United Arab Emirates(UAE)

1. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union of seven sovereign sheikdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. It boasts mountains, beaches, deserts, camel racing, and the legendary duty free shopping of Dubai, all packed into a relatively small area.

2. If you only visit one country in the Gulf, the UAE is your best choice: it has the most relaxed entry regulations in the region, the best tourist infrastructure and it's extremely accessible to independent budget travelers as well.

3. The language spoken is Arabic and People belong to these sections: Arab (61%), South Asian (22%), Iranian (8%), other expatriates (9%).

4. British citizens and nationals of most Gulf countries do not require visas; Gulf citizens can stay as long as they want, while Britons can stay for up to three months. All other visitors are required to have visas.

5. Your hotel can sponsor you for a 15-day, nonrenewable transit visa or a one-month renewable visit visa.

6. Note that if your passport shows evidence of travel to Israel you will be denied entry to the UAE.

7. Some basic information- Time: GMT/UTC plus 4 hours. Electricity: 220V (240V in Abu Dhabi), 50Hz. Weights & measures: Metric.

8. The best time of the year to visit the UAE is between November and April, when the weather is at its best.

9. Religious holidays are tied to the Islamic Hijra calendar, so dates vary from year to year. Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Pilgrimage), Lailat al-Mi'raj (the Ascension of the Prophet), the Prophet's Birthday and the Islamic New Year are the main celebrations. Secular holidays include New Year's Day (1 January) and National Day (1 December).

10. The country's main international airports are in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, though an increasing number of carriers service Sharjah as well. Smaller international airports serve Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah and Al-Ain.

11. There's a daily bus service between Dubai and Muscat in Oman, though the lack of a UAE border post on the road used by the bus can present visa problems for travelers.

12. There is no inter-city air or bus service between the seven emirates, so if you don't have your own car the only way to travel between emirates is by service taxi.

13. The Currency is UAE dirham.

14. The UAE is not a low-budget country, but it is possible to keep costs under control. You can change money at moneychangers or banks; moneychangers sometimes offer better rates than banks but they can be fussy about changing traveler's cheques. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are plenty of ATMs.

15. If you love activities, water sports are popular along the UAE's coast. Camel safaris can be arranged in Al-Ain. Desert safaris or 'wadi bashing', which involves zooming around the desert in a four Wheeler, can be organized in Dubai or Sharjah.

16. There isn't a lot to see in Dubai but it's the most easygoing city in the region, has the best nightlife and boasts copious opportunities for duty-free shopping.

17. It's worth spending a few days wandering through the souks (markets) and along the waterfront to take in the city's atmosphere.

18. Dubai boasts the highest international profile of all the Gulf cities, hosting world-class golf and tennis tournaments, horse racing and desert rallies. The highlight of the city's markets is Deira's gold souk, just northwest of the Abra dock.

19. If you're in Dubai to indulge in some serious shopping, you are in mall heaven. Dubai is on the UAE's northern coast, approximately 125 kms (80miles) east of Abu Dhabi, accessible from the capital by shared taxi and minibus.

The third largest of the seven emirates, Sharjah has some of the most interesting architecture in the country. Whether it is the largest mosque in the UAE, an interesting archaeological museum, a pocket-sized Disneyland or just the watchtowers you have them all here.