In the Middle East, along the south western side of the Arabian Peninsula, there extend the United Arab Emirates, a constitutional federation formed by seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ra’s al-Khaimah and Fujairah, which united quite recently – on December 2, 1971 (National Holiday) – in order to create a political entity of considerable economic power. Covering a total surface area of circa 83,000 sq. km, they bring together territories which are characterised by extremes, from the sea to the desert, passing over vast areas rich in vegetation and fertile plains.
Their recent unification gives expression to a modern wish to unite in order to create, to fuse in a synergy which manifests itself as ever more successful, showing how it is possible to achieve a state of advancement which is avant garde, even while basing such effort on a thousand year old culture.
A country which is rich in history and capable of evolving, of renewing itself with great dynamism, whose geographical position, which is of great commercial and strategic importance, has always contributed to grant it a top position at international level.
A rare example of the fusion of values linked to the traditions of the East and of the West, the United Arab Emirates gives expression to the best possible union of cultures and nationalities, which live together harmoniously, enjoying, among other things, a quality of life among the most advanced in the world.
Together with an economy which is founded on oil – the United Arab Emirates is the fourth country in the world for the exportation of “black gold” – the Federation has, in recent decades, brought into being a massive and highly modern network of infrastructures, which have transformed the UAE into one of the most sought after, refined and fascinating international tourist destinations, capable of offering, among other things, the not unimportant benefit of duty free services.
History and contemporaneity, tradition and modernity, spirituality and culture, sport and entertainment, the sea and the desert, nature and comfort, the beauty of the landscape and architecture, art and gastronomy, the antiques trade and technology, rural villages and great metropolises, well-being and relaxation, tranquillity and cosmopolitan character… these are some of the moving and infinite surprises that await you here!
Welcome to the United Arab Emirates, the Seven Emirates of Wonder!
Photograph provided courtesy of Daniel Cheong