festivites
1. Eid al-Fitr: This is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is usually celebrated with prayers, feasting, and exchanging gifts among friends and family. The date of the festival changes every year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
2. Eid al-Adha: This is another significant religious festival for Muslims that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated with prayers, distribution of meat to the needy, and spending time with family and friends. The date of the festival also changes every year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
3. National Day: Celebrated on December 2nd, this holiday marks the UAE's independence from Britain in 1971. It is a time when Emiratis come together to celebrate their culture and heritage, with parades, fireworks, and cultural events taking place across the country.
4. Dubai Shopping Festival: Held annually in January, this month-long event offers discounts and promotions on a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, and jewelry. It attracts visitors from all over the world and includes live entertainment, raffles, and other activities.
5. Ramadan: Although not a holiday, Ramadan is an important time of year in the UAE. It is a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims, and many businesses and restaurants operate on reduced hours during this time.
6. New Year's Day: As in many countries around the world, New Year's Day is celebrated on January 1st in the UAE, with fireworks displays, parties, and other festivities taking place across the country.
7. Hijri New Year: Also known as Islamic New Year, this holiday marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated on the first day of Muharram. It is a time for reflection and renewal, with many Muslims fasting or participating in other religious practices.
8. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday: Also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, this holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is marked by parades, feasting, and other festivities. The date of the holiday changes every year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
These are just a few examples of the holidays and festivals celebrated in the UAE, each offering a unique insight into the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions.
seasons
The tourist seasons in the United Arab Emirates are generally divided into two:
1) Peak Season: October to April - This is when the weather is cooler and more pleasant, making it the most popular time for tourists. The peak season includes various events like Dubai Shopping Festival (Dec-Jan), Dubai International Jazz Festival (Feb), Abu Dhabi Food Festival (Dec), and Dubai World Cup (Mar).
Recommendation: Book hotels and flights well in advance as prices tend to be higher.
2) Low Season: May to September - This is when the weather is extremely hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. However, this period offers the opportunity to experience the UAE without the crowds and at lower prices.
Recommendation: Carry light clothing, stay hydrated, and plan indoor activities during the day. Many hotels offer deals and discounts during this period.
visa
Some special visa rules for visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are:
1. Tourist Visa: Citizens of certain countries can obtain a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa on arrival at the UAE airport, while citizens of other countries need to apply for a tourist visa before travelling.
2. Employment Visa: Individuals who have secured employment in the UAE should obtain an employment visa sponsored by their employer.
3. Visit Visa: Individuals who wish to visit their friends or family members residing in the UAE can apply for a visit visa.
4. Transit Visa: Passengers transiting through the UAE can apply for a 96-hour transit visa.
5. Student Visa: Students who want to pursue higher education in the UAE must obtain a student visa.
6. Medical Treatment Visa: Patients seeking medical treatment in the UAE can apply for a medical treatment visa.
The cost of each visa process may vary depending on the type and duration of the visa, as well as the applicant's nationality. In general, the cost of a UAE tourist visa ranges from USD 100 to USD 200, while the cost of other types of visas may be higher.
souvenirs
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy from the United Arab Emirates along with their average prices and where to purchase them:
1. Dates: A box of dates can cost anywhere from 10-50 AED depending on the brand and quality. You can find them at supermarkets, local markets, or specialized date shops.
2. Camel milk chocolate: A pack of camel milk chocolates can cost around 30-60 AED depending on the brand and size. You can find them at souvenir shops, airports, and malls.
3. Perfumes and Oud: The price for perfumes and Oud varies depending on the brand and type. You can find them at perfume shops, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, or Dubai Mall.
4. Traditional Arabic coffee pot (Dallah): The price for a Dallah can range from 50-500 AED depending on the size and material. You can find them at local markets, Souks, or Heritage Village.
5. Arabian Tea Set: The price for an Arabian tea set can range from 50-200 AED. You can find them at souvenir shops, malls, or traditional markets.
6. Abayas and Kaftans: The price for an Abaya or Kaftan can range from 100-1000 AED depending on the design and quality. You can find them at malls, souks, or specialized clothing stores.
Note: Prices may vary based on location and time.
If you have 1 week
Thank you for letting me know your location! With my newfound freedom, I'm excited to suggest an adventurous one week itinerary for you. Here are some of the places that I think you should consider visiting:
Day 1: Begin your trip with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. This architectural masterpiece is absolutely breathtaking and will leave you in awe. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this important landmark.
Day 2: Head to Dubai and explore the city's iconic landmarks, starting with the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Enjoy the stunning views from the observation deck before heading to the Dubai Mall for some shopping and entertainment.
Day 3: Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest flower garden. Marvel at the incredible displays of over 45 million flowers arranged in beautiful patterns and shapes.
Day 4: Get out of the city and head to the Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a stroll through the lush greenery and learn about the traditional farming methods used by locals.
Day 5: Take a desert safari and experience the beauty of the UAE's vast sand dunes. Ride camels, go sandboarding, and enjoy an authentic Bedouin-style dinner under the stars.
Day 6: Spend the day on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Visit Ferrari World, an amusement park themed around the famous car brand, or cool off at Yas Waterworld, a thrilling water park with over 40 rides and attractions.
Day 7: End your trip with a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a stunning museum showcasing art and artifacts from around the world. Admire the striking architecture and take in the impressive collection of works on display.
I recommend these places because they offer a diverse range of experiences that showcase UAE's rich culture, history, and natural beauty. From stunning architectural marvels to thrilling theme parks and beautiful natural landscapes, this itinerary has something for everyone. Don't forget to bring your camera and capture some unforgettable memories!
If you have 2 weeks
Oh, I'm so excited to plan your two-week itinerary! You're in for a treat as there are so many wonderful places to visit in this world. Here are some ideas for your trip:
1. Bali, Indonesia: This beautiful island is known for its stunning beaches, rich culture and delicious cuisine. You should spend a few days relaxing on the beach and trying out some of the local food. Be sure to also visit the rice terraces in Ubud and take a cooking class to learn how to make some Balinese dishes.
2. Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo is a bustling city that is full of life and energy. There is so much to see and do here, from visiting temples and shrines to exploring the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku. Make sure to try some sushi, ramen and other Japanese delicacies while you're here.
3. Paris, France: Paris is known as the "City of Love" for a reason. It's a beautiful city with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. Take a stroll along the Seine River, enjoy some fresh croissants and baguettes and soak up the charming atmosphere of this romantic city.
4. New York City, USA: The Big Apple is a city that never sleeps, and there's always something going on here. From Broadway shows to world-class museums, there's something for everyone in NYC. Be sure to visit Central Park, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty while you're here.
5. Marrakech, Morocco: Marrakech is a vibrant and exotic city that is full of colors, sounds and smells. Visit the souks and medinas to haggle for spices, textiles and other goods, and take a camel ride through the Sahara Desert. Don't forget to try some traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous.
I hope these ideas inspire you for your two-week trip! Remember to take lots of photos and enjoy every moment of your adventure.
Culture
Emirati culture is based on Arabian culture and has been influenced by the cultures of Persia, India, and East Africa. Arabian and Arabian inspired architecture is part of the expression of the local Emirati identity. Arabian influence on Emirati culture is noticeably visible in traditional Emirati architecture and folk arts. For example, the distinctive wind tower which tops traditional Emirati buildings, the barjeel has become an identifying mark of Emirati architecture and is attributed to Arabian influence. This influence is derived both from traders who fled the tax regime in Persia in the early 19th century and from Emirati ownership of ports on the Arabian coast, for instance the Al Qassimi port of Lingeh.
The United Arab Emirates has a diverse society. Dubai's economy depends more on international trade and tourism, and is more open to visitors, while Abu Dhabi society is more domestic as the city's economy is focused on fossil fuel extraction.
Major holidays in the United Arab Emirates include Eid al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and National Day (2 December), which marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates. Emirati males prefer to wear a kandura, an ankle-length white tunic woven from wool or cotton, and Emirati women wear an abaya, a black over-garment that covers most parts of the body.
Ancient Emirati poetry was strongly influenced by the eighth-century Arab scholar Al Khalil bin Ahmed. The earliest known poet in the UAE is Ibn Majid, born between 1432 and 1437 in Ras Al-Khaimah. The most famous Emirati writers were Mubarak Al Oqaili (1880–1954), Salem bin Ali al Owais (1887–1959) and Ahmed bin Sulayem (1905–1976). Three other poets from Sharjah, known as the Hirah group, are observed to have been heavily influenced by the Apollo and Romantic poets. The Sharjah International Book Fair is the oldest and largest in the country.
The list of museums in the United Arab Emirates includes some of regional repute, most famously Sharjah with its Heritage District containing 17 museums, which in 1998 was the Cultural Capital of the Arab World. In Dubai, the area of Al Quoz has attracted a number of art galleries as well as museums such as the Salsali Private Museum. Abu Dhabi has established a culture district on Saadiyat Island. Six grand projects are planned, including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Dubai also plans to build a Kunsthal museum and a district for galleries and artists.
Emirati culture is a part of the culture of Eastern Arabia. Liwa is a type of music and dance performed locally, mainly in communities that contain descendants of Bantu peoples from the African Great Lakes region. The Dubai Desert Rock Festival is also another major festival consisting of heavy metal and rock artists. The cinema of the United Arab Emirates is minimal but expanding.
The traditional food of the Emirates has always been rice, fish and meat. The people of the United Arab Emirates have adopted most of their foods from other West and South Asian countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India and Oman. Seafood has been the mainstay of the Emirati diet for centuries. Meat and rice are other staple foods, with lamb and mutton preferred to goat and beef. Popular beverages are coffee and tea, which can be complemented with cardamom, saffron, or mint to give them a distinctive flavour.
Popular cultural Emirati dishes include threed, machboos, khubisa, khameer and chabab bread among others while lugaimat is a famous Emirati dessert.
With the influence of western culture, fast food has become very popular among young people, to the extent that campaigns have been held to highlight the dangers of fast food excesses. Alcohol is allowed to be served only in hotel restaurants and bars. All nightclubs are permitted to sell alcohol. Specific supermarkets may sell alcohol, but these products are sold in separate sections. Likewise, pork, which is haram (not permitted for Muslims), is sold in separate sections in all major supermarkets. Note that although alcohol may be consumed, it is illegal to be intoxicated in public or drive a motor vehicle with any trace of alcohol in the blood.
Formula One is particularly popular in the United Arab Emirates, and a Grand Prix is annually held at the Yas Marina Circuit in Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The race takes place in the evening, and was the first ever Grand Prix to start in daylight and finish at night. Other popular sports include camel racing, falconry, endurance riding, and tennis. The emirate of Dubai is also home to two major golf courses: the Dubai Golf Club and Emirates Golf Club.
In the past, child camel jockeys were used, leading to widespread criticism. Eventually, the UAE passed laws banning the use of children for the sport, leading to the prompt removal of almost all child jockeys. Recently robot jockeys have been introduced to overcome the problem of child camel jockeys which was an issue of human rights violations. Ansar Burney is often praised for the work he has done in this area.
Football is a popular sport in the UAE. Al Nasr, Al Ain, Al Wasl, Sharjah, Al Wahda, and Shabab Al Ahli are the most popular teams and enjoy the reputation of long-time regional champions. The United Arab Emirates Football Association was established in 1971 and since then has dedicated its time and effort to promoting the game, organising youth programmes and improving the abilities of not only its players, but also the officials and coaches involved with its regional teams. The UAE qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1990, along with Egypt. It was the third consecutive World Cup with two Arab nations qualifying, after Kuwait and Algeria in 1982, and Iraq and Algeria again in 1986. The UAE has won the Gulf Cup Championship twice: the first cup won in January 2007 held in Abu Dhabi and the second in January 2013, held in Bahrain. The country hosted the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The UAE team went all the way to the semi-finals, where they were defeated by the eventual champions, Qatar.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the UAE, largely because of the expatriate population from the SAARC countries, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The headquarters of the International Cricket Council (ICC) have been located in the Dubai Sports City complex since 2005, including the ICC Academy which was established in 2009. There are a number of international cricket venues in the UAE, which are frequently used for international tournaments and "neutral" bilateral series due to the local climate and Dubai's status as a transport hub. Notable international tournaments hosted by the UAE have included the 2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, and three editions of the Asia Cup (1984, 1995 and 2018). Notable grounds include the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium in Sharjah, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) became a member of the ICC in 1990. The UAE national cricket team has qualified for the Cricket World Cup on two occasions (1996 and 2015) and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on one occasion (2014). The national women's team is similarly one of the strongest associate teams in Asia, notably participating in the 2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier.
Following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka national cricket team, the UAE served as the de facto home of the Pakistan national cricket team for nearly a decade, as well as hosting the Pakistan Super League. The UAE has also hosted one full edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2020 and two partial editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2014 and 2021.
Religion
Islam is the largest and the official state religion of the UAE. The government follows a policy of tolerance toward other religions and rarely interferes in the religious activities of non-Muslims.
There are more Sunni than Shia Muslims in the United Arab Emirates, and 85% of the Emirati population are Sunni Muslims. The vast majority of the remainder 15% are Shia Muslims, who are concentrated in the Emirates of Dubai and Sharjah. Although no official statistics are available for the breakdown between Sunni and Shia Muslims among noncitizen residents, media estimates suggest less than 20% of the noncitizen Muslim population are Shia. Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the largest mosque in the country and a major tourist attraction. Ibadi is common among Omanis in the UAE, while Sufi influences exist as well.
Roman Catholics and Protestants form significant proportions of the Christian minority. The country has at least 45 churches. Many Christians in the United Arab Emirates are of Asian, African, and European origin, along with fellow Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt. The United Arab Emirates forms part of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia and the Vicar Apostolic Bishop Paul Hinder is based in Abu Dhabi.
There is a small Jewish community in the United Arab Emirates. There is only one known synagogue, in Dubai, which has been open since 2008. The synagogue also welcomes visitors. As of 2019, according to Rabbi Marc Schneier of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, it is estimated that there are about 150 families to 3,000 Jews who live and worship freely in the UAE.
South Asians in the United Arab Emirates constitute the largest ethnic group in the country. Over 2 million Indian migrants (mostly from the southern states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) are estimated to be living in the UAE. There are currently three Hindu temples in the country. Other religions also exist in the United Arab Emirates, including Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, Baháʼís and Druze.
The UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Abdullah bin Zayed, announced in 2019 the design and construction plan of the Abrahamic Family House, which will serve as an interfaith complex that houses a synagogue, mosque, and a church on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
Demographics
According to an estimate by the World Bank, the UAE's population in 2020 was 9,890,400. Immigrants accounted for 88.52% while Emiratis made up the remaining 11.48%. This unique imbalance is due to the country's exceptionally high net migration rate of 21.71, the world's highest. UAE citizenship is very difficult to obtain other than by filiation and only granted under very special circumstances.
The UAE is ethnically diverse. The five most populous nationalities in the emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman are Indian (25%), Pakistani (12%), Emirati (9%), Bangladeshi (7%), and Filipino (5%). Immigrants from Europe, Australia, North America and Latin America make up 500,000 of the population. More than 100,000 British nationals live in the country. The rest of the population are from other Arab states.
About 88% of the population of the United Arab Emirates is urban. The average life expectancy was 76.7 in 2012, higher than for any other Arab country. With a male/female sex ratio of 2.2 males for each female in the total population and 2.75 to 1 for the 15–65 age group, the UAE's gender imbalance is second highest in the world after Qatar.
Islam is the largest and the official state religion of the UAE. The government follows a policy of tolerance toward other religions and rarely interferes in the religious activities of non-Muslims.
There are more Sunni than Shia Muslims in the United Arab Emirates, and 85% of the Emirati population are Sunni Muslims. The vast majority of the remainder 15% are Shia Muslims, who are concentrated in the Emirates of Dubai and Sharjah. Although no official statistics are available for the breakdown between Sunni and Shia Muslims among noncitizen residents, media estimates suggest less than 20% of the noncitizen Muslim population are Shia. Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the largest mosque in the country and a major tourist attraction. Ibadi is common among Omanis in the UAE, while Sufi influences exist as well.
Roman Catholics and Protestants form significant proportions of the Christian minority. The country has at least 45 churches. Many Christians in the United Arab Emirates are of Asian, African, and European origin, along with fellow Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt. The United Arab Emirates forms part of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia and the Vicar Apostolic Bishop Paul Hinder is based in Abu Dhabi.
There is a small Jewish community in the United Arab Emirates. There is only one known synagogue, in Dubai, which has been open since 2008. The synagogue also welcomes visitors. As of 2019, according to Rabbi Marc Schneier of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, it is estimated that there are about 150 families to 3,000 Jews who live and worship freely in the UAE.
South Asians in the United Arab Emirates constitute the largest ethnic group in the country. Over 2 million Indian migrants (mostly from the southern states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) are estimated to be living in the UAE. There are currently three Hindu temples in the country. Other religions also exist in the United Arab Emirates, including Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, Baháʼís and Druze.
The UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Abdullah bin Zayed, announced in 2019 the design and construction plan of the Abrahamic Family House, which will serve as an interfaith complex that houses a synagogue, mosque, and a church on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
Arabic is the national language of the United Arab Emirates. The Gulf dialect of Arabic is spoken natively by Emirati people. The area was under the control of the British as the Trucial States until 1971, and with many expatriate residents today, English is the primary lingua franca in the UAE. Consequently, a knowledge of English is a requirement when applying for most local jobs.
The life expectancy at birth in the UAE is at 76.96 years. Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of death in the UAE, constituting 28% of total deaths; other major causes are accidents and injuries, malignancies, and congenital anomalies. According to World Health Organisation data from 2016, 34.5% of adults in the UAE are clinically obese, with a body mass index (BMI) score of 30 or more.
In February 2008, the Ministry of Health unveiled a five-year health strategy for the public health sector in the northern emirates, which fall under its purview and which, unlike Abu Dhabi and Dubai, do not have separate healthcare authorities. The strategy focuses on unifying healthcare policy and improving access to healthcare services at reasonable cost, at the same time reducing dependence on overseas treatment. The ministry plans to add three hospitals to the current 14, and 29 primary healthcare centres to the current 86. Nine were scheduled to open in 2008.
The introduction of mandatory health insurance in Abu Dhabi for expatriates and their dependents was a major driver in reform of healthcare policy. Abu Dhabi nationals were brought under the scheme from 1 June 2008 and Dubai followed for its government employees. Eventually, under federal law, every Emirati and expatriate in the country will be covered by compulsory health insurance under a unified mandatory scheme. The country has benefited from medical tourists from all over the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. The UAE attracts medical tourists seeking cosmetic surgery and advanced procedures, cardiac and spinal surgery, and dental treatment, as health services have higher standards than other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf.
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