Emirates of the UAE

The UAE is a federation of several emirates. Each of them is in fact a separate country - an absolute monarchy. All emirates differ in size, (some can be classified as dwarf states), natural and climatic conditions, the level of tourist popularity and many other factors. Our article will tell you about which emirates are part of the UAE, what are their names and features of each of them, important for recreation .

How many emirates are part of the UAE?

Going to rest in the mysterious eastern country of the UAE, it is superfluous to find out that there are exactly 7 points in the list of Arab emirates, their names are as follows:

1. Abu Dhabi .
2. Dubai .
3. Sharjah .
4. Fujairah .
5. Ajman .
6. Ras Al Khaimah .
7. Umm al-Quwain .

On the map below you can see how they are located and what is the approximate distance between the emirates of the UAE. It is noteworthy that the administrative center of each emirate has the same name as the emirate itself. Emirates are not areas, not states, not provinces, but full-fledged small countries. In each of them, his emir reigns. In one state, the emirates have united relatively recently, in 1972. The United Arab Emirates is headed by Emir Abu Dhabi.

In which emirate is better to rest in the UAE, everyone decides for himself. For someone the most important is the quality of the beach holiday, someone likes active entertainment, the third come to the UAE for shopping. Only one thing can be said for sure: in seven emirates, all the best things that you can wish for are concentrated:

• sights - both super modern and old, with a touch of eastern exotics;
• first-class beaches;
• wide opportunities for diving , surfing and even, surprisingly, ski holidays;
• the world's largest shopping centers and malls.

So, let's see what the name of each of the seven UAE emirates is for tourists.

Abu Dhabi is the main emirate

This is the largest and rich emirate of the country. It occupies 66% of the territory of the UAE, with an area of ​​67,340 sq. Km. km and a population of more than 2 million people. The basis of the local economy is oil production. Description of the main emirate of the UAE:

1. Capital. The city of Abu Dhabi stands on a picturesque island in the middle of the waters of the Persian Gulf. Green plantations reduce the overall air temperature by 1-2 ° C. There are a lot of skyscrapers and even more fountains, but there are relatively few major shopping centers.
2. Resorts. In addition to the capital, there are 2 more resorts in this emirate. This is Liva , a magnificent oasis in the middle of the desert, and El Ain , which is on the border with Oman.
3. Sights:
   • park Ferrari World ;
   • the Sheikh Zayd Mosque ;
   • the island of Yas ;
   • a village of historical heritage ;
   • fish market;
   • artificial island "Pearl".
4. Features of recreation. Abu Dhabi is more business-oriented than tourism. They come here mainly to see the amazing urban sights. In the capital there are hotels of many world networks.

Dubai - the most popular emirate

Here, rest mostly lovers of shopping and active entertainment, the benefit of them here is enough. Uninformed tourists sometimes mistakenly call Dubai the capital of the emirates, and it is not surprising: despite its modest size, this UAE emirate is the busiest, it can be seen even from the photo. Here is what distinguishes him from others:

1. Capital. Dubai can safely be called a city of the future, because all the most modern technologies are concentrated here. The tallest building - the Burj Khalifa Tower - and the only 7-star hotel in the world are also located in Dubai. Resort this city has made an advantageous location on the coast of the Persian Gulf.
2. Sights:
   • beach complexes Al Mamzar and Jumeirah Beach ;
   • aquaparks Aquavenure and Wild Wadi ;
   • ski resort Ski Dubai ;
   • hotel-sail "Burj Al Arab";
   • singing fountains ;
   • a park of flowers .
3. Features of recreation. To see a unique combination of skyscrapers and ancient palaces, combine beach holidays with skiing, go on safari to the desert or do shopping in Dubai can afford only a wealthy person. Holiday in Dubai is expensive, but it's worth it. The bulk of hotels - 4 * and 5 *.

Sharjah - the most stringent emirate in the UAE

The third largest emirate of the country, it is the only one that is washed by the waters of both the Omani and Persian Gulfs. This is a very popular tourist destination, where they come for impressions from the exotic East. The main features of the emirate are:

1. Capital. The city of Sharjah has a population of 900,000 people. and an area of ​​235.5 square meters. km. It is an important seaport and cultural capital of the UAE with a variety of architectural, cultural, historical sites.
2. Sights:
   • the mosque of King Faisal ;
   • a monument to the Koran ;
   • Al Jazeera Park ;
   • city ​​fountain;
   • numerous museums, galleries, theaters.
3. Features of recreation. Tourists who come to the UAE, called Sharjah "non-alcoholic" emirate - because of Muslim laws here you will not find a single store where you could buy cigarettes or alcohol. Strict Muslim laws apply to clothing. Often, guests combine leisure in Sharjah with entertainment and shopping in Dubai, because these cities are only 20 minutes away by car, while living in Sharjah is cheaper.

Fujairah - the most picturesque emirate

His pride is the golden sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean, on which wealthy tourists like to rest from the West. Fujairah is very different from other emirates:

1. Capital. The capital of the emirate - Fujairah (or El Fujairah) - a city where there is not a huge cluster of skyscrapers, so it seems much more cozy than the super-modern Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The population here is only 140 thousand people.
2. Sights:
   • excellent places for diving - for example, the cave "The Abyss of the World" or the car cemetery;
   • mineral springs;
   • numerous examples of traditional Arab architecture.
3. Features of recreation. Unlike Dubai, they come here mainly for natural beauty and a measured family vacation. There are hotels of any star, and the beaches are very clean.

Ajman is the smallest emirate

It occupies about 0.3% of the country's territory. Of all the emirates, only Ajman does not have oil deposits. The nature of the emirate is very picturesque: tourists are surrounded by snow-white beaches and tall palm trees. In Ajman are engaged in the production of pearls and sea vessels. Basic information about this small and cozy emirate:

1. Capital. The city of Ajman is a great place for evening promenades along The Corniche Street. There is little entertainment: for shopping, vacationers go to neighboring Sharjah, and for entertainment - in a democratic Dubai.
2. Sights:
   • National History Museum ;
   • old shipyard;
   • Al-Noam mosque;
   • "Dromedary" for camel races ;
   • ancient watchtowers.
3. Features of recreation. The beaches of Ajman are distinguished by the white color of sand, and tourists like to spend time here. For shopping and entertainment, guests of the emirate travel to Dubai, which is only 30 minutes away. The main feature of Ajman is that there is no dry law. This is a poor and, you can say, provincial emirate, luxury hotels and entertainment here a bit.

Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate

And besides, the most fertile: lush vegetation strikingly distinguishes it from the desert landscapes of other emirates. The mountains here are very close to the shore, which looks very picturesque. So, what is this emirate famous for:

1. Capital. The city of Ras al-Khaimah is divided in two by a bay, over which a bridge is tossed. In the new area is located the airport, the old part of the city is attracted by architecture. Hotels are buried in greenery, and the climate here is relatively mild.
2. Sights:
   • unique landscapes - clean little beaches, wild landscapes, picturesque mountains;
   • city ​​bridge;
   • watchtowers;
   • Hajar canyon ;
   • thermal springs Khats Springs.
3. Features of recreation. In Ras Al Khaimah there is no dry law, therefore, those who do not think of rest without alcohol, as well as rare connoisseurs of ecological tourism, come here. In the hotels of Ras al Khaimah, the quality of service is always on top.

Umm el-Kayvain - the poorest emirate in the UAE

This part of the country is underdeveloped and sparsely populated. They are engaged mainly in agriculture - they grow dates. It is a quiet and, perhaps, least popular emirate:

1. Capital. The city of Umm al-Quwain is divided into an old and a new part. The first has concentrated in itself the basic historical sights, whereas in the second there are residential areas, tourist villas and government institutions.
2. Sights:
   • Aquapark Dreamland - the largest in the UAE;
   • the Umm al-Kaivain aquarium;
   • a fortress and a historical museum.
3. Features of recreation. In the emirate of Umm al-Kaivain, the main resort of which is its capital, come mainly for the sake of beach holidays. This is a quiet and provincial place, which has preserved the traditional way of life. However, if you want, you can also find opportunities for active entertainment here.