Today, the UAE comprises cities characterised by sleek high-rise architecture and tourist services and facilities of the highest calibre. Magnificent beaches, opportunities to engage in a multitude of water sports, and unbelievably good selections for shoppers bring more and more visitors here every year. The UAE enjoys a tropical climate, quite similar to Florida in that its hot and humid season occurs during the months of July to October. Rainfall is rare however, and the sun shines daily on the UAE. Dubai is known for its many attractions and events, such as the horse racing cup carrying the largest purse in the world; million-dollar lotteries; the world’s only seven-star hotel; international golf and tennis tournaments; and a shopping festival lasting for a full month. Golfing draws many visitors to the region, and Dubai boasts the greatest number of courses on the Arabian Peninsula. The range of items available at duty-free shopping outlets here is legendary - as are the hectic and colourful Bedouin markets. Deira’s covered souq has a distinctive selection of Indian goods, with vendors offering up clothes, henna, kitchenware, spices and textiles. The Spice Souq, which is Deira’s old market, is the place to go for clothing, glassware, rugs or trinkets. Abu Dhabi was at one time a small village with an economy based on fishing and pearling. Little remains of those former activities today, as it has been transformed into the ultra-modern capital city of the UAE. The Old Fort is a testament to its ancient past. Sharjah boasts some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the UAE, as well as excellent markets. This is a destination that’s worth including on your itinerary as well. The largest and most significant archaeological site in the UAE is found at Jumeirah, which dates from the 6th century. Today visitors are attracted to its shopping centres, its fabulous beaches, award-winning hotels and numerous sporting facilities. The UAE claims to be the Middle East’s shopping capital, and hosts a month-long shopping festival in Dubai in March to support this assertion. In addition to the excellent shopping and Western-style accommodation and dining options, there are plenty of experiences for the visitors that are rooted in Arab tradition. | 
