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Whether you take this trip to explore the new metropolises of the UAE, or to discover the indomitable nature of the desert and the ancestral traditions of these people, you will not be disappointed with all that this small country of the gulf has to offer.
The United Arab Emirates has barely 10 million inhabitants. But given the country's geographical location, which is almost entirely covered by the desert, the rate of urbanization is very high. Indeed, more than 85% of the inhabitants live in the city, and the two main urban centers, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, alone represent half of the population.
The largest city in the country, Dubai, has only existed for about thirty years. It is impressive how the United Arab Emirates has been able to pull this great metropolis out of the sand. Thanks to the space it has, the city of Dubai has been able to embark on some fantastic construction projects, spearheaded by the world-famous Burj Khalifa tower. It is also a luxury seaside resort where, among other things, you can discover the only 7-star hotel in the world, the Burj Al Arab. To find out more, you can consult our guide for the top things to do in Dubai.
For more information on how to conveniently get around Dubai, check out these Dubai transportation tips.
With 1.5 million inhabitants, Abu Dhabi is the second largest city in the country, but above all, it is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. As in Dubai, the architecture there is very modern with many skyscrapers. The main points of interest are the business district, the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque as well as the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi, which is a true work of art in contemporary architecture.
Abu Dhabi also has many theme parks, they are all gathered on Yas Island. For example, there is a water park. The city also hosts a Formula 1 stage, so you can take a ride on the circuit which is also on Yas Island.
As you can imagine, summer in the Emirates is hot. Between May and September, temperatures are on average over 40° C with frequent peaks of up to 50° C. In addition, the heat combines with the high humidity, the whole country being on the edge of the Persian Gulf. During this period, staying outside is a real challenge. The locals almost never go out during the summer, it's not for nothing that Dubai has the largest shopping center in the world. Indeed, in summer, everything is done indoors. So even if you want to brave the heat, you will find yourself very much alone even in the streets of Dubai.
It should also be noted that sandstorms are likely to strike all over the country, in these cases it is simply impossible to move by any means.
On the other side of the calendar, winter is not one! Indeed, in the Arabian Peninsula, temperatures rarely drop below 20-30°C. The winters are therefore very mild, however, it can be cold at night, especially because of the desert winds.
The best periods for a stay in the Emirates are therefore from September, that is to say, the end of the unbearable heat of summer, until their return in April.
You might think at first glance that it is difficult to do the administrative procedures to go to the United Arab Emirates, but in reality, it is very simple. For nationals of the European Union, a passport valid for 6 months after the stay is sufficient to enter the country. You can stay there for up to 90 days without a visa.
On the health side, no vaccine is compulsory for this destination. Nevertheless, and as always, it is strongly recommended to be up to date on universal vaccines and hepatitis.
The UAE is a wonderful place to visit and live. With a culture influenced by its Islamic heritage and Bedouin traditions, it is also representative of diverse global influences. With Arabic as the official language and Islam as the predominant religion, upon visiting you will be welcomed and shown true Middle-Eastern hospitality. The UAE attracts millions of visitors each year due to its modern cities, luxurious resorts, shopping malls, and cultural attractions, not to mention its stunning beaches.
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We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest.
