The United Arab Emirates - more than just a "stopover"

Often just thought of as a “stopover” on route to Europe, UK, Far East and the Americas – the UAE is way under-estimated. There is far more to be discovered than just the wonder world of Dubai. I enjoy freedom when travelling, so always try to hire a car. I was worried about car hire in the Middle East though, with the driving being on the opposite side of the road, the congestion and possible road signs that I could not read. But, I decided to chance it, and head into a new adventure!

My flight landed early in the morning, and after collecting the hire car, I was set to leave the airport at 08:30 am! Heading out right into PEAK traffic. However, the other drivers were not aggressive at all and the roads are in a good condition. Driving in the UAE is relatively easy. An important note though, make sure your GPS maps are VERY current, as the roads change often.

From Dubai, we drove through the wonderful Hajar Mountains. Beautiful jaggered mountains with dry Wadi’s (river beds). We reached our first destination-Fujairah! Fujairah is on the East Coast of the UAE on the Gulf of Oman. The hotel of choice here was the JAL Fujairah. It offers wonderful activities for Children (including the activity course in the sea), excellent cuisine, wonderful views, clean beaches, beautiful pools, friendly staff, and large comfortable rooms. Fujairah is very much more relaxed than Dubai. You can lie on the beach and forget where you are!

We chose to drive along the Persian Gulf on our journey back to Dubai, passing through Ras al Khaimah, Ajman, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain. It was very different to be driving on a world class highway through desert sand dunes spotted with camels. Then, as you approach Dubai, towering over the dunes is the World’s Tallest Building – the Burj Khalifa! What a treat!

Dubai is magnificent! Totally man made and very awe inspiring! From the Dubai Marina, to the Burj al Arab – the 7 Star resort built on a manmade island, to the floating bridge which crosses the Dubai Creek, and the Mall of the Emirates, which houses the Ski Slope with real snow! It is wonderful to see just what IS possible! Dubai “old town” is very congested, but well worth a visit. Be sure to bargain in all the Souks!!

From Dubai the next destination was Abu Dhabi. This is a wonderful “green” city. Lots of grass, trees and water ways. Very pretty and very well kept. This to me is the “best kept secret” of the UAE. Only an hour from Dubai, but worth the trip. Close to Dubai is the newly developed YAS Island. YAS Island is home to Ferrari World and the world’s fastest Rollercoaster – the Formula Rosso. Reaching speeds of up to 240kms an hour. This is an adventure park for the young and old. YAS Island is also home to the Yas Marine Circuit – where the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi will be hosted. Be sure not to miss this gem!

So, next time you are looking for a destination, don’t put the Middle East aside. A vacation to the UAE is an all-in-one vacation. From beach, to shopping and sightseeing, to adventure parks!

On an exciting note to physically disabled travellers - this trip was done with my husband, a T5 Paraplegic. The hotels that I booked were all fully adapted for Wheelchair use. Most of the areas we visited were accessible by wheelchair.