James Kfouri wins Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup – 26/11/09

UAE. James Kfouri, General Manager Sales & Marketing for Australian confectionery company Paton’s, won the 2009 Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup, which concluded today. The popular Australian travel retail industry executive scored 75 stableford points over the two-day tournament, played at The Montgomerie Dubai and the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. In his acceptance speech Kfouri thanked Dubai Duty Free for their tremendous hospitality in organising and hosting the industry’s premier sporting and social event. Later he told The Moodie Report: “It’s an unbelievable moment. It’s been fantastically organised by Dubai Duty Free – an absolute credit to the industry." We'll bring you a full report on the event, including an extensive Picture Gallery, early next week.

UAE air travellers planning more long haul trips - survey

A survey of air passengers travelling from the UAE has revealed that long haul leisure trips are back on the agenda following a dramatic cut-back during the global downturn.The YouGov Siraj poll of more than 1,200 leisure and business travellers showed that 31 percent of respondents who have been holding back are now planning to travel in the future.People were now much more optimistic about their travel plans, the survey said with 46 percent planning long haul business trips and 35 percent for leisure purposes in the next few month. :Article Source:arabianbusiness.com

BA offers UAE businesses free luxury travel

British Airways is encouraging small to medium sized businesses in the UAE to enter a competition, which will see 30 lucky winners awarded with a year’s worth of free travel, 10 of which will be business class tickets. The Business Opportunity Grants initiative has been launched to help stimulate local business and get executives travelling again following a slump in corporate travel during the recession. British Airways area commercial manager, Middle East Paolo De Renzis The grants will offer winning companies the opportunity to travel overseas and conduct face-to-face business meetings, after it was revealed by a recent Harvard Business Review study that 95% of businesspeople said they believed that face to face meetings were the key to building successful long-term relationships. British Airways area commercial manager, Middle East Paolo De Renzis said cuts in travel budgets had reduced the number of face to face meetings arranged by companies, during 2009 Businesses are facing the biggest economic downturn since 1929. People are making cutbacks and travel budgets are the first to be squeezed. “But reducing face to face contact cannot last forever. It is necessary to cement good working relationships, particularly in the UAE and a lot of people have lost sight of that. “British Airways Business Opportunity Grants help these businesses increase their revenues, and help with their strategic growth plans.” The airline is hoping hundreds of SMEs based in the UAE will apply for the chance to win by stating their expansion and growth plans for 2010. In addition, BA is also taking the opportunity to publicise its Club World product to entrants. “We are hoping that businesses and their partners and colleagues will be attracted to the benefits of our Club World business class tickets,” said De Renzis. “British Airways’ business class cabin allows travellers to arrive at those meetings relaxed, refreshed and ready for action.” The online competition closes on January 15, 2010, and winners will be notified by the end of February. The judging panel will be made up of SME directors based in the UAE. :Article Source:arabiansupplychain.com

International travel catering industry generates new business opportunities in UAE

The three-day show, which was opened by His Excellency Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem, Director General, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), is the only dedicated travel catering services exhibition in the Middle East, Africa and Indian sub-continent providing opportunities for companies to generate new business and drive growth in the region's travel industry. A recent report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) stated that the contribution of travel and tourism to the UAE's GDP is expected to stabilise at 20.2% in 2009, a value of Dhs178.7bn. The ITCA Dubai Exhibition takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre until 18 November 2009. "We would like to thank His Excellency Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem for inaugurating this year's show and setting the tone for a busy three days of serious business and knowledge exchange which will help invigorate the travel catering industry in the Middle East," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. Nearly 50 companies from 18 countries are exhibiting at this year's show from across the travel catering market looking to cement lasting trade relations and generate new business in the Middle East's booming travel sector. The show also includes the prestigious ITCA Dubai Conference, organised by the International Catering Association (ITCA). "It is interesting to note that the association has chosen the theme 'Green Shoots in the Desert' for the ITCA Dubai Conference this year. It is a clear acknowledgment that the region is delivering positive growth and remains one of the most important markets for suppliers, especially as trading conditions are so fragile in the rest of the world," he added. Key speakers at this year's event include Terry Daly, Division Senior Vice President, Service Delivery, Emirates, who will be speaking on the latest upgrades which will be made to the A380; David Young, President, ITCA; Neil James, Executive Director, Corp Sales & Product Management, Panasonic and Basel Arrar, Chairman & CEO, Royal Wings Aviation Services. Now in its fourth year, ITCA Dubai has rapidly expanded in recent years to bring together the entire travel catering market, representing Airline, Cruise, Ferry and Railway hospitality industries from across the Middle East, Africa, and Indian Subcontinent. The ITCA Dubai Exhibition is for Trade and Business Professionals only. The show is proudly supported by Emirates Airlines as official sponsor, and presented in conjunction with the prestigious ITCA Dubai Conference taking place until 18 November 2009. :Article Source:ameinfo.com

Gulf: A choice between liberalisation or recovery?

The energy can’t last forever; either it runs out, or the world turns to something else. They have the resources to do it right now. It's up to them - in this blink of an eye - to make non-oil economies.” The comment is from Dr Christopher Davidson, who has been awaiting word on publication of his book for some time. ‘Abu Dhabi, Oil and Beyond’, charts the trajectory of the energy-laden UAE capital from its Bedouin origins to the verge of preeminence. -changing him – in a 4x4. The ’s one best left to philosophy. :Article Source:independent.co.uk

Double BA Miles for British Airways Barclaycard customers in the UAE

British Airways and Barclays Bank announce the launch of a new promotion for holders of the British Airways Barclaycard. From now through January 31, 2010, card holders will earn double the usual amount of BA Miles for all purchases This offer is designed to reward loyal customers and encourage new applicants to sign up for the British Airways Barclaycard and is managed by The Mileage Company, operators of British Airways BA Miles rewards. This promotion makes it easier than ever for holders of the British Airways Barclaycard to earn miles and use them to enjoy special privileges such as cabin upgrades and reward flights to any destination on the British Airways network. "With this special promotion, British Airways - together with Barclays Bank - wish to reward our loyal cardholders and attract new customers who are frequent travellers with us," said Paolo DeRenzis, British Airways Regional Manager, Middle East. "It has been an exciting first year since we launched the British Airways Prestige Barclaycard, and we are thrilled to be able to bring our new and existing cardholders this fantastic new offer," said Zeeshan Saleem, Consumer Banking Director, Barclays Bank, UAE. "In addition to double miles, we hope they will also take advantage of some of the other benefits our card brings, including a complimentary UAE Gate card & valet parking." :Article Source:ameinfo.com

Bookings expected to increase

After a slow summer, travel agents are hoping business will pick up for the coming Eid al Adha break. The industry was hit this year by the global downturn and fears of swine flu, but things are starting to turn around and hopes are high for the Eid and National Day holidays, which begin on November 26 and end on December 3. “It’s looking a lot better,” said Premjit Bangara, the travel manager at Sharaf Travel in Dubai. “I can see signs of growth coming up again.” Prices of travel packages, which are on average between 5 per cent and 10 per cent cheaper, were helping that growth, Mr Bangara said. “That is drawing the business. It’s a bit of a last-minute market here but we are seeing a positive sign that there have been a lot of forward bookings, especially into Oman, Sri Lanka and Jordan,” he said. Bangkok was also a popular destination for the Eid break because it was relatively inexpensive, Mr Bangara added. He said uncertainty about the exact dates for Eid had limited the number of bookings, but now “we will see a lot more momentum”. But Mr Bangara said he did not expect business to be as strong as it was last year. “Last year was a good year for us in terms of business,” he said. “We were hitting the tail end of a good cycle so there was a lot of business coming through.” UAE residents’ outbound travel increased by 20 per cent last summer compared with the summer before, the Sharjah National Travel and Tourist Agency (SNTTA) said. “Eid bookings are picking up and people are looking to use the combination of Eid and the National Day [December 2] holidays to have a getaway,” said John Felix, the senior vice president at Emirates Holidays. “Interest levels are high. People who did not travel during the summer are also looking to use this opportunity to take a break.” Mr Felix said business was starting to normalise but prices still had to be competitive to attract customers, and Emirates had launched a range of promotions to several destinations. It is offering, for example, four nights in Sri Lanka from Dh2,520 per person, and a four night stay for the price of three in Shanghai from Dh3,910, with the offers including flights and accommodation. The latest YouGov travel tracker survey, conducted two months ago, showed that UAE residents had become more optimistic and were starting to plan long-haul leisure trips again for the next 12 months as confidence in the economy returned. Forty-six per cent of respondents said they would travel for business and 35 per cent for leisure. In January this year, a similar YouGov survey showed only 24 per cent of the respondents were planning to travel for business and 19 per cent for leisure. “We had seen a downturn in travel volumes previously but people are now more optimistic about travel,” said Jane Wilson, the director of travel and tourism research at YouGov. “In the previous quarter we saw travel behaviour had not changed that much, but now people are planning to splash out again and resume what they have been putting off. People are more confident spending on luxury vacations.” A shift away from business-class travel was set to continue, YouGov said, with 72 per cent of leisure travellers saying they would continue to fly economy, while more business travellers were flying premium economy. :Article Source:thenational.ae

Green tourism summit for capital

Expected to attract members of the travel industry from across the globe, the world’s first summit dedicated to “green tourism” will be held next year in Abu Dhabi.

The World Green Tourism Conference was introduced in London yesterday at the opening of the World Travel Market.

The Abu Dhabi event, created in a bid to tackle the growing environmental challenges facing the travel industry, is being organised by the UAE’s Streamline Marketing Group (SMG) in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).



Dayne Lim, the product development director of the ADTA, told a news conference in London yesterday that the event reflected the core values of the Abu Dhabi Government’s 2030 plan, which identified tourism as a key driver of economic diversification.

“It also identifies environmental sustainability as an underlying fundamental of all we do,” he said. The summit, part of a congress in December 2010 that will also embrace a green tourism exhibition, will highlight ecotourism initiatives and the solutions currently being applied in a bid to counter increasing concerns over the environmental damage being caused by travel and tourism.



Rich Theobald, from SMG, described the case for Abu Dhabi hosting the event as a “powerful” one.

“It is the capital of the UAE, easily accessible from Europe and Asia, and has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the environment by establishing a core network of organisations to address the ‘green’ issue,” he said.

“The summit will also reinforce Abu Dhabi’s very healthy reputation as a determined and tangible supporter of environmental protection. We anticipate in the long run that the congress will help establish Abu Dhabi as an international leader in responsible tourism and as a destination of choice for the environmentally aware traveller.”


The conference is expected to attract about 200 delegates from around the world while the accompanying exhibition is expected to feature about 100 companies and be visited by 1,500 travel trade professionals.

Mr Theobald said he hoped the event would help “effect change in business practices in the UAE and the Gulf region as a whole”.


:Article Source:thenational.ae

Disability is no handicap for this Emirati

Physically challenged man to travel from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi in wheelchair to Equipped with a solar powered wheelchair, Hayder Talib, director of Al Thiqah Club for the Handicapped, will travel 170 kilometres from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi.

By Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter, Gulf News Published: 00:00 November 24, 2009
Sharjah: A physically challenged Emirati man plans to take on the UAE roads to commemorate UAE National Day.

Equipped with a solar powered wheelchair, Hayder Talib, director of Al Thiqah Club for the Handicapped, will travel 170 kilometres from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi.

Talib will start the journey on November 29 at 9am near the Al Thiqah Club office in Samnan.

"The main reason why I am doing this is to raise awareness on solar powered wheelchairs. The only obstacle that people with special needs face is the lack of power sockets to recharge the chairs so that we can move around," said Talib.

Talib will be travelling in his wheelchair through Al Ittihad Road, Al Mulla Plaza underpass and then on to Al Maktoum Bridge, where his day then will end in Jumeirah. The second day of the journey will continue on to Shaikh Zayed Road up to Saih Shoaib.

The third day will involve travelling to Abu Dhabi through Al Raha Beach Mall, and on December 2 he will reach his final destination at Shaikh Zayed Mosque and pray for the founder of the UAE.


:Article Source:gulfnews.com

Airshow consolidates UAE as East-West bridge: Mohammed

The Dubai International Aerospace Exhibition continues to confirm its position as the world's major expo, said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The exhibition, which has become one of the three major aerospace shows in the world, continues to grow in terms of the number of participants, the volume of participation, the number of visitors and the quality of exhibits representing the finest products created by the human intellect in the aviation industry, he said. In a statement given to the Dira Al Watan (Nation Shield) magazine issued by the UAE Armed Forces, on the occasion of the eleventh Dubai Air Show and Aerospace Exhibition, Sheikh Mohammed said the success of the exhibition accompanies the enhancement of the position of our nation in air traffic across the world and the consolidation of its status as an international destination and a bridge between East and West. "The continued successes of the Dubai Air Show and Dubai International Aerospace Exhibition has brought it into such a level, whereby the world's major aviation firms and the companies in the fields of technology, marketing and supply and construction and management of airports, as well as senior defence officials, and civil and military aviation representatives in the friendly countries keep the event as an unchanging item on their agendas," said Sheikh Mohammed. Even as the world economy and the air travel is grappling with one of its worst periods in decades, Middle Eastern airlines are ready to soar with the opening of the five-day Dubai Airshow today. Most big names in the sector, including Airbus, Boeing, Emirates airlines, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Bombardier, Cessna, Royal Jet, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Mubadala, Dubai Airports, Dubai World Central and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, have a strong presence at the show. (With inputs from Shweta Jain) :Article Source:business24-7.ae

Premier And Luxurious Dubai Hotels

Jumeirah owns the Emirates Towers hotel, the Jumeirah Beach hotel, the Madinat group of hotels, which includes Mina A Salam, Al Qasr & the Madinat Souk which houses the largest swimming pool in the Middle East. Jumeirah also owns the amazing desert hotel, Bab Al Shams, located in the desert with sand dunes rolling from its perimeters and making a fantastic landscape for the falcon shows and camel riding they offer. All Jumeirah hotels have amazing architecture and are worth a visit for this alone. This, together with their famous customer service values, makes them a great choice for visitors to Dubai. For a true taste of Arabia, visit the Madinat Souk, part of the Madinat and Mina A Salam complex located on Jumeirah beach. This resort offers 42 restaurants overlooking the Burj Al Arab and each is situated on the edge of their very own canal. Watch the dhows transport the hotel guests around this vast complex on their waterways and lagoon. It really is a beautiful spot for a sundowner or a meal incorporating food from all over the world. There are many other famous branded hotels in Dubai, from The One and Only Royal Mirage to Hiltons, Sheratons (both beach and airport locations), the Kempinski Group, Shangri La Group and Crown Plaza among many others. Most hotels are at 5 star standard, however there are some lower cost hotels such as the 4 star Al Manzil hotel, located behind the world’s tallest building the Burj Dubai nestling in its own Arabian style architecture and complementing the huge sky rise buildings surrounding it. The Grosvenor House hotel located in Dubai Marina is a fantastic venue for staying or visiting their restaurants and bars. Have a drink in Bar 44 located on the 44th floor of the hotel and offering amazing views of the Marina area, and then take the express lift down to the fabulous Buddha Bar for a fusion of Thai and international cuisine. All 5 star hotels in Dubai have pools, gyms and restaurant facilities with many offering spa areas as well. Of course the crème de la crème of spa facilities has to be located within the 7 star hotels of the Burj Al Arab, where reservations are recommended and the environment is so much part of the treatment you will never want to leave! Many hotels also offer apartment facilities so if you are here longer term and want to experience more of the home comforts, these are a great option. Other companies capitalizing on the huge tourism market here are with their Versace Palazzo hotel and the Trump Towers hotel (located on the famous Palm Island). Versace should be opening its doors to the international elite during 2008 with the Trump Tower hotel opening scheduled to be around early 2010. Ranging from amazing desert hotels, luxury beach hotels and fantastic corporate hotels in the city, Dubai offers an eclectic mix to choose from. However, all are within close proximity of all tourist facilities, shopping malls and attractions as well as its fantastic beaches - you can't go far wrong with any location. Most city business hotels located along Sheikh Zayed road also have affiliations with beach hotels and will transport you to the beach during your stay. Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Dubai – The Visitors Guide

Dubai is located within the Gulf States and is the second largest of the United Arab Emirates. Despite being right in the centre of this oil rich area, Dubai’s revenue from oil accounts for only 6% of its gross domestic product. However, Dubai is hugely innovative and successful in construction and development in various industries and is a great example of progress. Dubai has developed itself into a worldwide attraction in that it has burgeoned into a spectacular modern city from what was once a small desert port. Transport Options to Dubai As far as getting to Dubai, the vast majority of visitors from afar fly. Dubai is located in the centre of the desert among the Gulf States. Therefore, it is highly recommended that flying is the chosen option for getting there. Accommodation Options Dubai is a very luxurious city and that is reflected in the hotels there. One of the most impressive is the landmark Sails hotel that stands proud at the waterfront and is a dominant and striking sight. Dubai also has a range of standard hotels to accommodate for all needs and budgets. Dubai History As far as history and cities are concerned, Dubai was a late developer and didn’t establish itself as a large fishing port until the early nineteenth century. However, the city really started to grow tremendously during the seventies. Due to the interest from foreigner traders, Dubai has successfully established itself with the international commerce market and now relies less on oil. Sights and attractions The buildings are the most spectacular features to see in Dubai. Also, check out The Dubai museum as it provides a great introductory knowledge on the Emirates. The recently developed Palm Island is a man made complex that from the air appears as a palm tree. Another outstanding project that is currently being developed in Dubai is The World. This is a series of man made islands that are specifically shaped and sized to form and resemble the World from an aerial view. Eating and Drinking The city of Dubai is renowned for its impressive range of international cuisine. Restaurants are the most common option of dining choice although the prices are a bit high. There are plenty of pubs, bars and entertainment areas for those looking for some late night fun. Shopping If you like shopping and are heading for Dubai then you are going to the right place. Shopping is one of the most common excuses to visit this desert city. You can buy just about anything in Dubai and much of it is at bargain prices. Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Sightseeing In Dubai

Although a very small place, Dubai offers a lot of scope for sightseeing. Dubai has deeply rooted Islamic traditions but at the same time, has a life style similar in many ways to other parts of the world. Jumeirah Mosque – The best known illustration of modern Islamic architecture. The mosque has two minarets and a splendid dome and is one of the most popular spots visited by tourists. Sheikh Saeed’s House – The house is situated near the sea. It was built by the Sheikh for getting a better view of shipping activities. It is an exquisitely designed structure which exhibits traditional architecture. Bastakiya – This is an old district which gives you an idea of how Dubai used to look before the skyscrapers started to take over. It has very narrow lanes and lofty wind towers. Here you can also find the Al Fahidi Fort, which is the biggest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with wind towers. Dubai Museum – This is one the tallest buildings in Dubai and is in the Al Fahidi Fort. It was built in 1799, and was used as a palace, garrison and prison. But later in 1970, it was renovated as a museum. It is breath taking with full size figures, colors and sound and lighting effects. One can experience scenes from the creek, traditional houses, mosques, date gardens, and marine life. There is also the magnificent underwater world of pearl diving. Wonderland – This is a family fun park covering around eighteen hectares. There are lots in store for you including water attractions, speed slides, surf hills, wave pools, twisters and a cruise. Magic Planet – This one is for children. It is an indoor entertainment house which has ten-pin bowling alley, a bungle jungle, electronic games and a mini putt. It is in the Deira City Center. Parks and Gardens – There are a lot of parks and gardens all over Dubai. You can enjoy some of the largest parks in Dubai like the Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai Creekside Park, Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar Park, and Safa Park. Dubai World Trade Center – It is a marvelous structure with thirty nine floors and it houses the regional headquarters of many international corporations. It has a state of the art conference center and seven exhibition halls. By paying a small fee, you can have a fantastic view of the city from its viewing gallery. Dubai City – Deira and Bur Dubai - the two parts of the Central Business District. They are connected by a tunnel and two bridges. They have all the necessities of an ultra modern city. The Creek - a natural sea-water inlet goes through the center of the city. You will enjoy the creek most if you go across it by abra, an old traditional dhow, which goes across Deira to Bur Dubai. Al Boom Tourist Village – Very close to the Creek Park is the Al Boom Tourist Village which has a banquet hall, a coffee shop, amusement park, ornamental lake and a marina with five cruise boats. Bait Al Wakeel – This was built by Sheikh Rashid in 1934. It was an office building at that time but now it has been turned in to a museum devoted to fishing and maritime traditions. In this article we have given you just a small taste of the types of things you can see and do in Dubai. However, there is much much more to this fantastic city. We have lots more to tell you about Dubai at the Dubai Visits website. Why not use the information there to plan an unforgettable trip to Dubai. Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Dubai Vacation

Are you looking for a great place to take your next vacation? Are you tired of the same old beaches year in and year out? If so, you may want to consider taking your next vacation to Dubai. Some people have never even heard of Dubai, but the fact of the matter is that it is growing very quickly as a top vacation destination. In addition, Dubai is also becoming very popular among real estate investors who are looking to diversify their portfolio of properties. The reason that Dubai is becoming so popular among vacationers is that the area offers a lot to do. No matter what your pleasure, you should be able to find something in Dubai that suits your needs. This makes for a great vacation for a couple or a family. A lot of people simply like to lounge on the beach when they go on vacation. If this sounds like you, Dubai can definitely meet all of your needs. The beaches in Dubai are among the most beautiful in the area, and perhaps in the entire world. All you need to do is plop your chair down on the white sandy beaches and relax the day away. But if you are looking for a bit more action while vacationing in Dubai you will not be disappointed; especially if you are interested in water sports. Jumeria Beach is the most popular in Dubai, and you can take advantage of many water sport activities in this area. Everything from sailing to water skiing to paragliding is available. In addition, most of the hotels in the area can set these activities up for you so that you do not have to do a thing. If you are going to be visiting Dubai with your family you will have plenty of activities to choose from that will keep them entertained for the duration of your trip. One of the most popular family destinations in Dubai is the Wild Wadi Water Amusement Park. At Wild Wadi you can take advantage of large swimming pools and water slides; perfect fun for the entire family. In addition, the Dubai zoo is also among one of the more popular family destinations. You can visit the zoo to become acquainted with some of the wildlife that lives in Dubai and the surrounding areas. Dubai has a great variety of food offerings including American cuisine. This works out well for vacationers from all over the world. Overall, a vacation in Dubai can be very exciting. Regardless of if you are going alone, with a partner, or with your entire family there will be plenty of activities to take part in. Plan your Dubai vacation if you are searching for something a bit out of the ordinary Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Trip To Dubai Using The Internet

Visiting Dubai today, in the age of the Internet, is far easier than it was before the world wide web made it possible to communicate with people across the globe in the blink of an eye. If you have even the most basic familiarity with search engines and web research, you can find out the most relevant information about your trip from the comfort of your own home. With a few clicks of the mouse you can uncover the details about what sort of visa you will need for your trip, what to expect when you reach Dubai, what the money exchange rates are, and even what the weather will be like so that you will know what to pack in your suitcase. Of course, the Internet has much more to offer future visitors to Dubai than just information. It is increasingly possible to make travel arrangements over the web, and the excellent telecommunications in Dubai make communication with hotels, airlines, and even government agencies very easy. Thanks to the Internet, you can compare the prices and schedules of several different major airline companies that provide service to Dubai, and you can book your preferred flight directly over the web without going through a travel agent. Once you’ve researched the various lodging options for your stay, you can look at the rates of many different Dubai hotels for the period of your stay, and you may even be able to reserve the room of your choice with a few keystrokes. From how to get to Dubai to what you will do during your stay, the Internet makes travel to this unique part of the UAE a snap. For many international travelers, visa and passport issues are a big headache. Luckily, the official website of the Dubai Department of Naturalization and Residency provides a comprehensive guide to the various types of visas and permits you may need in order to enter the United Arab Emirates for your visit. Although you need to submit your visa application through the mail along with a processing fee, you can set the wheels in motion to get your visa by printing your application from your computer. All the forms you will need are available on the web, which saves you the trouble of spending an afternoon tracking down paperwork before you head for your destination. Whether your trip to Dubai is for business or pleasure, you are sure to find that the Internet makes the process of obtaining the visa you need much easier than it would have been a decade or two ago. Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

UAE Twitter

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Arabic: دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة‎, Dawlat al-Imārāt al-‘Arabīyah al-Muttaḥidah) is a federation of seven emirates situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia. The UAE consists of seven states, termed emirates, which are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The capital and second largest city of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. It is also the country's center of political, industrial and cultural activities.

Before 1971, the UAE were known as the Trucial States or Trucial Oman, in reference to a nineteenth-century truce between Britain and several Arab Sheikhs. The name Pirate Coast was also used in reference to the area's emirates in the 18th to early 20th century.

The political system of the United Arab Emirates, based on the 1971 Constitution, comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. Islam is the official religion and Arabic is the official language.

The United Arab Emirates has the world's sixth largest oil reserves and possesses one of the most developed economies in the Middle East. It is currently the thirty-sixth largest economy by nominal GDP, and is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product, with a nominal per capita GDP of $54,607 as per the IMF.[8] The country is fourteenth largest in purchasing power per capita and has a relatively high Human Development Index for the Asian continent, ranking 31st globally.[9] The United Arab Emirates is classified as a high income developing economy by the IMF.

The United Arab Emirates is a founding member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and a member state of the Arab League. It is also a member of the United Nations, Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the OPEC, and the World Trade Organization.

Article Source: http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Arab_Emirates