The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. Travel agents are beginning to promote it as that much hyped 'land of contrasts'. There's a grain of truth in the cliché this time round, for it boasts mountains, beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, Bedouin markets and the legendary duty free shopping of Dubai, all packed into a relatively small area. If you only visit one country in the Gulf, the UAE is your best choice: it has the most relaxed entry regulations in the region, the best tourist infrastructure and, despite promoting itself exclusively to tourists with a buck or three to spend, it's extremely accessible to independent budget travellers. Moreover, the Emirates we considered safe and secure for travellers, although demonstrations and political gatherings are best avoided.

Full country name: United Arab Emirates
Area: 83,600 sq km (32,400 sq mi)
Population: 2.3 million
Capital city: Abu Dhabi (pop 500,000 est.)
People: Arab (61%), South Asian (22%), Iranian (8%), other expats (9%)
Language: Arabic
Religion: Muslim (96%) Hindu (4%)
Government: Federated monarchy
Head of State: President Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan

GDP: US$40 billion
GDP per head: US$17,400
Annual growth: -5%
Inflation: 5%
Major industries: Oil, gas, petrochemicals, fishing
Major trading partners: USA, EU, Japan, South Korea, India

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