A report produced by BMI in September, 2007 indicated that 8.5 millions of people visited the UAE. Europeans represented 32% of this total, followed by Asians (23%). 6.95 millions of visitors stayed at hotels in Dubai, an increase of 8% in relation to the year before. 81.4 % was the hotel occupancy in Dubai. Over 11 million of turists are expected by the end of 2010.


ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi is the largest of all seven emirates comprising the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with an area of 87, 340 square kilometres, equivalent to 86.7 per cent of the country’s total area, excluding the islands. The city of Abu Dhabi is the capital of the emirate and also the federal capital of the UAE. HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, resides in Abu Dhabi city. The Parliament buildings, most of the federal ministries and institutions are located here, as are the foreign embassies, state broadcasting facilities, and most of the oil companies. Major infrastructural facilities include Port Zayed, Abu Dhabi International Airport, extensive cultural, sport and leisure centres, together with the wonderfully engineered Abu Dhabi Corniche which offers many kilometres of risk-free walking, cycling, jogging and roller-blading along the seashore of Abu Dhabi island. Architecturally speaking the city is also a fascinating place where older buildings sit comfortably in the shade of futuristic modern skyscrapers.


DUBAI

The Emirate of Dubai extends along the Arabian Gulf coast of the UAE for approximately 72 kilometres. The total area of Dubai Emirate is 3,885 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 5 per cent of the country’s total area, excluding the islands. Dubai city is built along the edge of a narrow 10-kilometre winding creek that divides the southern section of Bur Dubai, the city's traditional heart, from the northern area of Deira.

The Ruler’s office, together with many head offices of major companies, Port Rashid, the Dubai Trade Centre, customs, broadcasting stations and the postal authority are all situated in Bur Dubai. Deira, is a humming commercial centre for shopping and tourism, containing a huge range of retail outlets, markets, hotels and the Dubai International Airport.

Jumeirah beach area is the main region for luxury hotels and sports facilities.

Dubai shops have the best products in the world with very competitive prices. The Dubai Summer Surprises e Dubai Shopping Festival are the 2 most famous ones.

Dubai is for everyone and every taste.


AJMAN

Ajman, located a short distance northeast of Sharjah's capital city, has a beautiful 16-kilometre stretch of white sand beach. It is a small emirate in terms of its physical size, covering about 259 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 0.3 per cent of the country’s total area, excluding the islands. The capital city, Ajman, contains the beautiful old fort at its centre.


SHARJAH

The Emirate of Sharjah extends along approximately 16 km of the UAE's Gulf coastline, and for more than 80 km into the interior. In addition there are three enclaves belonging to Sharjah situated on the East Coast, bordering the Gulf of Oman. These are Kalba, Khor Fakkan and Dibba al-Husn. The emirate has an area of 2, 590 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 3.3 % of the country’s total area, excluding the islands.

The capital city of Sharjah overlooks the Arabian Gulf and contains the main administrative and commercial centres together with an especially impressive array of cultural and traditional projects. Distinctive landmarks of the city are the two major covered suqs, both reflecting Islamic design, a number of recreational areas and public parks, Sharjah International Airport and Port Khalid.


FUJAIRAH

Fujairah is the only emirate that borders the UAE’s east coast, overlooking the Gulf of Oman. Within its territory there are some coastal enclaves belonging to Sharjah and some landlocked enclaves belonging to Oman. The area of the emirate is 1165 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 1.5% of the country’s total area, excluding the islands.

Fujairah has a dramatic mountain scenery, which has been a major factor in its fast developing tourism trade. The pleasant beaches, good diving and snorkelling sites, easy access to stunning mountain spots, such as Wadi Wurriyah’s waterfall as well as the unspoiled local ambience combine to make it a vacationer’s paradise.


UMM AL QAIWAIN

The Emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain is located on the Arabian Gulf coast of the UAE, extending over a distance of 24 km, between Sharjah to the southwest, and Ras al-Khaimah to the northeast. Its inland border lies about 32 kilometres from the main coastline. The total area of the emirate is about 777 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 1% of the country’s total area, excluding the islands.

The town of Umm al-Qaiwain is built around a lagoon formed by a narrow peninsula on the west side and a few islands on the east. This lagoon, called Khor al-Baydah, offers some of the best sailing and birdwatching in the Emirates. It has a long tradition of dhow building and fishing. The town boasts no less than seven forts, one of which has been renovated and now houses the museum.


RAS AL-KHAIMAH

Ras al-Khaimah is the west coast's most northerly emirate. It extends for a distance of about 64 km along the coastline and for more than 128 km inland. Its mountainous borders are shared with the Sultanate of Oman. The area of the emirate is 168 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 2.2 % of the country’s total area, excluding islands. The city of Ras al-Khaimah is divided into two parts by an inlet known as Khor Ras al-Khaimah. The western part of the city is called the Old Ras al-Khaimah and comprises Ras al-Khaimah National Museum and a number of the government departments.