Exploring United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is amongst my most admired nations and top in my list of holiday destinations, and it was a wise choice visiting the young beautiful nation during the last Christmas holiday.

UAE is a young country, with a rich and diverse heritage incorporated in a modern cosmopolitan culture, perfectly combining the best of the new world with the warmth of traditional Arabian hospitality.

The young nation was formed in 1971 from seven formerly independent states situated from west to east- Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

UAE was originally a small fishing settlement, so that the traditional activities within the territory included herding sheep and goats, cultivating dates, fishing and pearling. It was from these activities that the local inhabitants built up trade and industry, before the discovery of crude oil or oil boom.

It was the discovery of crude oil in 1966 that transformed the United Arab Emirates into a new global paradise and investment destination for global investors. It didn’t only change their economy; it also transformed their way of life. As a result of this oil boom, UAE began to witness modern highway constructions, new hospitals and universities, and modern cities sprang up.

One thing that makes this nation unique, is the fact that despite the abundance of crude oil natural resources, which seem to be a curse so many other Middle East and African nations that has same, the inhabitants of UAE have adapted, adopted and improved upon the new influences of the crude oil discovery, and have also lived a crime free, corrupt free life, which makes the nation a virtually crime free environment, and hence, a popular investment and tourist destination of the world in general. What are you waiting for? Start now to plan a visit to the UAE.

One may be wondering why UAE is so popular in the world today. Remember, UAE is not the only oil producing nation in the world or in the Arab world, at least we have several other nations like- Venezuela, Libya, Angola, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Russia, etc, etc.

One of the major things that made UAE popular and a global choice for tourism and investment are: everlasting peace, political stability, unique climate, and of course economic stability and world class environment and infrastructural development. UAE is easily accessible to any citizen of any country; it has a year-round sunshine, with world class indoor activities in the summer and amazing outdoor activities in the cooler months. Lest I forgot, UAE boasts excellent beaches and top class resorts that sometimes beat the ones you can find in Las Vegas. If you are a shopping freak, then UAE should be your first destination, because there you will find top class shopping malls stocked with the best of whatever you can think of in life.

UAE is amongst the world’s top excellent family friendly destination. It is a city of contrasts, a land where the old and the new, traditional and modern, east and west blend seamlessly to produce a fascinating and exciting place with a distinct personality of it’s own.

UAE is located within the Tropic of Cancer, and so has a subtropical, arid climate and also enjoys cloudless sunny blue skies most of the year. During winter, the climate is cool and pleasant, and during summer, the humidity is high. UAE also enjoys a unique local wind (shamal) that blows north-westerly, which ushers in cooler weather suitable for lovebirds and honeymooners. The UAE witnesses little rainfall, which usually occurs between December and March annually.

In order words, when travelling to the UAE, you do not need any health certificate or special immunizations, as they are not required to enter UAE. However, it is recommended that you go for a proper health check before departure, if you are travelling from a health-risk area or territory. Do not forget that UAE is a desert environment, therefore, adequate sun protection including good quality sunglasses, hats and high factor sun creams are advised.

UAE has up-to-date state-of-the-art modern medical facilities, and their hospitals are very well equipped. Pharmacies are also well stocked, and some are open 24-hours a day. Should there be any emergency where you lodged, you do not need to panic because most hotels have competent doctors on call. The only recommendation I would make, is that you have an adequate medical insurance to cover all eventualities, especially if you need to attend a private hospital or clinic where treatment can be expensive.

Like I mentioned earlier, UAE is an open-door nation, and it is easily accessible for investors, traders, tourists, and even immigrants. In order words, visas are not required for the following nationalities: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, GCC countries, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vatican City.

Nevertheless, if your country is not among the countries eligible for a free entry (without visa) into UAE, do not panic because UAE visa is not costly nor does it require any hassle, and the indicative price per visa is approximately US$ 85 and processing time is approximately seven days.

Note: Visa regulations are subject to change from time to time.