The United Arab Emirates offers travellers a unique holiday experience. The best of the modern world combines happily with the age-old traditions of Arabian hospitality. Add to this, excellent sports and leisure facilities, uncrowded beaches, spectacular desert and mountain scenery and a culture that dates back centuries. It is therefore easy to see why the UAE has become such a popular destination amongst discerning travellers from around the world.

Each of the seven emirates that make up the country has its own individual characteristics. Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer all the sophistication of contemporary living; Sharjah is renowned for its souks; at Ajman and Umm Al Quwain are quiet fishing villages; Ras Al Khaimah, in the north, is hemmed in between the sea and the mountains; and Fujairah, on the east coast, is more peaceful still.

The UAE also offers some of the world's finest shopping - whether in the traditional souks or ultra-modern, air-conditioned shopping malls. Shops and restaurants operate until the small hours of the morning. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, please note that business and shopping hours may differ from normal hours.

Although the UAE is a Muslim country, it is liberal towards foreigners' dressing habits. However, guests should give due consideration to local sensibilities and dress modestly.

To explore the country at your own pace, we strongly recommend renting a car - please contact us for details of our competitively-priced Self-Drive arrangements.