United Arab Emirates
An unlikely combination of influences, the United Arab Emirates boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world, but is heavily influenced by nomadic, bedouin culture. As a result you have many traveler's dream destination: an exotic destination where you can enjoy the novelty of traditions in that area, while still escaping to western hotels and customs whenever you need to.
What to do
Many travelers explore the culture of the nomadic desert wanderer. Expeditions through the desert provide new experiences and a chance to learn about the ways that nomads have survived in such a harsh environment for so long.
The great thing about UAE, though, is that next to this rough, sandy landscape, a shopping mall awaits you on your return. Huge, modern cities sit along the coast of the Persian Gulf offering as much modern luxury and amenities as you can find anywhere in the world.
Getting there
Dubai is one of the major travel hubs in the region and one of the area's busiest airports. Finding a flight to the United Arab Emirates should not be a problem.
Officially, the UAE does not allow travelers with stamps from Israel to enter the country. In practice, the country has one of the more lax approaches to this rule in the Middle East.
Where to stay
If you're looking for opulent and unnecessarily lavish accommodations, the UAE is the place to find them. The Burj Al-Arab is one of the finest, aspiring to a whole new category of luxury by billing itself as a seven star hotel. In reality, there are plenty of luxurious four and five star, maybe even six star hotels, that offer comparable facilities at a much more reasonable price.
For the budget traveler, there are hostels in Dubai and the capital, Abu Dhabi, as well as most of the major cities on the coast.
Study Abroad With CSA
Center For Study Abroad
