The three main dangers of the UAE that every tourist should know about. What seas and oceans wash the Arab Emirates. Dubai and other Arab Emirates are located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. What kind of sea is in the UAE in the eastern part of the Persian Gulf: country

Who knows the waters of which sea, bay, ocean, the shores of the UAE are washed? Wow, almost no one knows how it turns out. Many people have been and swam here, but some claim about the sea in which they swam, others swam in the same place, but for them it was already an ocean, and still others had a bay in the same place.

So it goes. There is a lot of controversy about this, but the waters in the UAE still give coolness to vacationers. Some people claim that there is only a bay there, others talk about the sea, and still others even talk about the ocean. Let's figure it out.

This richest country attracts tourists with its fashionable resorts, bright sun all year round, oriental exoticism and various attractions.

There are a lot of them here: both ancient ones, covered with a thick layer of dust of history, and super modern ones, those that amaze with their exquisite architecture and masterful execution. Natural, created by nature itself at the beginning of the world, and artificial, reflecting the wonders of engineering.

The greatest wealth of the United Arab Emirates is, of course, oil. And besides it, there is the sea, which invites you to dive into clear water and feel the freshness and coastline strewn with fine, very clean sand. What kind of sea is there in the UAE and is it even there?

There are several options for which body of water caresses the luxurious shore of the Emirates. This:

Bay waters;
- Sea;
- Ocean;
It turns out that all three versions are correct when viewed from a geographic point of view.

The United Arab Emirates has two coasts: one is washed by the waves of the Persian Gulf, and the other is washed by the Gulf of Oman. Most of the country, and therefore a significant number of local resorts, are located on the shores of the first “sea”. The second gulf is the connecting link between the Arabian Sea (which belongs to the Indian Ocean) and the Persian Gulf. Therefore, we can safely say that the UAE has access not only to the bays, but also to the sea and the ocean.

Dubai is the most expensive, although the best resort in the country. Everything here is designed for fastidious and financially independent tourists. Hotels, beaches and artificial islands are rated five stars. At every step there are shopping and entertainment complexes and restaurants. Top attractions: Dubai Museum, Sheikh Saeed Palace, World Trade Center, the world's tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa, Ski-Dubai indoor ski resort, the largest boutique Dubai Mall, man-made islands, the famous Palm, and others. In short, there is simply too much to list here; all the wonders of Dubai need to be seen for yourself.

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I took a walk along the bay in the Jumeirah area, not far from Beach Park. Jumeirah Beach Park was closed for servicing LADIES and their children, so entry was closed to gentlemen. Yes, there are days like this. But it’s okay, I’ll stop by this beach, or rather this Beach Park, another day, of course. In the meantime, I decided to walk along the beach, stretch my legs, and, to be honest, also look for a place where I can freely swim. If I get to the sea, even if it’s in Antarctica, and the sea is the Arctic Ocean, and it’s -30-40 outside, I’ll still take a swim.

Well, here it just has to be included in my mandatory program. Therefore, I walked on foot along the sea line, along private cottages, parking lots, yacht moorings, and some new buildings. What I can’t get used to in the UAE is the fact that there is constant construction going on here. It seems like everything is at the level of science fiction, but no, they are still building something, and building it. The local Arabs themselves are perplexed, guessing and arguing among themselves, when will this massive construction end? Some say that it’s another year, two or three, others that it’s another ten years, and some say that I don’t want to repeat it.

In the end, I found a small and clean beach, where I found a secluded place to change clothes, fortunately I had my swimming trunks and a towel with me. I swam with great pleasure and sunbathed for an hour. The water is cool, it feels like 15-18 degrees, but it’s still more pleasant than in June and July, when the water in the sea is hot, like at home in the bath, about +33-35.

The sea in the Emirates is special and very beautiful. At any time of the year, fans of water sports relax here. Luxurious beautiful yachts can be seen in every city, surfers are trying to climb the highest wave. Divers are simply delighted: after scuba diving they will encounter a fascinating, colorful and truly alive underwater world. For beginners, it is best to go to Dubai, where the depth is not great. But for experienced divers, other resorts are still more suitable - Musandam (on the border with Oman), Fujairah, and Sharjah. Already in May, the water warms up to +25 degrees and remains this way until November. And in summer the wave temperature can reach +33°C.

Sharjah is a special city. You can't drink alcohol here, and the nightlife can seem boring. But there are very affordable prices, good conditions for windsurfing and diving, and cozy coffee shops. Interesting sights include the King Faisal Mosque, the Golden Souq market, monuments to progress and the Muslim Bible - the Koran.

Abu Dhabi is a city that needs no introduction. An oasis on the edge of the desert. Luxurious and modern, it is considered a paradise for shopaholics and lovers of exotic excursion programs. From here groups travel to the desert in jeeps, to a Bedouin settlement, where you will be offered an overnight stay under the starry sky. My plans include going to Abu Dhabi and to the Bedouins. But not all at once. We are moving gradually and step by step. But we don’t miss anything, or at least that’s what we try to do. Remember the old joke about the implementation of the plans of a young bull, and an old bull, regarding a herd of pretty cows? Well, that's pretty much how it is for me. Of course, I am no longer a young bull.

Fujairah is a small and cozy resort with very few skyscrapers and an abundance of historical and colorful buildings. It is surrounded by amazing natural landscapes with hot springs, beautiful waterfalls, and emerald gardens. A find for active tourists who want to conquer mountains, explore wadis and the seabed.

Choosing a place to stay in the United Arab Emirates is not so easy. Let's look at the best places to relax in the UAE.

Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah - these and other places are attractive in their own way, but wherever you stay, you will find a high level of service and an oriental Arab atmosphere.

This city deserves special attention because it is the only one in the world where there is a 7-star hotel shaped like a huge sail. We’ll go see him, of course he’s familiar to me, this is Burj Al Arab, and I’ll introduce you to him, it’s worth it. If you are a fan of shopping, feel free to go on holiday to Dubai. There are hundreds of shopping centers here. And of course - clean beaches, warm water of the Persian Gulf, exotic greenery and a sea of entertainment.

The Gulf of Oman, on the shores of which the emirate of Fujairah is located, boasts colorful fish, lazy octopuses, fast crabs and colorful living corals. Truly a paradise for lovers of the underwater world. You can swim with a mask, or you can take a more professional approach to the issue of getting to know marine life. Fujairah diving clubs are open to visitors!

Umm al-Quwain.
This emirate offers to witness camel racing. People from neighboring areas come to see the breathtaking spectacle. Many tourists are also attracted by the artificial volcano located in the Dreamland water park - an excellent place to relax with children.

Do you want to fully experience the Arab world? Welcome to Sharjah, an emirate home to dozens of historical sites. All architecture is made in Arabic style. When traveling here, you need to remember that strict laws are still in force here, in particular the law prohibiting the consumption of alcohol.

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There is also the emirate of Ajman, where (in secret) you can buy elite smokes and elite alcohol for almost free of charge. Any taxi driver will take you, but then be careful when drinking and transporting alcohol in the UAE. And also when exporting it, keep in mind that there are restrictions in force. Although without any restrictions you will buy everything when flying from the UAE to Duty Free, it is one of the best and cheapest in the world. Consult your guides on this matter.

Most of the capital of the UAE is covered with sand, but this does not prevent Abu Dhabi from remaining one of the most attractive resorts for tourists. Mosques, minarets, skyscrapers fit harmoniously into the atmosphere of cozy relaxation. There are fabulous oases with many species of exotic plants. Gorgeous fountains, long embankments, palaces and residences of rulers... It’s impossible to describe everything. Better go and see!

Before heading to the UAE, check out the list of things you need to take with you. A trip to any country requires careful preparation. Clothes, money, documents, medicines, hygiene products... What do you need to take to the UAE to have a great vacation? How much money will you need and for what?

If you are traveling to the UAE from October to April, bring a warm pullover, or for example a fleece sweatshirt, just in case. This can come in handy for evening walks, especially during the winter months. And although the air temperature will not drop below +15 °C even at night, a light breeze may make you want to wear something warm. For now, I walk around in a light sleeveless shirt, or T-shirts, at any time of the day or night.

Take more medicine. It’s better that they don’t come in handy than have to run headlong in search of medical help. The main list of medications includes antipyretics, remedies for headaches, indigestion, heartburn, poisoning, anti-burn cream (in case you get sunburned), antibiotics for colds, ear and eye drops, anti-allergy medications, as well as No. for cuts and abrasions: brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, bandage, cotton wool, plaster.

If, according to a doctor's indications, you are taking medications that contain narcotic components, you must notify customs about this in advance, otherwise be prepared to pay a large fine.
In general, there are wonderful pharmacies in Dubai, and they are easy to find by numerous “Pharmacy” signs. They are good there because they sell excellent, newest original medicines, and the sale of counterfeit drugs is 100% excluded. If anyone is interested in my personal experience, then I bring medical preparations, balms and vitamins from the Emirates, and not to them. What you do in the end is up to you, I also advise you to make appropriate adjustments to your knowledge of the English language.

What money should you take with you to the UAE? First of all, you need to decide what you plan to spend your money on. If your package is not all-inclusive, you will spend approximately $300 on food for the week. In nutrition, you understand, prices vary greatly, as do personal appetites and preferences. Eating in a good restaurant costs 25-40 dollars, but for example, sometimes I like to go to the Cherry cafe, and there I take a huge (turkey-sized) grilled chicken, accompanied by a large glass of freshly squeezed juice, salad, herbs, and a bunch of different jars with sauces and seasonings. For all this I give about 10 Dh. The rate is now 3.665 Dh for 1 $. The average cost of excursions is 80-90 dollars. Several excursions cost 200-300 dollars. Taxi services cost 20-30 dollars. A certain amount will be spent on shopping and on entry to the beach. Total, minimum $800 per person for a week. But more is possible!

Rain in the UAE is rare. In summer they practically never happen, but February and March are considered the rainy season. Even if it starts to rain, it doesn’t last long, so you can safely leave your umbrella at home!

Why do thousands of tourists come to the UAE every year? The birthplace of black gold and the richest country in the world has a lot to offer visitors. And all this is of the highest quality. The motto of the tourism sector can be expressed in a few words: we surprise everyone, and if not, how to surprise us, then we will build it.

Today, travelers choose the United Arab Emirates because of:

Fashionable resorts with pristine beaches, modern hotels, warm sea;
A unique climate that extends the tourist season for a whole year;
The world's largest shopping and entertainment centers;
Deserts with their dunes and sand dunes, where you can ride jeeps and camels;
Rich historical past and abundance of attractions;
Traditional Arabian luxury and exotic atmosphere.
In order to choose the optimal time to visit a fabulous country, you should familiarize yourself with the weather in the UAE by month.

A feature of the UAE climate is the rather low oxygen content in the air; here it is only about 80% of the normal norm. This phenomenon threatens tourists with some lethargy and drowsiness. Although I haven’t noticed this on myself, I sleep well, get a good night’s sleep, and then stay alert all day until bedtime.

December.
The United Arab Emirates is located in a subtropical climate zone, so it is dry and there is practically no precipitation. During the local winter there are only five rainy days a year. In December, the air temperature warms up to +26-29 degrees Celsius during the day, and up to +15 at night. The water in the sea for diving and swimming is a little cold, because its temperature does not exceed +18°C.

January.
This is the coldest month of the year, because at night the thermometer drops to +13°C, and during the day it reaches +24. Swimming in the waves of the bays is not possible, because the sun's rays warm the water surface by only +16°C. But it is in the middle of winter that the weather is optimal for tourists, but prices are as high as possible.

February.
The last month of winter here is a little warmer than the previous one, and also more humid. The air temperature during the day is +24°C, and at night - +15. The waters of the bays, whose temperature is +17°C, warm up by one degree more.

March.
With the beginning of March, the UAE is getting warmer and more comfortable every day; spring is clearly felt in the air. During the day, the thermometer can show +24°C, and at night it does not drop below +17. Sometimes you can swim in the sea, as the sun heats it up to +20°C. This time can be safely called a transitional time between the Arabian summer and the winter “colds”.

April.
Mid-spring in the UAE can be compared to mid-summer in our region. Here the swimming season is just opening, because the water in the sea warms up to +23°C, and the thermometer is approaching the optimal temperature for humans. During the day, the air forces it to rise to +32°C, and at night it never gets colder than +20.

May.
The end of spring is a convenient time to visit the Arabian Peninsula. The sun is quite gentle and welcoming during the day, raising the thermometer to +37 degrees, and at night to +23. The evenings are warm and quiet, windless. The holiday season has come to its logical conclusion, because the temperature in summer will be bearable only for the indigenous Arab residents. The sea water heats up to +27°C.

June.
Summer comes into its own, heating up the golden sand and heating the water to +30°C. Considering that there is practically no precipitation, it is very difficult to endure such heat. During the day, the thermometer can show up to +37 degrees Celsius, and at night the heat drops only to +26.

July.
Midsummer is listed as the hottest month in the United Arab Emirates. Often the thermometer goes off scale to +50, but the average daytime temperature is +40°C. The nights are stuffy, because the air is heated to +29. The water in the Persian or Oman Gulf will not give the desired coolness, because the bright sun has heated it to +33 degrees. Rarely does a traveler dare to visit the country at this time, because even many Arabs try to go to other latitudes or sit in air-conditioned rooms.

August.
The end of summer is as merciless as its middle. The daylight heats the air up to +41°C during the day and up to +29 degrees at night. Sea waves heat up to +33°C. During the day, rarely does anyone risk going outside, preferring to wait out the heat in cool rooms equipped with air conditioning. At this time, prices for tourists are minimal, so if you want to see the UAE without going broke, choose it for your trip. In addition, the Dubai Summer Surprises festival, which is held during the busiest time of year, includes sales and all kinds of shows.

September.
What will the weather be like in September? Autumn brings long-awaited freshness, although at the beginning of its first month it is almost imperceptible. The temperature drops to +38 degrees during the day and to +27 at night. The salty water of the sea is still like fresh milk, because the sun's rays warm it up to +31°C.

October.
Mid-autumn is a great time; the tourist season opens in the UAE. The heat gradually subsides and the average daytime temperature is already +35°C. At night the thermometer shows +23. The sea continues to be suitable for swimming, warming up to +25.

November.
The weather in November is quite acceptable for most travelers. About +30°C can be seen on the thermometer during the day, +19 at night. The water (+22°C) always invites you to swim.

When going to the UAE, take light cotton clothing with you - it will help avoid overheating; in winter, a tourist may need a sweater. Be sure to protect your head, eyes and skin from the bright sun. It is necessary to drink a lot of pure water or a local fermented milk drink called laban, and avoid drinking alcohol.

It is pleasant to relax in the UAE at any resort. Magnificent rooms and a variety of entertainment await tourists in hotels of the 3-4-5 star category. But in order to get maximum pleasure from your vacation, it is better to choose hotels with their own beach.

In Dubai, almost all hotels offer luxury and comfort in the broadest sense. And it is better to choose a hotel with its own beach. In this case, guests will be offered many other additional conditions that will help them spend their vacation more interesting. Despite the fact that such hotels are practically the standard for the best vacation, the prices for accommodation in them are not so high. They simply correspond to the service offered.

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The Jebel Ali Beach Hotel has a huge beach that can comfortably accommodate all hotel guests. The length of the beach is 1 km; in addition, the beach is wide enough and tourists can sit either in close proximity to the water or in the shade of palm trees that grow nearby.

On the beach you can go surfing or windsurfing; in addition, there is a SPA center and a children's club. Tourists are offered the best conditions for a comfortable stay; on the beach and by the pool you can relax on a sun lounger under comfortable umbrellas.

Five-star hotel Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai it is simply impossible not to notice.

The unusual shape and stylish design attract many tourists.

But the main factor is not appearance at all. The hotel has a luxurious private beach where you can practice various sports. Hotel guests can rent all the necessary equipment and equipment.

There are almost 300 rooms available for accommodation, the windows of which offer magnificent views of the sea. For a great holiday, guests can be offered:

5 swimming pools,
20 restaurants,
climbing wall,
free entry to the water park located next to the hotel.

Snow-white beach of the hotel Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa and the picturesque landscape are ideal for a wonderful holiday in Dubai.

Sun loungers, umbrellas and towels are available free of charge on the beach and by the pools. The hotel offers a luxurious and comfortable stay for its guests. Operating on site:

6 treatment rooms offering 30 types of massages,
Steam room, sauna,
12 bars and restaurants where you can taste Italian, Thai, Lebanese cuisine.
The hotel is also happy to see tourists with children. For kids there is a children's club, a separate swimming pool, a games room and a special playground.

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When choosing a hotel in Abu Dhabi, there is a very high probability of staying far from the beach and then your vacation at the seaside resort will be somewhat spoiled. Many excellent hotels are located in the center; they are intended for business people and you can’t count on much entertainment here. But hotels with their own beach will provide not only sun loungers and umbrellas, but also transport, as well as equipment for active recreation at sea.

Beautiful green area and comfortable hotel rooms Al Diar Gulf Hotel & Resort will allow you to have a great holiday in the UAE.

The hotel has its own beach with clean, fine sand. On the beach, tourists can not only relax on comfortable sun loungers, but also engage in active recreation. There is an aqua center here that can offer:

Windsurfing,
Fishing,
Jet skis,
Catamarans,
Water skiing,
Boat trips.
Additionally, you can learn horse riding or squash.

Hotel Beach Rotana suitable for those who skillfully combine business trips and holidays by the sea.

The hotel is located in the business part of the city and just 50 meters from the beach. The hotel beach is not very large, only 120 meters, but it is well-groomed and beautiful. Here you can practice various sports, including numbers and surfing. In addition, the hotel can offer excursion and entertainment programs, SPA treatments, tennis, squash, several bars and restaurants. The hotel offers car rental services, including limousine rental.

Hotel Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Residence has a unique design and even against the backdrop of the magnificent buildings of the Emirates, it looks especially chic.

The hotel offers excellent service, the rooms are equipped with everything necessary for relaxation. Room cleaning occurs daily, service is available around the clock.

In front of the hotel entrance there is a swimming pool surrounded by comfortable sun loungers. After passing this small section, you can immediately get to the beach, which belongs to the hotel. The beach is clean and comfortable, equipped with everything you need. Hotel guests receive free sun loungers, umbrellas and towels. Here you can practice various water sports, go for a walk on the sea or go fishing from a yacht.

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The Emirate of Fujairah offers tourists a variety of recreational activities. There are many interesting places and attractions here, you can do some wellness or just spend time on the beach. Many hotels in Fujairah have successfully combined everything that will help you have a good vacation in the UAE.

Hotel Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is located directly on the ocean coast and has its own beach.

The beach is quite large, its length is 230 meters. Here you can not only sunbathe, but also dive and surf. On the beach you can rent a yacht and go fishing. In addition, the hotel has a SPA center, a steam room, a sauna and a jacuzzi. For young people, the hotel hosts evening shows and a disco.

The hotel is also suitable for families with children. Designed for kids:

Children's club,
Nanny services,
Children's swimming pool,
Entertainment,
Playground.

Hotel Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah Beach These are excellent conditions for relaxation, beautiful landscapes and a beach almost at the very entrance to the hotel.

On the beach, tourists have access to sun loungers, umbrellas and towels, active recreation and all kinds of entertainment. There is a water sports center here and excellent conditions for diving.

The hotel has a beauty salon, massage rooms, and a gym. In front of the building there is an outdoor swimming pool, near which there are also sun loungers and umbrellas.

There is a separate swimming pool for children, and there is also a mini-club.

The hotel area is very beautiful, there are many trees, neat lawns, and flowers growing. The mountains located behind the hotel complement the landscape.

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While vacationing in the UAE, you can temporarily immerse yourself in Arab culture, full of mysteries and secrets, and enjoy a varied excursion holiday full of impressions. In addition, the UAE is a country where the weather is warm and sunny about 355 days a year, so you can sunbathe on the beach and swim in the sea, diving and other water sports all year round.

The beginning of the tourist season in the Emirates occurs at the end of September, and the end - at the beginning of May, since from this moment the weather becomes hot.

A holiday in hotels in the UAE means enjoying decent service and affordable prices, as well as the opportunity to choose the appropriate option at your discretion.

Each hotel has its own swimming pool, so tourists can spend time comfortably during especially hot hours.

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The UAE hotel classification is official and fully complies with international standards. The most popular hotels among tourists are Dubai and Sharjah. As for the latter, they have lower prices compared to hotels in Dubai. You can find a detailed description of the most popular hotels in Sharjah on our website.

Also, it is worth mentioning the Abu Dhabi hotels, which are located along the coastline. The peculiarity of these hotels is that the view from their windows does not open to the open sea, but to the islands, and the beach areas of the hotels are quite small, which is due to lack of space.

The most elite hotels are those located on the coast of Dubai. These are high-level hotels with a large number of stars, where only wealthy people can afford to stay.

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The attractions of the UAE include various archaeological finds, historical monuments, palaces and fortresses, as well as monuments of modern Arab architecture.

The most popular attractions include the Jumeirah Mosque located in Dubai, the Historical Village Museum, and ancient Arab buildings concentrated in the Bastakiya area. In addition, you should definitely visit the archaeological museum of the city of Al-Ain and the Hili burial site located here.

When going to Ras al Khaimah, do not forget to visit the ancient city of Yulfar, the huge date garden of Falaj Al Mula and the Hatt hot springs, and lovers of sailboats should definitely visit the city of Ajaman, where ancient Arabian sailboats are still being made, when you look at them immediately Memories of Sinbad the Sailor arise. While going to see all these sights, you can go shopping.

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In the UAE, tourists are constantly offered many excursions, so when choosing, it is important to immediately clarify the list of activities planned for the excursion.

As part of the excursion tours, you should definitely visit the capital of the UAE - the city of Abu Dhabi, which is famous for its 90 fountains and the historical monument "White Fort". It is also worth going to Dubai, where camel racing is regularly held. It is in Dubai that the Sheikh Mohamed Palace and the lagoon of pink flamingos are located, as well as the ancient fortress-museum “Dubai Dungeons”.

Excursions to the UAE also include visits to various water parks. The Wild Wadi and Dreamland water parks deserve special attention. Here visitors can expect artificial waves, waterfalls, subtropical rainfall and even a black hole.

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While vacationing in the UAE, almost all tourists spend a lot of time shopping, since in the Emirates you can find goods from every corner of the world. This includes exclusive designer perfumes and cosmetics, interior items, modern clothing, and a huge number of accessories. Particularly noteworthy is the Riga Road located in Dubai, which can easily be called a shopping paradise due to the combination of reasonable prices and abundance of goods.

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The cost of a holiday in the UAE practically does not depend on the season. But still, the maximum prices occur from September to May, when the tourist season is in full swing. At the same time, tour operators constantly offer last-minute tours, so you can choose a more economical option.

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This concludes my thoughts about holidays in the UAE
finish. Of course I will be glad if someone was
Interesting. Maybe someone can use it
some of the information from here.
Enjoy your travels everyone!
See you.

It’s very beautiful on the coast: azure expanse, space, white boats, and you’re tempted to immediately plunge into the warm embrace of the sea. However, while admiring the beauty of the sea-ocean, we sometimes don’t think about who lives there? Who can we step on, accidentally touch, and would anyone like to take a piece of us for lunch? What surprises await us in the Persian or Oman Gulf, the Indian Ocean (Fujairah), as well as who can be caught on a fishing excursion or purchased at the fish market - we’ll talk about this now.

Jellyfish

Fortunately, tourists usually see only schools of small, harmless fish in the sea waves, and are surprised to learn that someone else is here. In March 2014, there was a large influx of jellyfish on the coast of Dubai. This species, Aurelia aurita, is considered not to pose a threat to human life.

In such situations, it is better not to swim on wild beaches where there are no lifeguards. On equipped beaches, in case of danger, red flags are raised near the rescue towers, in the sea, and even the beaches are patrolled by police squads.

Jellyfish appear here and there periodically, very rarely in winter, more often in summer. And in the Indian Ocean, and on Palma, and on Jumeirah - they can be found everywhere. In the spring, blue jellyfish predominate in the waters of the Persian Gulf, their burns are less painful, tourists even say that they saw children playing with these “snot of the sea”, and - nothing.

Most of the jellyfish are in Fujairah, which is mainly a holiday destination for diving enthusiasts, and they are mostly experienced people.

So, for safety reasons, we do not swim on wild beaches, where it is generally unknown who is waiting for us in the sea, and we listen to the rescuers if they warn of danger. It is also better to choose another emirate for your holiday than the best place for divers - Fujairah.

Sharks

Many UAE hotel beaches are protected by shark nets, which is good news. Yes, there are sharks here - just take a walk to the fish market to see for yourself and see these exotic inhabitants of the Indian Ocean. Shark meat, by the way, is a rare treat - few people find it tasty, so there is no need to rush into purchasing this fish on the market. And for adrenaline, come to Fujairah - there you can meet free-swimming small reef sharks, but this will be discussed below.

In addition to reef sharks, there are also whale sharks. They reach 14 meters in length and are also considered safe for humans (they feed on squid, small fish, and plankton). A few years ago, such a curious incident occurred - a whale shark got lost and swam to the embankment in the Dubai Marina area, near the Spinneys store. The local police, together with the coast guard, frightened the poor fellow with loud signals, caught him in a net, then gave up on this whole hopeless matter and gave him the opportunity to find his way home on his own.

An interesting fact is that Dubai recently became the fifth largest exporter of shark fins in the world. The Emirates supply approximately 500 tons of shark fins every year to Hong Kong alone (this is half of their global production). In one day, a fishing boat can catch up to a thousand sharks, and soup with the addition of shark fins is considered a symbol of prestige and wealth.

Other living creatures

In Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, tourists saw stingrays - small, shy, not electric. Anyone who is afraid of stingrays or does not want to “tread calmly on them” needs to buy special slippers. In Sharjah the water is clean - you can immediately see the stingray. You just need to be careful - after all, the sea is inhabited by all sorts of living creatures.

Sea urchins are even found in Al Mamzar, a paid park with swimming areas and beaches, but only where there are rocks. Crabs also usually live on rocks; there are many of them in Umm Al Quwain - someone lives in every shell. They are afraid of people - more than we are of them, so we should not expect an attack from them. Moreover, tourists swim where there is sand.

According to tourists, there are more jellyfish when the sea is warm and calm, when it’s a little cooler and the sea is a little rough - like a cow licks them off with her tongue.

There are sea snakes in the open ocean, and on wild beaches in the water you can stumble upon stone fish and scorpion fish, so even for innocent walks along the water's edge (precisely on wild beaches) you need rubber shoes.

But in general, travelers say that nowhere at sea was it as comfortable and safe as in Dubai. And they are surprised to learn about the presence of all sorts of unpleasant inhabitants of the sea, saying: “But we only saw some small fish in schools, that’s all!”

A special word about Fujairah, Indian Ocean.

As you know, Fujairah is famous for its diving capabilities. Many travelers who come here for this very purpose choose the Sandy Beach 3* hotel, with a sandy beach and a diving center on this very beach. Experienced travelers advise all tourists to take an underwater camera with them - it will definitely come in handy!

There are practically no fish in the waters near the beach - they all swim near the coral island of Snoopy - about a hundred meters from the shore, opposite this hotel. This is where you can meet and photograph all kinds of colorful fish, stingrays, turtles, parrot fish, and Picasso fish. But that is not all! Not very large and shy reef sharks live here; tourists go, accompanied by guides, to look at them; the size of the sharks is from one to two meters. These sharks prefer to stay near the island and further away; they have never been seen near the beach. In general, where there is sand, there are no fish or sharks, but as soon as the stones begin, that’s where you can find them, but whether it’s necessary is up to you to decide. Maybe it’s better to turn back - where the sand is?

You should not feed sharks, go spearfishing if they are nearby, wear something shiny, and also try to touch the shark or block its path. Even if it’s a reef one, even if it’s small. The smell of blood and the sight of prey makes them go crazy.

In general, you can easily find a shark in Fujairah even fifty meters from the shore...

There are a lot of sea urchins near Snuppy Island. Even if you are swimming in coral slippers, they will not save you from a powerful injection (and the temptation to stand up is very strong - the depth there is a meter and a half). Some tourists ignore these rules and walk near the island, admiring the underwater world. It’s good if you’re lucky and get out of this admiration unharmed, but if you swim back with an injured leg... it’s worth thinking about.

Siphonophores also swim in the Indian Ocean; they are also called “thread”. There are few of them, but they exist. In case of a burn, it is recommended to keep the affected area in sea water near the shore - this will make it go away faster. The stinging cells of the siphonophores are removed with sand and sea water; you need to rub them effortlessly.

There are influxes of “stinging” burning plankton, which annoys swimmers in the Gulf of Oman.

Sometimes, for safety reasons, tourists swim in shorts and long-sleeved shirts or special swimsuits that also cover their arms and legs.

In general, Fujairah is a tempting place for divers, but those who want a relaxing family holiday need to be prudent or choose another emirate.

What you can catch while fishing or buy at the Fish Market

Fishing in the UAE gives tourists an unforgettable experience, a lot of impressions and a good catch. They even take children with them on this excursion, but fishing on your own from the shore is prohibited - for this you can get a fine of up to 500 dirhams and generally get into trouble.

For an additional fee, fish will be prepared for you directly on the yacht. You need to take copies of your passports with you (for coast guard verification). The journey to the fishing spots takes about 30 minutes. From November to May is the best season for fishing; in summer the water gets too hot and the fish are inactive. Don't forget to take your camera with you!

By trolling (hunting for large fish, the yacht is usually equipped with special equipment) you can catch barracuda, hamur, sichil, Spanish mackerel, and by spinning - perch, Emperor family, Sheri. You can catch tuna, king fish (mackerel), shark.

Khamour is considered one of the most delicious fish in the UAE; almost every restaurant offers dishes from this fish. Sychil is also a delicious fish; specimens from 2 kg are used for cooking - small ones are released, they have very little meat. Such fish are rarely caught, but they are caught! The lucky fishermen who managed to catch the sychil are called lucky. Sea catfish is tasteless, has a bad smell, and has a “soapy” coating. It is difficult to wash off its mucus - these fish are handled with gloves. Usually good for a photo shoot, then released.

Shark is rarely cooked on a yacht - its taste is not for everyone.

In general, to learn about the local seafood, you can go to the Fish Market (in Dubai, Sharjah).

Tuna, sardine, mackerel, barracuda, hamur, lobster, shrimp, crabs, cuttlefish, octopus, squid, sharks - you name it!

The sellers are friendly, according to tourists, they love to take pictures and pose with their fish. Just take rubber slippers with you - walk around the market, the floor there may be wet and covered in fish scales.

Enjoy your holiday in the United Arab Emirates!

I can’t help but talk about Dubai, an emirate that has sunk into my soul so much that I’m ready to return there again (although I usually prefer to see different places)

Remembering the preparations for the trip, I remember my joy and expectations - which certainly came true! Before my trip to the shores of the Persian Gulf, I had not had a vacation for a long time, a beach vacation for a year and a half (which was not so easy for me:), and it seemed that a vacation on the seashore or ocean was something very far away. Even as I was packing my bags and looking through photographs of the places in which I would soon be photographed, the feeling of an impending vacation did not come. And considering that the day before departure I was at work with a fever, you can imagine what my mood was like!

But now I’m already on the plane, 4.5 hours and welcome to Dubai!

Passport control, retinal scan - be prepared to stand in line. And so, I leave the airport and am already rushing to the Audi to my hotel. (More precisely, the apartments... which turned out to be simply huge! To my happiness, they gave me a double room (which is at least equipped for four), and my happiness is from the huge room, spaciousness, excellent view from the 13th floor... Well, what can I list now :) I highly recommend the Tamani Hotel. It is located in the Marina area, I really liked it too:

Having checked into the hotel, I rush to the beach - even though the sun had already set to the horizon, I couldn’t help but go up to the water and enjoy the sound of the surf, which I hadn’t heard for so long. Jumeirah Beach, sandy beach, blue sky, tall buildings overlooking the Persian Gulf, completely clear water... This is happiness.

The next day in the morning I went to visit my relatives, who were located on Palm Jumeirah . Crystal clear sky, bright rays of sun from the very morning. I'm driving in a Lexus with a bright interior, the driver turns on the music louder, we approach the famous Atlantis Hotel, go around its territory and head to the edge of a palm branch. I can immediately note that this area is simply beautiful! Especially cute cottages at the entrance to the island, beautiful architecture and a lot of greenery. The view of the city from the palm tree is also very beautiful:

But let's return to the palm tree. The hotels here have their own beach - and this is a big plus. They are not crowded; vacationers have their own sunbeds and towels. Not all hotels in the city can boast of this. Therefore, if you have such a request, it is better to look for a hotel on Palm Jumeirah. There is also crazy colored water, sand and shells.

There is another wonderful area for relaxation (I just lived next to it - JBR ( Jumeirah Beach Residence ) is a beach area with boutiques, cafes and restaurants, and good hotels. The beach here is public, and most guests of even first-line hotels, along with others, sit on the sand, albeit under hotel umbrellas. I saw sunbeds with umbrellas only at the Habtoor and Hilton hotels. And you have to walk a little to get to the alluring water of the Persian Gulf - you can’t put a sunbed by the water, they stand at a distance, and in front of the hotel sunbeds there are people on towels (that’s the advantage of palm trees’ own beaches). The sand here does not warm up very quickly and not deeply. Unfortunately, the beach is not perfectly clean - there are cigarette butts.

In general, I felt sorry for the people who paid a lot of money for such pleasure... Because hotels on the first line cost a lot.

I really liked the beach Jumeirah Beach next to the sail of the Burj Al Arab. It is not very wide, there is no “promenade” nearby like on JBR, but to the left of the beach there is a sail - a very beautiful building :) the beach is clean and there are not many people on it.

It gets dark here very early - at six o'clock the sun already sets below the horizon. At seven o'clock it seems that it is already deep night... But after four o'clock there are very few people on the beach.

Most tourists devote one day to traveling to Atlantis . This one didn’t pass me by either :) It’s a good car park, I can’t say that I was incredibly excited, but it’s worth a visit! You can buy a ticket in advance for 225 dirhams (2000 rubles), or on the spot for 250. If you take a ticket with a trip to the aquarium, plus 50 dirhams. But I don’t recommend doing this, since there’s practically nothing to see there! We walked around it in 5-7 minutes. Renting a towel costs 10 dirhams (you can bring your own), renting a cell costs 40 dirhams.

You need to come to Atlantis when the water park opens, that is, by 10. During the first hours there are not many people yet, and around lunchtime queues form for any slide. At sunset, that is, after five, everything closes. And here there are huge queues in the locker rooms, showers and for taxis (we stood for an hour), so it’s better to leave a little earlier and avoid this and save yourself time.

Although, of course, it’s difficult to stop and leave when you can ride the roller coasters;) by the way, there aren’t many of them, but they are different - and just riding in tubes, including in the dark, and free fall, and riding in a big bun for 6 people, and a lazy river for those who don’t like speed. There is an attraction where the floor is removed under you and you fly down at an insane speed...

There are several cafes on the territory, but sandwiches and hamburgers are everywhere (by the way, they are not cheap, but large portions - for two, lunch with a salad, sandwich, drink and ice cream cost about three thousand rubles).

The food in the Emirates did not impress me at all... Seafood is not popular there. I didn’t want to try camel :) I can’t say that food prices are cheap (about the same as in Moscow). But I ate mostly in hotels and malls, sometimes somewhere in the JBR area. We had to look for Italian cafes or with European cuisine.

Shopping . My trip was in November, high season, and this is the time of the influx of Russian tourists (since it is also school holidays at this time), there were no discounts, prices were the same as in Moscow, and many things, especially branded ones, were even more expensive. The Dubai Mall is, of course, very large, with famous fountains and an aquarium inside.

Emirates is smaller in size. In both centers there are both very expensive boutiques and simple ones, starting from dawn. By the way, in all rooms the air conditioners work at full power, so it is better to dress appropriately - at least with your hands covered.

Near the Dubai Mall there are famous fountains and the tallest building Burj Khalifa . I advise you to go up to the observation deck - just be sure to buy a ticket in advance online.

Fountains from 7 to 11 pm every half hour, accompanied by music, they surprise crowds of spectators with their beauty, height and power of water. Definitely worth a look!

I’ll also briefly tell you about the trip on the restaurant boat, which was recommended to us by the tour operator (supposedly with a transparent floor - but this is not so)). I liked it, very tasty cuisine, variety of dishes, good calm music, and very beautiful outside the window - the old city at night. The perfect place for a date!

Be sure to devote one of your evenings to a trip to Marina district — it’s incredibly beautiful (I lived in it). This is an artificially created yacht marina. Skyscrapers, yachts, cafes and restaurants with open verandas and hookahs are a wonderful place where you want to come back again. People walk leisurely and enjoy life.

I would like to say that there is a lot of construction in the city. For tourists, unfortunately, Dubai is a construction site. A large, never-ending construction project. You drive along a palm tree and see how future hotels, houses, skyscrapers are being planned... There is also a lot of construction equipment in the city of Dubai itself. Therefore, be more careful when choosing a hotel - construction under the windows can ruin your vacation. But for the city this is unconditional development, an opportunity to earn money in the future.

Abu Dhabi

I’ll tell you very briefly about my trip to Abu Dhabi. This is also a very beautiful city, well-groomed and clean. A must is a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

The Persian Gulf is the gulf between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula

The Persian Gulf: countries and resorts, nature, place in history, wars and the Arab Spring

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Persian Gulf - definition

The Persian Gulf is gulf between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Connected by the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. According to its hydrological regime, it is a sea.

The Persian Gulf is bay in the northwest Indian Ocean, off the coast of Asia. In the east it connects to the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. 240 thousand km2. Depth up to 115 m. The river flows into Shatt al-Arab. There are many islands off the coast. On the shelf of the Persian Gulf there are large oil deposits (see Persian Gulf oil and gas basin). Fishing, pearling. Main ports: Faw, Basra (Iraq), Abadan, Bandar Khomeini (Iran), Al Kuwait (Kuwait), Ras Tannura (Saudi Arabia), Manama (Bahrain), Umm Said (Qatar). As a result of the war in the Persian Gulf (January - February 1991), the ecology of the Gulf and a number of areas of its coast suffered serious damage.

The Persian Gulf is bay in the northwest Indian Ocean, off the coast of Asia. Separated by the Arabian Peninsula. In the east it connects to the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. Area 240 thousand km2. It juts out into the land for 926 km, width from 180 to 320 km. Depth up to 115 m. The prevailing depths are less than 50 m. The Shatt al-Arab River flows into it. There are many small islands off the coast, and there are many coral reefs in the southern part. The most significant islands are Bahrain and Qeshm. According to its hydrological regime, the Persian Gulf is a Mediterranean sea. Water temperature in August is +30-33 °C, in February +15-21 °C. Salinity is up to 40‰, near the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab 30‰. The currents form a counterclockwise circulation. Main ports: Fao, Basra (on the Shatt al-Arab river, Iraq), Abadan (on the Shatt al-Arab river), Bandar Khomeini, Bandar Shahpur, Bandar Mahshahr, Kharq (Iran), Kuwait ( Kuwait), Ras Tannura (Saudi Arabia), Manama (Bahrain), Umm Said (Qatar), Abu Dhabi, Dubai (United Arab Emirates). The coastal countries of the Persian Gulf are Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran. The Shatt al-Arab River, formed from the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates, flows into the Persian Gulf.

Significance of the Persian Gulf in history

The Persian Gulf is of great importance, given that it contains one-fourth of the world's mineral resources and therefore provides the world's energy, and in addition, as a waterway and a link between East and West, it has a special political and geographical position. For this reason, this region has always been invaded by foreign forces and colonial powers throughout history. The political-economic importance and geographical location of the Persian Gulf contributed to the rivalry between colonial governments and powers to have a presence in the region. European countries have been coveting the Persian Gulf for 350 years. Before the British entered the Persian Gulf, the Portuguese pursued their colonial goals in the area.

Another factor that has set the region apart politically since the late 15th century is its increasing strategic importance to rival European states. The Portuguese, Dutch, French and Russians considered it necessary to dominate the Persian Gulf as part of their pursued colonialist policies. In the mid-16th century, the Dutch entered the Persian Sea and, hoping for lucrative trade in the East, began a rivalry with the British that led to the re-entry of English colonizers into the Persian Gulf in the 18th century.

The Persian Gulf trade was in the hands of the Portuguese for approximately a hundred years. With the reversal of trade from India to Hormuz Island, the Cape of Good Hope and the Atlantic Ocean, Iran's foreign trade suffered great damage. However, during the Safavid period, European countries again established trade and economic ties with Iran. During this time period, Europeans established trading centers on the Indian border and focused their attention on the Persian Gulf islands. Dutch and English companies and their trading posts in Jask, Bandar Abbas, Kharq and Bushehra began to compete with each other, but during all this time the name of the Persian Gulf was never distorted.

During the period of Qajar rule in Iran, which coincided with the Iranian-Russian wars in northern Iran, the Russians sought to gain access to the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. This rivalry continued simultaneously with political transitions in Iran and changes in governments. However, despite all these plans of the colonialists, one thing remained unchanged - the name of the Persian Gulf. Nevertheless, the largest number of conspiracies in the region were formed at the height of the movements and competition of the colonialists in the region, traces of which are still visible today. One of these conspiracies involves the British inventing names for the Persian Gulf.

Many books and articles have been written regarding the Persian Gulf and its name to this day from various points of view. The authors of these works are foreigners, mainly Englishmen, since, due to their special position in this region, which lasted several centuries, they tried in every possible way to hide the reality and call the Persian Gulf by a fictitious and incorrect name. On this basis, in many reports and speeches of British agents in the region, the Persian Gulf was referred to as simply a gulf, while the name of the Persian Gulf is recorded in history as its true and ancient name.

Sir Charles Balgreave, who was Britain's representative in the Persian Gulf from 1926 to 1957, wrote and published a book in 1966 citing personal research. In his work he used notes from Sir Francis Erskinlah, another representative of the foreigners in the Persian Gulf. Lord Balgreave, who for about 30 years pursued Britain's colonialist policy in the Persian Gulf and harbored enmity towards the Iranians, in pursuit of a colonialist goal, was the first to openly distort the name of the Persian Gulf, renaming it Arabic.

In his book, touching on the topic under discussion, he calls the Persian Gulf Arab, referring to the Arabs. Thus, Britain laid the foundation for new attempts to distort the history of the region in order to further its goal of creating division in the region through indoctrination of the Arab states. All the documents and history of the region show that before this action of Belgreve the term "Arabian Gulf" had not appeared in any authoritative work, except in rare cases when some historians and geographers called the Red Sea the Arabian Gulf. At the end of his reign on the Arab coast of the Persian Gulf, Lord Balgreave, in the journal Sot-ul-Bahrain, called the Persian Gulf Arab, promoting this fictitious term among the Arab states. However, in his second book, Welcome to Bahrain, written in 1955, he refers to the Persian Gulf correctly. Upon his return to London in 1966, Sir Charles Belgrieve, in a book on the Persian Gulf, officially stated that Arabs tended to call the Persian Gulf Arab. With the spread of this fictitious name, the Arab press and some political personalities used the term Arabian Gulf instead of Persian Gulf in their official correspondence.

In another action by the British at that period of time, the London newspaper The Times in 1992 in an article used the word Arabic instead of the Persian Gulf, and from that time on, some Arab governments and principalities, welcoming this method, began to encourage their press to take a similar action. It gradually influenced some Arab politicians, including Abdol Karim Qasim in Iraq and Jamal Abdol Nasser in Egypt. In 1958, Abdol Karim Kassym, during the coup in Iraq under the leadership of Russia, claiming leadership of the Arab world, intended to abuse the situation created in the region, calling the Persian Gulf by a fictitious name and presenting Iran as an enemy of the Arabs, to attract the attention of the Arab world to his leadership role. Whereas these attempts were a consequence of the policy of the British colonialists in the region and had no significance for knowledgeable and literate people, even in Arab countries. So documents published in Iraq at the time, including by the University of Baghdad, rejected these claims. Considering the extremist trends in the government of Arab countries in August 1963, based on a decision taken in the Arab League Commission in the principalities of the Persian Gulf, for the first time the distorted name of this body of water called the Arabian Gulf was mentioned in an official document and after this the Arab League decided to use this name in textbooks of all member countries of the League and official letters.

"Arab Spring" in the Persian Gulf

The so-called “Arab Spring”, which began in the Middle East and North Africa region in December 2010 from Tunisia, swept through the countries of the region, changed them beyond recognition, and now hardly anyone has any doubt about the fidelity and accuracy of this phenomenon titles - "Arab Spring".

Having begun as a wave of peaceful demonstrations, with predominantly socio-economic demands, this process quite quickly transformed into political slogans, which also very quickly grew into demands for a change in the “hated regimes” represented by their rulers: Ben Ali, Mubarak, Gaddafi, Saleh, Assad and even the monarchs of the Persian Gulf experienced, albeit to a much less significant extent, the echo of this “Arab Spring”.

Having mentioned the “flooded” monarchs here, I would like to dwell on them in more detail. However, first I would like to start with a small but very important digression. It concerns the fact that the Arab world, as an ummah, as a symbol of the pan-Arab, pan-Islamic project, has long been subject to erosion and does not represent a set of Arab states ready to support each other and act as a united front against the policies of third countries that do not suit them, or for any reason other questions. The Arab Spring only deepens the divide between the states of the region. To a greater extent, each of the Arab countries, since gaining their independence, mainly in the post-colonial period after the Second World War, has been trying to realize their national interests. Some countries did not give up their attempts to act as leaders of the Arab world, trying to unite the “scattering” ummah. For the pan-Arab nationalists (Nasserists, Basists, Arab Nationalist Movement) who had gained a strong position in the Middle East since the late 1940s, the highest goal was the unification of all Arabs. Their doctrine of a single Arab nation was secular, and this nation included both non-Muslim Arabs and national minorities.

At the same time, there were those who tried to unite the Arabs based on Islamic values. The pan-Islamic line was continued in the concepts of the caliphateists of the late twentieth century, such as the Islamic Liberation Party (Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islami).

Already at that time, the ambitions of the Arab states prevented them from achieving unity. In addition, the international realities of the post-war period, characterized by the policies of the two superpowers in the Cold War, the spread of socialist ideas in the region, and the creation of the state of Israel, prevented the Arab countries from acting as a single camp even in the regional arena. The lack of unity among the Arab countries of the region and their rivalry is one of the reasons for the unresolved Palestinian issue and the failure of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement in general.

Not the least role in this fragmenting process was played by the monarchies of the Persian Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia, which was one of the main and richest allies of the United States in the region, both during the Cold War and after its end. Saudi Arabia, along with Qatar and Egypt, have claimed leadership in the Arab world in recent decades, and 2011 showed who was the winner.

With the fall of the Ben Ali and Mubarak regimes and the deterioration of the situation in Yemen, the spread of a wave of demonstrations and protests in Jordan, among the Shiites of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Riyadh acted as the main counter-revolutionary force to prevent further destabilization from spreading to the Gulf countries and Jordan. Using his material resources, the King of KSA allocated $1.4 billion to Jordan and included it in the GCC in order to reduce social tension and bring Jordan closer to the Gulf states; troops from the GCC countries were brought into Bahrain to suppress the Shiite uprising; The kingdom itself at home did not hesitate to harshly disperse demonstrators, although the royal family partially used its financial resources.

It is worth remembering the reaction of Saudi Arabia to the overthrow of Ben Ali in Tunisia and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, which ran counter to the position of the United States. The Saudi king supported his “colleagues” in Tunisia and Egypt to the last, and then even provided asylum to the ousted Tunisian president Zine al-Abidine ben Ali and reproached the United States for “surrendering” Mubarak.

Against the general background of seemingly democratic trends and protests, the Gulf countries stood out sharply against the background of the general trend, since in essence they were even more authoritarian.

The “Arab Spring” brought even greater turmoil into the “discordant” Arab ranks, only intensifying the struggle of Arab countries for dominance in the region. In general, the Arab Spring was not the first irritant of the Saudi regime. The rise of Arab nationalism in the 1950s and 1960s and the Iranian Revolution of 1979 severely tested Riyadh's position in the region.

The main struggle during the Arab Spring took place between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Muslim Brotherhood's rise to power was actively supported by Qatar, which provides generous financial assistance to the Brotherhood in Tunisia and Egypt. Saudi Arabia began to support the so-called “Salafis,” who are a more radical element and compete with the Brotherhood. As a result, the two “bay” states became rivals, “betting” on different horses. And, as recent events in Egypt show, Qatar is losing its position.

Thus, in this article I wanted to draw attention to the destructive element of the Arab Spring, which greatly affected all Arab countries in the region. This topic can be analyzed for several hundred and thousands of pages, just mentioning inter-Arab rivalry, Sunni-Shiite confrontation, different levels of political, social and economic development of Arab countries, etc. But an important problem that faded into the background was the Palestinian problem. And the further it goes, the more difficult it is to resolve it, especially without the lack of cohesive, strong support from such Arab states as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Syria. Therefore, I would like to hope that a one-sided, idealistic and naive perception of modern processes in the Arab world will not become the norm.

Geographical location and economy of the Gulf countries

The Persian Gulf region is geopolitically extremely important due to its rich oil reserves. It gave its name to the 1991 Gulf War (although the main conflict took place on land).

According to hydrological, hydrochemical and other parameters, the Persian Gulf belongs to the seas.

The area of the bay is 239,000 km², length - 926 km, width - 180-320 km, average depth - less than 50 m, maximum - 102 m.

The Gulf countries are located in foreign Asia, they are located at the junction of three parts of the world and extend from the Black Sea to the Indian Ocean. These countries include Kuwait, in whose depths lie billions of tons of oil and where the annual national income per capita is more than 20 thousand dollars; Iraq is one of the ancient states of the world, with several millennia behind it; The United Arab Emirates, whose state existence began only after the collapse of the colonial system, Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Countries differ in area, natural resources, level of socio-economic development, form of government and manifestation of, “let’s say” independence, etc.

The differences between countries became especially sharp after the Second World War, when the unevenness of their political and socio-economic development increased. The countries have the world's largest oil wealth.

Gulf War

"Gulf War" - a war (January 17 - February 28, 1991) between the Multinational Force (MNF) (led by the United States, under a UN mandate) and Iraq for the liberation and restoration of independence of Kuwait. The conflict is known for the unprecedented scale of the use of aviation (not in terms of the number of aircraft, but in terms of the impact on the course of hostilities), “smart” and high-precision weapons, which, according to many experts, marked the beginning of a new era in the art of war (also thanks to wide coverage of the process of hostilities in the media, received the name “television war”). This is also the first military conflict of the new world order that came after the end of the Cold War: almost all the former allies of the USSR in the socialist camp took part in the coalition, and the Soviet Union itself, already on the verge of collapse, supported the United States for the first time.

Kuwait was founded in the 18th century by a group of Bedouin clans who migrated to the shores of the Persian Gulf from the interior of Arabia and the Qatar Peninsula. The status of Kuwait was quite uncertain: the Ottoman Empire considered it part of its territory, but in fact the sheikhs of Kuwait pursued a policy independent of Istanbul. At the end of the 19th century, Kuwait became dependent on Great Britain, and in 1920 it officially became a protectorate of the British Empire. The country gained independence in 1961.

Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, again as in the 60s, laying claim to the right to rule the emirate, which in Iraqi tradition is considered a former part of the Ottoman Empire, accusing its southern neighbor of stealing oil (drilling using inclined well technology, which was specially provided to Kuwait by the USA) from the border fields of Iraq, as well as (and this version is still alive among Iraqis) in participation in the international anti-Iraq conspiracy.

On the night of August 2, 1990, four regular Iraqi army divisions invaded Kuwait. Due to the complete military superiority of the enemy, ground units of the Kuwaiti armed forces fought holding battles, while at the same time retreating into Saudi Arabia. The bulk of the Kuwaiti Air Force aviation managed to relocate to Saudi airfields. By the end of the day, Kuwait was under the control of Iraqi forces.

The success of the operation to occupy Kuwait was predetermined by the significant quantitative and qualitative superiority of the invading forces over the national Kuwaiti army. However, Iraq suffered a serious setback that affected the further development of the Kuwait crisis: Iraqi special forces failed to capture the Kuwaiti Emir Jaber III. An attempt by a helicopter landing in Kuwait with the aim of capturing the emir encountered opposition from the country's air defense, and the special forces suffered significant losses. The emir managed to evacuate to Saudi Arabia, but his brother died during the storming of the palace complex.

Reaction of the world community

Already on August 2, the UN Security Council adopted resolution No. 660, in which it condemned the invasion and demanded that Iraq immediately withdraw its troops from Kuwait. The Iraqi leadership ignored this resolution. A “provisional government” was installed in Kuwait, which asked Iraq to include Kuwait in its composition. On August 8, the de facto annexation of Kuwait was announced. Part of the country's territory was annexed to the Iraqi province of Basra, and the remaining territory was proclaimed the 19th province of Iraq. Kuwait City was renamed Kadhima. Kuwaiti refugees began arriving in Saudi Arabia.

The UN Security Council continued to regularly return to the Kuwait crisis and adopt resolutions (a total of 12 were adopted by the end of the year). A number of sanctions were imposed on Iraq and a naval blockade was introduced. In response to this, citizens of those states that took part in the sanctions were detained in Iraq. These people were essentially in the position of hostages and were used by Iraq for political manipulation. It was only in December that the problem of foreign citizens in Iraq was finally resolved.

After the occupation of Kuwait, a large group of Iraqi armed forces appeared on the Kuwaiti-Saudi border. Almost immediately, border incidents began to occur involving Iraqi units violating the international border between countries. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's intentions remained unclear. A number of Western analysts suggested that he might now try to invade Saudi Arabia, which had a clearly insufficient army to repel such an invasion. Control of two countries with huge oil reserves would allow Iraq to significantly influence the world oil market. In view of these considerations, the United States invited Saudi Arabia to station its military units on its territory. After some hesitation, the country's king Fahd gave his consent. Already on August 7, American troops began arriving in Saudi Arabia. The operation to ensure the country's security was called “Desert Shield”.

On November 29, 1990, after the failure of numerous attempts to persuade Iraq to peacefully resolve the crisis, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution No. 678. The resolution gave Iraq one and a half months to end the occupation of Kuwait. If this does not happen, UN Member States cooperating with the Government of Kuwait are authorized to “use all necessary means to support and implement resolution No. 660 (1990) and all subsequent relevant resolutions and restore international peace and security in the region.” This meant that the UN granted the already formed coalition of the Multinational Force (MNF) the right to conduct a military operation to liberate Kuwait.

There are different estimates of Iraqi losses in the 1991 war. Immediately after the end of hostilities, Western media reported that the number of Iraqi deaths could reach 100 thousand people. Some authors adhere to even higher numbers - up to 200 thousand dead. According to official Iraqi government figures released after the war, 2,278 civilians were killed in air raids in 1991. Iraqi army losses were not officially reported. According to researcher Karl Conetta, as a result of aerial bombing and ground combat, the Iraqi armed forces lost about 20 thousand people killed. In Kuwait, between the beginning of the occupation and the start of military activity by the MNF, about 200 Iraqi soldiers were killed, 126 of them as a result of the fall of a military transport plane shot down by members of the Kuwaiti underground.

The war had severe environmental consequences for the region. In the last weeks of the occupation of Kuwait, Iraqi forces organized the dumping of oil into the Persian Gulf. In an attempt to prevent oil from entering the Gulf, Multinational Force aircraft bombed a number of oil pumping stations using precision-guided weapons. However, before the end of the war, about 8 million barrels of oil spilled into the Gulf. During the retreat from Kuwait, the Iraqi army set fire to oil wells, the extinguishing of which was completed only in November. It took the next decade for the 320 lakes to dry up. According to the BBC, the war resulted in one of the worst environmental disasters in history.

Kuwait suffered great economic losses as a result of the occupation and war. The cost of extinguishing burning wells and restoring equipment was estimated at $12 billion alone. The total damage caused to the country, according to conservative estimates, amounted to 30-50 billion dollars.

Gulf countries

This name conventionally includes six countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain.

The Gulf countries are located in overseas Asia, they are located at the junction of three parts of the world and extend from the Black Sea to the Indian Ocean.

Countries differ in area, natural resources, level of socio-economic development, form of government and manifestation of, “let’s say” independence, etc.

Iraq is a country in the north of the Persian Gulf

The Republic of Iraq is located on the northeastern edge of the Arab East. Iraq borders Turkey in the north, Iran in the east, Syria and Jordan in the west, and Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the south.

In the southeast for 50 km. Iraq is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. On the border of Iraq with Saudi Arabia according to the 1922 agreement. A neutral zone was allocated so that the nomadic tribes of the two countries could use the areas located here. Recently, an agreement was reached on the division of this zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The total length of the state borders of Iraq is 3.6 thousand km. The northern and eastern borders run along natural boundaries - mountain ranges and rivers. In the southern part, the border between Iraq and Iran passes through the Shatt al-Arab river, formed from the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The area occupied by the Iraqi Republic is 435 thousand square meters. km Population - more than 13 million people, most of them Arabs.

Iraq is also home to Nurds, Turkmens, Assyrians, Turks, and Armenians. The rise of the national liberation movement, in which the Iraqi Communist Party and the Arab Socialist Renaissance Party (BAath) took an active part, ended on July 14, 1958 with an anti-imperial and anti-fiadal revolution, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the proclamation of a republic. Iraq withdrew from the Baghdad Pact and liquidated foreign military bases on its territory.

The implementation of democratic reforms began in the country, but degeneration began in 1960. The regime of a bourgeois-democratic republic into a military dictatorship led to the liquidation of many revolutionary gains and the outbreak of military action against the Kurdish people. With the arrival again in 1968. In the 1990s, the Baath government, which revised some erroneous guidelines of previous years, came to power, a number of progressive socio-economic transformations were carried out in the country, and a law on the autonomy of Kurdistan was adopted.

The Iraqi government, the first in the Arab world, placed the country's oil wealth under national control and widely used large oil revenues to boost agriculture, build modern industrial enterprises, develop communications and means of transport, and raise the living and cultural standards of the people. On the initiative of the Iraqi Communist Party, the Progressive National Patriotic Front was created in 1973, which included the Baath, the Iraqi Communist Party and the Kurdistan Democratic Party. This front played an important role in mobilizing the Iraqi people to defend national sovereignty from the machinations of imperialist forces and Arab reaction, to implement deep socio-economic transformations in the interests of the working people.

The Republic of Iraq as a whole pursued a progressive foreign policy, advocated within and outside the non-aligned movement for strengthening the solidarity of developing countries in the struggle against imperialism, for their beneficial cooperation with the USSR and the countries of the socialist community. In 1972 An agreement on friendship and cooperation was signed between the USSR and the Iraqi Republic, on the basis of which friendly Soviet-Iraqi relations were built. However, by the end of the 70s, the influence of right-wing nationalist tendencies in the Baath Party increased. The anti-democratic actions carried out by the Baath government pitted it against the progressive forces of the country.

Administratively, Iraq is divided into 18 provinces.

Nature. Physiographically, Iraq can be divided into four parts: mountainous, northern and northeastern (Iraqi Kurdistan) and desert southwestern (Al-Badiya), representing the outskirts of the Syrian-Arabian plateau, the Al-Jazeera plain. (Upper Mesopotamia) and lower Mesopotamia, facing the shores of the Persian Gulf. The mountainous region consists of spurs of the Eastern Taurus and Zagros massifs, located within Turkey and Iran. A series of small mountain ranges composed of limestone, gypsum and sandstone stretch along the Iraq-Turkey and Iran-Iraq border. Here is one of the highest peaks in Iraq, for example Kurawa (3352 m), Pir - Omar - Gudrun (2960 m). South of the Bolshaya Zaba River, the mountains gradually decline. Below the confluence of the Greater Zab and the Tigris lies the Erbil Depression, a vast fertile plain, and to the north of it there is a leafy plateau, sometimes called the Chaldean Plain. The northeastern region of Iraq is an extremely picturesque area, which in terms of landscape beauty is not inferior to mountainous Lebanon or Switzerland. There are alpine meadows here, which are used in the summer for transhumance by the Kurds and Arabs living here.

Iraq is the only country in the east through which very large rivers flow. The two largest of them, the Tigris and the Euphrates, begin in the neighboring well-irrigated mountains and enter Iraq at a considerable distance from each other, then gradually come closer and below Baghdad they diverge again, so that in the area of the city of Elkurna they form a powerful stream of the Shatt- Al Arab, flowing into the Persian Gulf. However, the Euphrates and Tigris are not considered the most restless rivers in Iraq.

The vegetation cover of Iraq is dominated by species typical of semi-deserts: drought-resistant grasses, leafless camel thorn, wormwood, and saltwort. Along rivers and in better moistened areas there are willows and poplars, sometimes forming groves. In northern Iraq, poplar and oak thickets occupy quite large areas. In the southern part of Iraq, in the swamps and floodplains of rivers, there are reed-reed thickets and meadow vegetation. In Iraq, from the city of Ana in the north to the city of Fao in the south, large areas are occupied by date palm plantations; Southern Iraq, where there is an abundance of water and heat and sunlight, is considered the most suitable place for growing this tree. In Iraq, among the 420 varieties of dates, there are some that do not grow in other countries. The fauna of Iraq has much in common with the fauna of neighboring countries. In the steppes and semi-deserts there are gazelles and striped hyenas. There are many wild boars and waterfowl in the reed beds of the southern regions. Mosquitoes are a real scourge in swampy areas. Reptiles are represented by some species of poisonous snakes and lizards, including monitor lizards.

Kuwait is a small state on the shores of the Persian Gulf

Kuwait is a small Arab state located in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The state also owns the coastal islands: Bubiyan, Failana, Warba, Minjan, Aupa, Umm En Namil, Shuwaikh, Nubbar, Naru and Umm El Maradim. The largest of them are Bubiyan and Failana. Kuwait borders Iran to the north and northwest, and Saudi Arabia to the south and southwest.

In the east, the country's territory is washed by the waters of the Persian, or, as the Kuwaitis call it, the Arabian Gulf. The country's territory is 20.2 thousand sq. km. The population of Kuwait is about 1.4 million people, of which more than 6,000 thousand are foreigners. The capital is Kuwait City. In accordance with the constitution adopted in 1962, Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy and a hereditary emirate. The head of state is the Emir, one of the members of the ruling Saban family. He is both the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and the Supreme Judge. Legislative power belongs to the Emir; the government, together with the Emir, exercises executive power.

The territory of Kuwait is located within the Arabian Fold Platform. The stable foundation, composed of ancient crystalline rocks, is everywhere buried under later sedimentary ash. Sedimentary rocks lie almost horizontally, with some slope towards the ancient depression, now filled with the waters of the Persian Gulf. This gives the surface the appearance of a monotonous plain. The entire territory of the country is occupied by desert. In the western part it is rocky, in the eastern part it is sandy. Dunes rise along the shore of the Persian Gulf. The coast, which is about 220 km long, is replete with sand spits and black lagoons, which creates inconvenience for ships. Only Kuwait Bay has a natural, well-protected harbor, one of the most convenient in the Persian Gulf. According to the relief features, the territory of Kuwait can be divided into three parts: elevated, inland, hilly, central and flat coastal. The elevated area covers the southwestern part of the country and resembles a triangle in plan with the apex facing north. It belongs to the interior highlands of the Arabian Peninsula.

The force of the wind is so great that in a matter of minutes it moves huge masses of sand. Sand and dust penetrate into houses, no matter how tightly the windows and doors are closed, settle in a thick layer on all objects, get into the ears and nose, blind the eyes, and grind the teeth. The yellow-brown mass raised to the heights obscures the sun. It becomes twilight, like an eclipse. Strong changes in atmospheric pressure lead to poor health.

The peculiarities of the Kuwaiti economy - an abundance of cheap energy, large investment opportunities and a shortage of local labor resources - dictate a certain profile of industrial development for the country: energy- and capital-intensive, but labor-saving. Although this strategy is not always clearly stated in official documents, it can be seen quite clearly in the country’s narrow specialization in the field of petrochemicals and oil refining, and its focus on becoming the new banker of the Arab world. Objectively, from the very beginning, Kuwait’s entire industrial strategy became export-oriented. At the present stage, the economy of Kuwait is similar to the economy of other oil-exporting countries of the Arabian Peninsula in the main - the main place in it belongs to the modern oil sector, which for a long time developed almost completely in isolation from other sectors of the economy, and now acts as a “locomotive” of production to stretch to the required level level other areas of the local economy.

Qatar - a new Gulf state

Several years ago, two new, independent states appeared on the political map of Asia - the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. They are located in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian and Oman Gulfs.

The Qatar Peninsula, on which the Arab principality of the same name is located, extends far into the Persian Gulf and lies between 34.5 and 34.3?N latitude. In the south, the state of Qatar borders on Saudi Arabia and the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which are part of the UAE. The seven emirates of this federal state, like Qatar, border on Saudi Arabia in the southwest and south, and the Sultanate of Oman in the east and north of the UAE. The length of the UAE coastline in the Persian Gulf is over 700 km, and in the northeast of the country, in the Gulf of Oman, it is about 90 km.

In accordance with the agreement on territorial and border issues signed by the two states in August 1974, Abu Dhabi transferred part of the territory in the northwest of the Emirate to Saudi Arabia. This “corridor” is from 50 to 80 km wide. Connected the mainland of Saudi Arabia with the coast. Thus, Saudi Arabia gained access to the Persian Gulf east of the Qatar Peninsula, but without the right to establish sovereignty and extend its legislation to the territorial waters and shelf adjacent to the corridor, which still belong to the UAE. The land borders of Qatar and the UAE are largely conditional, as they pass through desert areas where there are no clearly defined natural boundaries.

The total area of both states is small - only about 95 thousand sq. km., of which Qatar accounts for almost 11.4 thousand sq. km. in the UAE -83.6 thousand sq. km. The largest, by area, of the Arab emirates is Abu Dhabi, which occupies 86% of the territory of this state; the remaining emirates account for: Dubai - 5.5%, Sharjah - 3.3%, Ras Al Khaimah -2.1 %, Fuijairah - 2%, Umm Al Quwain -1%, Ajman - 0.3% of the UAE area. The population of both countries at the turn of the 80s reached just over 1.5 million people, of which 1.3 million people were the population of the UAE.

Qatar and the UAE include over 30 small and tiny islands located near their coasts. These mostly uninhabited islands have a rocky surface, in some places covered with sand dunes. And they are deprived of sources of fresh water. Only a few of them, such as Dalma and Jannana, have been inhabited for a long time, the rest have long been used by the population of both countries, mainly as anchorages and places of shelter from bad weather for fishing vessels, as well as during the pearl fishing season. As oil production developed on the continental shelf, some of the islands became involved in economic activity.

Oil dramatically changed the fate of these countries, leaving its mark on their socio-economic appearance. The unhurried, if not slow, development of the national economy gave way to rapid growth. In place of medieval adobe towns and villages, as if by magic, modern cities with multi-storey residential buildings, banks, shops, hotels and cinemas arose. Extensive construction of petrochemical enterprises, ports, airfields, highways, cement plants, natural and oil gas reduction enterprises, desalination plants, equipped with the latest technology, is underway, and agricultural plantations are being created. The entire economic well-being of Qatar is based on the sale of oil abroad, the production of which marked the beginning of a new stage in the socio-economic development of this backward and poor country in the recent past. Until the global economic crisis of 1929-1933. The principality existed mainly due to the pearl industry, which flourished in Qatar thanks to the Parisian and Indian markets. In 1974, the first gas processing plant from the Dukhan field went into operation in Umm Said.

In general, these countries began an accelerated transition from feudalism to capitalism. The basis of Kuwait's economy is oil production and oil refining. Natural gas deposits are being developed quite intensively, and the chemical and cement industries are developed. The agricultural sector is characterized by nomadic cattle breeding and oasis farming.

UAE is the most popular Gulf country

The basis of the country's economy is oil production. Oasis agriculture predominates. The country is the financial center of the Middle East, comprising a large economic zone and compatible businesses.

The basis of the Saudi Arabian economy is the oil refining and gas industry. The petrochemical and food industries and industrial crafts are developed.

Iraq's economy is closely linked to its foreign policy. The country's oil reserves are rich in petroleum, natural gas, sulfur, phosphates and other minerals. Industry is represented by oil production, oil refining and other industries. The country has a developed fuel, energy and transport infrastructure. The first US invasion (1991) of Iraq led to victory for the Iraqis and did not affect economic and political development. A few weeks ago the second invasion of Iraq was carried out (2003), it is based on economic interests and position in the world, Iraq is a sovereign state and must solve its problems on its own, its political structure may be liked by some, but not by others. Huge oil reserves are Washington’s main pain point. Most Gulf countries export oil and refineries. Countries occupy a leading position in the global economy

This marginal sea has several names - Oman, Green, Persian, Indo-Arab, Eritrean. It is located between the Arabian Peninsula and Hindustan. The southern border of the sea is arbitrary. The area occupied by the waters of the Arabian Sea is 4832 thousand sq. km - this is one of the largest seas in the World Ocean. The maximum depth is 5203 m, the average is 2734 m. The entire sea area is located in the tropical and subtropical zones of the northern hemisphere. A large water artery, the Indus River, flows into the Arabian Sea.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers carry their waters to the Persian Gulf. This bay, located in the northeast, beyond the Gulf of Oman, can be considered part of the Arabian Sea. It is an extremely wealthy area economically. Firstly, pearl fishing is developed here. The ancient Greeks called this bay "Tilos", which means "pearl". Especially a lot of high-quality pearls are mined in the area of the Bahrain Islands. However, the Persian Gulf is also known for another jewel, which in our time is valued no less than pearls. There are huge deposits of oil fields, thanks to which countries with access to its waters have often been drawn into military conflicts with economic overtones. The oil wealth of the Persian Gulf cannot be overestimated. However, the theme of our site is marine life and sharks, so we will not dwell on this treasure. I would just like to dwell a little on the status of the bay.

Some geographers insist that the Persian Gulf would be more correctly called the inland sea of the Indian Ocean. Those who have read the first articles of this section of the site (with definitions) will understand that such metamorphoses are not of decisive importance, since many of the definitions are conditional. Hudson Bay is also a sea, although we are accustomed to its usual status as a bay.

For the most part, the coastline is indented, with many small bays, bays, capes and alluvial spits. Among the largest gulfs are the Gulf of Aden, through which communication with the Red Sea is established, and the Gulf of Oman, which connects the sea with the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.

The relief of the coasts is from high rocky to low-lying, deltaic. The sea is not rich in islands; only along the coastline there are small islands of volcanic origin, coral atolls and areas detached from the land. The bottom topography is flat, the soil consists of biogenic silts, and near the coast of the mainland - terrigenous sediments. Coral islands and atolls are covered with almost white coral sand. Currents are seasonal and change their direction throughout the year.

Quite large tides, reaching over 5 meters in height. Since the sea is located in warm climate zones, the temperature of surface waters exceeds 20 degrees Celsius all year round, reaching 29 degrees Celsius in some places in the summer.

The Arabian-Indian underwater ridge, stretching from the eastern tip of the Somali Peninsula (Africa) to the southeast and the Maldives (south of the Hindustan Peninsula), divides the sea into two deep-sea basins - the Arabian (depth more than 5300 m) and the Somali to the south -west (up to 4600 m). The bottom of the basins is covered with red clay.

The shelf zone of the Arabian Sea occupies from 120 km (off the coast of Hindustan Island) to 200 km off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula. On the shelf area owned by India there are large oil deposits (Gulf of Cambay). The shelf zone of the Arabian Sea is mainly used for fishing.

According to some sources (Complete Encyclopedia of the Underwater World, Moscow, 2010), sharks in the waters of the Arabian Sea behave very modestly, it is very difficult to even approach them, because when they see a person, predators try to hide.

Gulf Resorts

There are many luxury resorts in the Gulf with unlimited holiday options. These are modern cities, the appearance of which consists of numerous impressive skyscrapers, luxurious palaces and vibrant bazaars. Also here you will find an incredibly attractive combination of velvet dunes and rocky mountains.

On the coast of the bay there are excellent beach centers. Each of them has separate restaurants, cafes, bars and park areas. The best time to visit is from October to April.

Dubai Gulf Resort

The name “Dubai” is simultaneously borne by both the most visited emirate and its administrative center, a city that is most liberally disposed towards tourists and their whims. Actually, the city is divided into three large areas - the oldest area of Deira, the shopping area with many shopping centers, Bar Dubai and Jumeirah - where the most upscale hotels are located.

Hotels located in the beach area undergo annual re-certification and have a classification similar to the requirements of European standards, with the vast majority being 4* and 5* hotels. They all have their own beaches, mostly closed to outsiders. The most famous hotel in Dubai is the famous Burj Al Arab, which is nicknamed the “seven-star” hotel for the luxury of its interiors and service, as well as the scope of its construction. Another masterpiece of modern hotel construction is the artificial islands of the Palm Jumeirah, a structure that has become a symbol of the United Arab Emirates.

Those who live in city hotels remote from the beach area usually use two beach complexes - Jumeirah Beach Park and Al Mamzar Park. Entrance to both beaches is paid, as is the rental of beach accessories. However, the infrastructure on both is excellent: bars, restaurants, rentals of everything your heart desires, and Al Mamzar Park even has its own swimming pool.

There is always a warning system on the beaches of Dubai; you should pay attention to the flag on the beach - yellow means there is no danger at all, but if you go swimming under a red flag, you may be fined, because the sea is unsafe on such days.

In Dubai, as the most democratic region of the UAE, the “prohibition law” applies only to the streets and beaches, but no one will forbid you to enjoy beer or something stronger in cafes and restaurants. So the nightlife in Dubai is perhaps the liveliest in the whole country. There are many clubs open here, one of the most famous is “Catharsis”; hotel discos are constantly organized - for example, the famous “Planetarium” or “Scarlet”. The latter takes place on the top floor of the Emirates Towers Hotel. When going to any disco, be sure to check at the hotel reception what documents you need to take with you - they are often checked.

During the day, you can visit the Wild Wadi water park and the Jumeirah Beach Park amusement park, go with your children to the Wonder Land amusement park or play golf on the excellent courses of the Emirates Golf Club located in the Jumeirah area or the Dubai Creek Golf Course located on the shores of the Creek.

In principle, diving can be done on almost any beach, but divers chose Jumeirah Park, where two old fighter jets were specially sunk for their entertainment.

Persian Gulf resort Ajman

The smallest of the emirates is Ajman.

Those who want a relaxing holiday come here. Despite the fact that the tourism business in Ajman is developing slowly, there is a five-star Kempinski hotel, small shops, cozy cafes, and also the only store in the entire UAE where you can purchase alcoholic beverages without restrictions (but taking them out of the emirate is strictly prohibited ). The beaches in Ajman are sandy, and on weekends you can often meet locals who like to have picnics on the beach.

Gulf resort Sharjah

The Emirate of Sharjah is located on the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf and borders Dubai.

Sharjah is the most conservative emirate, here any alcohol is prohibited, the punishment for violation is very strict, local law enforcement officers do not get away with a single offense. Carrying even one bottle of beer in your trunk, you risk breaking the law and being punished to the fullest extent, despite the fact that you are a foreign tourist.

The choice of hotels here is smaller than in Dubai. Three hotels are located on the coast of Khaled Bay, nine on the shores of the Persian Gulf. That's probably all.

There are no entertainment venues, bars or discos in Sharjah, but in the evening you can plunge into the cultural traditions of the country and go to an Arab nightclub where national Arab music plays. For tourists who crave nightlife and adventure, there are taxis that will take you to neighboring Dubai, where the nightlife is in full swing.

Sharjah also includes the city of Khorfakkan, located on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Divers come here to admire the beauty of the sea, as well as those tourists who want to relax peacefully on a picturesque beach.

Gulf Resort Abu Dhabi

The emirate is located on an island and consists of the city of Abu Dhabi and the small cities of Liwa and Al Ain.

The main city of Abu Dhabi has so much green space that the air temperature here is always several degrees lower than in the surrounding desert.

The largest park area is located on The Corniche embankment, where the famous fountains “Swan”, “Pearl”, “Coffeepot” and other masterpieces of landscape art are located. Those who have visited the UAE call this place one of the most picturesque in the entire country.

Most hotels in Abu Dhabi are located on the beach. All beaches on the island are sandy; hotel beaches are cleaned daily of ocean debris. Abu Dhabi is actually the capital of the UAE, and therefore there is a lot of entertainment here, and you definitely won’t be bored. Here you can go on a desert safari - by jeep or camel, visit the local hippodrome and watch exotic camel racing, visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Fort Al Jahili, and the ethnographic museum “Historical Heritage Village”. For lovers of elite entertainment, golf courses are open and falconry is held.

As for alcohol, it can only be found in some hotel restaurants; in city restaurants you will not find alcohol. Drinking alcoholic beverages is also prohibited in public places and on beaches.

Persian Gulf resort Fujairah

The Emirate of Fujairah is famous among tourists for its historical monuments and attractions.

Here are the ruins of the old fort and the remains of its settlement. In the museum you can see interesting archaeological finds from excavations near Binta and Kidfa. Divers come here to scuba dive in the Indian Ocean and explore the coral reefs. Most diving centers are located near the Oceanic Hotel.

Tourists staying at one of the hotels in Fujairah will never get bored. There is everything for an active holiday - exotic tours along dry river deltas (they are filled with water only during the rains), excursions introducing you to the culture of the Middle East and mountain climbing.

Gulf resort of Ras al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah is the northernmost of the emirates.

The mountains in this picturesque place touch pristine, clean sandy beaches. There is no prohibition in the emirate, but you should still not drink alcohol on the city streets or on the beach. In the main city of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ice Land water park recently opened, which is designed not only for adults, but also for children.

Persian Gulf resort Umm Al Quwaii

Umm Al Quwai is a quiet emirate consisting of the Old and New Cities.

The emirate is located on a picturesque coastline - in this place the waters of the Persian Gulf form many bays and lagoons.

The spirit of an ancient Arab settlement has been preserved in the Old Town, while modern houses and shopping centers are being built in the New Town. There are also several small hotels here. Umm Al Quwai's isolation from other emirates makes it attractive to tourists who want to immerse themselves in the traditions and culture of the Middle East.

You can have fun by visiting the nautical club and Dreamland water park, as well as the first flying club in the Emirates.

The club hosts championships in parachuting and skydiving. Anyone can see the UAE by taking off in an inflatable balloon or learn to fly airplanes and other air vehicles.

Gulf resort Muscat

People go to the resorts of the capital of Oman - the city of Muscat - mainly for a quiet beach holiday: you won’t find nightlife or noisy parties here.

The city is divided into several districts, each of them performs a specific function. The main bazaar is located in the Muttrah area, the Sultan's Palace is located in the Muscat area, the Ruwi area is the commercial district, and the main beaches and hotels are located in the Al Qurum area.

All Muscat beaches are sandy. Municipal beaches are open to the public; you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers at any of them, completely free of charge. This applies, of course, to landscaped beaches. But there are also wild ones. These are usually not crowded - because the entrance to the water is not covered with bulk sand, and you can get injured on the coral reefs, of which there are a great number here, off the coast. If you still decide to visit a “wild” beach, do not forget to take special shoes with you.

You can enrich yourself culturally by visiting the Oman Historical Museum, the National Museum in Ruwi and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Persian Gulf resort Nizwa

The former capital of Oman is the city of Nizwa. The city is a large oasis in the heart of the desert and claims to be the country's main resort. Unfortunately, there are no beaches and nowhere to swim. Despite the fact that there are only 4 large hotels in the city, there are always a lot of tourists here.

Firstly, in Nizwa there are nightclubs and restaurants (all for the entertainment of young people), secondly, it is from this city that the excursion to the ancient monuments of Jabrin begins, where you should pay attention to the painted ceilings and wood carvings, and Bakhly, a small village where the art of pottery flourishes. Thirdly, there is an old fortress-fort, from the top of which you can see a beautiful view of the city, and fourthly, in Nizwa you can buy products made of precious metals at a very low price. From Nizwa you can also go on a jeep safari to the sands of Wahiba.

Gulf resort Salalah

The capital of the southern region of the country is the city of Salalah. Here tourists can not only lie on the sandy beach and swim in clear water, but also go sailing, water skiing or motorcycling, and also go down to the seabed with scuba gear.

It is best to go on holiday to Salalah without children, because... There are strong currents in the ocean that sometimes even an adult cannot cope with. The city is rich in excursion options - you can take part in archaeological excavations, visit banana and coconut plantations, and see the ruins of the palace of the Queen of Sheba.

Persian Gulf resort Sohar

The city of Sohar, known as the historical birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor, attracts tourists with its large Souk market.

There are always few vacationers on the large sandy beach of Sohar, so those who like a relaxing holiday will like it here. The only danger is represented by ocean currents, which can “suddenly” change their direction. Among the attractions here, the Sohara Fort is worthy of attention, it is beautiful and majestic. On Fridays, everyone can watch a bullfight.

Fauna of the Persian Gulf

In terms of settlement by various life forms, the Arabian Sea is one of the most productive places in the World Ocean. There are almost 100 species of commercial fish alone. Among them: tuna, marlin, sardines, sailfish, mackerel. Fishing for crustaceans - shrimp, crabs, lobsters - is important.

A significant part of the coast of the Arabian Sea is inhabited by corals. Many bottom invertebrates, mollusks, crustaceans and fish thrive in coral thickets. Here you can find clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, lionfish, gobies, flying fish, sardinella, herring, tuna, swordfish, sailfish and many other fish. In terms of the abundance of marine animal species, the Aral Sea is not much inferior to the Red Sea. The flora of the sea is much poorer than its fauna. Here, only in some places you can see thickets of coastal algae - red, brown, kelp.

There are several species of sharks in local waters, including those classified as dangerous to humans. Here you can find a tiger shark, mako, blue shark, gray blunt-nosed (bull) shark, and many species of reef predators.

According to some sources, sharks in the waters of the Arabian Sea behave very modestly, it is very difficult to even approach them, because when they see a person, predators try to hide.

Man, on the contrary, destroys these fish for the sake of fins, meat and other valuable parts. Shark fins are sold to local restaurants at incredible prices - up to $200 per kilogram. It is clear that such demand and prices give rise to poaching, as a result of which the populations of these fish sharply decrease in number. However, the Arabian Sea is not the only example of such barbaric destruction of sharks.

Of great interest to sports anglers is such an object as the giant grouper from the Serranidae family. This huge (2.5 m, 400 kg) fish lives in coastal waters and leads a solitary lifestyle, hunting lobsters, stingrays, young turtles and small fish. Adult groupers, due to their large size, have almost no natural enemies, so they are clumsy and slow. Divers love to swim and take pictures in the company of this good-natured giant. However, care must be taken when dealing with goopers. There were cases when he attacked overly annoying fans, inflicting serious and even fatal wounds.

Flora of the Persian Gulf

The special tropical climate has allowed the growth of a large number of beautiful exotic plants that surround the Persian Gulf. The photos of these places are mesmerizing. Favorable conditions contributed to the breeding here of a huge number of incredibly beautiful fish and other inhabitants. Multi-colored corals with their colorful inhabitants are firmly located in coastal areas.

To the casual observer, nature may seem poor and dull. But precisely because of this poverty, nature must be surrounded by even greater care in order to preserve what it has, since life itself has balanced everything very gracefully. One large mangrove forest adjacent to Abu Dhabi Island has been declared a nature reserve and cannot be visited for scientific research purposes only.

Sources for the article "Persian Gulf"

ru.wikipedia.org - Wikipedia - The free encyclopedia

iiagency.com – News of Central Asia

dic.academic.ru - Dictionaries and encyclopedias at Akademki

tour52.ru - Tourist portal of Nizhny Novgorod

russian.irib.ir - Russian radio service

sea-cruise.ru - Sea cruises

vostlit.info - Oriental literature

gulf.ru - Travel to the countries of the Persian Gulf

islam.ru - Islamic information portal

Ras al-Khaimah is the capital of the emirate of the same name in the United Arab Emirates. About 90% of all residents of this territory live here and this is where resort life is in full swing. The resort is young; its active development began no more than 20 years ago. But today it is in demand as a place to relax, where you can find the optimal balance between cost and quality of services offered.

Ras Al Khaimah resort on the map

Ras al-Khaimah is located in the north of the country, on a cape that separates the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs. The resort area is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. It includes several bulk islands under the general name Al-Marjan. The archipelago belongs to the Arab company Al-Marjan Island, which operates in the field of hotel business and tourism services.

Ras Al Khaimah has an international airport where the emirate's airline RAK Airways and the UAE's low-cost carrier AirArabia are based. And if the first one flies within the countries of Southeast Asia, the second one also flies to several cities in the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, but, unfortunately, not from Ras al-Khaimah.

Most tourists fly to Dubai Airport, the main resort center of the country. The distance from it to Ras Al Khaimah is 100 km. The route passes along a modern highway. The second closest airport is located in Sharjah at a distance of about 85 km from the resort.

Beach and sea

Beach near the Rixos Bab Al Bahr hotel

The total length of the RAK beach area, as the emirate is abbreviated even in official sources, is more than 60 km. True, this also includes the beaches of man-made islands. The sea off the coast of the resort is mostly calm. Winds, and especially storms, are rare. The water is clean and clear even at the height of the season.

The beaches are sandy with white or slightly pinkish sand. In some places on the coast you can find picturesque dunes. The entrance to the sea is gentle and safe. Some tourists in their reviews talk about places with shell rocks and large boulders near the coast. They do exist, but most often on public beaches.

Municipal beaches are often overcrowded and poorly equipped. Hotel beaches have good infrastructure and offer a lot of entertainment. From boat trips on a yacht or catamaran to fiery parties. By the way, guests of other hotels are allowed to attend entertainment events, subject to the purchase of drinks. Yes, most hotel beach bars sell alcoholic drinks. But this does not mean that there is no prohibition in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah.

Resort accommodation

Five-star Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is a dynamically developing resort. New hotels open every year. Mostly they are designated 5 or 4 stars. Most of them have their own beach area with good equipment. The resort is considered a leader in the United Arab Emirates in working with the all-inclusive and ultra-all-inclusive systems. More than half of the hotels offer their guests a holiday without any worries or hassle.

However, when choosing a hotel, it is worth carefully researching the services it offers and where it is located. Even though hotels have their own beaches, they can be located far from the coast. The range of services in the all-inclusive system also varies somewhat. If you have the financial means, it is better to give preference to a holiday on the islands.

Top five:

- the most luxurious hotel. An oasis of luxury in the desert. Accommodation in villas with a private pool. The only negative is that the prices are steep.
– excellent golf hotel. Shopping centers are within walking distance. Luxurious interiors.
- family hotel. Part of the Rixos hotel chain . Impeccable service.

Fours with good reviews:

- club hotel. First line. Great beach. All inclusive.
- city hotel. Nearby are shops and cafes. The Hilton name stands for excellent service.

The best three are:

— located next to the beach.
city hotel with good room capacity.

Fans of independent holidays at the resort can rent an apartment or villa from local residents on airbnb. The prices will pleasantly surprise you. In addition, for your first booking you will definitely receive a discount of 2100 rubles.

Vacation with children

Ras Al Khaimah is suitable for families with children. It has a milder climate, a warm and calm sea with sandy beaches in shallow waters.

There is little children's entertainment at the resort. Many hotels offer an on-site children's pool, outdoor playgrounds, animation and babysitting services for an additional fee.

The most luxurious place for children, where life is always in full swing, is the Iceland Waterpark water park. It has 30 slides. True, none of them are super extreme, but guests will get their dose of adrenaline. The design of the area is attractive. From a green oasis among the desert sands, visitors, upon crossing the threshold, are transported to the Arctic Circle. Eternal ice, polar bears, penguins and the hot sun of the Arabian Peninsula await them.

Infrastructure

The resort's infrastructure is quite developed, but it is worth making allowances for the country's traditions.

Cafes and restaurants

Italian restaurant Piaceri Da Gustare

There are many cafes and restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah with a large selection of dishes and destinations. If you are not satisfied with national dishes, then you can go to the Italian restaurant “Piaceri Da Gustare” or the establishment “Ayoka”, which serves Japanese cuisine. At Moti Mahal, visitors will get acquainted with the culinary delights of national and Indian cuisine. Surprisingly, there are also fast food chain cafes here - McDonald's, KFC, BurgerKing.

Entertainment

Most of the entertainment is offered by the hotels themselves. These include not only parties, but also sea fishing, trips to Dubai, and excursions to interesting places. There are few entertainment venues in the city itself.

Transport

When traveling to Ras Al Khaimah, it is worth keeping in mind that there is no public transport within the city. There are regular bus services that run to Dubai and neighboring emirates. You will have to travel within the resort on foot or by taxi.

Walking in the heat is tiring. Taxi is expensive. Therefore, when booking a hotel without meals or with half board, you should choose a hotel where there are shops and cafes within walking distance. And also find out in advance how far the hotel is from the sea and whether there is a transfer.

Excursions and attractions of the resort

The Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, and the resort itself, is rich in attractions and interesting places. The city is divided into two parts by a bay. Previously, in its place was the city of Julfar, the largest center in Asia for the extraction and trade of pearls.

Today, on the west bank, you can visit an ancient fort with watchtowers made of light yellow sandstone and a mosque made of coral blocks. It is interesting to visit the National Museum, which displays a rich collection of corals, pearls and pearl jewelry. In the modern part of the city, visitors will find the Emir's Palace, exhibition centers, numerous markets and shops.

Road to Jebel Jais

Exciting will be a car and then a walking ascent to Mount Jebel Jais, Fort El Daya, a trip to the Khatt Springs hot springs and the Wadi Bi canyon. Those interested can visit the pearl farm and the picturesque Al Gail Park. And of course, a trip to Dubai is very interesting.

basic information

A little general information that is most often of interest to tourists planning a holiday in Ras al-Khaimah.

Travel budget

A room with breakfast at the Rixos Bab Al Bahr hotel will cost 28,000 rubles per day

It is worth noting that the trip will not be on a budget, no matter what type of vacation you choose.

Prices for all-inclusive package tours start from 110,000-120,000 rubles for seven nights when staying in 4* hotels 1-2 km from the beach.
If you choose accommodation without meals, then a good three-way stay with a free transfer to the beach will cost 60,000-65,000 rubles. It is worth keeping in mind that a snack at McDonald's with a Big Mac and French fries will cost at least 350 rubles. A trip to a cafe or restaurant will empty your pocket by 6,000-15,000 rubles, depending on the establishment and the order.
The ability to cook yourself is only available in the villas. Some apartments are equipped with an electric kettle, but that's it.
Each tourist is charged a tourist tax. Its size depends on the level of the hotel and the number of nights. In a five-star hotel, in terms of Russian rubles, you will have to pay about 5,000 for 2 people staying for a week. In 3* apartments the amount will be half as much.

You can save money by choosing travel periods with low demand for trips. As a rule, this is mid-January-February and the summer months.

Climate and travel time

On the Persian Gulf coast you can sunbathe and swim all year round. The most comfortable weather at the resort is in spring and autumn. The air warms up to +27-30 °C, water – to +23-26 °C. In summer, Ras Al Khaimah experiences hot weather with temperatures of +40-45°C. Water heated to +33-35°C is not refreshing.

The winter months are relatively cool. The air and water temperatures are practically comparable and range between +23-25°C. The nights are also never cold. It's time for travel and sightseeing.

Shopping

Shopping in Ras Al Khaimah is one of the best entertainments. In numerous shopping centers you can buy goods from famous brands, as well as products from local manufacturers, visit a cinema, cafe or restaurant, and stroll along your own embankment, such as in the oldest shopping center “Al Manar Mall”. In addition to it, tourists note:

Shopping center "Al Hamra Mall" with a wide selection of electronics and household appliances;
Shopping center "RAK Mall" with goods from local producers;
The Safeer Mall shopping center in the old city, where you can buy original spices and aromatic oils.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to the resort of Ras Al Khaimah is from the airports of Dubai and Sharjah by bus, taxi or transfer. Travel time will be 1.5-2 hours. There are no flights from Russia to the local airport.

Cons of the resort

The negative aspects of a holiday in the resort of Ras al-Khaimah include the distance from Dubai, the lack of public transport within the resort and a small amount of entertainment.

Overall, Ras Al Khaimah is a great place for a classic beach holiday. It is suitable for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of big cities. Relaxation on the shores of the Persian Gulf overlooking artificial islands, exploring the city and occasional excursions. Plus, the prices are pleasing compared to the popular resorts of the United Arab Emirates.

Inspirational video - overview of Ras Al Khaimah:

We wish you a pleasant stay!

Below is a selection of the best last-minute tours to all resorts in the Emirates. If Ras Al Khaimah is not suitable, choose other resorts.