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Few would have believed that the U.A.E's
efforts to develop a tourism industry would have been so successful in such a short space
of time. Those who knew what the U.A.E. really had to offer visitors have been less
surprised by the country's meteoric rise in the tourism field. Tourism has in fact proved
itself to be a sustainable industry with long- term growth potential.
Investment in infrastructure, in the from of
airports, hotels and other facilities has meant that visitors to the Emirates are assured
of comfortable travel, a warm welcome and top-class accommodation. Apart from the natural
allure of Arabia, underpinned by its history, culture and environment, tourists are now
able to take advantage of its warm, sunny weather and to enjoy a wide range of pursuits
from camel or horse riding in the desert to deep sea diving.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON
U.A.E
| Official Title: |
United Arab Emirates. |
| Head of State: |
H.H. The President Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayyan. |
| Area: |
83.600 square kilometers. |
| Capital: |
Abu Dhabi. |
| Main Cities: |
Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain,.Ras
Al Khaimah & Fujairah. |
| Population: |
2.4 million. |
| Religion: |
Islam. |
| Languages: |
Arabic ( Official ), English ( Commercial ). |
| Local Time: |
GMT + 4 hours |
| Currency: |
U.A.E. Dirham ( AED ) DH. 1.00 = 100 fils .
$ 1.00 =Dhs. 3.67 |
| Currency Regulations: |
No Restrictions. |
Public Holidays
| JAN 1st |
New Years Day. |
| - - |
Eid Al Fitr. |
| - - |
Eid Al Adha. |
| - - |
Al Hijrah New Year. |
| - - |
The Holy Prophet's Birthday. |
| AUG 6th |
Accession, Ruler of Abu Dhabi. |
| - - |
Lailat Al Mi'raj. |
| DEC 2nd |
National day. |
MUSLIM HOLY
OBSERVANCES
| RAMADHAN |
A month of fasting; spiritualism, meditation and abstinence
from food and drink between dawn and dusk. ( visitors should note that it is inappropriate
to eat or drink openly during the day .) |
| LAILAT AL QADR |
Commemorates the revelation to Holy Prophet Mohammed that
prayers will be answered. |
| EID AL FITR |
The first day of shawwal following Ramadhan. The breaking of
the holy fast,called the lesser feast, a time of celebration. |
| PILGRIMAGE BEGINS |
Period of the Hajj, the pilgrimage between the first and 10th
of Dhul hijjah. Muslims (who can make the journey ) make at least one pilgrimage to Makkah
in their lifetime. Commemorates the time when Ibrahim considered the sacrifice of Ismail. |
| EID AL ADHA |
Day of festivities concluding the pilgrimage. Muslims,whether
in Makkah or at home observe this day of participating in the ritual of sacrifice and
distribution of food. |
| ISLAMIC NEW YEARS DAY |
The Islamic Lunar calendar is counted from the year of the
Hijjra, the departure of the Holy Prophet Mohammed from Makkah to Medina. |
| THE HOLY PROPHET MOHAMMED'S BIRTHDAY |
Modest ceremony of remembrance |
| LAILAT AL MI'RAJ |
Literally the night journey and ascent;the night when the
Holy Prophet ascended to heaven on Buraq; Muslims learned the fixed ritual of prayers
since that night. |
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