There are many activities to pursue in United Arab Emirates, from desert safaris and mountaineering to parasailing, and sea tours. Sports fans can enjoy time on some of the best golf courses in the world, before retiring to the beach to lay in the sand and absorb breathtaking scenery.
On underwater adventures, scuba divers may encounter sea creatures like dolphins, and tropical fish, while floating over breathtaking coral reefs.
Shopping at modern shopping malls, souks, and individual retail stores is a great way to spend the day. Dubai is dubbed as the “shopping capital of the Middle- East,” and it's retailers offer a variety of merchandise from high-fashion, gold and jewellery, carpets and handicrafts, electronics and more. Don't forget the Dubai Shopping Festival (www.mydsf.ae) from January to February and Dubai Summer Surprises (www.mymodhesh.com) from July to August.
Horses have always played a central role in traditional life in Arabia, however modern horse racing with local jockeys as well as top jockeys from overseas, has taken off dramatically over the past decade. Race meetings are held weekly during the winter at one of the UAE’s four race courses. The Dubai World Cup (www.dubaiworldcup.com) is the world’s richest horse race, is held in spring each year at the well-appointed Nad al-Sheba race course. Other races in the World Cup festival include the UAE Derby, the Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians, The Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Sheema Classic, Dubai Golden Shaheen and Godolphin Mile.
Sand Skiing is a novel and exciting experience, sand skiing has been attracting a keen band of supporters both in the Emirates and abroad. The only equipment you will need is a snowboard. Popular venues are the large dune on the road between Dubai and Hatta and the enormous dunes. Trips to the latter must be organized by one of the local tour operators who will also provide instruction.
From pleasure and leisure activities for relaxed moments, to high adrenaline sports for days that need a boost of excitement, United Arab Emirates has the ultimate things to do list. Local Customs & CultureCulture in the United Arab Emirates is rooted in Islamic traditions that form it's National’s lifestyles. However, the UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam. Expatriates are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and the dress code is liberal. Women don’t face discrimination. Courtesy and hospitality are one of the many virtues of UAE.
The official language of the country is Arabic, however most people communicate in English. The majority of road and shop signs, restaurant menus, etc. are in both English and Arabic.
Residents and visitors can dress however they like, but a good amount of respect for local customs is appreciated. UAE nationals usually wear their traditional dress. For men this is the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red checkered headdress known as a gutra. In public, women wear the black abaya, a long black robe that covers their normal clothes and they also wear a headscarf.
Normally photography is acceptable and expected, but like anywhere, it is polite to ask permission before photographing people. It is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. Photographs of government buildings, military installations, ports and airports should not be taken.
Arabic cuisine comprises many types of cooking from countries like Morocco, Egypt, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and more.
Alcohol is served in licensed premises like restaurants and bars. It is also served in a few recreational clubs. Shisha pipes are smoked at most establishments. They are traditional water pipes that use flavored tobaccos like strawberry or apple. Shisha is usually enjoyed while sitting at a café or restaurant.Transportation
Cars take up the largest part of the transportation in UAE. Cars are divided into two types: own car or taxis. Buses are next and finally motorcycles. UAE does not have a railway system as of yet.
Taxis
Using taxis is the best way to go around UAE if you don’t have your own car. It is easy, simple and taxis do go from one emirate to another with only simple fare
Dubai Taxis and Buses
The most popular taxi/bus stand in Dubai is the Deira Taxi/Bus Stand. Taxis and buses travel to every emirate in the UAE. Dubai Transport Corporation (DTC) took over the taxi/bus stand in 1997, which was previously being run by station-wagon cab owners that were not very clean or comfortable.
Sharjah Taxis
There are no official taxis in Sharjah, but there are areas where taxis stop to take individuals who want to travel to or from Sharjah. The main taxi area in Sharjah is in Rolla. People from Ajman who want to go to Dubai will normally stop in Rolla to change taxis to continue on to Dubai, and the same way around.
Ajman Taxi Stands
Similar to Sharjah, there are some locations where taxis will come to take people, such as Al Manama Street.
Public Bus Transportation
Dubai is the only city, which has a public bus transportation system. It is very reasonably priced (AED 1 to AED 4). The buses are air-conditioned, and there are separate areas for women.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles are generally used by courier services, as motorcycles have no problems getting through traffic jams to insure fast delivery, but the use of motorcycles are very rare; one reason is because of the hot weather in UAE. |
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