united arab emirates
About the united arab emirates
The United Arab Emirates is an Arabian Peninsula nation settled mainly along the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. The country is a federation of 7 emirates. Abu Dhabi, the island capital, is home to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with crystal chandeliers and room for 40,000 worshipers. Dubai is the site of ultramodern Burj Khalifa tower, enormous shopping centres and extravagant entertainment attractions.
© Ben Lowes, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Its focus on oil exports and commerce is reflected by the skyline’s modern towers and shopping metacentres such as Abu Dhabi and Marina malls. Beneath white-marble domes, the vast Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features an immense Persian carpet, crystal chandeliers and capacity for 41,000 worshipers.
© Ben Lowes, Dubai Opera, Dubai
Dubai
Dubai is a city known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. The Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies the Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.
© Ben Lowes, Sedr Trailers. Dubai
hatta
Hatta is an exclave of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, high in the Hajar Mountains. The restored, centuries-old Hatta Heritage Village features a defensive tower, stone houses with palm-frond roofs, and falaj, the traditional water system. Other exhibits include traditional weapons, furniture and crockery. At the nearby Hatta Dam, the Hatta Reservoir Visitor Point overlooks the pools of striking green water.
© Ben Lowes, Rixos, Ras Al Khaimah
RAS AL KHAIMAH
Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates. It's known for its Arabian Gulf beaches. In the capital city of the same name, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah occupies a centuries-old fort. The museum features regional history and archaeological exhibits. Nearby is the large, traditional Mohammed bin Salem Mosque. Northeast, the mountaintop Dhayah Fort dates from the 19th century.