Land of the Emirates / written and presented by Shirley Kay.

Introduction -- A changing world -- Abu Dhabi -- Dubai -- Sharjah -- Ajman -- Umm al Quwain -- Ras al khaimah -- Fujairah -- Facts and figures -- Map of the UAE -- Bibliography

To the uninitiated, the landscape of the Emirates might seem to offer little in the way of attraction. Nothing could be further from the truth. For a start, the desert itself can be extremely beautiful. The mountain wadis may hide unexpected pools and vegetation, there are surprisingly extensive farms, gardens full of brilliant flowers and with their wind-towers and modern office blocks, the cities are full of character. This book is based on a Dubai Television documentary series of 13 programmes which shows the many facets of the land and life of the UAE. While the TV series, which is now available on video, looked at subjects sand deserts, fisheries, industry and so on (and often explored just one example of each, a farm, a factory etc, a formula I have sometimes followed here), I have arranged the book rather differently. It is presented geographically, with one chapter for each Emirate, so that the visitor can find the places of interest to him. I assume he will have a road map, and recommend he take a map of the wadis if intending to leave the beaten track. I should like to express my appreciation to HE Sheikh Hasher Maktoum, Director of Information in Dubai; Riyadh Shuaibi, Information Adviser, and Nasib Bitar, Controller of Programmes, who all took a personal interest in the TV series and made it possible. Permission to film was generously granted by the Emiri Diwans and Municipalities in the other Emirates, and I wish to thank them too. Finally, thanks to Emirates, the international airline of the UAE, whose support made possible the publication of this book.