Middle East

Once neglected and labelled as an arid desert unworthy of habitation, the Middle East is presently one of the most happening places of the world. Making progress beyond imagination, oil driven Middle East is today a major hub of trade and commerce besides tourism. The landscape of Middle East may not provide much variance, but modern attractions in the form of skyscrapers, gorgeous shopping malls, luxurious hotels and artificially created islands are among its highlights. In short, the Middle East is becoming a popular destination for group and family vacations and corporate retreats.

Location
The Middle East or Southwest Asia comprises of the countries that extend from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to Persian Gulf. Opinions vary, sometimes sharply over the modern definition of Middle East. Commonly, the following countries are regarded as a part of the Middle East - United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Egypt and Bahrain. It may be made clear that the countries of Middle East are all part of Asian continent. They are shown as a separate landmass only for geographical clarity.

Major Cities
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Khor Fakkan, Umm Al Quwain

Climate
Although there are variations from country to country, the climate of Middle East is generally hot and humid. A large portion of the area being desert, very little rain occurs in the region. In some places, temperatures may shoot upwards of 40 degrees. Humidity levels are high along the coastal areas. Moreover, summers are very long in the coastal areas. The best time to visit most countries of the Middle East is from October onwards when winter starts to set in. Winters are mild and very pleasant. A steady breeze along the coastal areas also brings a soothing effect during winters.

United Arab Emirates
The UAE attracts most of the tourists coming to the Middle East. The state-of-the -art tourist infrastructure boosted by many world-class hotels, sports events and shopping festivals ensures that United Arab Emirates maintain its position as the number one tourist destination of the Middle East.

The best thing about UAE is that it has well blended a traditional Arab culture having strong religious values with the modernity of a cosmopolitan living environment. A country whose economy is primarily driven by oil resources, United Arab Emirates consist of seven emirates. Some cities of UAE still adorn a traditional look , but some of them have progressed beyond imagination. Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai proudly boast of mirrored skyscrapers, air conditioned malls and other highlights of modern period. Infact, Dubai is building a few artificial islands to offer something new and unique to tourists. The United Arab Emirates is today the most popular shopping destination of the world, shopping being duty free in the country. Infrastructure wise, UAE is no different from the cities of Europe and America.

Major Cities
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Khor Fakkan, Umm Al Quwain