DESTINATIONS
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the two largest by area of the seven Emirates which collectively comprise the United Arab Emirates. Tourism is an important part of both governments strategy to maintain the flow of foreign cash into the Emirate. In both cases the lure for tourists is based mainly on shopping, but also on its possession of other ancient and modern attractions.
As of 2007, Dubai was the 8th most visited city of the world and is expected to accommodate over 15 million tourists by 2015. Dubai has been called the "shopping capital of the Middle East” and has more than 70 shopping malls, including the world's 7th largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall. While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation a way of life.
Dubai is also known for its souk districts located on either side of the creek. Traditionally, dhows from the Far East, China, Sri Lanka, and India would discharge their cargo and the goods would be bargained over in the souks adjacent to the docks. Many boutiques and jewellery stores are also found in the city. Dubai is known as "The City of Gold" and Gold Souk in Deira houses nearly 250 gold retail shops.
Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates and lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. The city proper had an estimated population of 896,751 in 2009. Abu Dhabi is a modern city with broad boulevards, tall office and apartment buildings and busy shops.
The weather in both Emirates in January and February is pleasantly warm with an average daily temperature of around 25°C. Although this is technically their rainy season, you are unlikely to see rain on more than 5 or 6 days in any month.
England v Pakistan - Dubai and Abu Dhabi: January and February 2012
Jan 3 - England depart for UAE
Jan 7-9 - Three-day warm-up match
Jan 11-13 - Three-day warm-up match
Jan 17-21 - 1st Test, Dubai
Jan 25-29 - 2nd Test, Abu Dhabi
Feb 3-7 - 3rd Test, Dubai
Feb 10 - One-day warm-up match, Abu Dhabi
Feb 13 - 1st ODI, Abu Dhabi
Feb 15 - 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
Feb 18 - 3rd ODI, Dubai
Feb 21 - 4th ODI, Dubai
Feb 23 - 1st T20, Dubai
Feb 25 - 2nd T20, Dubai
Feb 27 - 3rd T20, Abu Dhabi
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