DESTINATION INFORMATION
The Emirates are bordered to the north by the Gulf and the Musandam Peninsula, to the east by Oman, to the south and west by Saudi Arabia and to the northwest by Quatar. They comprise a federation of seven small former sheikhdoms, of which Abu Dhabi is one, and the remainder are known collectively as the Northern States.
Other states include Fujairah, with a stunning mountainous backdrop sweeping down into the turquoise sea, is the perfect place to unwind; Ras Al Khaimah, the most northern of states, has a long, rich history and is alive with tradition. The largest, Abu Dhabi is flat and sandy, and within its boundaries is the Buraimi Oasis.
Dubai is blessed with wonderful beaches, spectacular desert scenery and virtually guaranteed sunshine. Imagine a blend of exotic Arabia and Manhattan, and you will get an idea of what this fast-developing Emirate has to offer visitors.
Known as the 'City of Merchants', Dubai seems to know no end to its ambition or have inhibitions, with new plans constantly on the drawing board. Modern, state-of-the-art buildings blend with traditional houses and mosques whilst the air-conditioned stores of Wafi City with their designer label goods co-habit with the lively souks.
Be aware though, that during the summer months, the heat is extreme, making trips away from air-conditioned vehicles and buildings unbearable, as the temperature can rise to 45/50°C!
Dubai is a great place for a stopover, or even a tour. For more detailed information on Dubai, please click on the map above.
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BEST TIMES FOR TOURING |
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Cricket [Sept - May] |
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Rugby [Sept - May] |
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TRAVEL
There is incredible competition to the Middle East. The original local airline was Gulf Air. Then Emirates came along and became one of the fastest expanding airlines in the world. They are one of the real classic examples of what is know as 'hub and spoke' where the vast majority of passengers fly into their main airport, Dubai, to connect out to another destination.
Whilst Gulf Air started the whole thing, they have been massively superceded by Emirates who have been followed by Qatar Airlines and more recently by Etihad. It almost seems like each sheik has his own airline!
The non-stop flight schedules for the United Arab Emirates are:
- Emirates ~ Services to Dubai, the principal UAE city, operate several times daily from London Heathrow, three times daily from London Gatwick, twice daily from Birmingham and Manchester, and once daily from Glasgow.
- British Airways ~ Twice daily service from London Heathrow to Dubai.
- Virgin Atlantic ~ Once daily service from London Heathrow to Dubai.
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FIXTURES
The rapid development of the Middle Eastern economies has mean the significant rise of ex pats leaving in places like Dubai. Where you get a high density of ex-pats, you get both international schools and national sports. It has attracted considerable notoriety in successfully establishing international sporting events such as the Dubai 7's and the recent Junior World Rugby cup as well as major golf tournaments and racing events.
It is not just the British ex-pats that establish their sports and their clubs. The Gulf States also have a particularly strong Indian population. The Indians are absolutely made about cricket. When you look at Arabian cricket, you'll see how much the influence the game in this area.
The locals have established quite a few local festivals and tournaments for sports people at different age levels. You'll find that these take place outside the main really hot times of June to August when the temperature gets up to 50C. Only 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen' would play sport in that heat!
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FIXTURE SUITABILITY |
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Clubs |
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Schools [Prep and Senior] |
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Universities |
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ACCOMMODATION
My first night in Dubai was particularly interesting. It was in between Xmas and New Year, 1980. My stewardess wife and I had just spent our first married Xmas in Tokyo and we were on the way home.
We stayed in the Sheraton which was one of the tallest buildings at that time. It is now dwarfed. That's development! Accommodation is very good as there is a massive expansion in hotels which makes it a very competitive market.
We seek to find the best value quality accommodation for our customers. A brilliant example is The Oasis Beach Towers, a 49-storey 2, 3 and 4-bedroom luxury apartments hotel (fully equipped spacious kitchen with modern appliances), offering views over the Arabian Gulf and connection to full hotel services at the Oasis Beach Hotel, including the use of the beach. It is around a 20 minute drive to the city.
It has excellent facilities including:
- Watersports
- Floodlit tennis court
- Gym with sauna, steam bath and steam room
- State-of-the-art LCD TV
- Data points
- High-speed internet
- Large temperature-controlled swimming pool and private beach at the Oasis Beach Hotel.
- Restaurants ~ Several to chose from, including the Oregano, Singapura, Bazaar, and the Coco Cabana Beach Bar & Restaurant.
A tour to Dubai is either about a week or a short break as part of a longer tour to other destinations.
Whilst we're concentrating on Dubai, we have not lost out on other emirates who are developing. Abu Dhabi is probably the country who is developing most, and it is next door to Dubai. Oman is also investing lots of money.
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WHAT TO DO
Top 5 Things to do:
- Wild Wadi Water Park
- Shopping ~ Elegant stores and souk markets
- Mosques
- Al Fahidi Fort
- Dune driving
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