The Emirates are bordered to the north by the Gul f and the Musandam Peninsula, to the east by Oman, to the south and west by Saudi Arabia and to the northwest by Qatar. They comprise a federation of sevensma ll former sheikhdoms. Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate, and the remainder (Ajman, Dubai, Fujai rah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Qaiwain) are known collectively as the Northern StatesTime. The UAE is a contradictory destination, an Islamic state where the DJs’ turntables stop spinni ng just before the muezzins’ morning call to prayer can be heard, and where a traditional Bedouin lifestyle and customs continue  alongside a very Western version of rampant consumerism. While many visitors marvel at the fantastic (in the true sense of the word) hotel and real estate projects, the real wonder is how the savvy sheikhs manage to harmonise such disparate and seemingly opposing forces. For Western visitors, the UAE is a very safe Middle East destination, with the comforts of home and a taste of the exotic.

Time: GMT + 4.

Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and used as a second language in  commerce.

Currency: UAE Dirham (AED) = 100 fils.

Food and Drink: Local fruit and vegetables are increasingly available and there is excellent local fish. Hotels serve both Arab and European food and there is also a number of Chinese, Indian and other restaurants.
National specialities:
• Hummus (chickpea and sesame paste).
• Tabbouleh (bulghur wheat with mint and parsley).
• Ghuzi (roast lamb with rice and nuts).
• Warak enab (stuffed vine leaves).
• Koussa mashi (stuffed courgettes).
• Mak bous (spicy lamb with rice).
• Seafood wit h spicy rice are also popul ar.
National drinks:
• Ayran (a refreshing yoghurt drink).
• Strong black coffee.

Things to know: All the Emirates, with the exception of Sharjah, permit the consumption of alcohol by non- Muslims. It is illegal to drink alcohol in the street or to buy it for a UAE citizen. Tipping: Most hotels,
restaurants and clubs add fai rly high service charges to the bill, therefore tipping is not necessary. Taxi
drivers are not tipped.

Weather: The best time to visit is between October and May. The hottest time is from June to September with little rainfall. Lightweights, with mediumweights from November to March; warmer clothes for evening.