GENERAL INFORMATION

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The Gulf Paradise

Many wonder what is there to see in this recently formed country. In Galaxia we believe that every country has something to offer, if it may not be the past, then it may very be a peak into the future.

Skyscraping cities that shoot straight into the sky as though fearless of nature’s force, unspoiled beaches that offer a large variety of sports activities in excellent recreational facilities, malls and shopping areas larger than the human race could ever imagine, a clean and virgin desert that extends beyond the eye can see in all directions and spectacular mountains with a rich culture of how people lived before the discovery of black gold… these words – though few – give a pretty good summary of what can be visited in this sea of sand inhabiting clusters of concrete jungles.

The United Arab Emirates was created on December 2, 1971 as a Federation of Seven Emirates; these are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

With the exception of Abu Dhabi and Dubai who are sophisticated and modern in terms of infrastructure and way of life, the other emirates are different and each has its own features and characteristics.

Dubai is the second largest emirate, and a landmark within the UAE. The city of Dubai is divided into two parts, Deira and Bur Dubai. Deira hosts the famous souks of spices and gold.

On the other hand, Bur Dubai has the “Heritage Village” which is a real-life slideshow of how the city was before oil. There we can observe different types of crafts as pottery. Other important areas of Dubai are Jumeirah, which is considered one of the most exclusive and luxurious areas hosting the most renowned hotels such as Dubai’s landmark, Burj Al Arab.

It is famous for its shopping centers and malls, skyscrapers such as the Emirates Towers and Burj Dubai which has recently been completed and inaugurated and renamed to Burj Khalifa. It is the world's tallest building over 800 meters tall, it consists of a very large and exclusive shopping mall, the Armani Hotel and close to 100 floors of top-notch and state-of-the-art residential apartments. Dubai today is considered a major financial center between East and West through its strategic geographical position.

Despite recent comebacks, it still remains a very attractive destination in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) due to the uniqueness of the projects and the awareness it has created in the past 10 years. Tourism is considered one of its major growth drivers as well, due to projects such as the realization of, not one but, two palms and a world map artificially built in the middle of the sea.

The latter consist of islands in the shape of countries and continents where homes as well as luxury hotels and shopping malls will be located. Access to the world will only be permitted by sea or by air, as their will be no terrestrial link to the coast of Dubai.

Sharjah was designated by UNESCO in 1998 as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World. The city has more than 20 museums and in it there are numerous cultural festivals, educational conferences and exhibitions. Sharjah is known for its strong Islamic culture. 

Ajman and Umm Al Quwain emirate are two more traditional with beautiful white sand beaches and innumerable oases.

Ras Al Khaimah is located north serenely fenced by sea and mountains while Fujeirah, on the east coast, is quiet but with great industrial activity.

The Emirates are known as a bustling place of commerce, it is also the midpoint between East and West; hence there is an international cultural mix.

The diversity of local culture, a fusion of identities that has taken place over hundreds of years, are reflected in contemporary social life in the lifestyle, gastronomy, business and in its beautiful architecture.