UAE & Oman
Our trip to the United Arab Emirates and Oman began with the excellent service of Etihad Airways from their various US gateways: New York (JFK); Washington, DC (IAD); Chicago (ORD); and Los Angeles (LAX). The national airline of the United Arab Emirates was established in 2003 and has grown exponentially since then. The airline seeks to reflect the best of Arabian hospitality as well as enhance the prestige of Abu Dhabi as the center of East-West connections. We were lucky enough to see the new look of Etihad’s fleet at the Etihad Innovation Center in Abu Dhabi featuring the first ever 1-bedroom Residence (A380 only), First Class Apartments, Business Suites, and upgrades to Economy class seats. The décor of the aircraft is infused with little highlights of Arabic design and the ambiance feels warm and welcoming to all guests. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will debut out of IAD in April 2015 and the A380 will debut between Abu Dhabi-London this December and from JFK in Q3 of 2015.
Arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport was smooth and easy with Fast Track from Etihad Airways. No advance visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter the United Arab Emirates nor are any vaccinations required.
Etihad Amenities:
In-flight Nanny for families with children
Clearing US customs & immigration in Abu Dhabi
Dining on demand (business, first, residence)
A dedicated chef (first, residence)
Food & Beverage manager (business, first)
Free limo service at all U.S. gateways (business, first, residence)
Fast track arrival in Abu Dhabi (business, first, residence)
Once we cleared customs, the welcome team from Eastbound UAE and Kempinski’s Emirates Palace greeted us and served tea and water in the Emirates Palace airport lounge before their fleet of BMWs whisked us away to the Palace. A short 25-minute drive brought us through the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi, along the Corniche to the breathtaking Emirates Palace.
Home to 302 luxury rooms and 92 suites decorated in warm gold tones and marble throughout, the palace provides luxury at an unprecedented level in Abu Dhabi. The 302 luxury rooms are all the same in size (55 sq.m/592 sq.ft) but offer different views of the grounds. The Coral rooms are garden view, the Pearl rooms are partial sea view, and the Diamond rooms are sea view. There are 6 different styles of suites in the Palace, ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms, all with Jacuzzi baths. All rooms, regardless of size include the following amenities:
24 hour butler service
free wireless internet
minibar
laptop size safe
large terrace or balcony
daily newspaper service
choice of pillows
individually controlled AC
palace lounge
The grounds and the Palace are simply stunning works of Arabic architecture and elegance. A private 1.3 kilometer beach, bay, and marina are complimented by two gorgeous swimming pools. One pool is designated as ‘adults only’ on the East side of the Palace and the other caters to families. Children can enjoy the lazy river, two water flumes, and other pool activities in ‘Sarab Land’ an outdoor play zone with specially trained staff to encourage games and activities for all ages. Dining is of the highest standards with 14 onsite options for restaurants, cafes, lounges and bars. We enjoyed a sumptuous meal at Sayad, the seafood restaurant. The outdoor BBQ, Al Qasr, was set in large tents on the beach with gorgeous views of the Palace and the sea.
We couldn’t have been spoiled more by the Kempinski team and their hospitality was impeccable. We had the pleasure of meeting representatives of all of the Kempinski properties in UAE including the all-suite property on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, the famous Mall of the Emirates property overlooking Ski Dubai, and the stunning beach hideaway in Ajman.
A little history about United Arab Emirates (UAE)…the country was formed officially as a constitutional monarchy in 1971 on December 2 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His name translates to King Zayed, son of Sultan, of the family Nahyan…he fathered 19 sons and 24 daughters. His son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan now rules UAE as President and ruler of Abu Dhabi emirate. The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the Vice-President of UAE and ruler of Dubai. Sheikdom is decided by the elders of the family and typically falls to the oldest son in the family, but not always. In the 1700s there were two ruling tribes in the regions, which became UAE, the Baniyas tribe and the Qawasissims. The Baniyas split into the ruling families of the Maktoum dynasty (Dubai) and the Nayhans (Abu Dhabi). The other 5 emirates derive from the Qawasissims tribe. The name Abu Dhabi means ‘Father of Gazelles’ as the original inhabitants of the Liwa oasis were hunting gazelle when they came upon the 50 square mile island.
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the country and the largest of seven emirates accounting for 87% of the landmass of UAE. The other Emirates are Dubai (2 million people), Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras-al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain. The nation is the size of Maine and it takes about 4 hours to drive from the Northeast to the Southeast and about 2 hours from Abu Dhabi or Dubai to the inland border with Oman. UAE boasts a population of 8 million people, with 2 million living in Dubai, 1.5 million in Abu Dhabi, and the remainder spread around the other emirates. 18% of the population is Emirati and the remainder expatriates—mostly from India (41%), Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in addition to various European nations and USA. The nation was mostly a small fishing and trading post until oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi in 1958 and in Dubai in 1964. Even with the presence of such deep reserves, development was slow with most of the cities remaining rural with traditional buildings and streets planned as wind tunnels for ventilation to fend off the desert heat. Most of Dubai and Abu Dhabi looked like this through the 1960s and 1970s:
Of course, now Abu Dhabi and Dubai are bustling metropolises with amazing architecture, finance, culture, and world famous events. All of this development occurred in the 90s and early 2000s in an attempt to strengthen UAE’s position in the world and become independent of oil income. Dubai has since exhausted its reserves, while Abu Dhabi still has reserves to draw upon. Through the efforts of Dubai Tourism and Abu Dhabi Tourism UAE is a draw for leisure, corporate, and incentive groups from around the world. The destination has much to offer in terms of culture, adventure, and attractions ranging from the world’s largest shopping malls to the tallest building in the world. UAE has taken to heart the theory of ‘if you build it, they will come’ and the world has responded. Beneath all of this glamour and superlative achievements is the heart of a warm nation, bursting with pride over their Arabic traditions and hospitality as well as their ultra-modern cutting edge image.
Throughout UAE visitors are embraced and differences are respected and tolerated like nowhere else in the Gulf region. Our group barely scratched the surface of all there is to do and see in the UAE. Below are a few of the many highlights you might sell to your guests on an itinerary or be interested in experiencing for yourself. No matter what, UAE is becoming more and more of a popular destination for a few nights stopover on the way to Asia, Africa, or India or is being combined with Oman and Jordan as an Arabian adventure.
Abu Dhabi Attractions:
Our group started our day of touring at the Falcon Hospital, approximately 30 minutes outside of the city center of Abu Dhabi. This unique hospital is the largest of its kind in the world and it serves about 9000 avian patients each year. Falconry has deep roots in the Arabian Peninsula and falcons are the national bird of UAE, even though they are not native to the region (originally from Central Asia). Originally, falcons were captured as they migrated were trained to hunt and then released back into the wild. Now, they are bred for hunting and some people have thousands of them as part of their menageries. In the wild, falcons live about 18-20 years while in captivity; they typically live about 15 years. 3 main types of falcons are used for hunting—the Peregrine (fastest in the world), the Saker which can take down a gazelle, and the Gyr which are the largest and most expensive bird to own. The guided tour of the hospital is fascinating with insight into how the doctors care for the birds and perform examinations on them daily. There are also owls and Saluki dogs on the grounds and the dogs are available for adoption.
We quickly toured the Yas Island area where there are many attractions and lodging options. This area is quite close to the airport (10 minute drive) so it is convenient for overnights due to connecting flights, etc. For families, there is the Yas Waterworld Park and the Ferrari World theme park—featuring the fastest roller coaster in the world, of course! Visits to Heritage Village on the Corniche and several other cultural sites around Abu Dhabi will fill your days as would beach time and watersports, a desert camping experience, and a visit to a camel race or market (camel racing is typically from Oct-Mar). Check out Abu Dhabi Tourism’s site for full details and a range of activities.
Probably one of the most famous attractions in Abu Dhabi is the Skeikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This magnificent mosque was completed in 2007 to honor the founder of UAE & first President of the country, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. No expense was spared in creating this lovely sanctuary that humbles and impresses a visitor. There are quite a few world records and superlatives associated with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, but all of that pales in comparison to the beauty, the serenity, and the awe this structure inspires. Visitors are welcome to walk about the grounds, in the main prayer hall and the main courtyard. Photos are encouraged, but please be respectful of capturing other visitors in your frame. Many locals do not wish to be photographed and it is inappropriate to do so without their permission. This applies for all interactions throughout the UAE (and in most places around the world!).
In order to enter the mosque, guests are expected to dress respectfully according to Islamic law. Men should wear traditional dress of UAE (Kandura or Dishdasha) or long pants and long sleeves. Women should cover their hair and heads completely but can leave the face showing. Loose fitting pants or ankle length skirts are appropriate as are long sleeves to the wrist. Please note that head coverings (sheylas) or full length traditional dress of UAE (abayas) are no longer available from the mosque, so guests should come dressed properly upon arrival. Here’s a link to help you understand traditional dress a little more.
Abu Dhabi Accommodations
We visited two other properties in Abu Dhabi, although there are many more to choose from for your guests. The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is a beach resort minutes away from the city centre and faces the Sheikh Zayed Mosque (limited inventory with mosque views). There are lush gardens on the 57-acre site and the suites and villas are spread through 10 buildings all inspired by Venetian architecture. There are 280 total rooms about (42 sq. m/452 sq.ft.), 30 suites, and 85 villas. There is a business center, a club level, and kids’ club facilities available to guests. All of the room and resort amenities can be found on the hotel’s website. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch from an outstanding selection of cuisine available in the resort.
In the heart of the downtown Corniche area, is the Jumeirah Etihad Towers. A complex of 5 towers includes 3 residential towers, a business tower, and the hotel of 328 rooms. Sleek, sophisticated, and elegant—all rooms command an impressive view of Abu Dhabi or the Arabian Gulf. Guests can luxuriate on the private beach or at one of the 3 swimming pools. Dining here was superb and we all wished we had more time to explore the fine options available throughout the property.
Dubai Attractions:
Leave Abu Dhabi and drive 1.5 hours (about 160km NE), and you will reach the glitzy metropolis of Dubai. The city is best known for it’s rapid development since 2000, some outlandish architecture and incredible array of shopping options for visitors. We didn’t really explore too much of that but tired to delve beneath the glossy façade of this city to the heart and soul of Dubai. Bursting with pride over the marvels of engineering like the iconic Burj al Arab, the man-made Palm and World Islands, and the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, Dubai is a marvel of innovation. Behind that innovation is a deep sense of national pride and Arabic hospitality that Emiratis want to share with the world.
The best way to immerse yourself in Emirati culture is to spend time at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), which was established in 1999 to ‘open doors, open minds’. The local Emirati staff is readily available to answer questions about their culture, history, and religious beliefs. They host a variety of activities such as Emirati meals; mosque visits; walking tours of the old town (Bastikiya) and heritage tours along the creek. The cultural exchange and stimulating discussions you have with your hosts are priceless and really reveals the soul of the Emirates to guests. Nothing about these experiences is scripted and the hosts take the lead from guests—talks can go in any direction and often do! At the core of these programs is the genuine quest for connection and appreciation for the similarities and differences in various cultures. While strolling through the historic district among the coral block homes and the wind towers, one gets a sense of how this country once was and it reinforces the marvel of what it has become.
Continue this trend of learning about Emirati history at the Dubai Museum. Housed in a 18th century fort, the museum depicts all aspects of life in the Emirates from the early days of being a pearl diving outpost to the recent boom since the discovery of oil and independence. After walking through history at the museum, explore the current history along the Creek—which is a crossroads of cultures, trade, and industry. It was here that Dubai sent its pearls and dates out into the world—linking the Emirates with gold from Africa, spices from India, textiles from Asia, and food from around the world—including famous dates from all over the Gulf Region. All of these products were sold in traditional markets called souqs (or souks) and those markets still bustle today. Along the creek dhows are loaded and unloaded much as they were hundreds of years ago. Visitors can hop on a traditional water taxi called an Abra and wander the day away in the souqs along the creek. Allow guests the freedom to wander and bargain with shopkeepers for an afternoon of fun and exploration.
In both Dubai & Abu Dhabi, guests can get out and explore the desert on a ‘Desert Safari’, which typically departs late afternoon and returns in the evening—as late as 10 P.M. Most desert safaris include dune bashing (which we would like to re-name Desert Rollercoaster) in a 4x4 vehicle; a camel ride; sand boarding; sunset photography; and dinner under the stars complete with henna painting, shisha, belly dancing, traditional UAE dress costumes, local music, and a tasty buffet barbecue.
For those who are looking for it…Dubai (and Abu Dhabi) has many options for shopping on a global level. Malls take on the mood of theme parks or Las Vegas hotels—each one with it’s own style and attractions. The Dubai Mall has the aquarium, the Mall of the Emirates has Ski Dubai, and Ibn Battuta Mall follows the footsteps of the Islamic explorer…they all have amazing eateries and of course fashion outlets from around the world! All of these places are fun for adults and kids alike. Families might also want to check out Wild Wadi Waterpark or AquaVenture for water fun, KidZania for role-playing ‘real world’ jobs, and the Dolphinarium for up close encounters with these wonderful animals.
It would be a shame to visit Dubai and not head up to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa—called ‘At The Top’ on the 124th floor. It is quite spectacular to be up that high and see the skyscrapers below dwarfed by the Burj Khalifa. You could also grab a drink or high tea at At.mosphere, the trendy lounge located on the 122nd floor and accessed through the Armani Hotel.
Dubai Accommodations:
There are hundreds of hotel options for your guests to stay in Dubai. With our limited time there, we only managed to see a few of the five-star properties. We highly recommend working with Eastbound to find just the right place for your guests as the range of offerings is very wide and they know their partners well!
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel is the perfect location for quick overnight stays or deeper explorations of the Creek area of Dubai. Just a 3-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, this chic property of 292 rooms features Arabian art throughout the entire hotel & guest rooms, a rooftop bar, a cooking school, all access to the Aviation Club fitness center, and a kids’ club. The hotel feels like a hip art gallery with unique design features and open elements in the décor. Due to accessibility to the airport and the nature of brief stays, there is a 24 hour check-in/check-out policy—meaning you can check in at 11PM and stay until the next day until 11PM—not having to leave at noon the next day or be charged for an extra night’s stay.
Madinat Jumeirah is an Arabian oasis in the middle of Dubai. Encompassing 3 resorts including private villas and suites, the compound is home to 847 rooms. The 3 distinct properties in Madinat Jumeirah are Mina a Salam (best for families and relaxed atmosphere), Al Qasr (more sophisticated and exclusive than Mina a Salam), and Dar al Masyaf (exclusive villas with extreme privacy). All have use of 2km of private beach, 29 swimming pools, a luxury spa, a premium club, a sea turtle conservation center and access to the 55 restaurants in the Jumeirah group. Wild Wadi Waterpark admission is also included in your stay. The complex is connected by waterways that guests can navigate by abra and there is a modern souq for shopping right on the premises.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers is quintessentially a property which would appeal mostly to corporate travelers being located in the downtown financial district. About 20-25% of their guests are leisure travelers seeking to be in the thick of Dubai’s bustling downtown hub. The two towers are part of the impressive Dubai skyline and have views of the Old Town shopping area & Burj Khalifa. One tower is the headquarters of the Dubai government and Sheikh Mohammed. The other is the hotel tower with 16 restaurants, a shopping center, 200 mixed suites and 200 entry-level rooms. All rooms have amazing city views and all beds face the windows. A deluxe room is 45 sq. m./ 485 sq.ft. in size and feature the latest technology, free wi-fi, and water. There are family rooms/suites which can accommodate up to 6 guests in a 3 bedroom configuration of 1 master, 1 twin room, and 1 double. There is a sitting area, dining area, and two bathrooms in the main part of the suite. The hotel is in the midst of a complete renovation floor by floor. Of note there is an all-female floor, which is staffed entirely by women including maintenance. Guests are welcome to added amenities such as free yoga mats/studio access and there is no additional charge for staying here.
Spanning 39 floors of the impressive Burj Khalifa The Armani Hotel’s 160 spacious rooms (entry level 70 sq.m/ 753 sq.ft) immerse guests into a world of sophistication and elegance. Following the shape of the Burj Khalifa, the rooms are curvy and designed in somber understated colors. Feng Shui inspired and oozing relaxation, they encourage guests to feel at home. Your room becomes your own private sanctuary within the hotel. A stay here is a lifestyle experience with style and class—not just an overnight. Amenities include mini-bar, butler service, free wi-fi, and gourmet Italian coffee. The five restaurants all have terrace dining available and a diverse array of cuisine. Families are encouraged and can be accommodated in suites of various sizes. Nanny services are available.
After spending time in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on a whirlwind tour, we departed for Muscat, the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman. There are various regional carriers available between UAE & Oman out of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Guests from the USA/Canada are required to purchase a visa upon arrival in the amount of US$ 15 or 25 Omani Riyals. Visas can be paid in cash or by major credit card.
The Sultanate of Oman is an ancient and fascinating place. Oman’s strategic location has played a major role in many campaigns and regional conflicts in the Gulf Region. Oman overlooks the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. It also controls the Straight of Hormuz—which is the gateway to all ships coming from the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The area around modern day Muscat has been settled for over 10,000 years and has been controlled at various times in their history by Babylonians, Assyrians, the Ottomans, the Portuguese, the British and finally their own empire (which included some of East Africa in the early 18th century).
With 1000 miles of coastline and about the size of Kansas, the Omani kingdom is bordered by UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Muscat is about a 6-hour drive from Dubai or Abu Dhabi on a paved road. Muscat to Salalah in the South is a 8-10 hour drive or 1 hour flight. Salalah is more tropical rather than desert-like and a contrast to the arid environs of the rest of the country. The absolute monarchy has ruled the kingdom since the 1740s. Islam was adopted into Oman in the 7th century but the sultans and imams didn’t always get along—clashing continuously until 1959 when the last Ibadi imam was evicted from the country. In 1970 in a palace coup, Sultan Sa’id bin Taimur was overthrown by his son, Qaboos ibn Sa’id under the premise of establishing a modern government with newfound oil wealth to aid his people and bring Oman out of isolation. And he has—in his 40+ years of ruling; Sultan Qaboos has built schools, infrastructure, hospitals, and industry for his country. Free schooling and healthcare is available to all Omanis. Sultan Qaboos has dedicated himself to building his country and has no heirs. The future of Oman will be determined by council after his passing but he will likely make a recommendation as to his successor.
The country is home to 4.1 million people (including 1.8 million expatriates), clustered mostly along the coast due to the extreme desert conditions in the interior. The government is the biggest employer in Oman—followed by import/export business and oil industry related jobs. Unlike their famous neighbors in UAE, Oman’s tourism industry is quite small welcoming a few hundred guests from the North American market. That being said, stepping into Oman was like traveling back through time…things slowed down and were more subtle than in UAE. There was natural beauty and sites of cultural significance to be found in and around Muscat. In our brief visit, we tried to get a sense of this ancient kingdom along the sea.
Eastbound’s partners in Oman, the fabulous team at Zahara Tours, greeted us at the airport. Zahara has over 40 years in the tourism industry in Oman and have their own fleet of vehicles and drivers to suit any size tour. North America is a main market for them and they are familiar with the intricacies and interests of guests from our market. They have an exclusive VIP lounge for arriving and departing guests. We waited there for the visa processing instead of in the long queue. There are some comfortable seating areas and some light refreshments. Once done with the formalities and introductions, we started our exploration of Oman by heading straight up into the mountains surrounding Muscat. This was one of the most striking differences between UAE & Oman…as soon as you leave the airport the mountains soar up from the coast, whereas UAE is flat. Muscat itself lies in a natural volcanic bowl and the name means “Anchorage”.
Muscat Attractions:
Our destination was Wadi Arbayeen about 1.5 hours from Muscat, deep in the Hajar Mountains. A wadi is a riverbed, which usually has some water in it seasonally—some wadis have water year round. In contrast to the dry stark limestone mountains, wadis are usually lush and the water clear and refreshing. A wadi is a welcome respite from the desert heat and visiting guests have the opportunity to swim, hike, camp, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the wadi. We had a delicious Arabic feast in a Bedouin-style tent next to a crystal clear pool of water. The setting was gorgeous and our hosts were outstanding cooks! Our scenic drive to and from the wadi wound through date palm plantations and small remote villages. Our guide showed us the way these remote places use the natural topography and gravity to irrigate crops and have fresh drinking water through the ancient water system called a falaj.
Due to the timings of our flight, we only had time to fit in a quick visit to the enormous and spectacular Bimmah Sinkhole, just meters inland along the coast. The crater is a big attraction and there is a nice public park surrounding it…locals and visitors take in the natural beauty and use the clear blue-green water for swimming and picnicking. The sinkhole was formed naturally due to underground erosion from the sea and rock falls. The crater is connected to the sea by a small tunnel, but one needs to be a diver to explore it fully. In the pool there are tiny fish, which have been known to nibble on swimmers’ toes—a natural pedicure! Apparently, it tickles, but none in our group was up for trying it.
A visit to a wadi and the sinkhole can normally be combined with a visit to the Quriyat Fort, which is over 400 years old and was recently renovated in 2013. Some time can be spent exploring this fishing village and souk nestled along the coast about 80km from Muscat.
Right in the heart of Muscat, a visitor can enjoy the unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial centre existing in harmony with traditional culture. The Grand Mosque is the most exquisite mosque in Oman. It can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers and consists of a main prayer hall, ladies prayer hall, covered passageways, a meeting hall, and library. Visitors are welcome and should observe the same dress codes and manners as in UAE.
Along the Marina Bander there are a lot of options for boat tours and water activities. Guests can choose from wildlife watching cruises (year round); sunset cruises; snorkeling & diving excursions; fishing; or beach picnics. We searched the sea for dolphins and were lucky enough to come across several pods of Spinner Dolphins within minutes of leaving the harbor. The expanse of Muscat’s rugged coast is gorgeous and the water so clear and azure. Not every trip guarantees a sighting, but you are sure to enjoy a trip out to sea and enhance your knowledge of nature’s most fascinating marine mammals. All water activities are subject to weather/ sea conditions.
Bait Al Zubair Museum consists of a concise collection reflecting the splendid Omani Heritage including traditional Omani Weapons such as swords, daggers, rifles & their accessories, along with jewelery, cosmetics & costumes from various regions of Oman. There is also an amazing display of ancient coins and stamps in the upper galleries. ** No photography is permitted in the museum.
A brief stop at the magnificent Al Alam Palace is a must. It is the official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani & Jalali. Then drive via the waterfront Corniche and visit the Muttrah Souq one of the most popular souqs in the Middle East. Take a walk in its labyrinthine alleyways beckoning with a myriad of merchandise, from imported fabrics to exotic Oriental spices, perfumes and richly handcrafted artifacts. Most people leave with frankincense…one of the exports of Oman. Time in this frenetic, pulsating hub of Muscat’s old quarter makes for a delightful cultural experience for visitors.
Muscat Accommodations:
There are currently about 1000 rooms per night available in Muscat and we hope that the recent interest in tourism to the country starts filling them. Currently, there are about four hotels that would cater specifically to the 5* North American market. We only stayed at one, but got brief updates about the others (the Grand Hyatt, the Chedi, and Al Bustan).
Our group was lucky enough to stay at the splendid Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa. Idyllically situated in a beautiful cove on the coast about 15 minutes from downtown Muscat and about 40 minutes from the airport. The resort spans 125 acres and encompasses 3 separate properties each with its own style and ambience but all with superb service, dining options, and spa services. The most exclusive part of the resort is Al Husn (180 rooms) with infinity pool, private beach, and private gym. Children 12 & up are welcome for dining and 16 & up for swimming at the pool/beach. Younger guests will have plenty of options in other parts of the resort—the kids’ club has fun activities like shell paining, henna tattoos, printing their names in Arabic, making beaded jewelry, and a slew of other activities. There are nannys available for children aged 4-8. Under 4 will need to do kid activities with an adult from their family. Families might be most comfortable staying at the Al Waha (262 rooms) part of the resort. There are 40 interconnected rooms and theme nights for dinners. Here there are several pools for kids to play, lazy river and splash-park, an outdoor playground, a water sports tent on the beach, and the Adventure Zone games area for kids (and adults!). In the Al Bandar section of the resort (198 rooms), there are shops, a Heritage Village for all guests of the resort and the divine Spa as well. Transport around the resort is complimentary and there are lovely walking paths connecting the different areas. The food and the hospitality was absolutely wonderful and we felt right at home!
Travel Tips (UAE & Oman)
MONEY: The currency of the country is the U.A.E. dirham (AED). It replaced the "Gulf Rupee" in 1971. Currently the exchange rate is US$1=AED3.66. There are many locations available to exchange currencies. The unit of currency is Omani Rial (RO 1 = US$ 2.63), which is divided into 1000 Baizas. Notes are available in denominations of RO 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 1/2 Rial, 250, 200 and 100 Baizas. Coins are also in use for units under one (1) Rial. ATMs are accessible throughout both UAE & Oman.
COMMUNICATION: Arabic is the official language of both UAE & Oman. However, only about 15% of UAE residents are native Emirati or Arabs from neighboring countries and English is actually the most widely spoken language.
HEALTH: Most people in UAE drink bottled water as the main supply comes from desalination plants which although safe has a distinct taste to it. Whenever one is in a location with extreme temperatures, one should be sure to wear adequate head covering, drink lots of fluids and use sunscreen lotion frequently. Healthcare and hygiene are of acceptable Western standards.
SECURITY: Although one should always take standard precautions, theft does not seem to be as much of an issue in UAE/Oman as it is in other parts of the world. Hotel safes are provided in most rooms and it is always a good idea to take advantage of available security. Always take a copy of tickets, passports, credit cards, etc and pack in a separate location to minimize any problems if you should lose them.
CLIMATE: UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C/50°F to a high of 48°C/118°F. The mean daily maximum is 24°C/75.2°F in January rising to 41°C/105.8°F in July.
In Oman, October to March the weather is cool. May through August is usually hot and humid with September & April being warm. Temperatures in the interior regions are both higher and lower than the averages reported for the coastal areas.
IMPORTANT NOTES: WHILE VISITING MOSQUES / OLD AREAS
Modest, conservative, loose fitting clothing; long sleeves, long skirts and trousers
No transparent (see-through) clothing
No shorts for men
For Women, no shorts and skirts must be ankle length
No tight clothing, no swimwear and no beachwear
Shoes will be removed before entering the mosque, so we recommend slip off shoes
Headscarf for ladies is essential (these can be provided when you arrive)
Intimate behavior; i.e. holding hands or kissing is not acceptable in a Muslim place of worship or in most public areas
For respect to worshippers, visitors should always stay with the guide
Smoking and food are not allowed in the mosque area
Visitors are requested not to touch the Holy Quran (Holy Book) and other architectural elements inside the main prayer hall.
ALCOHOL
Non-Muslims are permitted to bring in two liters of alcohol by air only. Care must be taken not to cause offence through the use of alcohol. In particular, alcohol should not be consumed in public places apart from licensed premises, such as hotels & restaurants. It is illegal to carry liquor in your car. The police take a serious view of traffic offences in which alcohol is involved and fines may be imposed.
ELECTRICITY
Is 220-240 Volts at 50 cycles AC.
GREETINGS
The people of UAE & Oman offer a very warm welcome to guests. You will find that traditional Arab greetings are still widely observed and it is good manners to exchange greetings and handshakes when meeting locals. These courtesies should be observed in commercial dealings (e.g. shopping in the souq) and on a personal level. Women should not offer to shake hands with a man but can greet verbally.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Do not take photographs of individuals without their permission. Women in particular, do not like being photographed. It is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities, borders and airports. Observe ‘NO PHOTOGRAPHY’ signs.
TELEPHONE & INTERNET
There are local and international direct dialing facilities available. Telephone cards are easily available in supermarkets and hotels. Internet connections are readily available at cyber cafes or hotels.
VILLAGE ETIQUETTE
Drive slowly through villages to avoid raising too much dust. Watch out for children & animals. Be courteous to villagers - a few words of greetings or a smile is only polite. Do not go into a home without being invited. Remember certain areas of the village may be restricted to women only. This must be strictly observed.