors will have a glimpse of the way of life of Abu Dhabi beduins of the past where they can see object that showcase the traditional desert camps such as the tents made of goat hair, in addition to the burner and Arabic coffee dallahs. The Heritage Village shows the techniques used in extracting water from old wells and irrigation systems, in addition to mud homes, old fishing villages and old bazaars.
What is interesting is that the Heritage Village has a number of workshops for old industries as such metallic tools, pottery and sewing where the craftsmen allow the visitors to try their ability to do the job. There is also a spice shop in the village offering spices of all tastes to the visitors. Additionally, a mini souvenir shop sells handicrafts. While touring the village, the visitor can pass by a mini museum exhibiting traditional industries tools such as diving equipment, jewelry, weapons, coffee pots and many more.
Photography is allowed in the village and visitors are advised to take their cameras with them to record their memories with the sociable craftsmen with the heritage components on the background. They can also take photographs with camels or horses.
There are also many other spots that worth visiting such as the Ferrari World where the largest indoor theme park and the Yas Circuit which hosts Formula 1 race. The Falcon Hospital, the old forts in Al Ain City and the Western Region as well as the nature resorts that are home for rare animal species are among the other spots in Abu Dhabi.
Some of Dubai most attractive landmarks are:
Khalifa Tower:
Khalifa tower, opened in 2010, is a high-rise skyscraper that will be the tallest in the world. Khalifa tower, through its advance design configurations, which combines a small town within its internal structure, considered the masterpiece of the city of Dubai in the new Dubai
Burj Al Arab:
In addition to being famous tourist attractions in the region, Burj Al Arab has become a symbol of Dubai. Burj Al Arab has established new standards of excellence in the hotel sector by employing Arabian designs. It has since opening in 1999, strong presence through its external wonderful prospective design.
Dubai Marina (Dubai sea front):
Created to be the largest industrial Marina in the world. It is located near new Dubai center and links Jebel Ali port, Dubai internet city, Dubai media city and the American University in Dubai.
Dubai metro:
Network of driverless metro which was meant to be the largest of it is kind in the world and will internally link Dubai which hosts 15 million visitors annually by 2010.
Atlantis:
Al Nakhlah Atlantis is a resort inspired by the ocean and comprises 1,539 rooms located in the middle of the artificial Jumeirah palm island. This 1.5 billion ADH project was co-developed with a governmental investment company. The resort which due for opening in 2009 occupies an area of 46 hectares with 17 extra hectares for the marine attraction amusement water park that attract several top chiefs such as Nebo , Giorgio Le cattily, Santé Santa Maria and Michel Rostange. Al Nakhlah Atlantis will offer an unprecedented recreational which comprises an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and comprehensive meeting and conference services. It will host the largest open habitat for marine animals in the world together with over 65.000 marine animals in the shallow water lakes and maze of under water corridors and ports which provides a journey through old Atlantis.
Some of Sharjah main landmarks:
Al Qasba
Al Qasba is one of the most attractive recreational destinations with many tourist landmarks in the Emirate of Sharjah. It is a water canal covering an area of 1000 meters and links Khalid and Al Khan lagoons. The two banks of the canal accommodate many fashionable restaurants and caf & eacute;s combing the art of both traditional and modern architecture. Additionally, there are many other recreational outlets such as multiple types of kid & #39; games. There is also the Al Qasba Theatre with a capacity of 300 audiences. The stage hosts diverse musical concerts and plays. Exhibitions and a host of activities are also organized by local cultural and educational bodies in an area measuring 1500 square meters specially allocated for this purpose, where works of artists in the field of painting and folklore art is exhibited.
Eye of the Emirates Wheel:
This is one of the main attractions of Al Qasba. First of its kind in the region, the wheel is 60 meter high and contains 42 air conditioned cabins. Passengers can enjoy a glimpse of the most amazing views of Sharjah and Dubai emirates.
Sharjah Aquarium world:
A rich colorful, diverse and live underwater world home over 250 different species of local marine creatures including small and big sized clown fish, seahorse, eel, rays and the reef shark. A journey where one explores underwater small and big marine creatures in rock pools, reefs, artificial lakes and mangroves.
Arabian Peninsula Animal center:
Arabian Peninsula animal center which was opened in 1999 considered an important educational and scientific landmark as well as a new tourist attraction. Beside cultural and scientific information, the center provides recreation trip, pleasure, comfort, and entertainment.The center is home to Arabian Peninsula contemporary and endangered animals as well as several other species where it provides ideal natural environment. The center, which is an extension to natural desert park, cost over 42 million AED and home for the gulf and Arabian Peninsula animals such as Amphibians, fishes, insects, spiders, scorpions, wild birds, Arabian Oryx, mountain deer, bats and the nocturnal animals such as Indian mongoose and jackal which found in Liwa area together with sneaks and lizards as well as wild animals such as cats, Arabian wolf, cheetah, Arabian leopard, hyenas, and many more.
Ajman Musem:
This fort was the presidential and political authority headquarters and the frontline. The fort is supported in safeguarding the Emirate by the towers spread in around the Emirate.
This proudly standing historical landmark is a record of the deep-rooted heritage of the ancestors. It was a noble gesture of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Ajman to have given the fort as a gift to the people of the UAE when he issued a decision to transform it into a comprehensive museum to become home to archaeological artifacts, handcrafts and components of social life of the past. The aim is to introduce the ancestors’ history, life style and hardships they experienced to make a living to today s generation.
Among the landmarks of RAK are Khatt area where we find hot water springs and Nakheel area which was a summer holiday destination for all UAE people in the past.In the Emirate of RAK we find old forts and castles such as Fort Dhaya, The Al Zabba' Palace, Julfar city remains and Julfar valley. The Emirate also has surveillance towers along the coastal line. In addition, there are also old houses and villages built in the old traditional design that depicts the richness of the land and deep roots of the people.
RAK is famous for much important historical archaeology which is linked to many events of its regional history and played an important role in the formulation of its development and future.
RAK strategic location, mild weather all year round, long coastal beaches, the nearby mountains and hills, Khatt resort and number of first class hotels makes RAK a tourist attraction.
Dreamland is the largest and biggest tourist project which occupies (200,000 ms) along Umm Al Quwain beach considered a large recreational resort and home for the biggest water games.
Seniah Island is considered one of the biggest tourist islands in the region with a total area of 90 km square which attracts tourist to enjoy the green nature which attracts seagulls, heron, rabbits, wild deer as well as some early Islam archaeological sites.
Fujairah with its clear waters and diverse marine creatures is top water sports, diving and fishing attraction. For adventurers, Fujairah provides mountain driving and climbing high mountains and scattered valleys.
Wareea valley is one of the top tourist attractions which are located 45 km north of town. Wareea purified water falls all year round offers a magnificent natural scene Massafi waterfalls which flows into Fujairah most beautiful Siji valley considered a top tourist attraction.
RAK is famous for much important historical archaeology which is linked to many events of its regional history and played an important role in the formulation of its development and future. RAK strategic location, mild weather all year round, long costal beaches, the nearby mountains and hills, Khatt resort and number of first class hotels makes RAK a tourist attraction.
Information Courtesy Of www.ncta.gov.ae
