"Faiza-Ifrah's UAE off the beaten path" Top 5 Page for this destination United Arab Emirates by Faiza-Ifrah

United Arab Emirates Travel Guide: 5,820 reviews and 13,593 photos

New Year 2007 Fireworks

This site is dedicated

The city of Abu Dhabi is capital and the geographical center of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and where we lived from November 1999 to July 2004. However, Dubai is the largest, busiest, financial, commercial and population center of the country.

If you want to see modern day touristic spots you need to visit the Emirates of Dubai. But if you want to discover the traditional UAE, its heritage, and the life of the Bedouin, then you need to head towards Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

UAE is tiny (a little smaller than Austria or South Carolina, USA to let you know from your point of reference), rich and beautiful. Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Alnahayan, it became a meeting place of the advancement of the West with the cultures of the East.

Since we lived here and know all about it (well almost), the task of doing a page is challenging. Therefore, for now let us just put some pixes and travelogues and add from time to time.

This was our backyard

This is a picture of Abu Dhabi's beautiful Corniche.

The Founder of the UAE

The Father of the Nation

This destination is dedicated to the founder of the UAE, His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan AlNahyaan, who died on November 2, 2004. We pray to Almighty God for the salvation of his departed soul and for granting the fortitude to the members of his bereaved family and countrymen to bear this loss.

His love for his people (who used to lovingly call him Baba, meaning father) and to poor people across the world is well documented.

The UAE was created on December 2, 1971, when six states -- Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain -- came together following the departure of British troops from the region. The seventh emirate, Ras al-Khaimah, joined in 1972

Pros and Cons

Pros:Very safe to travel within, great place for water sports, shopping capital of the region, lots of tourists and international work force.
Cons:Not many historical, archaeological and wildlife sites
In a nutshell:Small country with lots of water and desert oriented tourist attractions.

Last visit to United Arab Emirates: Nov 2003
Intro Updated Feb 25, 2007
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Reviews (25)

Late winters at Mina Siyahi - United Arab Emirates

Most accessible beaches. Things to Do (5)

Since most tourists in the UAE will land in Dubai, so here I will only list some beaches that they can chose from a... more travel advice

Sharjah's under condstruction skyline. - United Arab Emirates

The most accessible 4 wheel driving... Things to Do (5)

Sharjah's is the best Cornish in the UAE. It offers the beautiful views of the skyline of Sharjah at one end and of... more travel advice

Track to the mountain - United Arab Emirates

Climb the tallest mountain of the... Off The Beaten Path (7)

Al Ain is the summer capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is a sprawling oasis city. Once in Al Ain, entering from... more travel advice

The architecturally appealing Metroplex - United Arab Emirates

Here is our favorite hangout, if you can... Nightlife (2)

Metroplex is located on Dubai - Abu Dhabi Highway (Shaikh Zayed Road) some 10 kms out of the main city. It has 10... more travel advice

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (96)

LoriPori May 17, 2010 at 6:54 AM Report Abuse

Looks like you all had an amazing time here. Such modern buildings and shopping places. The desert drives look a little scary to me.
goutammitra Jan 26, 2010 at 5:47 PM Report Abuse

Revisiting was great experience! Yes in desert town the Four wheelers rules!
TheTravelSlut Jul 25, 2009 at 5:41 PM Report Abuse

Very cool tips and pics! Thanks! Ann, The TravelSlut :-)
Lhenne1 May 8, 2009 at 5:04 AM Report Abuse

Great UAE page! I'm hoping to travel there some day (soon, I hope!). Thanks for all the great info!
jumpingnorman Feb 21, 2009 at 9:19 PM Report Abuse

This is one of my dream destinations! My wife wants to go there for the gold, and as for me, I just want to go! But based on your tips, I think I'll enjoy the watch tower and desert drive... Hehehe, Norman :)
Jim_Eliason Jul 26, 2008 at 1:55 PM Report Abuse

Great tips!
canuck68 Dec 29, 2007 at 10:41 PM Report Abuse

I knew very little about UAE so I read your pages with great interest. Your tips and your pictures are very good. Thanks, Diane
SLLiew Dec 4, 2007 at 6:55 PM Report Abuse

Comprehensive page of UAE. So much to see and do. Cheers, SL :)
kenHuocj Jan 11, 2006 at 1:43 PM Report Abuse

insightful pages of info - well done ! ;-)))
wcph Sep 4, 2005 at 11:20 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful and interesting page.