The United Arab Emirates is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world and offers all the ingredients for an unforgettable holiday: sunshine, sandy beaches, the sea, sports, outstanding shopping opportunities, world-class hotels and restaurants, a fascinating traditional culture, and a safe and welcoming environment.
The UAE boasts extensive coastlines, sandy beaches, and diverse landscapes, where activities range from powerboat racing and sand skiing to diving and snorkeling. In addition, the country’s rich cultural heritage, accessible through numerous cultural centers and traditional activities such as falconry and camel racing, has become a major attraction for tourists.
Getting to the UAE
By Air
The UAE is served by three major national airlines with extensive domestic, regional, and international networks: Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi; Emirates, based in Dubai; and Air Arabia, based in Sharjah. Direct flights are available from the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe, India, China, Australia, and many other destinations. In addition, most major international airlines operate flights to and from the UAE.
The UAE has six international airports located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. A seventh airport, Dubai World Central, is also under development. The airports of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have established themselves as major international hubs connecting the Middle East, the Far East, and the West.
By Land
The UAE enjoys excellent road connections with Saudi Arabia and Oman. Daily bus services operate between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and neighboring countries, including Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
By Sea
The UAE has invested heavily in its ports, with major facilities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah connecting the country to the wider region. Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid has welcomed some of the world’s largest cruise ships, including the Queen Mary.
Climate
Located along the Tropic of Cancer, the UAE enjoys warm and sunny winters and hot, humid summers. Winter daytime temperatures average around 26°C, while nights can be considerably cooler, especially in desert and mountainous areas.
Northwesterly winds, known as Shamal, often occur during the winter months, bringing cooler weather. Summer temperatures can exceed 43°C, particularly inland. Humidity levels in coastal areas average between 50% and 60%, often exceeding 90% during summer and autumn, while inland areas remain considerably drier.
Rainfall is scarce and irregular, occurring mainly during the winter months, usually in February and March, though sometimes earlier. Rain typically falls in short but intense showers, often accompanied by thunderstorms.
Sports and Recreation
The UAE offers exceptional sports and recreational facilities, particularly for water sports enthusiasts. Sports play an increasingly important role in the country’s tourism development strategy, and facilities across the UAE are continuously being upgraded or expanded.
The UAE has firmly established itself on the international sporting stage by hosting many prestigious events across a variety of sports, including horse racing, motorsports, golf, tennis, cricket, football, sailing, and rugby.
Dubai Sports City, a landmark project within Dubailand, is a mixed-use development covering 50 million square feet and valued at approximately USD 4 billion. It is designed as the world’s first integrated sports city and features four world-class stadiums, as well as internationally renowned sports academies, including the first Manchester United Soccer School outside Europe, the ICC Global Cricket Academy, the Butch Harmon School of Golf, the World Hockey Academy, and the David Lloyd Tennis Academy.
The UAE’s Gulf coastline offers long stretches of sandy beaches where residents and visitors enjoy jet skiing, surfing, swimming, and kitesurfing. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also extremely popular. The UAE’s East Coast is renowned for its rich marine life and coral reefs, with popular destinations including Snoopy Island and the northern Dibba area.
Residents and visitors also make full use of the country’s parks and recreational areas, where football, basketball, and cricket are favorite pastimes. Beyond the cities, the vast desert landscapes provide rugged terrain ideal for off-road adventures and outdoor activities.
