The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Formally known as the Trucial States, the federation was established on 2nd December 1971 and come 2nd December 2008, the UAE will celebrate its 37th National Day. This is a festive occasion for Emiratis to look back and be proud of the development and achievements of their country. Celebrations include shows, events and fireworks all over the Emirates to mark the occasion.

The President of the UAE is Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan son of the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the heir apparent.

There is a federal court system; all emirates except Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah have joined the federal system; all emirates have both secular and Islamic law for civil, criminal, and high courts.

The UAE occupies an area of 83,600 sq km along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar lies to the west, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman to the north (Musandam) and east. The capital and the largest city of the federation is Abu Dhabi. Four-fifths of the UAE is desert, yet it is a country of contrasting landscapes, from awe-inspiring dunes to rich oases, precipitous rocky mountains to fertile plains.

The UAE, one of the world's fastest growing tourist destinations, has all the right ingredients for an unforgettable holiday, sun, sand, sea, sports, unbeatable shopping, top-class hotels and restaurants, an intriguing traditional culture, and a safe and welcoming environment.

Daytime temperatures are ideal from October through to March. This season brings the north-westerly winds – the Shamals – and also the scarce rainfall. Some years have been known to be totally dry. By April, temperatures are noticeable higher but the July/August period which is very hot (40+) and humid (sometimes 100%).

However hotels and golf clubs and other facilities offer great deals during the summer months and it is worth remembering that hotels, shops, in fact all buildings, cars, buses etc are air-conditioned.

The UAE is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is also one of the safest places in the world to visit. In fact, it has been designated the world’s safest holiday destination by the international travel industry on two occasions.