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At A Glance

The UAE - Truly the place to be

Sun, sea, sand, adventure, shopping, culture and unbelievable wonders; the UAE has all the ingredients for a dream holiday destination. Stroll through the luxurious malls, and it won't be surprising if you run into a celebrity or two. Take one look at the Burj Khalifa, one of the world's tallest buildings and an architectural marvel, and you'll know exactly why it was at the centre of the most talked about stunt scene in a Hollywood blockbuster.

From the past to the future, from luxury to genuine Arabian hospitality, from wonderful shopping to awe-inspiring wonders, you'll be taking back a suitcase full of memories from your unforgettable UAE experience.

Abu Dhabi

Gleaming glass skyscrapers reflect the bustle of Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE. Home to the magnificent Emirates Palace which is one of the world's most luxurious hotels, lively souks, white beaches and crystal clear waters, Abu Dhabi is truly a tourist's delight.

Here, you can discover the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with its gold-plated crystal studded chandeliers and marble panels inlaid with semi precious stones. Head to Ferrari World to get an adrenaline rush only one of the fastest roller coasters in the world could give you and explore Yas Island with its lovely marina, manicured parks, gourmet restaurants, and indulgent hotels. See nature at its best at Saadiyat Island, where a nine kilometre white beach plays host to hawksbill turtles and bottlenose dolphins.

Once you have explored the modern side of Abu Dhabi, immerse yourself in the city's past with a trip to the Heritage Village and experience a traditional souk, Bedouin encampments with goat-hair tents, trickling fountains, and a barasti house, all in the present day. Spend a day at Al Ain, the garden city in the desert, and visit the incredible museum that displays artefacts from an Iron Age village. Scale the Jebel Hafeet and take in the majestic views across the border between the UAE and Oman. Go on a train tour at The Al Ain Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals.

Play a relaxing round of golf or see the gazelles running free at Al Futaisi Island, with its mud bricked fort, old water wells, and ancient mosques. Unwind at the stunning corniche beachfront, with cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés, beaches, play areas, and a string of lively events ever so often.

You will fall in love with this city of wonderful contrasts, weaving together genuine Arabian hospitality with 21st century modernity.

When shopping, don't miss:

• Abu Dhabi Mall, Marina Mall, Gold Souk, Al Ain Mall, The Galleria at Sowwah Square

Dubai

Dubai is all about the biggest, the best and the impossible made possible. Just glance out your window as your plane makes its descent, and you'll witness a massive palm tree shaped man-made island and the tips of skyscrapers rising above the clouds.

Here, you can indulge yourself at one of the biggest shopping malls in the world that's home to just about every fashion brand, or stroll through an age-old souk. Here, you can lounge at an extravagant hotel or escape to the sprawling desert to observe the camels roaming free. This is truly a land of magnificent contrasts.

Head up the Burj Khalifa, one of the tallest buildings in the world, for an exquisite view of Dubai. Build snowmen in the desert at Ski Dubai or dive into the depths of a lagoon alongside the dolphins at the incredible Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. Explore a world of exciting water thrills at Aquaventure or soak up the sun at one of the beautiful beaches with their soft white sand and year-round sunshine, where you can indulge in some scuba diving, jet skiing, snorkelling, and more. Take a step back in history and lose yourself in the UAE's rich past at the Dubai Museum, or enjoy a relaxing round of golf at one of the many sprawling golf courses.

There's another side of Dubai that is as mesmerising- the side you experience as you walk through the heritage sites of the Al Fahidi Historic District with its narrow lanes and tall wind towers or the Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House with its grand courtyard and a museum of pre-oil times. Take a trip to the striking Jumeirah Mosque with its sand hued façade and Persian style blue mosaic work, or the traditional heritage village is where you can spend a day with potters and weavers as they practice their traditional crafts.

It's true- you can never get enough of Dubai, and you'll keep returning for more.

When shopping, don't miss:

• Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Deira City Centre, Mirdiff City Centre, Gold Souk, Wafi, Festival City, BurJuman Centre