Questions.  Useful tips Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and others. Which emirate to choose? Where is the best sea

Ajman located further down the coast after Sharjah. This is the smallest emirate in terms of area, only 270 square kilometers, which is comparable to the area of ​​two districts of the city of Moscow. Ajman is surrounded on all sides by the territories of the emirate of Sharjah.

Ajman is famous for the fact that active construction is underway here. The Ajman government has made it possible for foreigners to fully own property in the emirate (not every emirate allows this). Many foreign investors have invested in real estate development in the city.

During the crisis of 2008-2009, almost all significant projects were frozen. The photo on the left shows the most ambitious skyscraper project Ajman Marina. The project is frozen, construction has not even begun.

The list of projects that are waiting in the wings (or rather, a good investment climate) is very long, it contains a lot of very interesting buildings and parks.

There are not many interesting places for tourists here. There are shopping centers and beautiful architecture, luxury hotels. Of the attractions include the Ajman Museum. The museum building was once the residence of the sheikhs of the emirate of Ajman, and its construction dates back to the 18th century. This historical museum contains a collection of archaeological finds, tools and weapons.

Second interesting place in the emirate you can call the fish market (Ajman Fish Market).

Here you can not only buy fish just caught in the Persian Gulf, but also try ready-made fish dishes, which the local cuisine is famous for.

For a long time, seafood was the basis of the diet of the local population, which is not surprising given the local climate.

Ras Al Khaiman located in the north of the UAE. The tourism industry in this emirate is only developing. There are several interesting places here.

Waterpark Ice Land (Iceland) is stylized as ice. The stylization lies in the fact that most of the interior is painted white, and there are also figures of penguins and other animals associated with ice and cold around the park. The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimana is located in the former residence of the sheikhs. Here you can see a collection of documents, household items and weapons.

The only fort on a hill that remains intact in the UAE is located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaiman. It is called Dhayah Fort and dates back to the 16th century. The fort is considered very important historical place, there was a major battle between local residents and the British in 1819.

Umm Al Quwain is the emirate with the smallest population. Here is the emirate's museum, which is located in the building of the former residence of the sheikhs. Dreamland water park and the old harbor, which is a historical and ethnographic park with artisans and souvenir shops.

Other Interesting Facts read about the UAE in our articles ( links below).

As you know, the United Arab Emirates is one of the centers of world tourism. It is noteworthy that each principality of this country has a number of unique features that make it unique. Some emirates are complete opposites. For example, Fujairah and Sharjah. Being on the territory of one state, these principalities are radically different from each other. Fujairah or Sharjah will be your holiday destination? Let's try to figure it out.

The name of the first of them is consonant with the English word "Future", which means "future" in translation. Indeed, the emirate of Fujairah has absorbed all the most advanced and innovative. Oil, which is the main wealth of the UAE, has not been found in these places. This circumstance is easily offset by the fact that the Principality has unique natural conditions and a developed tourist infrastructure. In the Khodjar mountains, you can find mineral springs that are great for treating skin diseases. Many diving centers have been built on the territory of the emirate. It is no coincidence that scuba diving competitions are constantly held here. Like everywhere else in the UAE, Fujairah has a lot of shopping to do, although this is usually not the main reason for tourists who buy tickets here. This principality is perfect for families, and for youth companies, and for pensioners.

Sharjah is the most archaic emirate of the UAE. It is considered the Muslim center of the country. Arab laws are strict, but in Sharjah this is manifested to a special extent. Almost no alcohol is sold on the territory of the principality. Many religious monuments have been preserved in Sharjah, so these places are often visited by Muslim pilgrims. Numerous excursions will help to get acquainted with the sights. The free economic zone that exists here will allow you to purchase a lot of goods at low prices. Compared to Fujairah, the climate here is more arid. Tourists are even advised to drink more fluids to avoid health problems. In general, the atmosphere of calm and tranquility reigns in the emirate. This is facilitated not only by local laws, but also by the general way of life. Rest here can be advised to the elderly and parents who came to rest with small children.

As you can see, Fujairah offers a more varied holiday, while Sharjah is a great place for pilgrimage and shopping. Fujairah or Sharjah? Decide for yourself. It all depends on the purpose of the trip.

So about Dubai. More than 500 hotels are located here, but most of them are located far from the coast, almost all of them are urban. It cannot be noted here, according to the structure of location in Egypt or Turkey that we are accustomed to, on which line the hotel is located - they are simply considered urban. You will definitely have to get to the beaches by hotel minibuses or taxis. Hotels located on the coastline and having their own beaches are quite expensive hotels: for a week of stay in such a hotel, you will have to pay at least $ 1,100 per person with breakfast, not including flights. But in a city hotel you can stay from $ 30 per day.

Dubai Beaches: There are four beaches in the city of Dubai itself. Paid beaches - Jumeirah, Al Mamzar Park and two free urban ones - Marina Beach and the beach, to the right of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The differences between paid and free are significant, like for relaxing on a hot Dubai day. Firstly, there are showers on paid beaches - this is important. The water in the bay is very salty and if you do not wash it off, you will walk like it was “sticking”. Secondly, the well-groomedness and the presence of trees, or rather palm trees, and they look nice, like parks. Paid beaches are equipped for rest and real relaxation, while the city beaches are quite small and there is nowhere to hide from the scorching sun. Moreover, the beach fee is not so big - 1.3 US dollars + 4 dollars per sunbed - so don't be stingy.

What to see in Dubai: “Be sure to buy a bustour ticket and go to all worthy tourist places. Absolutely everywhere you would like to visit in Dubai and everything that is noted in the guidebooks - you will see. This one stops there tourist bus”, - Dmitry, an avid traveler and marketer of the Hozdom Internet holding, shares his opinion. “You can safely get off at one of the stops, walk around, look, take pictures and then take one of the next flights.” Dmitry adds.

Boustour runs every 20 minutes. Bus routes are divided into blue and red. The red route is old part the city of Dubai, and blue is a new part of it. Despite the fact that the price includes tickets to museums and a boat trip. Shop malls, ski centers, a sail-shaped hotel and super-tall buildings - you will see it all, do not miss anything. The next time you can safely go and take a walk, knowing exactly where you really want to go.

And now about Sharjah: Most of the hotels in Sharjah are located right on the coast. Their territories are small, but the hotels are affordable (from $ 400 with breakfast for 7 nights) and have good staff, rooms are cleaned daily and clean, although the food is moderate - but you will be full.

Two 5 star hotels - Radisson and Royal Beach Resort& Spa, four 4-star hotels - Lords, Coral Beach, Carlton, Grand Hotel. The rest of Sharjah beach hotels are not more than 3 stars: Lou Lou Beach Hotel, Beach Hotel Sharjah, Al Seef Hotel and Primiera.

All of the above hotels are located right on the coast with their own beaches, except Lords, Al Seef Hotel, which are located across the road from the beach. From each hotel in the morning and in the evening there are mini-basses to the center of Sharjah and the center of Dubai. Therefore, even if you really want to visit malls and shopping centers in Dubai or Sharjah every day, you are always welcome.

“Sharjah flows smoothly into Dubai, you won’t even notice when you entered Dubai or vice versa. It's one big city!"

What to see in Sharjah?
Almost all the main museums of the country are concentrated in Sharjah. This city and emirate has the most stringent rules and cultural values ​​of all the UAE. "Sharjah is Cultural Center UAE, it is more calm and quiet here, unlike the noisy and fast Dubai.

The UAE (United Arab Emirates) is divided into 7 emirates with an absolute monarchy: Dubai, Umm al-Qaiwain, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah and Abu Dhabi. Each emirate has direct access to the coastline of the Arabian Sea / Persian Gulf / Indian Ocean, so no matter which emirate you go to, you can sunbathe and swim everywhere.

Sharjah and Fujairah are two quite popular among lovers beach holiday emirates. They are united by the presence of relatively inexpensive hotels with their own beach, which compares favorably with Dubai. If you want to go on vacation to the UAE and think about which is better - Sharjah or Fujairah - then we advise you to read this article to the end. Although we will not give you a specific answer to the question “Sharjah or Fujairah: which is better?”, we will compare both of these emirates on various important criteria, and this will allow you to better understand which emirate suits you best.

Location

For most tourists, but not all, Sharjah's location will be more advantageous. Firstly, this emirate is much closer to the main airports of the UAE, which is important for tourists with children. You can drive from Dubai Airport or Sharjah Airport in just 15-30 minutes to your hotel in Sharjah. You will have to drive at least 1 hour to the city of Fujairah, but the most popular beach hotels of this emirate are not located in Fujairah itself, but in the village of Al-Aka, the trip to which from Dubai and Sharjah airports is at least 1.5 hours.

Secondly, the proximity of Sharjah to Dubai gives a great advantage to those tourists who plan to explore the sights of this emirate and go shopping. Of course, no one prevents you from traveling from Fujairah to Dubai for excursions and shopping centers. Only here the cost of the cheapest excursion to Dubai from Fujairah starts from $100 per person, and the cost of a taxi ride from Fujairah to Dubai will be from $80 for a one-way trip. In addition, you will have to spend a lot of time on the road.

Despite all this, Fujairah's location has its advantages. Firstly, Fujairah is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean (or rather, the Arabian Sea, which is considered part of the Indian Ocean), which slightly raises the status of this resort in the eyes of some tourists. In addition, in general, the waters near Fujairah are slightly cleaner than those near Sharjah. Secondly, because of the mountains, Fujairah has its own microclimate. What we will talk about below.

Where is the best weather

It would seem, what are the differences in terms of weather between the two emirates, which are next to each other? But, as we said above, due to the Hajar mountains, Fujairah has its own microclimate. In the summer, when Sharjah is unbearably hot, the air temperature in Fujairah is usually 3-4 degrees lower, as the Hajar mountains prevent the penetration of hot air masses from the Arabian desert. In addition, in winter, these same mountains protect Fujairah from the penetration of cool air masses from the north, so the air temperature in Fujairah is usually 2-3 degrees higher than in Sharjah.

Where is the best sea

Although Sharjah has 2 enclaves that are washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, the main part of the emirate is located on the coast Persian Gulf. Almost all Sharjah hotels are located here. Fujairah, as we have already said, is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. Is there a difference?

In Sharjah, there are quite a few breakwaters on the beaches that protect the coast from strong waves. So in this emirate the sea (or rather the bay) is calmer. In Fujairah, the waves are usually higher, but often the sea is calm here, when you can swim in sea water without any problems. But still, in general, the sea near Sharjah hotels is calmer than near Fujairah hotels.

It is also worth noting that jellyfish infestations occur more often in Fujairah. Sharjah is also not immune from this phenomenon, but still jellyfish appear here less often than in Fujairah.

If we talk about the purity of water, then, in our opinion, in Fujairah it is cleaner, although not ideal. Oil in water happens both in Sharjah and Fujairah, but tourists in Sharjah complain about it much more often. In addition, it is worth remembering that the waters near Sharjah are a zone of active navigation, which negatively affects the purity of the water.

Where are the best hotels

The choice of hotels in Sharjah is noticeably wider than in Fujairah, as in this emirate there are about a dozen hotels with their own beach, as well as several dozen city hotels. In Sharjah, you can find a relatively inexpensive beach hotel, which is important for tourists on a small budget. It is also important that there are cafes, restaurants and shops near many hotels in Sharjah, which allows you to save money on food.

There are also about a dozen beach hotels in Fujairah, but there are almost no city hotels here. Many beach hotels in Fujairah are, so to speak, on the outskirts, there are practically no cafes and shops next to them. At the same time, Fujairah hotels are quite expensive, although not much more expensive than hotels in Sharjah. However, Fujairah hotels have their advantages. Firstly, these hotels are located away from the hustle and bustle, which will appeal to tourists who love relaxing holiday. Secondly, almost all hotels in Fujairah have a spacious territory by local standards, and often also a large selection of entertainment and even an animation team. This makes them look like beach hotels in Egypt and completely different from hotels in Sharjah. What makes them even more unlike hotels in Sharjah is the presence of alcohol in bars and restaurants. As you know, the so-called dry law operates in Sharjah, therefore, in the hotels of this emirate, as in other establishments, they do not serve alcohol. There is no such law in Fujairah, so tourists can enjoy an "alcoholic" holiday. If we also compare the all-inclusive food concepts in the hotels of these two emirates, then the comparison will clearly not be in favor of Sharjah hotels, despite the fact that the cost of living under this system in both cases is approximately the same.

Is it possible to unambiguously answer the question of which is better: Sharjah or Fujairah? As you already understood, there can be no unambiguous answer to this question, and when choosing between these two emirates, many factors must be taken into account.

To summarize, we will present the main advantages of each emirate, which will allow you to understand how this or that emirate suits you.

Pros of Sharjah:

good location

Large selection of hotels

Relatively inexpensive hotels

Calm sea

Lots of restaurants, cafes and shops

Pros of Fujairah:

Good place for a relaxing holiday

Pleasant microclimate

Relatively clear sea

Hotels with a large territory

Availability of alcohol in hotels, including all-inclusive

Might be interesting

All have hotels and beaches, shops and restaurants, entertainment for tourists (somewhere there are few of them, as, for example, in Ras Al Khaimah, somewhere in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, more, the rest is more varied). And now how do you order to choose a place to stay?

Let's listen to what our compatriots, who recently returned from the UAE and gathered in a small cozy cafe over a cup of tea, say:

Marina: We enjoyed our vacation in Sharjah so much! Quiet, calm, no drunken compatriots. We specifically chose this emirate, and it was not expensive for the money. I really liked the Lu-Lu hotel (), it is on the coast - we swam in the morning, then slept in the afternoon, went to Dubai, walked through the malls, but it was difficult to find a taxi back. A one-way trip cost us 40-60 dirhams. Sometimes they traveled profitably - they formed in half with their neighbors. And living in Dubai was too expensive for us. Sharjah and Dubai are close, you can swim and relax in Sharjah, and get out to Dubai for entertainment, walking, shopping. There are also shopping centers in Sharjah, but in Dubai we also went to markets and malls, bought a lot of things in Nasser Square. Strict calm and inexpensive Sharjah I really like.

Vlad: Yes, Sharjah! Boring things! Also, these strict laws of theirs, it’s only suitable for families who are not going to get out of the beach. The sea is the same everywhere except Fujairah. Diving enthusiasts go to Fujairah. I would not choose Sharjah. Dubai is awesome! My friend and I, although we did not rest in a beach hotel (they are too expensive and luxurious), there are no words for delight, only emotions! We went to the sea by bus or taxi. But we wandered around the city, went on excursions a couple of times, smoked a hookah, and also ran around malls-markets. The jeep safari was very impressive. Skyscrapers, speed, the very atmosphere for the young and hot!

We were on an excursion in Abu Dhabi, living there is also somehow not very good. Business center. Go once and that's enough. Other emirates are boring things for sure. Only lie on the beaches. It is so clear that all the emirates are nearby, one after the other, getting to any one is not a problem. But I choose Dubai! There s fun.

Sveta: I wonder if someone chooses Fujairah? So we were in Dubai and Sharjah, so we liked it both there and there. Sharjah - beaches, few people, white sand underfoot. From Carlton (our hotel, quite decent) the bus went free to Dubai and Sharjah, several times a day. Dubai - dynamics, luxury, shopping, the atmosphere of modern-oriental luxury ... And in Fujairah, as I was told, there are stones at the bottom of the sea and on the beach, some kind of sea urchins, in general, people almost bathe in shoes.

Only if you choose between a city hotel in Dubai or a beach hotel in Sharjah, I would choose Sharjah. To Dubai - on excursions, otherwise it is very tiring to go to the beach by bus, and even in time.

Vlad: I haven't heard much about Fujairah, but it's just a bit boring compared to Dubai. There are also acquaintances - lovers of a quiet holiday, so they constantly rest in Ajman. They really like it there - beautiful, calm, half an hour drive to Dubai. There are few tourists. And I love it when there are a lot of people, what you just can’t see enough of. That's life!

Lena: Listen to what I tell you. There is no friend for taste and color, as they say, each emirate is good in its own way. If you are going to the UAE for the first time, then it is better to choose Dubai. The attitude towards tourists is the most loyal, plus all these miracles, metro, shops on every corner and so on. Hookah. The hotels are great, the beaches. There is a lot of entertainment and relative freedom for travelers. And civilization in general. Then, having gained experience, you can live in other emirates.

Fujairah is for divers. On the shores of the Gulf of Oman there is a great variety of all underwater living creatures and, in general, a variety water world. Fujairah is more expensive than Ajman or Sharjah. And the hotels are better there.

Sharjah - a relaxing holiday with excellent beaches, historical monuments. And everything is cheaper there compared to Dubai (hotels, food, taxis).

Umm al Quwain is camel racing, Dreamland water park.

Abu Dhabi - well, how not to go to the main emirate of the country, not to walk around the capital? Palaces, oases, monuments, mosques, fountains - beauty!

Ajman is an economical holiday.

Many people also like Ras Al Khaimah, this is an emirate for a “lazy” holiday. There are few tourists, mostly locals. 50 minutes drive from Dubai.

We at all last time, when we were in the UAE, we lived for three days in Dubai, and then the rest of the days in Sharjah and also Ajman. Vacation was great!

Vlad: Oh how! Lena dotted all the “and”! Exactly draw conclusions:

Abu Dhabi- capital. Petrodollars, which by and large do not concern us, luxury and all that. But this is a business center, which is better to go on an excursion than to live there. Beautiful - skyscrapers, fountains, architecture. They also have a hotel, Emirates Palace - so there is such luxury that you won’t even dream about it. By the way, a machine has been installed that sells gold - you can bring a gold bar as a keepsake. So observation deck at the Hilton hotel you can see a beautiful view and still understand - you need to choose another place to relax. (In my opinion).

Dubai. Oh, it's just great! Nothing compares to this emirate and its capital! Beautiful city, many flowers, skyscrapers, shops, metro without a driver, ideal beaches, golf, hippodrome, water parks, boat trips, belly dancing, hookah, camels, jeep safari, and what not! Life is in full swing and presents all the beauty and joy, just catch the delight! For the first time to go - be sure to Dubai! (I choose it at all other times, however). Although, of course, expensive.

Sharjah. Pillar of Islam. Close to Dubai, but what a difference! Not a drop of alcohol, the strictest observance of the rules and prohibition. I also heard that only in Sharjah there was caning. This is unlikely to threaten our tourists, but the laws will have to be strictly observed, along with the rest of the residents. However, oriental architecture, sunny quiet beaches and just this very dry law attract almost half of the tourists to Sharjah. There are also markets - vegetable, fish, gold ... there are many markets, about 10. Museums, including the Museum of Vintage Cars, Aviation, and the Maritime Museum. The boys will love it! Shopping centers. And Dubai is right here. Plus, it's a good savings.

Ajman. It is small, the smallest of the seven. For a relatively inexpensive holiday. Beautiful nature. The hotels are good, the beaches are great. It is popular with tourists and the population of Sharjah - those who find prohibition a burden. Here, lovers of alcohol breathe easier, although not every corner sells wine and no one walks drunk. A wonderful equestrian center for horseback riding enthusiasts, there are also diving centers, several museums, camel races are held.

Umm al Quwain. There are few hotels, few attractions. But pink flamingos live on the island nearby. Crab hunting in the evenings is such an entertainment for tourists, and more than thirty varieties of dates can be tasted while in Umm al-Quwain. Racing and shooting clubs, flying club, marine entertainment, a couple of museums. There are good restaurants and DreamLand water park.

Ras Al Khaimah. Many people like to relax here. Among the entertainment - camel racing, flying club, shooting and golf clubs, sailing. You can visit a pearl farm (very interesting!) And tombs, visit. There are also hot springs in the town of The Khatt (southern part of the emirate).

fujairah. Great snorkeling and low prices for everyday goods. The underwater world is corals, moray eels, butterfly fish, parrot fish and sometimes sharks. The water is not very clear. Picturesque places, hot springs, just like everywhere else, there are shops and oriental shops. And many more go to Fujairah to watch a bullfight - an unforgettable sight for those with iron nerves.

Well, that seems to be all. I think everyone will find a vacation to their liking in the Emirates according to their budget and preferences. More expensive and more fun - Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and quieter, more modest and cheaper - other emirates.

And everyone agreed with Vlad.