The United Arab Emirates is a modern and dynamic country immersed in culture and history, a fascinating place where traditionalism meets modernism and technology is integrated with traditional values. The UAE is also one of the richest countries in the entire Middle East, and this makes it a unique place to enjoy a luxury vacation.
There are actually a lot more than 7 reasons why you should visit the United Arab Emirates, but we decided to pick the best or at least our personal favorites.
1. There Are 7 Emirates In The United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi (which also serves as the capital) Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al Quwain. The largest emirate, Abu Dhabi, is nearly 90% of the UAE’s land mass – over 67,000 km squared (26,000 sq. miles). It and splashy Dubai are the best known. The smallest emirate – Ajman – would fit into Abu Dhabi 25 times. Saudi Arabia surrounds the UAE to the west, south, and south-east, with Oman on the south-east and northeast, and the remaining border is a 650 km (400 mile) coast along the Persian Gulf. The emirates’ largest natural harbor and cruise port is at Dubai.
About 10 million people live in the UAE. Only 1/10th of those are Emirati citizens and the rest are expatriates; laborers and domestic workers from mostly 3rd world countries, and some business expats from the West.
2. It Has The Tallest Skyscraper In The World
Even in a region known for surreal cities of glass and steel sprouting out of the desert that surrounds them, the Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower) stands alone. Inspired by traditional regional architecture, this megatall skyscraper tops out at 829.8 meters (that’s 2722 feet). Imagine this: it’s so high above the earth that, standing on higher floors of the tower, you can still see the sun for a couple of minutes AFTER it has set at ground level.
The Burj Khalifa has blown away dozens of world records, including tallest structure, tallest structure ever built, building with the most floors, highest elevator, highest outdoor observation deck, highest nightclub, and highest restaurant. It’s the centerpiece of a massive mixed use development that includes an artificial lake and parkland fed by water from the vast air conditioning units of the tower. You simply will not get a more spectacular view over Dubai than from the tower.
3. Dubai Has A Thriving Foodie Scene
With such a diverse and international population, there is a spectacular range of food styles available in the city. With hundreds of Arab, Persian, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, French, Japanese, Chinese, British and American restaurants – both humble and high-end – there’s something for everyone and every craving. Throw in the array of food festivals that happen throughout the year and the stream of pop-up eateries and it’s no wonder expats talk about newcomers putting on weight, aka the ‘Dubai stone’.
4. And The World’s Largest Artificial Island
Hotels, resorts and hotel residences in this spectacular setting include: The Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort, St. Regis Hotel – The Palm, Kempinski Hotel & Residences, Sofitel Dubai, The Palm Resort & Spa, The Langham, Palm Jumeirah, Waldorf Astoria, Dubai Palm Jumeirah, W Hotel, Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai, and dozens of independent properties. There is no other hotel / resort destination in the world like the Palm Jumeirah.
5. And The Largest Man-Made Marina
The man-made Dubai Marina is built along a 3 km (2 mile) stretch of shoreline on the Persian Gulf. This artificial canal city is said to be inspired by Concord Pacific Place along False Creek in Vancouver. When complete, it will overtake the current world’s largest man-made Marina del Rey in California and be home to over a hundred thousand people in its residential towers.
Dubai Marina is a completely new waterfront. Engineers brought the waters of the Gulf into the site of the man-made marina. A large central waterway runs the 3 km length of the site; marine wildlife, including whales, are known to travel inland from the open sea into the marina. The waterways of the marina are complemented by 8 km of landscaped public space. 12% of the land surface of the Dubai Marina is devoted to public space. You may not think of a desert country as a place to go to the beach, but places like Dubai Marina do give you the opportunity to swim in the local waters. (Carefully check and follow designated areas to avoid breaking strict public dress codes).
6. YOU CAN GO SKIING IN THE DESERT
Yes, you read that correctly. And no, we’re not talking about sand skiing despite the location in the middle of the Arabian Desert. Dubai is a city where anything is possible – even skiing in the snow. At 85 meters high and 22,500 square meters, Dubai’s five slope indoor ski resort also boasts the world’s first 400-meter-long indoor black run.
7. But The Emirates Aren’t Just Ultra-Modern Cities
There is still Nature in the Emirates. Outside the futuristic, man-made environments of the UAE’s cities, are vast deserts with rolling sand dunes, oases that provide water for settlements, and grow date palms, acacia and eucalyptus trees. The desert itself is not barren; grasses and thorn bushes continue to su.
