Dubai

is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is rather like an independent city-state and is the most modern and progressive emirate in the UAE, developing at an unbelievable pace in the tourist and trade sectors especially. Dubai is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies, that became popular for its excellent tourist amenities. Dubai makes a great short break for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and sporting events. It is a city of superlatives; for the fastest, biggest, tallest, largest and highest, Dubai is the destination. It has the largest immigrant population in the world.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is the largest Emirate taking up 80% of the country’s landmass. Traditionally it's more conservative than Dubai as it has a more regimented legal system and is deeply rooted in tradition. It’s the richest of all the Emirates and holds nearly 10% of the world’s known oil supply. 

For those looking to engage with Gulf culture, Abu Dhabi offers opportunities to understand the UAE's history through museums, exhibitions, tours and food. But thankfully Emirati heritage isn't boxed and mothballed; it's also experienced through strolls around the dhow harbour, haggling in markets, absorbing the atmosphere at shisha cafes and strolling its lengthy and cinematic Corniche.