Northern Emirates

Tours are available to the emirates north of Dubai-Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Kaimah. Among the main attractions are the spectacular Sharjah souqs, Ajman’s dhow-building yards and palace museum and the fertile agricultural area of Umm Al Quwain’s Falaj Al Mualla. Ras Al Khaimah is an ancient seaport tourists can explore the old town, its picturesque museum, take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and visit a number of Interesting archaeological sites.

Sharjah

A short trip outside of Dubai will bring you to Dubai’s neighbouring emirate Sharjah, and one of the best shopping experiences in the UAE. Sharjah Market, or Blue Souq is the biggest of the Sharjah markets and built according to Islamic design. The market, located at Al Majaz, at the end of the Corniche Road, close to Khaled Lagoon, comprises two wings connected with tunnels. One wing is dedicated to all kinds of goods, gifts and electronics, while the other specialises in a series of gold, gems and jewellery shops. The Souq offers 600 air-conditioned shops to discover and an expansive area to stroll around. Wide central stairways and a number of narrow staircases give access to the upper floors, which consist of close passages running along shop fronts. The upstairs atmosphere is that of a real bazaar as opposed to the open plan ground floor. And you can’t help feeling that you may well stumble across a real find. The upper floors (especially the ones closest to the Khaled Lagoon) are very popular with tourists.

There are a number of antique and pseudo antique shops, a large selection of fine rugs, silver jewellery, Omani and Yemeni antique jewellery and subcontinent curios, artefacts and more. The lower floors specialise in gold jewellery, precious stones, perfumes, textiles, cosmetics, cassettes, cameras, garments & other household items. New curio shops are opening all the time. As you cross the two bridges linking the Souq, you will find silver shops, engravers, Yemeni jewellery and more. The Blue Souq is open daily (except Friday) 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 11pm

Ajman

If you are looking for a place to get away from the busy city life while you are here for Index, and enjoy the sweet serenity of sunny beaches and resort hotels, Ajman is the ideal place for you. The town of Ajman lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Filled with historical landmarks which are left untouched by concrete jungles, Ajman is a model of culture and tradition. This is the smallest of the UAE’s seven emirates with an area of just 260 sq kms. Ajman also includes Masfut and Manama, two small enclaves inland in the Hajar mountains, rich in agriculture and farming.

Like the other emirates Ajman too has a pleasant blend of the old and the new, the simple and the sophisticated. You can enter Ajman city from Sharjah which brings you into the Corniche, with a fine sandy beach on one side and the city spread out on the other. While beach combers could splash away in any one of the beautiful beaches of Ajman, bargain hunters could do well with a visit to the Ajman souq renowned for its architectural splendour.

The Ajman City Centre is another shopper’s destination with about 50 international and local retail line shops to cater to a diverse range of tastes. It is only 30 minutes drive from Dubai, if you drive at the right times, and the emirate as a whole is small and up and coming in comparison to its more illustrious neighbour. If your schedule allows then make sure you visit the Ajman Museum. This fascinating museum was opened in 1981 in an eighteenth century fort which served as the Ruler's palace and office until 1970, when it became the main police station. Located in the town centre, the museum houses an interesting collection of archaeological artefacts, manuscripts, old weapons and reconstructions of traditional life. Displays depicting weird and wonderful medical and religious practices give an insight into life as it must have been led for centuries among the coastal Bedouin. Although not a large collection, it certainly delves deeper than most displays of heritage. There is also a working wind tower in one corner of the fort. Open from 9am to1pm, 4pm to 7pm in winter and 5pm to 8pm in summer, Fridays 4pm to 7pm. Closed on Saturdays. Admission is Dhs4 for adults, Dhs2 for under 7s.