The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah, although two thirds of the population live in either the capital city of Abu Dhabi or the country’s largest city, Dubai.
Occupying an area of 30,000 sq miles along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, with Qatar to the west, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman to the north and east, the vast majority of the UAE is desert, yet it is a country of contrasting landscapes, from awe-inspiring dunes to rich oases and precipitous rocky mountains to fertile plains.
The UAE has emerged as a cosmopolitan hub boasting a unique combination of old and new, east and west - a destination with all the comforts of home as well as a taste of the exotic. Visitors are spoilt for choice with a plethora of options to choose from, whether you are looking for stunning sights, stylish shops, beautiful beaches, cultural heritage, fine dining & fabulous food or a vibrant social scene.
Sightseeing
Modern wonders, such as Palm Island or the Burj Khalifa skyscraper (currently the world's tallest building), abound in Dubai however if you’re looking for something a little less man-made why not take in the magnificent mountain scenery of Hatta, head out to Abu Dhabi's desert sands for a camel ride under a star-filled sky, or dive the coral-filled waters of the Gulf from the unspoilt beaches near Ras Al-Khaimah.
Shopping
A paradise for shoppers, the UAE boasts several gigantic, high-end, state-of-the-art shopping malls, however, these have not replaced the traditional souks (markets) and Dubai's renowned Gold Souk remains nothing short of spectacular. So, if bartering for textiles, jewellery and spices is more your scene than browsing in designer boutiques then pay a visit to Dubai’s old town or try haggling over souvenirs in the souks of Sharkah.
Sports & Leisure
Sports fans are well catered for in the UAE with massive events such as the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix and the Dubai Tennis Masters. Football and cricket are also very popular as well as more traditional sports such as falconry, endurance and camel racing.
Arts & Entertainment
The Dubai International Film Festival and the Sharjah International Book Fair attract visitors from all over the world. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have ambitious plans to open world-class museums and galleries, including their own versions of the Guggenheim and the Louvre. There is also a lively dance and music scene with festivals and international acts performing in the UAE.
Eating Out
There is an incredible variety of colourful cuisine to choose from with over 200 different nationalities represented in the country and options from fashionable gourmet restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs to more traditional cafes and local street food.
For a taste of the high life try afternoon tea at the super luxurious 7 star Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi which boasts 1002 Swarovski chandeliers, as well as an ATM that dispenses solid gold bars!
Alternatively, if your tastes (& budget) are a little more modest, the Dubai Mall has a number of restaurants where you can enjoy dinner overlooking the dancing fountains and the astonishing Burj Khalifa.
You can search all of the positions we currently have available in the UAE on our Jobs page.
For further information on this amazing location check out our blog or Gulf homepage.