United Arab Emirates :
Practical Information about United Arab Emirates

Where to go in UAE

Sharjah
Abu Dhabi
Dubai

Practical Information about United Arab Emirates:

Visas: With the exception of residents of Germany, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, South Korea, Hong Kong, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Vatican City and the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, visitors must obtain a tourist visa through a hotel, airline, organization or resident of the United Arab Emirates.

Currency: Dirham (DHS), which is linked to the US dollar. US$1 converts to approximately Dh3.67.

Dress code: No restrictions are imposed on tourists, but modest dress is recommended for public places

Time difference: GMT + 4 hours

Dialing code: 971 -

Climate: UAE has a dry subtropical climate and rain is very rare. The hottest months are between June and September - the temperature often tops 45°C during the day and the humidity is very high. The temperature of the ocean can reach 37°C at the hottest part of the summer. Hotel pools are cooled in the summer and heated in the winter. October, November and April offer more reasonable temperatures of between 30°C and 35°C, but the best months are from December to March, when the average temperature is 24°C.

Sharjah:

Whilst many travellers to Sharjah pass through the Emirate on their way to Dubai we would recommend you take a few days and sample the many cultural and historical delights on offer. With 20 museums, a wildlife centre, desert park, cinemas, a bowling alley, skating rink, shooting club, fun parks, camel racing, dhow trips, dune driving and not to forget the fabulous beaches and diving areas there is something for everyone to enjoy.

We recommend:

With over 300,000 visitors each year the Sharjah Desert Park is one of the most popular and highly recommended attractions in the UAE. Situated just 28K from the city centre its a great day out with cafes and picnic facilities available, the park is separated into 4 areas; the Natural History & Botanical Museums (see below for details), Childrens Farm and Wildlife Centre.

Bored of shopping? The Sahara Centre also includes a Bowling Alley and Ice Rink. Or check out the latest movies at the cinemas in the Mega Mall, Sahara Centre and Grand Buheirah.

The East Coast offers the best beaches and diving areas, with it’s clear waters you can see turtles, sharks, moray eels, tropical fish and beautiful coral reefs.

Sharjah has a wealth of museums celebrating its social history, archaeology, Arab & Islamic society, science and its aviation and maritime history.

We recommend:

Sharjah Archeaology Museum. Open Monday – Thursday & Saturday 0900 to 1300, then 1700 to 2000, Fridays 1700-2000. Closed Sundays.

Entry prices Adult 5Dhs, Family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) 10Dhs. Guided tours are provided free of charge.

User friendly computer displays in each hall provide interesting information on items from the earliest archeological digs in Sharjah, all displayed in chronological order. A great museum for children with interactive games.

Sharjah Art Museum. Open Sat, Sun, Tues, Wed & Thurs 0900-1300, then 1700-2000, Fridays 1700-2000, closed Mondays.
This is the largest art museum in the gulf region and includes a permanent collection of oriental art in addition to visiting exhibitions and regular displays of contemporary Arabian art.

Sharjah Discovery Centre. Open Sunday to Thursday 0800-1430, Friday & Saturday 1530-2030.
Entry prices Adult 5Dhs, Children 4Dhs, Family Ticket (2 adults & 3 children) 15Dhs. Guided tours are available free of charge.

The first interactive “hands on” museum for children in the UAE, this museum presents the latest technology and science in an entertaining way to keep all visitors both amused and educated. Trained staff are available in each hall to explain the various exhibits.

Sharjah Science Museum. Open Sunday to Thursday 0900-1400, Friday & Saturday 1530-2030.

Entry prices Adult 3Dhs, Children 1 Dhs, Family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) 8Dhs,

50 interactive exhibits will keep the whole family amused in this modern museum which also holds daily demonstrations in the main hall and it’s Planetarium.

Al Mahatta Aviation Museum. Open Sunday to Thursday 0800-2000, Friday 1600-2000, closed Saturdays.

Entry prices Adults 5Dhs, Family Ticket (2 adults & 3 children) 10Dhs. Guided tours are provided free of charge.
Back in 1930 Sharjah was the first airport in the Arabian Gulf and the original airport (in use until 1970) is the setting for Sharjah’s exhibition of vintage aircraft & navigation equipment and photographs of the building’s history. The museum also has an exhibition of the history of flight from the first known bird to the space rocket.

Sharjah Natural History Museum. Open Sunday to Thursday 0900-1730, Friday 1400-1730, Saturday 1100-1730, closed Tuesdays.

Entry prices Adults 15Dhs, Children free. Guided tours are available free of charge.

Did you know that the UAE was actually located in the South Pole at one time? This is a great museum for anyone interested in geological exhibits such as the oldest rock in the world, fossils of raindrops and fossilised dinosaur bones. The botany hall houses 130 recorded species and there are extensive displays featuring the environment, marine life and of course the development of Sharjah through aerial photographs taken between 1935 and 1994. Learn about continental shifts, volcanos, comets, solar systems and other galaxies. Well worth a visit, both fun and educational for all ages.

Sharjah Heritage Area
7 museums are housed within the traditional buildings of Sharjah’s Old Town, guided tours are provided free of charge, all are open Sunday to Thursday 0800 to 2000, Fridays 1600-2000, closed Saturdays.

If you have the time to visit more than one of the museums we recommend you buy a Multi-Museum ticket for 20Dhs.

Al-Naboodah House, built in 1845 and probably the oldest one in Sharjah still in existence today.This family house belonged to 'Obaid bin Eisa Al-Naboodah' a wealthy pearl merchant and features typical Arabian Gulf Architecture.

Sharjah Heritage Museum features several rooms with different themes, exhibiting traditional jewellery, costumes and artifacts.

Sharjah Hisn is the traditional residence of the ruling family of Sharkah, built nearly 200 years ago it’s displays cover the history of Sharjah.

Majilis Al Midfaa has a spectacular round tower, unique within the UAE

Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Yousef is a classic Arabian family house, featuring architectural elements from Bahrain.

Al Eslah School Museum features traditional classrooms and educational tools from Sharjah’s history.

Sharjah Calligraphy Museum displays classic Islamic texts and calligraphy.

Book a hotel

Abu Dhabi:
Abu Dhabi is the home of the UAE ruling family and a centre for oil business. We recommend you take time out to explore the lovely capital of UAE on an organized tour and ensure you include a visit to the grand Al Husn Palace.

At the Abu Dhabi Corniche, admire the placid waters kissing the horizon, offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Further on, take a look at traditional Heritage Village where local culture and tradition is displayed.

Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club is the organizing body for local and international water sports events, including jet-ski races, powerboat events and other traditional water sports. Although entry is exclusive for members and their guests, you can still see their events from the breakwater or the corniche. Luxury yachts and jet-ski’s can be seen docked near the breakwater.
Take in the spectacular city and sea views from the Breakwater, located near the Marina Mall. Reclaimed lands connected by a causeway to the cornice, the walkways are an extension of the cornice project. A beautiful place to sit and feel the cool breeze, especially during sunset.

Emirates Palace is an Abu Dhabi landmark and one of the most luxurious hotels in the Emirates. 300 rooms with a 1.3 stretch of private beach for guests, beautiful exterior……and a real treat is you are lucky enough to stay there.

The world’s second tallest Flagpole (unsupported) of 123M height can be found in Abu Dhabi. This was a record holder until Jordan erected their own flagpole which is 3M higher. The Abu Dhabi flagpole welcomes visitors to Abu Dhabi, located near the Marina Mall and the Sports Club.
Finally, visit the Dhow yard, where traditional boats are built using a method that is centuries old.

Abu Dhabi airport is an architectural wonder, a unique design which some have compared to a space ship. Inside, the passenger terminal atrium is covered with blue-tiles, and don’t forget to stock up at the Abu Dhabi Duty Free before you leave.

Dubai :

Festivals and events:
Between sunrise and sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public are forbidden.

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is held once a year. A variety of activities take place across the emirate, especially in shopping centers where consumers can win kilos of gold or luxury cars in raffles.

Dubai Summer Surprises, a series of commercial and cultural events and entertainment was created to attract visitors during the slow season.

The Dubai Air Show is one of the biggest in the world and it takes place every second November.

Activities in Dubai:
Golf enthusiasts can hone their skills at the Emirates Golf Club, which hosts the prestigious PGA Desert Classic, or at the Dubai Creek Golf Club in the heart of the city. Water sports take place on the beaches of the larger hotels or at private clubs. You can enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise on the ocean or along the Creek. 4x4 safaris are a great way to discover the beauty of the desert and, at the end of the day, to enjoy a buffet at a desert camp.

As Dubai is developing itself as a tourism destination, the hotel industry has grown considerably over the last decade. There are over 500 lodging establishments in Dubai and the Burj Al Arab tops the list. Billed as a ‘7 star’ hotel, its unique architecture is based on the curve of a wind-filled sail. The hotel is on an artificial island in the Arabian Gulf and, at 321 meters, it is the tallest hotel in the world. The Burj Al Arab has come to symbolize Dubai.

Of similarly high standards, Al Maha Resort is set inside 225 square kilometers of nature reserve in the middle of the desert. The guest accommodations consist of 30 luxurious Bedouin tent-themed suites, each with its own swimming pool.

The Jumeirah hotel group includes Al Qasr, Mina A' Salaam, Jumeirah Emirates Towers and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, most of which offer beaches and gardens along the shore. Al Qasr and Mina A' Salaam are considered masterpieces of Arab and Islamic architecture that incorporate the latest technology. Jumeirah Emirates Towers includes one of the region’s best-known business hotels. Jumeirah Beach, uniquely shaped like a breaking wave, has wonderful beaches and gardens and is located next to Wild Wadi, one of the world’s biggest water-based theme parks.

Must-sees in Dubai:
Dubai Museum traces the city’s growth with ingenious multi-media displays. The crafts, the ecology, the lives of sailors and pearl divers are presented in innovative ways. The Gold Souq is impressive for the sheer quantity of jewellery on display in the more than 200 shops. Not far from here is the Spice Souq, which merits a visit for its tremendous variety and exotic aromas.

A trip on an abra, one of the small wooden motorboats that ferries people across Dubai Creek, is a wonderful way to discover the emirate’s traditional charms. These include the Heritage Village, a great venue for traditional handicrafts in the making, and the dhows that transport goods to neighboring countries.

Book a hotel