Nelles Guide Reiseführer Vereinigte Arabische Emirate

Travel Destinations: The Nelles Guide UAE takes you from the oil-rich Abu Dhabi to the Liwa Oases and the garden city of Al Ain. Dubai, with its mega malls and luxury hotels, is the tourist magnet of the Emirates. The dry Sharjah is establishing itself as a cultural center; Ajman is recommended for a peaceful beach holiday, as is Fujairah on the east coast. Through Umm al Quwain and Ras al Khaimah, you can reach Oman’s wild mountainous peninsula of Musandam.

History: Was the Queen of Sheba here? Excavations provide evidence of early trade relations with Yemen, Iraq, and Persia. In the 7th century, the Arabs converted to Islam. Under British pressure, the pirate coast along the Gulf transformed into the Trucial Coast in the 19th century. In 1971, seven emirates united to form the UAE federation, and Bedouins became oil sheikhs.

Travel Information: Tips on restaurants, transportation, and activities are provided in the regional information boxes. Important information regarding alcohol, Ramadan, travel times, or behavioral rules, as well as a language guide, can be found at the end of the book.