After the British withdrew from the Gulf in the 1970s, the United Arab Emirates was formed comprising seven sheikhdoms including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The landscape is similar to many other Arab countries: long stretches of desert alongside crystal clear beaches, the UAE embraces western ideals while retaining traditional values. Travellers coming off their flight to the UAE will be amazed to find a country that effortlessly blends old with new. Behind every gleaming shopping mall is an old souk and beyond its glitzy cities are ancient sites and old fishing villages waiting to be explored.
Before booking your UAE flight it’s important decide which emirate you want to stay in since hotel accommodation is usually booked months in advance. The “Vegas of the Middle East”, Dubai, offers visitors the best of everything – from shopping to eating out while Abu Dhabi’s beach resorts provide a more relaxing stay away from the crowds. Year-round both cities play host to a variety of world-renowned cultural and sporting events, most notably the Abu Dhabi Gold Championship, the Dubai World Cup and the Dubai Shopping Festival.
