Islamic faith first spread across the Arabian Peninsula during the 7th Century; however it was occupied by Pirates until the late 16th Century.

Despite European and Arabic fleets patrolling the seas, there was still a lot of harassment of ships. British influence came into play in the early 18th Century, issuing a general peace treaty in 1820, which covered nine Sheikhdoms (current UAE, Bahrain and Qatar). In spite of the agreement, conflict at sea continued until 1853, when the British signed and enforced a treaty, promising protection to the region, which would formally be known as the Trucial coast.

In 1952, the British seen the prospect of oil; they soon realized they would need to separate the Sheikhdoms to avoid disputes. Oil was finally found in 1958, making Abu Dhabi – previously the poorest Sheikhdom, the richest.

In 1968, the British announced they would be leaving, thus ending the treaty agreement in 1971. All nine Sheikhdoms tried to form a union of Arab Emirates, but couldn’t agree on the terms; which led to the independence of both Bahrain and Qatar.

On December 2nd 1971, six of the Sheikhdoms (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al Quwain, Ajman and Fujairah) merged to form the United Arab Emirates. Ras al Khaimah later joined to form the seventh Emirate in 1972. Rulers of each Emirate make up the Federal Supreme Council – the highest federal authority.

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the Federal capital of the United Arab Emirates. The city is found on a modern island; however there are remains of an older and more cultural society. Joined to the mainland by 2 bridges, Abu Dhabi comprises of international luxurious hotels, never-ending shopping malls, extensive entertainment and leisure facilities, along beautiful green streets and parks.

Dubai
City of contrasts, where the old meets the new and modern. Long established as the trading and commercial hub of the Middle East, the emirate combines the excitement of a bustling commercial centre with the wide open spaces of a luxurious resort. With a perfect winter climate, top class hotels, superb facilities for a variety of sports and leisure activities and excellent shopping, Dubai has something to offer everyone. Moreover, the emirate is friendly, safe and virtually crime-free.

Sharjah
Known as ‘The City of Knowledge’; renowned for its beautiful and impressive architectural buildings, mosques, and museums and distinctive Islamic designed souqs. Sharjah easy access to Dubai and Ajman and encompasses some beautiful oasis areas such as Al Dhaid.

Ajman
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates and is centrally located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, extending over a distance of 16 Km, between Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah. The central area of Ajman is developed, while the rural area has many farms.

Umm al Quwain
Known as one of the quieter and more laid back emirates, Umm Al Quwain covers only a small area - 800 square meters along the Arabian Gulf shoreline. Set between Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman. UAQ is bestowed with abundant natural beauty. Lush, coastal mangroves, sweeping sand dunes and the inland oasis all characterise the Emirate laden with natural allure.

Ras al Khaimah
Bordering Oman, RAK is one of the most natural beautiful spots in the UAE. It is surrounded by sea, fertile plains of land, desert and the mountains with the numerous wadis; for this reason it is now a growing tourism and leisure destination. The distant Al Hajjar Mountains appear on the horizon long before you reach the Emirate; whilst red sandy dunes are decorated with meandering camels, ancient watch towers and new arabesque residential areas. With a rich archaeological history, it is believed that palace remains, in the area ‘Shamal’, are that of the Queen of Sheba’s.

Fujairah
Fujairah is the only Emirate of the U.A.E. that is almost totally mountainous and is unique in the fact that it is the only Emirate that lies in the East, alongside the Gulf of Oman. Beaches and convivial weather conditions conspire to present Fujairah as an exotic land, ripe for discovery by tourists and business persons alike. Numerous water sports like swimming, yachting, water surfing and deep sea fishing take place all year round and attracts enthusiasts from all over the world.