- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Time Zone:
- Currency: Emirates Dirham (AED)
The UAE is a country that provides a new setting at every turn, richly mixing together the old and the new; it is without a doubt the leading tourist destination in the Middle East. It offers a great variety of landscapes: Rocky Mountains, huge dunes, sandy beaches, Bedouin villages, and ultra modern malls. Enjoy shopping, luxury and futuristic architecture in Dubai, mosques in Abu Dhabi or a camel market in Al Ain. You’ll discover a rich cultural patrimony. Arabic flavors and welcoming people will charm you.
Cities
Dubai
Dubai is a destination like no other, the city of superlatives, of all surprises. Excellent restaurants, sophisticated spas, international shopping, luxury hotels and dreamy nights await you. But you can pretty much throw your sights on more local flavors with the atmosphere of souks journeys, ABRA (water taxi), the scouring art galleries and kebabs in the area. In all cases, you will be spoiled for choice. Bur Dubai Souk This covered market at the waterfront is very nice, with its signs in Russian, shops overflowing with colorful fabrics, clothing, «antiques» Arab slippers, and bric-a-brac. The Indian neighborhood is the most picturesque part: «Hindi Lane». It’s at night you must walk in the souk of Bur Dubai, when the animation is in full swing. Also, do not miss; Deira Spice Souk and Deira’s Gold Souk. THE DUBAI MUSEUM It is interesting in many ways: for the architecture of the building in which it is installed for the quality of its collections and it is an excellent introduction of the city. ENJOY THE 7« SERVICE OF THE MOST FAMOUS HOTEL IN DUBAI, THE BURJ AL ARAB “ARAB TOWER”. This hotel was the boldest of all projects undertaken by the sheikh. Construction of the building began in 1994 on an artificial island supported by pillars anchored 40 meters deep into the seabed. Its shape is inspired by dhows, the traditional boats of the region. JUMEIRAH MOSQUE Non-Muslims are generally not allowed to enter mosques in Dubai, but it is possible to discover the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque during guided tours offered by the “Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.” These visits are intended to promote understanding between Muslims and residents or visitors from other cultures and religions.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, by far the richest, is also the largest of the seven emirates. Today it’s a huge modern city sparkling and neat. Forty years earlier, it was only a poor little fishing village of fish and pearls. It is hard to imagine. Small streets and alleys give a completely different impression of the image that can be done seen Abu Dhabi. The modern capital of the United Arab Emirates offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernism. GREAT MOSQUE SHEIKH ZAYED This work of architectural art is one of the largest mosques in the world. It has 80 domes, about 1000 columns, chandeliers made of 24K gold, and the largest hand-woven carpet in the world. The main prayer hall is dominated by the largest chandeliers weighing more than 9 tons. Reflecting pools surround the mosque, amplifying its beauty. The vibrant colors of white and gold, glittering in the sun are replaced overnight by a unique lighting system that reflects the phases of the moon. A must! THE CORNICHE ABU DHABI The Corniche extends over an impressive eight kilometers of well maintained sea front which includes playgrounds for children, bike trails and footpaths, cafes and restaurants, as well as Corniche Beach. The unspoilt beachfront of Abu Dhabi has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag – Ecolabel international reputation for beaches and marinas, which guarantees a clean and safe bathing water. FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI Under its huge red roof iconic attractions include: Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 240 km; Galleria Ferrari, the largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello with an interactive exhibition of cars from 1947 to the present; Speed of Magic, a fantastic 4D adventure through deep green jungles, icy caves and ravines to the mouth of a fiery volcano.
Language
Arabic and English
Electricity
The electricity is 220-240 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.
Entry requirements
Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.
Communication
International access code: 00 International dialing code: 971 Concerning national calls made in UAE, it is not necessary to dial the 971 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 971 and finally the local phone number in UAE.