Joanna Lowy is the content manager at days-out planning platform, Tripening
What … you mean other than the fact that the UAE has just opened up travel to all vaccinated people? Oh yes; The United Arab Emirates – cloaked in luxury – has long been a well-loved tourist hotspot, thanks to a richness of culture and history, a combination of traditionalism and modernism and a sunny climate all year round! Here’s why you should take advantage of the green light to visit this Arabian gem:
1.It’s one of the safest places to travel to in the world
While it’s true the UAE is the safest Arab country, the statement rings true around the world, too. A country with a ridiculously high standard of living (more on that later), it enjoys a stable political and economic situation – facilitated by an effective police force and enforcement of local laws.
When it comes to solo female travelers, they go one step ahead in ensuring safety – and the feeling of security – at all times, especially in Dubai, where they offer female-only floors with female-only staff in a number of their hotels.
To top it all off, you don’t even need any special vaccinations before coming (not taking the current situation into account, obviously!).
2.You’ll be treated like royalty
Between the high concentration of deluxe hotels (including an underwater suite offering panoramic views of a lagoon with more than 30,000 marine animals!), gourmet restaurant experiences and luxury limousines, service here is second to none. You can even – if funds allow – hop in a helicopter instead of a local taxi! No matter where you are in the country, the staff will go out of their way to make you feel welcome, offering an unforgettable experience at the same time.
3.There are loads of epic attractions and activities
The UAE is, quite simply, a paradise for thrill-seekers. Between desert safaris, hot air balloon rides, sandboarding, kayaking, diving, sailing, swimming with sharks, camel racing and night-time helicopter flights – to name but a few – there is literally something for everyone. And that’s before we even mention all the family-friendly things on offer, too, such as theme parks, water parks, dolphinariums and zoos and the must-dos for sports enthusiasts, such as playing a spot of golf on one of the country’s many courses or racing a Ferrari around a Formula 1 circuit.
4.It’s a shopaholics dream
You’ve not experienced a truly massive shopping spree until you’ve got lost in one of the UAE’s many malls. Spacious, modern and filled with both shops and other forms of entertainment, such as skiing, penguins and aquariums, you could probably spend your whole trip here!
5.It’s rich in religion and culture
Being an Arab country, it should come as no surprise that religion is a big part of everything here. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – the third largest in the world – is in Abu Dhabi and is truly a sight to be held, boasting white domes, splendid chandeliers and magnificent marble-clad columns.
The UAE has also seen an increased interest in art and culture over the last decade or so (the presence of the only other Louvre museum in the world emphasizes this.). This means visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting their culture fix. Overflowing with a range of different museums across the country – including the Coffee Museum (yes, please!) and Women’s Museum (both in Dubai) – you may also appreciate a visit to Sharjah, a royal residence dating back to 1823.
6.Everything is huge!
If you like your vacation with a side of excess, the UAE is the place for you. Manufactured masterpieces of epic proportions are everywhere you look – from Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest skyscraper) to the world’s biggest indoor ski resort; Palm Islands (in the shape of palm trees and visible from space!) to the largest aquarium in the world.
7.It’s always hot
The subtropical climate of the UAE will guarantee you a beach break no matter when you go. You can swim in the sea year-round and fully appreciate the white, sandy beaches on offer everywhere. You may even find it a bit too hot, depending on when you travel, but the indoor air-con everywhere will more than make up for it!