MAIN Travel Middle East United Arab Emirates

Rich in oil as it is in culture, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in the Middle East next to Saudi Arabia and Oman.

For the majority of fun-loving tourists, Indian Ocean beaches are the main attraction here with long white-sand stretches - ranging from completely wild and free, to highly developed around resorts and major hotels. In contrast, vast swaths of desert accented by steep mountainside makes up most of inland UAE.

Don't expect to hear much Arabic, as the country's oil industry attracts a truly cosmopolitan population where English is the common language spoken by many, especially at hotels and major tourist spots.

The capital and central business hub is Abu Dhabi, known for its sleek skyscrapers and luxury hotels, although Dubai is usually the typical entry point for most travellers, and is now home to the world's tallest skyscraper.

Often called the "shoppers paradise", Dubai attracts visitors near and far to its traditional souks (markets) and modern malls where electronics, gold jewelry and top name fashions are virtually duty free. If you're traveling around year's end, don't miss the weeks-long Dubai Shopping Festival beginning in December.

Other UAE must-sees include the museum at Al Ain, a former caravan stop, and of course, any of the country's beaches. especially at stunning Khor Kalba ...

UAE Travel - The official goverment site with helpful guides for getting around and what to see and do, interactive tours, photos and video clips, practical travel tips, weather facts.

Discover UAE Wildlife - A virtual photo tour of the coutry's flora & fauna with information on the Abu Dhabi lagoons, national nature preserves, camels and desert wildlife, prized coastal areas and offshore islands.

Hello Dubai - The online travel brochure with a good overview for the first-time traveler on what to see and do - from shopping tours to camel races - with hotel directory and contact details, practical travel tips.

Dubai Tourism - Comprehensive guide (use the top menu) to major attractions and city landmarks, the best duty-free shopping, entertainment, hotels & online booking, with an interactive map leading visitors around the streets of Dubai, photo gallery, Webcam, video clips, free weekly travel newsletter.

Time Out Dubai - The digital version of the print magazine with feature stories on what's happening around town this week with entertainment news and event schedules.