United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates united in a federation along the
northeastern tip of the Arabian peninsula. In a region of the world more often known
for violence and Muslim fundamentalism (Saudi Arabia and Iran are neighbors), the UAE stands
as an oasis of modernity. Forty years ago there was little here but desert; the oil boom
and subsequent riches have transformed the parched landscape into one of the most futuristic
metropolises in the world. Unlimited funds have resulted in streets filled with Mercedes &
BMWs and cities with some of the most creative architecture on earth.
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A pair of flight attendants on Emirates Air show why their airline is consistently ranked among the world's best.
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From the air, it's easy to see how sand pretty much dominates everything on the Arabian peninsula. Part of this traffic circle already seems to be disappearing into the sand.
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The airport in Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate and capital of the UAE.
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Dubai International Airport (DXB), home of Emirates Airlines.
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The city of Abu Dhabi bears many similarities to Manhattan, including the fact that both
are on islands and construction tends to be upwards rather than outwards.
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Examples of amazing urban landscapes abound.
On the left, a mosque blends into a sea of highrises along Abu Dhabi's waterfront corniche.
On the right, the Emirates Towers in Dubai can be seen for miles across the desert in every direction.
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Jumeirah Mosque, one of Dubai's most striking religious buildings.
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Normally tourists are not allowed to take pictures inside mosques, but the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding can arrange tours of Jumeirah Mosque for non-Muslims as part of its "Open Doors, Open Minds" program. I signed up for one of those during my stay for a peek inside.
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A glimpse of a more traditional way of life; a man shows off his prized falcon.
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The Burj al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) literally towers over everything else along the
coast of Dubai. Built over the water, the building is said to be the only seven star
hotel in the world. Room rates start at several thousand dollars a night.
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The desert starts as soon as the city limits are behind you.
Here, a couple of camels dot the sand dunes on the way to Sharjah, the third largest emirate
in the UAE.
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Fujaira Fort defends the eastern coast of the UAE near the Gulf of Oman.
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Border sign, leaving the UAE at Al Ain and crossing into Omani territory at Al Buraimi oasis.
