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United Arab Emirates


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Travel information and tips on United Arab Emirates including passport information, accommodations, transportation to and in United Arab Emirates, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more. "Getting Away With Jim Bruner" - your first stop for travel information on United Arab Emirates!

 

General Information About United Arab Emirates
Travel Etiquette for the United Arab Emirates
Cities and Towns of United Arab Emirates
Getting To and Around United Arab Emirates
Things to See and Do in United Arab Emirates
Accommodations in United Arab Emirates
Dining in United Arab Emirates
Some of My Favorites in United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Links
Other Interesting Travel Links

Discounts and Deals! 

United Arab Emirates Business Etiquette and Culture
An excellent guide to business culture and etiquette in United Arab Emirates.

Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

General Information About United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms. It was formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. The area has mountains, beaches,  and deserts, some with nice oases. One of the interesting activities is watching camel racing.  Bedouin markets and the legendary duty-free shopping of Dubai, all packed into a relatively small area, made this a mecca for shoppers. The population of the country is over 2 million, about 500,000 of which live in the capital of Abu Dhabi.

The best time of the year to visit Dubai is between November and April as this is when you will find that the weather is coolest. The rest of the year you're more likely to be spending most of your time inside the air-conditioned environment of the city rather than getting out and exploring. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar, is the Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. As it is illegal, not to mention rude, to eat, drink or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset at this time, this might not be the best time to visit. However, it is one of the least expensive with many of the hotel rates being about 50% of their usual cost.

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Travel Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out. TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide travel. Our features and articles are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Cities and Towns of United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
This modern capital city is very up-to-date with everything seeming to be modern and sleek. Often accused of being a rather dull place to visit, there is a pretty bustling place with an interesting culture and people.

For information about low cost airport and hotel transfers in Abu Dhabi, click on The Transfer Store! The Transfer Store offers taxi, minibus, coach, and limousine transfers between airports and accommodation at low rates and our system is quick and easy to use- just click on the map to get started! You can book return trips or one way going in either direction, up until 3 days before you travel. For additional information and other world wide locations, CLICK HERE!

Al Ain

For information about low cost airport and hotel transfers in Al Ain, click on The Transfer Store! The Transfer Store offers taxi, minibus, coach, and limousine transfers between airports and accommodation at low rates and our system is quick and easy to use- just click on the map to get started! You can book return trips or one way going in either direction, up until 3 days before you travel. For additional information and other world wide locations, CLICK HERE!

Dubai
This is the place of sand, sun and shopping. Over a century ago, it was a simply a small, tranquil town whose coral-and-gypsum huts housed Bedouin traders and pearl divers. Today the stores and shops are very international. Alongside the traditional mosques and wind towers of Old Dabai, you will find skyscrapers towering above the city that have almost a science-fiction look. The audacity of the city's rulers is breathtaking and is exemplified by the architecture. Not only is the coastline filled with great hotels, but there are vast artificial islands with about 75 miles of additional beachfront.

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Getting To and Around United Arab Emirates

The main international airports are in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There are also flights servicing Sharjah as well. Smaller international airports serve Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah and Al-Ain. You will find daily services to most major European cities from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and also to major Middle Eastern and Gulf cities. There are also connections to the USA, North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Australia.

There's a daily bus service between Dubai and Muscat in Oman, though the lack of a UAE border post on the road used by the bus can present visa problems for travelers so you will want to make sure you have proper credentials. Regular bus services operate between both Dubai and Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, though there are no bus or taxi services to Qatar. Boats ply between Sharjah and Bandar-é Abbas in Iran; the trip is about 12 hours each way.

If you have something you believe should be added to this page of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Some Things to See and Do in United Arab Emirates
Sharjah Desert Park
The Sharjah Desert National Park is a wildlife centre with one of the main attractions being a remarkable indoor aviary, home to flamingos, Houbara bustards and Indian rollers. The outdoor enclosures feature baboons, striped hyenas, Arabian wolves, and the  Arabian leopard. There's also a pretty good restaurant, a museum, botanical gardens and a children's zoo. The park is open Saturday through Wednesday from 9:00am-7:00pm, Thursday 11:00am-7:00pm and Friday 2:00pm-7:00pm

If you have something you believe should be added to this page of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Suggestions for Accommodations in United Arab Emirates

Dubai

FAIRMONT DUBAI
A unique blend of contemporary design and urban chic, the Fairmont Dubai is an icon in the financial heart of the city.  Designed with business in mind, this multi-use complex is just minutes from Dubai's key attractions, shopping facilities, golf clubs and beaches and is directly linked to the Dubai International Convention Centre by a dedicated covered walkway. Modeled after an Arabic wind tunnel (barajeel), this 34 storey property features 394 guestrooms (including 128 suites and penthouses), residential apartments and offices, as well as its premier Fairmont Gold ‘hotel within a hotel’ product.

The Exchange Floor houses three unique destinations, including the award winning Exchange Grill, noted for its tantalizing selection of grill specialties and extensive wine list; Cin Cin, the chic wine bar showcases over 300 global labels, while the modern day Cigar Bar features a range of world-class cigars in a hand crafted walk-in humidor.

The Willow Stream Spa is a unique destination created to inspire, nourish and guide guests on a journey to find their personal energy. Encompassing 40,000 square feet, the spa also offers a fully equipped health club, complete with two rooftop swimming pools, boasting unfettered views of both the sunrise and sunset over a dotted skyline.

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Classical elegance and contemporary décor are reflected throughout the 394 guestrooms and suites, combining timeless style with generous comfort. Polished granite floors and soft luxurious fabrics are united to create a soothing atmosphere, complemented by stunning panoramic views of the city. All guest rooms feature well-appointed bathrooms, in-room business facilities, separate chaise lounge sitting area and high speed Internet service.

Fairmont Gold is a hotel-within-a hotel, designed to meet the needs of the most discerning corporate or leisure guest. Exclusive features include complimentary return airport transfers, discreet and attentive concierge service, a dedicated check in and check out area; a private lounge with drinks and canapés; complimentary breakfast; complimentary high-speed Internet in Fairmont Gold guest rooms, wireless Internet access in the Fairmont Gold lounge and access to executive boardroom facilities.

Ten contemporary dining and entertainment venues offer an array of gastronomic delights and culinary experiences at The Fairmont Dubai. Executive Chef David Hammonds and his award winning culinary brigade bring passion for excellence to each restaurant.  Whether enjoying the understated elegance of the lobby lounge to the bustling ambience of Pronto, the gourmet café or dining in Spectrum on One with its eight interactive kitchens specializing in six influential international cuisines, guests will enjoy the creativity and distinction of each destination.


For additional information, or to make reservations, click on The Fairmont Dubai - Hotel Packages

 

United Arab Emirates City - My preferred hotel chain is Marriott. I have stayed Residence Inns, which are prefect for longer stays with all the comforts of home; Spring Hill Suites, which I have found nice for longer stays as the have up to 25% more room than comparably priced rooms; Towne Place Suites, again when I want more room or am on a longer stay; Courtyard by Marriott, which has everything the business traveler needs, as well as families; Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, which I find spacious, comfortable and affordable. Another great idea is to stay at one of the JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts where you can enjoy a new dimension for your vacation or holiday. and Marriott Hotels and Resorts and have found them all to be of consistent quality and service. I have also stayed at some of their Vacation Club properties and have enjoyed each visit. AAA members can get discount rates at Marriott, as can Seniors. Click on Great Getaways for less at Marriott for special officers and great deals at Marriott hotels worldwide!

  Getaway Specials from Marriott.
Reservations for Marriott hotels, resorts, & inns
 

CLUBHOTEL Travel Discount Card
 CLUBHOTEL Travel Discount Card - Save up to 65% off hotel room rates at over 400 hotels.

If you have something you believe should be added to this page of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Suggestions for Dining in United Arab Emirates
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Some Favorites in United Arab Emirates
Coming Soon. If you have something you believe should be added to this page of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Links for United Arab Emirates

Coming Soon. If you have something you believe should be added to this page of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

United Arab Emirates Business Etiquette and Culture - An excellent guide to business culture and etiquette in United Arab Emirates.
Executive Planet™ provides valuable tips on business etiquette, customs and protocol for doing business worldwide. Our guides are co-authored by experts in international business etiquette, who are available to answer your questions on the discussion board.

This guide to United Arab Emirates business etiquette and culture covers many aspects of doing business in United Arab Emirates. It is our goal to provide practical, accurate, and up-to-date tips on United Arab Emirates business culture and etiquette, written by experts in business consulting in United Arab Emirates. We encourage visitors to leave questions or comments on our discussion boards, moderated by experts in intercultural training and business. Click On: Executive Planet - United_Arab_Emirates

This guide contains the following articles:
Let's Make a Deal - negotiating tactics, the value of connections, recommended business card style and content, business card protocol, sitting and presenting yourself in meetings, language for brochures and promotional material, pace of business, preferred presentation styles, final agreements, thinking styles, adherence to company policy, and more on United Arab Emirates business culture . . . Prosperous Entertaining - typical mealtimes throughout the day, best venues for business entertaining, punctuality for social events, dinner table seating etiquette, mealtime etiquette, importance of alcohol, toasting, guidelines for hosting a banquet/social event, what foods should be served/avoided, accepting and declining invitations, and more on United Arab Emirates business etiquette. . . Appointment Alert! - typical vacation times, recommended appointment times, length of the lunch hour, signals that indicate beginning or end of an appointment, best arrival time (early, late, right on time), and more on United Arab Emirates business culture. . . Gift Giving - recommended gifts, gifts to avoid, good and bad colors for wrapping paper, how to present a gift to individuals and groups, guidelines for receiving gifts, and more on United Arab Emirates business culture. . . First Name or Title? - using titles such as 'Doctor', naming conventions to avoid, when to use first names, and more. . . Public Behavior - how to greet strangers and introduce yourself, the rules for men shaking hands with women, acceptable demeanor, rules for eye contact, gestures/sayings to avoid, and more on United Arab Emirates business culture. . . Business Dress - is dress modest, conservative, etc., specific dress requirements for men and women, what visitors should wear to social functions, and more on United Arab Emirates business culture. . Conversation - welcome and unwelcome topics of conversation, the role of compliments, the tone of voice to be used, whether your hosts are physical or more reserved, and more on United Arab Emirates business etiquette. For additional information, click on http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=United_Arab_Emirates

Date this page was last edited: Saturday, August 02, 2008 17:10:43

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