Holidays in the United Arab Emirates: useful information and features of the holiday. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates: holidays with children

People come to the UAE all year round to relax on clean sandy beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. Impeccable hotel service, affordable prices for tours and a variety of entertainment options - from shopping in the huge shopping centers of Dubai and diving in Fujairah to riding exclusive Ferrari models in Abu Dhabi and flying in hot air balloons and airplanes over the country.

A trip to the UAE is a journey to a land of dreams come true. It seems that nothing is impossible for the citizens of the Emirates - gardens bloom in the desert, islands grow in the sea, and the Ministry of Happiness takes care of the citizens. Magnificent airports, tall buildings with lush interior decoration, expensive cars on the roads, a diamond supermarket, a seven-star hotel, a ski resort and a zoo right in the middle of the desert, the glitter of gold... They don’t skimp here, but at the same time they know how to count money. It’s worth going to the UAE if only to see how a fairy tale becomes reality.

Skyscrapers in the desert and man-made islands

Palm Jumeirah, UAE. UAE.

As soon as oil was discovered in the country, the desert outback turned into a luxurious, ultra-modern country. In Dubai, there is the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the tallest building, which offers a crazy view. Before going up to the observation deck, admire the world's largest dancing fountain - it is an extravaganza of light, sound and water. The UAE has many skyscrapers, rivaling the concentration of Manhattan in New York. The famous man-made islands of Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali are clearly visible from a helicopter and even from space. You can get to them by monorail, taking many interesting photos along the way. Currently, another grandiose project is under construction - the Mir archipelago - a smaller copy of the planet.

Aquarium and underwater zoo in Dubai

The aquarium is located in the Dubai Mall and is amazing in size. Sharks swim within arm's reach of visitors! 33 thousand representatives of underwater fauna live here. Even penguins live in the Dubai indoor zoo, located on the desert sands. By the way, the premises are well air-conditioned, and the animals are carefully looked after.

An incredible range of entertainment

Ski resort SKI DUBAI, UAE. UAE.

The most fantastic thing you can do in a country where almost the entire territory is occupied by desert is skiing. The man-made indoor ski resort Ski Dubai will take you from the scorching sun to the light frost of the Alps in a couple of minutes. For those who prefer swimming, we recommend heading to the Aquaventure or Wild Wadi water parks. In the desert you can go sandboarding - ride a board through the dunes or go on a jeep safari. You can also jump with a parachute, see camel racing, hunt crabs under the cover of darkness, swim with sharks, play golf, fly in a hot air balloon or helicopter - perhaps there is no tourist whim that cannot be fulfilled in the UAE.

Dream shopping

In Dubai there is a shopping center where you can find absolutely everything: from pins to exclusive Ferrari models. In addition to boutiques with clothes, shoes, cosmetics and perfumes, appliances, sweets, jewelry, there is also a huge aquarium, an Olympic skating rink, an indoor traditional market, an entertainment center for children, a dinosaur skeleton and a life-size model of an airplane, a three-story waterfall and a completely a breathtaking view of the tallest skyscraper in the world. Well, if you didn’t make it to the Dubai Mall, don’t worry. There are many shopping centers in Dubai, and hotels offer free transfers to many of them.

The UAE is one of the most visited and open countries in the Arab East. Sandy beaches, slender skyscrapers, hot men and their wives, delicious Arabic cuisine, rich sheikhs and golden cars - all this and more can be found in the seven emirates.

Go to a hockey match

It is quite difficult to believe that you can play hockey in the desert. It turns out that the country even has its own national ice hockey team, which plays in the third division of the World Championship. You can see performances or watch the team practice at the mall.

Take a look from above

Everyone knows that it is a city of bulk islands. From the ground, it is difficult to imagine the scale of this ambitious project. But if you look at it from above, you will be delighted with the imagination of architects, engineers and all those who worked to create the islands.

Price: helicopter tour (15 min) - $250

Ride the subway

You can hide from the scorching sun and sweltering heat in an ultra-modern one. There is no driver on the train, because its control is fully automated. It’s better to choose a seat near the front window, which offers a wonderful view, because the train does not go underground, but through a picturesque area.

Price: depends on the distance of the trip and starts from 1.8 dirhams ($0.30)

Get behind the wheel of a car

The UAE is home to one of the most popular and modern Formula 1 racing tracks. After playing with the dates, you can attend the race in, ordering your tickets in advance. After the race, you have the opportunity to ride a car with an instructor. And if your trip to Abu Dhabi does not coincide with the dates of Formula 1, it is worth taking a tour that will tell you how Yas Marina, one of the best racing tracks in the world, works.

Price: excursion - $33

Visit Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi

Under the huge red roof of the theme park, dedicated to, there are more than 20 attractions, as well as shops and restaurants. Dare to ride the world's fastest pneumatic roller coaster, reaching speeds of up to 240 km/h.

Price: ticket price for adults - 68 $, children - 54 $

Swim at Dubai Aquarium

One of the largest in the world is located in the Dubai Mall. Getting to know the inhabitants of the aquarium will be a fun and educational experience for adults and children. Here you have the opportunity to walk through a tunnel with a huge number of marine inhabitants, of which 44 are sharks. If extreme sports are in your blood, you can dive into the water and personally greet the predator (Shark Diving).

Price: from 25 $

Play KidZania

While adults go shopping and choose gifts for themselves, children frolic in KidZania - a large children's complex inside, where kids can try on various professions. Minimal knowledge of English is preferred, but not required.

Price: about 50$

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

During the day, with 82 domes decorated with marble, it shimmers with white and golden light. Come here during sunset (the best time for photos): in the evening, artificial lighting gives the building a mysterious feel. The mosque is open to the public every day except Friday mornings.

Take a ride at Yas Waterworld

A unique water park where you can spend the whole day. More than 40 attractions, five of which you will not find anywhere except in the UAE. Three-meter artificial waves of the Bubble’s Barrel attraction, a huge water roller coaster, a 238-meter-high Tornado slide and much more.

Price: day ticket for an adult - about 60 $, for a child - 54 $

Visit Dubai World Cup

Arabian horses, Emirati sheikhs, excitement in the air. Every year on the last Saturday of March, the famous horse races are held at the Meydan Hippodrome, in which representatives of more than 10 countries take part. Girls, stock up on beautiful hats to surprise other ladies, and also win the audience award for the most original headdress.

Price: ticket prices range from $6 to $1000

Photo: thinkstockphotos.com, flickr.com

The Emirates surprise even the most experienced travelers. The UAE's attractions include stunning future buildings, historic Bedouin villages, luxurious mosques and extraordinary desert nature. What interesting places should you definitely see during your holiday in the UAE?

The doors of the mosque are open to visitors every day from 9 am to 12 noon, except Fridays;

What to do in the Emirates?

Entertainment in the UAE is available for every taste. Nightclubs and bars in the country are located only on the territory of hotels, and otherwise the traveler’s choice is limited only by his imagination: you can sunbathe on the beach or swim in the waters of the Persian Gulf, stroll through the shops or relax in a cafe, fly from a water slide in a water park or ride on snowboarding from a ski slope.

Most tourists come to the Emirates for a relaxing beach holiday. There is always warm water and hot sun here. In addition, the coast is clean and safe, and you can choose a vacation spot to suit your taste: there are free municipal beaches and areas with paid entrance. When you purchase a ticket, you get a sunbed, a tent and often the right to a free drink. Vacationers are also offered boat trips, water skiing or hydro scooter rides.

Thrill-seekers should visit the Wild Wadi water park - a favorite attraction for tourists in Dubai.

This is a gigantic complex that includes about 30 exciting rides, many cafes, souvenir shops and entertainment areas. The park is home to one of the most extreme rides in the world - Jumeirah Sceirah. Due to the strong pressure of water, a person rises to a height of more than 20 m, and then slides down an almost vertical tunnel at a speed of 80 km/h

Those who prefer an active holiday should go diving and explore the local marine fauna: turtles, octopuses, barracudas and reef sharks. In Dubai you can explore wrecks and coral reefs. As an alternative to diving, you can take a desert excursion and spend the night around a campfire under the endless desert sky.

Shopping

Shopping in the UAE is becoming more and more popular among tourists every year. Travelers are eager to visit numerous local bazaars and modern shopping centers. What can you buy in the UAE? Buyers give preference to goods from world-famous brands: clothing and accessories, shoes, cosmetics and perfumes, watches and jewelry. All this is abundantly presented in numerous Emirati stores.

Outlets in the UAE are represented by the only but huge Dubai Outlet Mall complex. Its main feature is the ability to bargain with the seller and ask for a larger discount than indicated on the price tag. Also on Mondays, the mall holds a promotion during which you can purchase an item for 15-30% of its original cost. Therefore, shopping in Dubai can be not only a great pleasure, but also a sporting interest.

What to bring from the UAE as a gift?

You cannot visit the Emirates and not bring home a memorable souvenir for yourself and pleasant surprises for friends and family. What should you buy in the UAE as a souvenir?

1. Oriental sweets: Turkish delight, nougat, baklava and nuts with a honey crust. These incredibly tasty delicacies are not at all similar to those sold in domestic stores. This gift will please anyone with a sweet tooth;
2. Cloth. Among tourists in the UAE, buying local fur products is very popular: fur coats, muffs, headphones, etc.
   In addition, the country has a huge number of brand stores where you can buy any item from a famous brand;
3. Perfumes and cosmetics. This gift will please any lady. The Emirates are famous for their perfumes made from natural oils. The indescribable oriental aroma will be a pleasant reminder of the trip;
4. Jewelry and exquisite souvenirs. Jewelry markets in the UAE are one of the most famous attractions. Here you can buy original jewelry, animal figurines made of precious metals, gold-plated cutlery and much more.

The range of all kinds of gifts and souvenirs in UAE stores is huge, all you have to do is choose what you like.

Food and drink

The Emirates is a country of desert nomads. Due to the paucity of local vegetation and the scarcity of food, national cuisine recipes consisted of various combinations of dates, camel milk and, occasionally, goat or lamb meat. Nowadays, you can only try these dishes during an excursion to Bedouin settlements. The national food here is the UAE cuisine, formed under the influence of religious characteristics and the hot climatic conditions of the country.

Modern Emirati cuisine combines Arab and European traditions. The most popular meat dishes are: roast meshui-mushakkal, kustileta - lamb cutlets with spices and aromatic herbs, haris - casserole with veal. Lovers of sweets should pay attention to the local desserts: fluffy honey donuts ligemat, pistachio pudding mehallabiya and es-acaya - a sweet curd pie.

There are two types of UAE restaurants: those with a license to sell alcohol and those without one. The first group includes the most luxurious establishments located at large hotels. Most of them are Michelin star holders. For example, the restaurant Clé Dubai. It is designed in a modern Arabic style with dim lighting and many decorative elements. Here you should definitely try the chef's signature dishes: lamb dalma with rice, orange Turkish delight and chocolate cake with sesame cream.

You can have a tasty, but inexpensive meal in small national establishments. For example, in the Golden Fork restaurant chain, food prices will not exceed 100 AED (25 EUR) per person for a full meal.

Tired of the harsh climate, an increasing number of citizens seek to bask in the sun, regardless of the time of year. When looking for a destination, tourists choose an exotic country that amazingly combines oriental traditions with high standards of service. Holidays in the city attract with its exotic originality and developed infrastructure, allowing you to realize the dream of an oriental fairy tale.

The desire to visit the country of the sheikhs is easily realized today. Snow-white sandy beaches, amazing skyscrapers, luxurious and giant shopping centers await tourists.

UAE: location and climate

An area of ​​83.6 thousand square kilometers is located in the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The federal state borders Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and Qatar. Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and two gulfs (Oman and Persian), the UAE delights vacationers with a subtropical climate. Warm and sunny on the exotic coast all year round. 20 degrees Celsius is the minimum air temperature. For those who can hardly stand the heat, holidays in this region will be the best time to travel. Excellent weather and comfortable temperatures will allow you to fully enjoy your useful time.

And in hot weather, from May to September, favorable conditions are provided for vacationers on the hotel premises. For the eastern coast of the mountainous regions of the country, in hot weather, saving winds soften the climate.

Are you planning a trip to the UAE? Prepare your documents

Tourists going on a trip to the coast, where a young country with strict Muslim laws and sacred traditions is located, should take care of a visa. You can apply for a permit to enter the country yourself by contacting the UAE consulate, or you can trust the agency from which you purchase the ticket. Required documents to obtain a visa:

· color photocopy of a valid foreign passport;

· completed application form in English;

· color photographs;

· 80 US dollars as a consular fee.

Children who are included in their parents' passport will not have to pay a visa fee. The time allotted for reviewing documents is three working days. The consulate may require additional documents, and employees also reserve the right not to explain the reason for refusing to issue a visa. Special attention is paid to unmarried women unaccompanied by relatives intending to enter the country.

If a visa has been received, then when crossing the border you must present a copy of it in electronic form, as well as a foreign passport.

Read the entry rules

Tourists should be aware of customs rules when traveling to Vacations can be ruined even when crossing the border if the tourist is carrying erotic products, alcohol over two liters, or drugs. They are careful about imported medicines, so it is better to leave narcotic or strong sedatives at home, because for this you can go to prison or be deported from the country. Visual control identifies people with inappropriate behavior, who are required to undergo a test for the presence of inappropriate drugs, and if suspicions are confirmed, severe punishment follows, according to UAE law.

But there are no restrictions on the import of national and foreign currency.

7 emirates - choose any

An attractive tourist destination attracts holidaymakers all year round. The state represents a confederation of emirates, which includes Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Umm al Quwain and Ras al Khaimah, each of which differs in size, identity, local laws, cost of recreation, infrastructure and attractions .

When choosing a holiday in the United Arab Emirates, people take a balanced approach to their financial capabilities, because on the tourist map of the world this destination is considered one of the most expensive options.

• The largest in area is Abu Dhabi, and the city of the same name is also the capital of the state. This emirate is focused on business tourists. Everything here amazes with luxury; incredible skyscrapers and man-made islands are admirable.
• Dubai, the second largest emirate, is liberal. Vacationers with different levels of income will be able to relax in both luxury hotels and budget hotels. Anyone can climb the tallest building in the world - the Burj Khalifa (828 m) or the record-breaking Rose Tower hotel (333 m). Skiing on ski slopes of any difficulty in an indoor ski complex, operating all year round, or having fun in giant water parks measuring 17 and 6 hectares will leave an indelible impression on those visiting the United Arab Emirates. Dubai, where a holiday will enrich you with impressions, attracts with the palaces of the sheikhs.
• Visiting the emirate of Sharjah means visiting the coast of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf at the same time. Most often, gentle waves and golden sand attract tourists, because these are the associations that the United Arab Emirates evokes among those going on vacation. 4* hotel is a mid-price beach hotel, which is most often chosen by tourists who prefer tranquility and comfort.
• The delightful greenery of the emirate of Ras al Khaimah captivates with its exquisite design. This beautiful place is washed by the gentle waves of the Persian Gulf. The picturesque landscape is attractive to tourists.
• Umm al-Quwain is considered the quietest and most provincial emirate, attracting vacationers with its architectural monuments. The way of life and national traditions of the local residents have been preserved here.
• Tourists who avoid large crowds prefer to relax in Fujairah. Resort areas are attractive for fans of beach holidays and mountain climbing. Hotels attract with all-inclusive meals.
• The smallest emirate of Ajman, located half an hour from Dubai airport, is rich in mineral water reserves that supply the Gulf countries. Here tourists enjoy visiting the National Historical Museum.

Mentality of local residents

Before traveling to another country, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with its national characteristics. An unceremonious attitude towards a woman (foreigner or local - it makes no difference) is unacceptable here, which cannot be said about Egypt or Turkey.

Tourists from all over the world strive to get a quality holiday in the United Arab Emirates, but in order not to overshadow the trip, you should adhere to the rules:

· in a country with strict Muslim morals, there is a “prohibition” law, and it is better to abstain from alcohol in public places;

· It is prohibited to transport strong drinks from one emirate to another;

· alcohol as a gift is a bad sign;

· you cannot sunbathe topless, only in a swimsuit; it is also not recommended to be in it outside the pool or beach;

· show respect to Arab women (taking pictures of them is tantamount to insulting; it is forbidden to take a married woman by the arm);

· when entering a house or mosque, be sure to take off your shoes;

· Always tip taxi drivers.

Beach tourism

Each emirate has a different color of sand on the coast (from dazzling white to shades of red). Well-maintained and clean beaches attract tourists. The area is equipped for a comfortable pastime with sun loungers and sun umbrellas. City beaches can be either paid or free. There is also an area for family recreation. The coast of Abu Dhabi is marked with the EU flag for cleanliness.

In Dubai, on the beaches of Al Mamzar and Jumeirah Beach Park, one day of the week is considered women's day, so the presence of men is prohibited.

Fans of water sports should visit the coastline of Fujairah. A beach holiday in Sharjah will captivate you with picturesque views of coral reefs and delightful blue bays. On a yacht you can visit deserted places, the pristine beauty of which will leave an indelible impression.

United Arab Emirates: holidays with children

It is not only business tourism that attracts people to the actively developing eastern country. Delight and a sea of ​​positive emotions guarantee tourists a holiday in the United Arab Emirates.

Feedback from families who visited the exotic region can be heard only positive. Long history and high technology intertwine here. Vacationers appreciate the ban on alcohol in Sharjah, where peace is guaranteed for families with children, and they also like the quiet emirate of Ras al-Khaimah with the wonderful Dreamland water park. A friendly attitude towards Russian-speaking tourists makes holidays in the United Arab Emirates more popular every year. And tourists are guaranteed safety and comfort on the Arabian coast.

Do you prefer active recreation?

Tourists who are tired of swimming and relaxing in the sun will be able to gain new impressions.

An exciting program is provided for fans of active pastime, making an unforgettable vacation in the United Arab Emirates. The reviews are impressive, because not every country will offer such variety:

· desert rally in cars;

Camel or horseback riding;

· windsurfing, golf, diving, archery;

· racing on speed boats;

· racing on purebred Arabian horses;

· camel racing;

· catching crabs under the cover of darkness;

· falconry or “Birds of Prey Show”.

Means of transportation in the country

It is customary to use a taxi in the UAE, because public transport is poorly developed. For women, there are cars painted pink, where only women work as drivers. The fare costs five to ten dirhams, on the bus - 1.5. There is also a water taxi (boats - “abras”), providing communication between the banks of the Dubai Canal.

Tourists over 21 years of age can rent a car. To do this, you need an international driver's license issued more than a year ago. Insurance is required. The minimum rental period is one day. A rental car is most often equipped with a siren warning of speeding. It is permissible to drive 100 km/h on highways; in populated areas - no more than 60 km/h.

The country's hotel stock

Settle in the city or on the beach? Tourists decide this issue based on individual preferences. The United Arab Emirates is famous for its developed infrastructure. The hotels guarantee an impeccable holiday. Luxury apartments are offered to tourists on the coast of Dubai, in prestigious areas of Jumeirah and Sharjah, where room prices are very high. In Abu Dhabi, buildings are located on the shore, because there is not enough land, the beach line is narrow because of this, which reduces the cost of living. Ajman has a weak hotel base, so it is attractive for budget tourists. In Fujairah, food is provided, allowing you not to worry about lunch and dinner, because in most other emirates the hotel only provides breakfast for the guest.

Tourists who cannot stand the heat are recommended to go on vacation in the spring. In the United Arab Emirates in April, the temperature is very comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip. Each of the hotels has a swimming pool where guests can relax with pleasure. Almost all city hotels offer a free shuttle to the beach.

Shopping fans will not be disappointed

The unique country attracts tourists with sales and attractive discounts. Low duties and favorable laws have made the UAE attractive to vacationers seeking not only to update their wardrobe, but also household appliances, electronics, computers, and jewelry. Holidays in January allow you to purchase new items from world brands at the annual shopping festival in Dubai.

It is difficult to name a well-known brand that is not represented in the range of goods sold at an affordable price. New Year's tours are not so good for lovers of beach holidays, but for fans of excursion trips, wide prospects open up.

Features of national cuisine

Due to established religious peculiarities, pork is unacceptable in the diet of local residents. Arabic cuisine is replete with various types of meat; tourists will be offered dishes made from beef, veal, lamb, goat or poultry on the menu of the hotel restaurant. Guzi, shawarma, kustilleta, kebeh, meshui-mushakkal, biryani-ajaj, adobe prepared with spices or nuts will delight hotel visitors. Seafood lovers will be surprised by makbus samak, biryani samak, zubaidi, sharks and crustaceans cooked on charcoal. Vegetarians will appreciate fermented milk products, vegetables, and herbs in grape leaves.

Traditional Arabian will amaze gourmets. And those with a sweet tooth will like pistachio or milk pudding, sorbet, and Asyda dessert.

Each hotel is proud of its chef, who adequately represents national cuisine in the menu of his restaurant.

UAE currency and language

They speak Arabic and English in the country. The influx of Russian-speaking tourists is forcing workers in hotels, restaurants, and shops to master the language of the Slavs. In most hotel complexes, the staff knows the necessary set of phrases to help tourists understand.

Dirham is the national currency of the UAE and is equivalent to 100 fils. US dollars are also actively used for payments, but it is better to exchange them at the bank for local currency.

The cost of a trip to the country of oriental charm depends on the time of year, the location of the resort, the star rating of the hotel, and the class of service. Although it is believed that a tour to the UAE is an expensive pleasure, you can purchase it if you wish. Today it is possible to choose an option for a budget or luxury holiday in a magical land.