VERY INTERESTING: UAE

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about 

THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The United Arab Emirates is a fascinating country tucked away in the Middle East, on the Persian Gulf at the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula. A culturally colourful country, the Emirates doesn't stop to amaze with its kaleidoscopic ethnic diversity, and these facts about UAE tell it all. It is a federation made up of seven emirates, namely, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. Each of the seven emirates are full of wonders. The endless list of world records held by the country makes it even more exciting.

Confused about where to go this vacation? Well, not anymore. We bring you 10 interesting facts about UAE that will make you add it to your travel checklist:

About the Emirates:

1. The Smallest Emirate

Ajman is the smallest emirate in the UAE. It covers an area of about 260 square kilometres and is home to beautiful beaches and museums. It is well known for its cultural attractions. Make sure you check out the Ajman Museum, set up in an eighteenth-century fort.

2. The Largest Emirate

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is the largest emirate and accounts for about 87% of the UAE’s total area. Now, this is an interesting fact about UAE, it also holds the maximum part of the nation’s oil reserve - 95% of the oil and 92% gas.

3. The Least Populated Emirate

Umm al-Quwain is the least populated emirate out of the seven. Do not forget to enjoy the winding water slides at the Dreamland Aqua Park - the most abundant water-themed park in the state. You can also go over to the Emirates Motorplex and enjoy some thrilling racing activities.

4. The Mountainous Emirate

Fujairah, the fifth-largest emirate is the only emirate that is majorly mountainous. It is also the home to the oldest mosque in the UAE, which was built in 1446.

Fujairah is the only emirate out of the seven that has a coastline solely on the Gulf of Oman and none on the Persian Gulf. It has the famous Hajjar Mountain Range (popularly known as the Oman Mountains) and many forts.

5. The Fertile Emirate

Ras Al Khaimah, located at the northernmost part of the UAE, is the most fertile emirate and receives maximum rainfall.

6. The UAE has more than one royal family

A different royal family rules each of the seven emirates in the UAE. The most famous and influential among all are the Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and Al Maktoum of Dubai.

7. Freedom without any struggle

This is an interesting fact about UAE, unlike other countries who went through great effort and violence to free themselves from the colonial rule of Great Britain, the UAE gained their independence through peaceful agreements (mainly because of the UAE's leverage over the discovery of oil). 

However, it was late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of the Nation, who brought all of the seven emirates together into a country.

8. Neither a constitutional monarchy nor a republic

The UAE is a federal presidential elected monarchy. It is a federation of seven absolute monarchies of the seven Emirates. The emir of the Abu Dhabi serves as the president. The president is also the Supreme Commander in Chief of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Supreme Petroleum Council. Whereas, the Emir of Dubai serves as the Prime Minister. These titles are hereditary. 

9. Creating New World Records Every Year

The UAE is known to come up with surprising world records every year. Be it the tallest, largest, biggest, best, one of its kind - the UAE is full of these. The number of world records held by the UAE till date is 190! It has its own Guinness World Records office in Dubai. Now isn't this a 'record-breaking' fact about UAE. 

10. Largest Airport Terminal in the World

Terminal 3 of the Dubai International Airport, is, in fact, the largest airport terminal in the world. It is no less than a shopping mall. It features a 5-star hotel - Dubai International Hotel, many apple stores, a swimming pool, a gym, Snoozecubes, jacuzzi and not one but TWO zen gardens! This makes your layover at Dubai Airport quite sorted.

The Dubai International Airport is also the second busiest airport in Asia. The airport also has the fastest Wi-Fi speed of any airport in the world!

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking