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Tips for a vacation in the United Arab Emirates

You can experience a holiday in the United Arab Emirates in one of the fastest growing regions in the world, a conglomerate of seven emirates located on the Persian Gulf, each with its own sheik, identity and appeal. What they have in common is an unbridled penchant for consumerism and a seemingly endless thirst for new and innovative mega projects. No expense is spared for breathtaking architectural wonders or a flawless landscaping. The discovery of oil has propelled the United Arab Emirates to the forefront of economic life, as decades ago the area was nothing more than empty sand dunes, crumbling fortresses and sleepy fishing villages.

The construction of resort hotels, the construction of futuristic attractions, the raking of white sandy beaches and the planting of palm trees have made the United Arab Emirates a popular destination for a holiday. Dubai  is number one, the fastest growing city in the world where you will stumble over the height records.  There are plenty of cheap vacations to Dubai if you search the internet carefully. Abu Dhabi  has a bit less glamor, which is more than offset by culture and history. In  Ajman , the smallest emirate, is the pace of modernization somewhat lower, making it a relaxing destination.

Whichever emirate you choose for your holiday, you can laze on the beach, swim in the clear blue sea, discover the ‘authentic’ Arab culture in the desert and test the limits of your ability in shopping malls at the bottom of glittering skyscrapers. The country has enough attractions to keep you entertained for days. Do not focus on one emirate, but ‘unite’ your travel destinations and witness the dynamic urban future in one of the safest and family-friendly places in the Middle East.

United Arab Emirates in a nutshell

– Surface area: 83,600 square kilometers (2 times the Netherlands);
– Number of inhabitants: 5,927,482 (2016);
– Population density: 71 inhabitants per square kilometer;
– State form: Federation;
– Capital: Abu Dhabi;
– Language: Arabic;
– Currency: Dirham (AED);
Average Annual Income: $ 67,700 (2015).

Tips for a holiday in Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives, a glittering city in a sweltering desert where it only rains from records. The stone and oil rich emirate has the largest building in the world, the largest shopping center in the world and the tallest hotel in the world. The fastest growing city in the world has more world records to its name than any other city in the world. Read more about a holiday in Dubai here

Tips for a holiday in Abu Dhabi

You can experience a holiday in Abu Dhabi in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The country’s largest emirate is shamelessly wealthy for its abundance of flowing oil, yet it is overshadowed by its northeastern neighbor Dubai. Read more about a holiday in Abu Dhabi here

Tips for a holiday in Ajman

Ajman is the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates, with an area of ​​only 260 square meters. The pace of modernization is a bit slower than in the other Emirates, making it a relaxed destination. Ajman is known in the region for the dhow, a traditional Arabian sailing vessel. Read more about a holiday in Ajman here

Information about United Arab Emirates visa

Citizens from the Netherlands and Belgium do not need to apply for a visa in advance for a holiday in the Arab Emirates. Upon arrival at the airport in the country, you will receive a free entry visa stamped in your passport that allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Children must have their own passport.

With an Israel stamp in your passport, you can have problems with immigration. For a longer stay or a work permit, you can contact the  Embassy of the United Arab Emirates  in Brussels.

Communications in the United Arab Emirates

International prefix: +971.
Collect call to the Netherlands: 800 11 31 (local rate).
Emergency number ambulance and police: 999.
Emergency number fire department: 997.
Tourist police: 8004 888.
Operator: 100.
Information telephone numbers (English): 180.
Information telephone numbers (Arabic): 181.

Time difference United Arab Emirates

During winter time it is 3 hours later in the Arab Emirates than in the Netherlands. During our summer time, from the last weekend in March to the last weekend in October, it is 2 hours later in the United Arab Emirates than in the Netherlands.

Electricity in the United Arab Emirates

Electricity in the United Arab Emirates is 220 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hertz. British sockets are often still used in the country, so it is advisable  to bring a world plug  . Many hotels lend adapters to their guests.