Some interesting facts about the United Arab Emirates that I learned during our trip:

2021 was declared the “Year of the 50th” - Golden Jubilee that marks 50 years since the founding of the UAE. On 2 December 1971, it was declared as an independent, sovereign and federal state, that comprises of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. We could see some celebrations in the streets because of that, and they will last until the end of March.

There are many foreigners living in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In every job, Emiratis have more rights than foreigners from any country, and they earn more money. The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities. Emiratis constitute only about 20% of the total population, making UAE home to one of the world's highest percentage of expatriates and immigrants (80% !!). Indians and Pakistanis form the largest expatriate groups in the country.

There are no homeless people in the Emirates, there are no drug addicts, drunk people and mentally ill people in the streets, which is a breath of fresh air when coming from the UK. There is not much crime (I heard that mugging is possible on Dubai metro) and it feels super safe to be anywhere in the country. To be honest, if I had a lot of money and didn't have to work, I would live in the emirate of Abu Dhabi or Dubai, I felt comfortable there. However I liked the most Al Ain, a town in the desert. This map shows the places we visited:

The place that we didn't have time to visit and I really wanted to see was Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. There is Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, visitors reach the place by a driverless car, and it presents modern architecture and the best utilisation of energy resources. Next time!