Spread out over sandy inland deserts and the sparkling Arabian Gulf, the oil-rich United Arab Emirates has grown from a quiet backwater to the most developed economy in the Middle East, and now one of the hottest holiday destinations in the world. In supersonic Dubai, futuristic skyscrapers, palm-shaped islands and palatial malls dance with one another in a constantly shape-shifting landscape. Abu Dhabi, the capital located an hour’s drive away from Dubai, proudly flexes its financial muscles together with a wealth of cultural riches. Fujairah, the eastern state along the Gulf of Oman, offers seaside sojourns and lofty excursions into the mighty Hajar Mountains. Discover all these and more today with a customised United Arab Emirates tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and glimpse into the Emiratis’ confident rendition of a very glittering future.
Dazzling Dubai
If there is a city that the future would use as its cover star, it would be Dubai. Audaciously ambitious in its urban planning projects as can be seen with cloud-piercing towers the likes of the iconic Burj Khalifa, and massive shopping malls the size of an entire city that come complete with indoor ski slopes and giant aquariums, architectural buffs and shopaholics alike will find themselves huffing and puffing with excitement. To see another face of Dubai aside the glitz and glamour, take some time out to indulge in some contemporary culture at Alserkal Avenue Arts District, an emerging precinct of pop-up restaurants, creative fashion boutiques and edgy galleries showcasing progressive Middle Eastern art. And if budget is not an issue, set up camp at Burj Al Arab, located on a man-made island and Dubai’s most luxurious hotel, and gaze into the horizon of what lies ahead.
Culture Capital
Apart from being the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is also widely regarded as its cultural heartbeat. For travellers looking to glance into traditional Emirati culture but still wish to be based in the urban comfort of a first-class city, the capital should be their first choice. Clad in white Macedonian marble and decorated with glass work, mosaic tiles and intricate carvings all around, the mammoth Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the city’s most singular sight, and the good news is all areas are opened to non-Muslims which can be a rare occurrence in the Middle East. And for those who are itching to discover culture beyond the city, the divine Liwa Oasis, south on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, is home to a cluster of traditional desert villages. Ride on dune buggies, go sand surfing or join a camel trekking tour and traverse across one of the world’s largest sand dunes.