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Planet In1: Destination Asia - United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates or states, each with its own unique character and personality but yet united with a common goal and destiny. This union was formed in 1971 when the British withdrew from the region. The seven emirates are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Since 1973, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. This is an amazing mix of the traditional values of the East and the modern technologies of the West. The UAE is located in the Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The UAE has something for everyone with mountains, beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, Bedouin markets and the legendary duty free shopping of Dubai. Its sunny desert climate with warm seas and lovely beaches make it an oasis for travellers. The best times to visit UAE are in December, March and April, during which the Sharjah Ramadan Festival, Abu Dhabi Festival of Sales , Dubai Summer Surprises and the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place. These are also the cooler months, a good time to explore the UAE. December 2 nd , the National Day of the UAE and the whole month of December has various international sporting events, exhibitions and trade shows which create a festive atmosphere.

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates, the Federal capital of the UAE and one of the most modern cities in the world. It is the centre of government and business life in the UAE. The architecture of its modern buildings and skyscrapers is the finest in the Middle East. Large gardens and parks, (over 120 million trees have been planted in the emirate of Abu Dhabi alone) green boulevards, sophisticated high-rise buildings, state-of-the-art communication services and transport, luxury hotel chains, rich shopping malls, cultural centres and events provide tourists a one-of-a-kind experience all the year round. The Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival, held every year in early March, is filled with fantastic bargains and sale items.

Dubai is the second largest emirate in the UAE. The city of Dubai is divided by the famous Dubai creek or Khor. This natural harbour, and Dubai's strategic location on the international trading map has made it one of the world's leading trading and commercial centers. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a modern ruler and is well known throughout the world for his interest in thoroughbred horses. Dubai is the most relaxed city in the region, has the best nightlife and visitors could spend days wandering through the many souks and modern shops and malls. The highlight of the city's markets is Deira's gold souk, the largest such market in Arabia, just northwest of the abra dock . Dubai is a shopper's paradise. The Dubai Museum is housed in the Al-Fahaidi Fort, built in the early 19th century and thought to be the oldest building in Dubai. The museum contains displays on the history of Dubai, Bedouin life, seafaring, flora and fauna, weaponry, Emirati dances, musical instruments and local archaeology.

Sharjah is situated between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah and is the third largest of the emirates, has some of the most interesting architecture in the country, the largest mosque in the UAE, an interesting archaeological museum, a pocket-sized Disneyland, plenty of watchtowers, a natural history museum and is a great place to buy Persian carpets. Today, it is known as the Cultural capital of the UAE. Sharjah is the headquarters for the UAE Authors' and Writers' Union which has over a hundred publications to its credit. Sharjah is also the capital of cricket and is now famous in the sub-continent and throughout the cricketing world as a major venue for One Day Internationals.

Umm Al Quwain is situated between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah on the West coast. It has long clean beaches, an enclosed lagoon and public horse riding stables. Seneyah Island, one kilometre away from the town of Umm Al Quwain, is a natural reserve for a large species of birds, deer and Al Qaram trees. Now tourism in Umm Al Quwain will receive a further boost with "Dreamland" - the world's largest aquapark.

Fujairah holds a unique position in the UAE. It is the only emirate that lies on the eastern side of the UAE, along the Gulf of Oman, while all the six other emirates are along the Arabian Gulf. Its clean beaches, the numerous water sports like swimming, yachting, water surfing and deep-sea fishing attract tourists all year round.

Ras Al Khaimah is the northern most emirate of the UAE and was once the centre of the naval strength of the southern Gulf states.

The Emirate of Ajman is situated on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, extending over a distance of 16 km, between the emirates of Umm Al-Quwain and Sharjah.