The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven Emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, and it’s such fun to visit! Spend a few days as a stopover on your way to Africa or India, or make the Emirates your destination for an exotic beach holiday. The country is safe and friendly, and the capital of Abu Dhabi is modern with a spectacular waterfront. Home to the Sheikh Zayed mosque – one of the largest in the world – and the splendid white palace of Qasr al-Husn, Abu Dhabi has lush gardens, souks, Bedouin encampments and no-tax shopping.

Dubai is the best known of the Emirates and it boasts the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Imagine the views from the Observation Deck, out over the ever-changing city and the Arabian Sea! You’ll see the Burj al Arab, the famous building that looks like a giant sail, only connected to the mainland by a short causeway. Stay on Jumeirah Beach and visit the gold and spice souks across the Creek. After a few days in the city, head out to Al Maha, a stunning luxury retreat in the desert for days of falconry, oryx sightings, and romantic dinners on the verandah overlooking the dunes. Visit the camel markets and the oasis at the garden city of Al Ain too, if you have time.