Sitting at the crossroads of the East and the West, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become an expanding melting pot of cultures from around the world. People from America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania find this country within easy reach both for their business and leisure endeavors.
The UAE is situated in the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia. The Persian Gulf borders it on the northwest; the Gulf of Oman on the northeast; Oman on the east and southeast; and Saudi Arabia on the west, southwest and south. Its strategic location makes it accessible to over 130 global destinations via 85 airlines and 120 shipping lines. It is a vital transit point for the world’s crude oil as well as travelers coming from the East or West.
The country is comprised of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, the capital and the largest emirate; Ajman, the smallest emirate; Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. It has a total land area of 83,600 square kilometers. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the country’s political, commercial, and cultural hubs.
The coast of Dubai, with its stunning modern skyline, is a favorite spot for luxury yacht charters. Desert safaris can take tourists to the salt flats, sand dunes, and the rare oasis that make up the western and southern regions. Trips to the east coast would reveal mountains reaching heights of around 3000 meters near the Oman border.
The east coast of Fujairah is a productive area with adequate rainfall for farmers to grow crops all year-round. It is also lined with pristine beaches teeming with a rich and colorful marine life, making it a favorite diving spot. This part of the UAE has cooler temperatures than the rest of the country.
With the bid for World Expo 2020 in the bag, the UAE’s strategic location and progressive infrastructure will play a major role in the success of this international meeting of minds. It will benefit not only Dubai and the UAE but also of the rest of the region and the world.