It's hard to wave goodbye to Dubai

By RICK MANIERA

The Arab world may not be at the top of the list for your next holiday, but there are in fact many tourist-friendly regions in the Middle-East. One such destination is the United Arab Emirates, or UAE.

This small country is made up of many sheikdoms, Dubai being one, and is an ultimately dazzling place to visit, for it has beaches, deserts and mountains all on its doorstep, with traditional Bedouin markets surrounded by hundreds of skyscrapers.

There are a few airlines that fly to Dubai, with Air Emirates flying from Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, with the flight taking roughly 15 hours. Just a few tidbits about the United Arad Emirates: Dubai is not the capital - but instead Abu Dhabi, located about a half-hours plane flight westwards.

The population is mostly Arab, albeit with a thriving ex-pat scene left over from its British-ruled days, who make up about 10 per cent of the 2.3 million people who live there. It would be fair to say that the UAE made its millions from oil, exporting the black gold to places like the USA, Japan and South Korea.

If you're one of those people, like me, who like to get a feel for a destination by experiencing its environs, Dubai won't disappoint. For starters, it is home to the one of the world's largest sand deserts. It'll make you thirsty just looking at it. The UAE's interior is pretty much dominated by desert, which can be seen right from the edge of Dubai city. It truly is an awe inspiring sight at any time of day - just be careful of the dangerous sand storms - seriously!

Taking a train of camels out into the desert is a must and for those with a spirit for adventure, try sand boarding in the dunes on the outskirts of the city. Those who prefer to relax rather than go all out will enjoy the sun-soaked beaches - the perfect place for a snooze or to read a book.

In contrast to the expansive deserts, bustling cities and desert views, the UAE is also home to majestic mountain ranges to the north and east the country. Here, thanks to the higher altitude and greater precipitation, the views are predominantly green, with much flora and fauna. The grass fields around Digdaga and Hamraniyah also deserve a mention and make for a great day outdoors, while fans of motorsport will find many friends in Dubai, such is its passion for anything with an engine and four wheels - particularly rally racing.

For those who love golf, Dubai will impress, as the locals have had a love affair with the exclusive sport for quite some time now and the courses definitely reflect this. It is also the home of the Dubai Desert Classic tournament and horse racing is also a popular spectator sport in the region.

Dubai is rapidly developing as a tourism sector and, as a result, has impressive sports, shopping, dining and entertainment facilities, so travellers of any age will find something to suit. Also, look out for the massive Burj al-Arab, or Arabian Tower, which is built on a tiny island connected by a small causeway - it's a sight for sore eyes (and architecture students).

Car rental is highly recommended as the prices aren't too much more than in Australia and while the minibuses and taxis are cheap, organising travel can be a right royal pain in the bee-hind. While the region made its money from the oil-boom, there is a certain charm about the place. Even from a visual standpoint it is an amazing place that I can heartily recommend.

But what makes the UAE a good place for tourism? For starters, it has the most lenient entry regulations in the Gulf and despite it's outward appearance, you can holiday there on a budget. The best season to go is during the Australian summer months of December, January and February, where the heat isn't as full on, allowing you a more casual and less sweaty experience. Mid-year, around June, the temperature regularly rise above 40 degrees.

It should be noted, however, that Ramadan is adhered to in the United Arad Emirates (with 96 per cent of the population Muslim), which means no eating, smoking or drinking until after dark. Even the bars and hotels stop serving during the month of Ramadan, so it's wise to check before you go.

Dubai and the United Arab Emirates offer a unique Arabian experience that will leave you feeling like your life is enriched. Well, maybe that's a bit rich, but the place is very memorable indeed. The culture is intriguing, the locals polite and food aromatic. It gets two thumbs up!