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The UAE is a land of opportunities

The UAE is a country of colours, fun and adventure. There is much to explore. From sand dunes to desert safari and from rocky mountains to world-class skyscrapers, the country is a beloved destination for millions of tourists.

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE. It is one of the most rapidly growing cosmopolitan cities in the world, known for its excellent infrastructure, modern towers and malls. One of its major attractions is the white-marble-domed Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque that can accommodate more than 40,000 worshippers. The emirate is the country's centre of political, administrative and economic activities. Oil is its major source of revenue, and it is working on diversifying its economic base. It is an incredible destination for tourists and business leaders. The beauty of Abu Dhabi is that it has nicely preserved its cultural heritage and monuments, and at the same time-leaped into modernity.
Dubai
Dubai is the heartthrob of the UAE. It is renowned worldwide for being a hub for trade, travel and tourism. Its luxurious shopping malls, modern architecture, breathtaking skyline and hospitality industries make it an ultimate destination. The pride of Dubai is that it is home to the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, which is admired by tourists for its choreographed colourful water show. It has some of the manmade wonders such as The Palm and the offshore Atlantis Hotel. It has attracted worldwide attention and fame for its unprecedented economic growth, real estate development and business boom. It houses more than 200 nationalities and is a melting pot for cultures and civilisations.
Sharjah
Sharjah is the cultural capital of the UAE. It is also known as the pearl of Emirati heritage, famous for museums, forts, and other delicately preserved ancient architecture. UNESCO declared it as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998. Its enclaves such as Kalba, Dibba and Khorfakkan are popular tourist destinations, and are famous for beaches and sand dunes alike. Sharjah is also famous for residency, and a large number of people who work in Dubai prefer to reside in Sharjah. It is home to tall towers and its skyline around the Corniche is of exemplary beauty. It has a long coastline and serene tourist spots.
Ajman
Ajman may be the smallest emirate in the UAE, but it is booming into an exclusive economic zone. The city is now home to some of the famous hotels, and is investing a lot in its infrastructure. It is becoming popular for its recreational and emerging tourist destinations. Its coastline is calm and reclusive, and a large number of tourists flock to it. It is a booming commercial city, with fishing industry and seafood becoming its new identity. Other famous attractions are the Ajman National Museum at Ajman Fort, the Red Fort and the museum in the island enclave of Manama.
Fujairah
Fujairah is a coastline emirate that is famous for tourism. Its blue water beaches and Hajar Mountains bless it with uniqueness. The emirate is also famous for Sheikh Zayed Mosque and its white towering minarets. There is also a 17th century fort that tourists love to visit, as it overlooks the mountainous range of the emirate. Fujairah has a bunkering port and its shipping operations are day-by-day attracting international vessels.
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is a reclusive emirate in the UAE. It exhibits topographical diversity and is rich in natural landscape. It is famous for sports, especially the non-traditional ones such as arrowheads and sea sports. Camel racing is a salient feature of its geography and culture. It has thick mangrove forests, and is known for its creeks. Umm Al Quwain has an invaluable collection of artefacts that were excavated from its lands, which have historic significance from ancient times. The emirate not only retains its heritage identity, but is also building it anew for modern times.
Ras Al Khaimah
RAK in indigenous language means headland of small huts. It is popular for its beaches and sand bashing destinations. It has a rocky mountainous range, and an excellent road network that makes it a preferred tourist destination. Its identity and ancient heritage have been nicely preserved. It is said that human habitation existed here for several millennia and there are many historical sites preserved to this day. Ancient graves are all around in the desert emirate, and different civilisations had cohabited on these lands. Sheba Palace and the Umm An-Nar tombs are a case in point.

- mehkri@khaleejtimes.com