The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf.

The seven emirates (imarat, singular - imarah) that make up the UAE are: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ra's al Khaymah, and Umm al Quwain.

The largest of these is Abu Dhabi, while probably the most well known is Dubai.

Alcohol is widely available at many restaurants and bars in Dubai and in the tourist hotels of every other emirate except Sharjah.

Supermarkets offer a vast assortment of products from the U.S. and Europe, mainly from the U.K., along with, of course, local and regional items.

There are still traditional souks filled with products from around the world, rug stores, or other traditional areas.Please note that contrary to what is printed in guidebooks, the souks in Abu Dhabi were torn down in 2006 and no longer exist.

One of the main focuses of tourist life (other than shopping) is the beach. Women wearing bathing suits will draw unwanted attention at the public beaches; it is advisable to pay for a one-day entry pass to a private beach at a hotel.