São Paulo – Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the two largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. They are the economic and cultural hubs of the country and also the ones that attract the largest volume of tourists. But they are not the only ones that deserve attention. The other five emirates are rich in museums, natural landscapes and historic sites. In Ajman and Umm Al-Quwain, it is possible to observe the most traditional customs of the region, whereas in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah, modern and luxurious attractions bring greater numbers of visitors each year. Fujairah, in turn, preserves the most ancient references to the presence of man in the region. Read some tips below.
Sharjah
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife.
It is an option for those who travel with kids. Located approximately 25 kilometres away from Sharjah, it houses mammals, fish, reptiles, invertebrates and amphibians. Some of the animals that live there are natural of the Arabian Peninsula. That is the case with the Arabian wolf, the Arabian red fox and the Arabian leopard.
Further information at site www.breedingcentresharjah.com.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
The museum’s building was raised in 1977 and was redone in 2008 and has elements of Islamic-Arab architecture. The inside of its dome is decorated with mosaics representing the night sky and the signs of the zodiac.
On the first floor is the Islamic faith gallery. It has pictures of pilgrimage and historic manuscripts of Islam. Religion shares space with science in the science and innovation gallery. In that room there are instruments that were created by the Arabs and helped develop research and discoveries in medicine, geography, astronomy and architecture. On the same floor, visitors may view objects made during the period of the Umayyad caliphs, in 7th Century AD (first century of the Hegira, according to the Islamic calendar) as well as Islamic coins.
On the second floor objects from the period after the Mongol invasion, in the 14th Century, may be seen. Among them is a tunic. Also in this gallery are ceramics and metals made during the Ottoman Empire, the Safavid dynasty (in Iran) and the Abassid period, after 850 AD.
Further information at www.islamicmuseum.ae.
Al Qasba
In the Al Qasba tourist complex it is possible to sample dishes of Arab cuisine, shop and see the main buildings of Sharjah and part of the Arabian Peninsula from the 60 metres of Etisalat Eye ferris wheel. Also at Al Qasba is Maraya Art Centre, with exhibitions of the most recent Arab culture productions.
More at sites www.maraya.ae and www.alqasba.ae.
Fujairah
Fujairah Fort
Built in 1670 out of mud bricks, Fujairah Fort was the first in the Emirates and was, for many years, the only construction in the region. It was always used to protect that family in power during wars and invasions.
More at e-mail info@gujairahtorusim.ae.
Al Bidyah Mosque
Al Bidyah is the most ancient mosque in the Emirates. The time of its construction is unknown. Some studies show that it was built out of terracotta stone, in 640 AD. However, there are also signs that the building was raised in 1446 AD and that it was only used as a mosque centuries later. To this day it receives the faithful for daily prayers.
Fujairah Museum
Fujairah Museum brings together the most ancient objects found in the Emirates. Some, from the Bronze Age, are 4,500 years old. Many of the objects shown were found at archaeological digs in Qidfa and Bithnah. The museums exhibits include golden, silver, tin and sculpted sandstone objects, painted ceramics and there are also pre-Islamic silver coins.
Ras Al Khaimah
Bassata Desert Camp
Here, visitors may live the experience of the desert with all the comfort of a night at a hotel. In one night at Banyan Tree Al Wadi natural reserve, tourists may see a belly dance presentation and sample the best dishes of Arab cuisine while watching the sunset, and it is also possible to go on a camel ride.
Further information: Ashraf@Emiratessunnfun.com.
Pearl farm
Ras Al Khaimah also has an oyster farm. There, tourists may visit the pearl museum and learn about the methods used by ancient farmers to “fish” oysters at the bottom of the sea. During the trip, visitors may collect an oyster, open it and, if they find a pearl, keep it.
More at www.rakpearls.com.
Water park
At a site at which temperatures easily reach 43°C in the summer, it is not a bad idea to refresh yourself at a water park. At Iceland Water Park, there are attractions for all ages. Adults and children may bet on races on slides, dive in an artificial sea, surf and also slide down the world’s largest water slide. Tickets cost the equivalent to US$ 45.
Further information at site www.icelandwaterpark.com.
Umm Al-Quwain
Umm Al-Quwain Museum
Umm Al Quwain museum was opened in 1768, a fortress in which the family of the local ruler lived. It was made into a museum in 2000, and is divided into two parts: in one, tourists visit the sites used as living room, dining room, weapons room, bedroom and handicraft room. The other part of the museum is rich in archaeological artefacts. There, you may view golden, silver and bronze jewels, ceramics and bronze vases. Some of the items date back to 2,000 BC.
Beaches
Umm Al-Quwain has 24 kilometres of beaches between Sharjah and Ras AL Khaimah. Many hotels and resorts have been set up on the strand of sand and now attract lovers of ecotourism.
Learn more from info@uaetourism.ae.
Ajman
Ajman Museum
Installed in a building raised to serve as a fort. The region in which the museum is found is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Emirates. Its collection includes traditional local handicraft and ancient household equipment.
More: info@uaetourism.ae.
*Translated by Mark Ament
