Dubai and the UAE

There’s no shortage of fabulous fare to tantalise your taste buds in this magnificent Arabian Gulf destination. Emirati cuisine is creative, wholesome and flavoursome, sharing many similarities with the traditional fare in neighbouring countries including Saudi Arabia and Oman. Meat, fish, and rice are stables in the UAE, with tea and coffee being the preferred beverages, and spices like cardamom and saffron giving a distinctive flavour to many popular dishes

A much-loved favourite, and common Arabic food, is the classic shawarma which usually features chicken, lamb or beef which is mixed with vegetables and mayonnaise, and wrapped in soft flatbread. The falafel is a great alternative for vegetarians and comprises deep-fried chickpea patty, combined with fresh vegetables and dressing, wrapped up in flatbread. Machboos is a popular meal you'll discover in many Emirati restaurants, featuring rice, meat, vegetables and spices arranged in layers and slow-cooked in an oven. Fattesh is a scrumptious three-layer dish comprising bread soaked in stock, with the middle layer made of stuffed aubergines and chickpeas, topped with yoghurt and tahini sauce.

 Luqaimat is a delicious sticky pastry dessert where sweet cheese is baked in shredded phyllo dough and soaked in sugar syrup, while Arabic coffee is brewed with cardamom and served with sticky dates in restaurants and cafes.

The United Arab Emirates has a tropical desert micro climate, with very hot summers, warm winters and very little rainfall. It’s a magical year-round destination but the months of November and April are a great time for a cruise holiday when you can avoid the scorching summer temperatures which can reach a stifling 40ºC.
The hottest month of the year is August when the UAE experiences an average daily maximum of 43ºC and an average low of 32ºC. During winter, the temperature hovers around a comfortable 21ºC, with January and March being the coldest months. The months of October, March and April are warm and pleasant, making them ideal for spending time on the beach or visiting major city attractions.      

There’s so much to see and do in Dubai and the other emirates when your ship berths at a port of call for an exciting land excursion. Take in the glitz and glamour of Dubai, head for the powdery sands and turquoise waters in Ras Al Khaimah, go kayaking in Ajman’s wonderful mangrove forests or enjoy an enthralling desert camel trek in Abu Dhabi. You’ll be amazed at the spellbinding natural wonders, rich history and culture, diverse wildlife, fantastic food and wonderful shopping opportunities in this magical Arabian Gulf cruise destination.
 You’ll also discover pulsating nightlife, fun-filled theme parks and a plethora of thrilling water sports including jet-skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, flyboarding, jetblading, stand-up paddleboarding, kite-surfing and flowboarding. Canoeing, banana boat rides, catamaran cruises, dolphin-watching trips and glass bottomed boat excursions are other wonderful activities on the waves. There’s also plenty of opportunity for scuba diving to explore fascinating shipwrecks and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Dubai is a bustling metropolis which  is home to major architectural landmarks including Burj Al Arab, the Dubai Frame, Jumeirah Mosque, the massive Ain Dubai observation wheel, Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Key family attractions include Aquaventure Waterpark, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Ski Dubai, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai Theme Park, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and LEGOLAND® Dubai Theme Park. Abu Dhabi boasts giant shopping malls, gourmet restaurants, the world’s largest sand desert (Rub al Khali) and The Corniche, an incredible 8km waterfront featuring a pristine Blue Flag beach. Must-see attractions include Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Mangrove National Park, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. Key attractions in Ras Al Khaimah include the world's longest zipline Jebel Jais Flight, Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, the historic town of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, Al Sawan Camel Race Track, Al Hamra Mall, Dhayat Fort and Suwaidi Pearl Farm. Ajman also has some incredible attractions which include Al Zorah Natural Reserve, Ajman Marina, Al Safia Park, Al Safia Park, Al Tallah Camel Racecourse, Sheikh Zayed Ajman Mosque, Pygmy Park  and Ajman Museum which is located in an impressive 18th century fort.