Discover the United Arab Emirates, a nexus of distinctive emirates, from the palm-shaped islands of Dubai to arty Sharjah with its cultural heritage sites. Each emirate is an individual destination with its own distinctive history, attracting corporate and leisure guests the world over to experience the magic of the United Arab Emirates for themselves.
Nestled on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah is the emirate known as the nation’s cultural gem. It boasts the largest arts museum in the United Arab Emirates, the Sharjah Art Museum boasting 72 galleries spread over three floors.
The hustle and bustle of traditional Arabian shopping is never far away in the beautiful setting of Sharjah’s Souk area. The Fish Souk and Fruit and Vegetable Souk are a fantastic way to step into the local way of life.
Meanwhile, Sharjah’s Central Market, with its ornate blue tiling houses, has over 600 shops. These include jewellery, perfume, clothing, electronics, food and gift items, among many others.
Upstairs at the Central Market, also known as the Blue Market, sits a traditional Arabian bazaar where you can invest in antiques, Yemeni and Omani jewellery and other souvenirs and trinkets to take home with you.
The glittering lights of Dubai are world-renowned for their towering skyscrapers, extensive shopping malls and sprawling beach resorts. The city gracefully blends rich historic intrigue and forward-looking modernity, all embraced within the same vibrant emirate. Take a stroll to Old Dubai’s Bastakiya’s heritage art areas, where some of the city’s finest and oldest art galleries are housed. Further along you’ll find Dubai’s gold, spices and textiles souks for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of traditional shopping in Dubai.
The neighborhoods of Al Shindagha and Al Hamriya are nearby residential districts with several shopping complexes and foreign consulates. Al Shindagha is home to The Heritage Village, which transports back you to a wonderful era, celebrating Dubai’s traditions and rich desert heritage. Spend some time here and find out more about the traditional customs, professionals and local craftsmanship of this most captivating region.
The beautiful Emirate of Ajman in the northern part of UAE is hallmarked by its rows of pretty palm-lined beaches and the tranquil Corniche. It may be the smallest Emirate but that doesn’t hold Ajman back. It offers a picturesque retreat while boasting a fascinating museum and one of the last-remaining dhow-building yards. In recent years, it is fast becoming a business hub.
Take a cruise on a dhow, a traditional Arab sailing vessel, which lets you explore Ajman from the water. The tour covers significant heritage sites and points of interest, giving you a glimpse into the region’s rich and diverse history. On or off a dhow, places to visit include King Faisal Mosque, The Rulers’ Old Palace and The Natural History Museum. The busy Corniche is a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike in Ajman, offering a wealth of activities, including cycling, horseback riding and trekking. Alternatively, enjoy some time to yourself to watch the sun set over the stunning beaches.
The glittering lights of Dubai are world-renowned for their towering skyscrapers, extensive shopping malls and sprawling beach resorts. The city gracefully blends rich historic intrigue and forward-looking modernity, all embraced within the same vibrant emirate. Take a stroll to Old Dubai’s Bastakiya’s heritage art areas, where some of the city’s finest and oldest art galleries are housed. Further along you’ll find Dubai’s gold, spices and textiles souks for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of traditional shopping in Dubai.
The neighborhoods of Al Shindagha and Al Hamriya are nearby residential districts with several shopping complexes and foreign consulates. Al Shindagha is home to The Heritage Village, which transports back you to a wonderful era, celebrating Dubai’s traditions and rich desert heritage. Spend some time here and find out more about the traditional customs, professionals and local craftsmanship of this most captivating region.
