United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates united in a federation along the northeastern tip of the Arabian peninsula. In a region of the world more often known for violence and Muslim fundamentalism (Saudi Arabia and Iran are neighbors), the UAE stands as an oasis of modernity. Forty years ago there was little here but desert; the oil boom and subsequent riches have transformed the parched landscape into one of the most futuristic metropolises in the world. Unlimited funds have resulted in streets filled with Mercedes & BMWs and cities with some of the most creative architecture on earth.

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A pair of flight attendants on Emirates Air show why their airline is consistently ranked among the world's best.

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Arriving at the airport in Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate and capital of the UAE.

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The city of Abu Dhabi bears many similarities to Manhattan, including the fact that both are on islands and construction tends to be upwards rather than outwards.

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Examples of amazing urban landscapes abound.
On the left, a mosque blends into a sea of highrises along Abu Dhabi's waterfront corniche.
On the right, the Emirates Towers in Dubai can be seen for miles across the desert in every direction.

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Dubai's shopping malls cater to every conceivable interest. I found the contrast in this display to be especially interesting: a scantily-clad female mannequin displayed next to a pair sporting much more conservative attire.

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A couple glimpses of more traditional ways of life:
Left, a man & fully-veiled woman cruise through a shopping mall in Abu Dhabi.
On the right in the inland desert, a man shows off his prized falcon.

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The Burj al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) literally towers over everything else along the coast of Dubai. Built over the water, the building is said to be the only seven star hotel in the world. Rooms rates start at several thousand dollars a night.

click here for more pictures of this hotel!
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Persian carpets & paintings dazzle the eye at The City Centre, one of the largest shopping malls in Dubai. If you have to ask how much these gigantic carpets cost, then you can't afford them. But for those masochists of like mind, I did ask. And as expected, I left the store without a carpet under my arm. How many people can afford to spend $35,000 on a carpet anyway?

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The desert starts as soon as the city limits are behind you.
Here, a couple of camels dot the sand dunes on the way to Sharjah, the third largest emirate in the UAE.

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Fujaira Fort defends the eastern coast of the UAE near the Gulf of Oman.

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Border sign, leaving the UAE at Al Ain and crossing into Omani territory at Al Buraimi oasis.