United Arab Emirates self catering holidays A blend of Persian, Islamic and Arabic culture, sunshine and sophistication
Unuted Arab Emirates self catering holidays - a collection of 7 emirates that provide deserts, oases, mountains, valleys, salt plains, mangroves and white silky sand beaches. Before gaining independence in 1971 from the United Kingdom, the UAE was formerly known as the Trucial States that comprised 6 sheikhdoms on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. The sheikhdoms were Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. Ras al Khaimah joined the UAE in February 1972.
Most people think of the UAE as a winter sun holiday destination to Dubai or Abu Dhabi where you can spend lazy days on the stunning beaches, have fun in the waterparks or shop until you drop in the countless malls. However, the UAE has far more to offer. The country is rich is culture and tradition and whilst not evident from the tourist hotspots, one visit to one of the Burs (old towns) will take you to a place of bustling souks and street vendors selling everything imaginable.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Currency | United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) |
| 7 Emirates | ✔ |
| Population | c.10 million |
| Capital | Abu Dhabi |
| Language | Arabic with English widely spoken |
| Coastline | c. 1,400 kms |
| Number of islands | 53 |
| Highest mountain | Jebel Jais 1,934m |
| Hottest month | August - up to 50°C and very humid |
| Best time to visit | October to April |
Featured new developments
The UAE is an all year round destination with a subtropical climate with very hot summers and warm winters. From june to September, daytime temperatures can reach 45°C so the best time to visit is spring and autumn where 30°C is the norm. January and February are the coldest months and but even then, temperatures rarely drop below 20°C.
Featured Emirates
Things to see & do around the UAE
The Emirates within the UAE are packed with things to see and do for all ages throughout the year. Apart from the obvious watersports around the white silky sand beaches, the UAE offers a wide variety of activities from hiking in the northern mountains to amazing desert safaris.
| At few suggestions.... | |
|---|---|
| Explore Bur Dubai and its famous souks | ✔ |
| Ride the longest and fastest zipline in the world at Jebel Jais mountain | ✔ |
| Shop to you drop in Dubai Mall, the largest in the world | ✔ |
| See Dhayah Fort in Ras Al Khaimah | ✔ |
| RAK gaming resort in Ras Al Khaimah's Al Marjan opening early 2027 | ✔ |
| Scuba diving in Fujairah | ✔ |
| Try a camel safari from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah | ✔ |
| Visit the oasis of Liwa, 3 hours drive from Abu Dhabi | ✔ |
Events
There are many events held throughout the UAE during the year from major sports to cultural spectacles.
| Some suggestions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Formula 1 Grand Prix | Abu Dhabi | December |
| Watch the Gold Cup, Meydan Racecourse | Dubai | April |
| Rugby 7's | Dubai | December |
| Golf Desert Classic | Dubai | January |
| End of Ramadan Eid al Fitr | UAE | March |
| Bedouin Al Awafi Festival | Al Alin | Oct or Nov |
| Al Dhafra Festival | Al Dhafra | Dec to Jan |
| Sharjah Light Festival | Sharjah | Feb |
Our view on UAE holidays
Around 5 decades ago, the UAE was basically desert and mountains. These days, it has become one of the main tourist destinations in the world. Simply because of the amount of investment that has and still is, being injected into everything from the state-of-the-art infrastructure and retail to tourism and hospitality. Combined with the perfect blend of Persian, Islamic and Arabic culture, guaranteed sunshine and exceptional cuisine, we think a holiday in the UAE is definitely not to be missed.
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