United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, commonly called the Emirates or the UAE, is located on the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf. The official language is Arabic, but English is perhaps as commonly used. This is a multinational location, and Persian, Hindi, Urdu, Pashto, and Tagalog are also spoken widely. The terrain includes desert, salt pans, and coral reefs in the gulf, and the climate is subtropical-arid. There are some native animal species, including the Arabian oryx, the ironically-named common rorqual, and the African caracal. Mainstays of the economy include petroleum and natural gas. There are magnificent religious structures in the UAE. Check out the enormous new Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah. For something completely different than anything seen in the West, visit the Al Ain Camel Market for a glimpse of tradition and chaos.

Wheat in bread form or tabbouleh is a popular starchy staple. Typical vegetables may include cabbage, tomatoes, or eggplant. Lamb, goat, and fish are commonly eaten, as well as some beef and chicken. Breakfast may feature a bread like chebab with cheese, date syrup, or eggs. Try harees, a salty wheatberry porridge that may also contain slow-cooked meat. You can find organic Indian food and fresh juices. There are some lovely desserts like bethitha, a semolina blended with crushed dates, cardamom, and clarified butter.