United Arab Emirates Attractions

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is modern, sleek and shiny on the surface and while the UAE's capital is often accused of being a rather soulless place, the multicultural backstreets beg to differ. While it lacks the buzz of Dubai, its laidback vibe is more distinctly Arabian than its neighbour.

Apart from anything else, Abu Dhabi is a city for doing business. Abu Dhabi is by far the richest and most politically important of the UAE's seven emirates. It's hard to believe that this sprawling city was little more than a sleepy fishing and pearling village 50 years ago.

Dubai

Dubai today is flashy, fun and slightly surreal. Renowned for its sand, sun and shopping, it was once a tranquil town of coral-and-gypsum courtyard houses built by Persian traders and palm-frond huts housing Bedouin fisherman and pearl divers. Today shiny new skyscrapers reflect the mosques and wind towers of Old Dubai.

The audacity of the city's rulers is breathtaking. Running out of coastline to build hotels? Build vast artificial islands with 120km (74.5mi) of new beachfront. Need better connections with the world? Build up an award-winning international airline in 15 years.