United Arab Emirates & Oman
Big Five Presents United Arab Emirates & Oman UAE & Oman offer an unexpected cornucopia of contrasts that when taken together mean an unforgettable vacation experience. From the dazzling gem of sophistication that is Dubai, to the cosmopolitan capital city of Abu Dhabi, to Umm al-Qaiwain’s long sweeps of beautiful beaches, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has quickly become a star in the realm of luxury destinations. Seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah – joined together in 1971 to form a constitutional federation. Although most of the country is desert, it still offers vividly contrasting landscapes, from the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world, to lush oases, rocky mountains and fertile plains. UAE occupies a large sweep of land along the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, with Qatar to the west, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman to the north and east. The capital and the largest city of the federation, Abu Dhabi, is located in the emirate of the same name. Although UAE is known widely for its oil, wealth, shopping and sophistication, the country also has a quieter side that can be experienced in the desert of the Bedouin or the centuries-old neighborhoods, mosques and markets of Dubai. The cultural capital of the country is Sharjah, where visitors gain a glimpse of the past and discover opportunities for authentic interactions with people from fish markets to date souqs. The Sultanate of Oman on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula shares a border with the UAE as well as Saudi Arabia and Yemen to the southwest.
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