Silverbird Travel - The Far East travel Specialists

ABU DHABI is the capital of the UAE and is the main centre of commerce within the federation that was formed in 1971. The seven emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah and about seven hours flying time from the UK

Four-fifths of the UAE is desert, yet it is a country of contrasting landscapes, from awe-inspiring dunes to rich oases, precipitous mountains to fertile plains.

DUBAI is probably the most well-known and well-developed of the Emirates. With its celebrity chef restaurants; Wild Wadi water park; astonishing hotels; championship golf courses; 4x4 desert safaris and lots to do on the water such as sailing and diving. Largely man-made, a day probably doesn't go by without something being built.

Abu Dhabi is also building world-class hotels and infrastructures and are carefully balancing their heritage culture and historic attractions with modern facilities that visitors expect nowadays

Best time to visit? Probably from September to May with pleasantly warm days as opposed to sweltering heat during July & August.

Click here for more information on the award winning Etihad Airways

Read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's official travel advice for United Arab Emirates.


	Dubai Step forward to experience tomorrow's world today. Hit the future head-on in this sleek, sparkling, supercharged desert oasis dubbed the Las Vegas of the East. Everything about Dubai is on a hectic high: a high-tech, high rise, high-powered, highly ambitious and hell-bent on proving the impossible possible in double quick time, creating from both sand and sea a miraculous and ever expanding range of stylised satellite cities, smart spa resorts and world-beating theme attractions. Dubai’s tax-free status means that shopping can be a bargain. Head to modern, air-conditioned shopping malls with designer boutiques or for more traditional goods visit the labyrinthine gold, jewellery and spice souks. Or why not take a trip on a traditional abra (water taxi) along the creeks that give a flavour of Dubai’s heritage. Other highlights include the Dubai World Cup held every year in March when thousands of visitors attend the world’s richest horse race and the Bastakiya district of Bur Dubai with its narrow lanes and houses with tall chimney-like structures called wind towers, provides a tantalising glimpse of old Dubai. The district also includes a museum, cultural centre, restaurants and a heritage hotel with an art gallery. Kids stay free at selected Dubai hotels - ask for more details. All new buildings in Dubai will now be developed to "green" standards as a contribution to control climate change. Gateway to chic hotels and spas, dramatic water sports, championship golfing, desert adventures and Bedouin feasts. Dubai is forging ahead with hotel developments like Atlantis, the Palm, 4 new golf courses and Dubailand theme park. An ever changing country and an ideal winter sun holiday destination! Dont miss: Dune bashing - fun but scary!; abras on the Creek; visit the Souk Madinat Jumeirah