Geography
The union of seven small emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ra’s al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm al-Quawain) forms the nation called the United Arab Emirates. This country is located on the Arabian Peninsula and is bordered by Saudi Arabia (to the south and west), Qatar (to the northwest), the Persian Gulf (to the north) and Oman (to the east).
The territory of the United Arab Emirates is located to the north of the Equator, therefore, the country belongs to the Northern Hemisphere; it is also located east of the Greenwich meridian, integrating the Eastern Hemisphere.
With approximately 4.6 million inhabitants, the Emirates receive a large flow of migrants, with 75% of the population coming from other countries. The majority of the inhabitants live in urban areas (78%). With around 1.3 million inhabitants, Dubai is the most populous emirate.
The local economy is based on oil production and exports. Only the emirate of Dubai does not have oil as its main source of income (accounting for only 7% of income). Its economy is driven by the financial movement of transnational companies, in addition to the Jebel Ali Free Zone.
The country has a high Human Development Index (HDI): 0.815. The infant mortality rate is 9 deaths per thousand live births; the illiteracy rate is 10% and environmental sanitation services are provided to most households.
Population
Less than a quarter of the population of the United Arab Emirates is a native of the country. Most of the inhabitants are workers from other countries. Arabs make up about half the population. South Asians make up the second largest group. Most are Muslim. Arabic is the main language.
Economy
The UAE’s economy depends on the sale of oil and natural gas. The country also manufactures chemicals, clothing, cement, metals, minerals and food products.
History
For hundreds of years the region was divided between many tribes and kingdoms. In the 19th century, the main tribal rulers signed peace (or truce) agreements with Britain, which took over the region. For this reason, it then became known as the States of Truce or Costa Trucial. The British left the region in 1971. Six emirates then came together to form the United Arab Emirates. In 1972, a seventh emirate joined the country.
Where are the UAE?
Located on the Asian continent , the United Arab Emirates have an estimated population of 9,267,000 people, and occupy an area of 83,600 km².
The emirates are more precisely on the Arabian peninsula , in the Persian Gulf. Abu Dhabi is the emirate with the largest territorial extension, occupying a large part of the country’s area, while the other six emirates are concentrated in the northeast.
The United Arab Emirates border Oman and Saudi Arabia, and a predominant feature in their territory is the deserts .
What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the federation , being also the second most representative city, centralizing industrial, political and cultural activities.
With an area of 67,340 km², the emirate of Abu Dhabi occupies 86.7% of the country’s total territory, with an estimated population of 1,463,491 people.
How to get to the UAE?
It is possible to reach the country from São Paulo to Dubai , by the Emirates airline . The trip takes 14h30, and from there to Abu Dhabi, it takes two hours to transfer.
If your destination is the capital, a good option is to take the trip through Etihad , which continues to the city’s airport.
Other routes to the country are offered by Qatar , with connections in Doha, and by Turkish Airlines , which connects in Istanbul.
You can also reach the United Arab Emirates from Europe, with flights operated by British Airways, KLM and Lufthansa .
When is the best time to go to the United Arab Emirates?
When preparing your trip to the countries of the United Arab Emirates, know that the most recommended time to travel there is between October and April , when temperatures are most pleasant, between 20 ° and 30 °.
At this time, outdoor activities are more interesting, as it is possible to enjoy the attractions and still enjoy the mild climate.
During the summer, which occurs between the months of June and September, temperatures can reach 45 degrees.
Tourism in the United Arab Emirates : main destinations
The destinations in the United Arab Emirates are spectacular and have very interesting tourist attractions. So, when it comes to setting up your Middle East tourism itinerary , you need to choose the places you want to visit.
Of course, Dubai should be at the top of the list, as well as the city of Abu Dhabi , with its imposing and futuristic buildings, artificial islands, shopping centers and water parks.
But in addition to these two well-known destinations, be sure to visit cities such as Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Qaywayn .
These places also offer incredible attractions, such as beaches, museums, parks, shopping malls, historic sites and more.
1. Dubai
If you are wondering where Dubai is, know that the emirate is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, being the most populous in the federation. The borders are divided with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Oman.
Currently, Dubai’s main economic activity is concentrated in the real estate and construction sector, followed by commerce, a tourist hub and financial services. Today, oil represents less than 6% of the emirate’s revenues.
In the city of Dubai, one of the best known in the country, you will be amazed by the modern and futuristic architecture of the various skyscrapers – such as the Burj Khalifa , an 830 meter high building.
But that’s not all: when touring Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, you will find beautiful artificial islands , an impressive road system, resorts, shopping centers and much more. Without a doubt, it is one of the most amazing cities in the world.
What to do in Dubai?
What to do in Dubai? In the city, you can shop in malls , enjoy delicious walks in the desert and, if you like, you can even practice extreme sports , such as parachuting.
In your tour of the UAE, include a tour of the beautiful fringes of Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach .
A stroll through the Downtown Dubai shopping center is not to be missed, as well as a boat trip down Dubai Creek . You will love!
In the city, also go up to the Burj Khalifa viewpoint , from where you will have one of the most beautiful and amazing views of Dubai.
The Dubai Mall’s Luminous Fountains are among the most loved spectacles by tourists. Don’t miss out!
Knowing the Palm Islands , the most famous artificial islands on the planet, should be at the top of your list. In addition to the impressive beauty, the place has very interesting commercial and residential developments.
The shapes of the islands attract the attention of visitors. So, a tip is to parachute to admire the landscape, which is a spectacle.
Despite being a place with very high temperatures almost all year round, the city of Dubai still offers an ice skating rink . That’s right!
In your trip there, include in your itinerary a visit to Ski Dubai , considered one of the largest indoor ski complexes on the planet.
The skating center has more than 22 square meters, in addition to housing the Mall of the Emirates , one of the largest in the world.
Certainly, it is impossible not to notice that attractions are not lacking in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
DESTINATIONS AND MAIN ATTRACTIONS In Detail:
- Burj Khalifa: Truly a marvel not only of engineering, but also of imagination and design, the 828m Burj Khalifa has attracted visitors from all over the world since its opening in 2010. This magnificent building is the conceptual heart and soul of Dubai – inspiring the viewer to imagine new possibilities.
- Burj Al Arab: The Burj Al Arab hotel is considered the only 7-star hotel in the world. Since its construction, it has been cataloged as the best hotel on the planet by many hotel specialists.
- Dubai Mall: Located in the heart of the prestigious Downtown Dubai, is the Dubai Mall, the largest and most visited retail and entertainment destination in the world, which receives more than 80 million visitors annually. With a total floor area of 5.9 million square feet, the Dubai Mall has 3.77 million square feet of gross leasable space, more than 1,300 points of sale, including two anchor department stores – Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale – and more than 200 food and beverage outlets.
- Palm Island: There are three artificial islands, Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island and Palm Jebel Ali, off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The creation of the islands began in 2001. Only Palm Jumeirah was completed. This island takes the form of a palm tree, topped by a crescent
- Dubai Fountain: It is the largest dancing fountain in the world. It fires strong jets of water over 150 meters high in the air, accompanied by music and illuminated by laser projections and thousands of lights. It was designed by the creators of another world famous fountain show at the Bellagio hotel and casino in Las Vegas.
- Dubai Creek: The Dubai Creek is now a heritage site consisting of the traditional souks preserved on its banks. Souks sell a variety of things ranging from textiles to spices. The majority of traders in these markets are traders from countries in South Asia such as India and Pakistan.
- Dubai Museum: Visit the Dubai Museum and find colorful dioramas and enlightening historical exhibits. Housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, this is the oldest building in the city and is a must-visit to sample ancient Dubai.
- Palm Jumeirah: An island in the shape of palm trees, too beautiful, seen from above! It is an artificial archipelago that has luxury apartments, houses, hotels and resorts surrounded by private beaches.
- Dubai Miracle Garden: Located in Al Barsha South, the 72,000 m2 garden features identifiable structures, completely covered with flowers. Here you can dive among more than 50 million flowers blooming in the different exhibitions.
- Dubai Safari Park: Located in Al Warqa’a, it covers a mass of 1.2 km², an area twice the size of Vatican City! With an impressive line of more than 2,500 varieties of flora and fauna, the park is a definite update for the Dubai Zoo, promising to be an exciting addition to the city’s vast tourist repertoire.
- Ski Dubai: Ski Dubai is one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world, with 22,500 square meters of indoor skating area. It is part of the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest malls in the world.
- Butterfly Garden: Next to the Miracle Garden there is the Butterfly Garden, a kind of zoo with several species of butterflies. The ticket costs 50 Dirhams, and people with disabilities and children under three years old do not pay.
2. Abu Dhabi
The Persian Gulf is also the region where Abu Dhabi is located, the largest emirate in the country, which houses the beautiful capital.
The city, which is one of the most visited in the emirates, has an impressive architecture, with tall buildings and gigantic shopping centers, such as Marina and Abu Dhabi malls .
There, in addition to the magnificent architecture of the commercial buildings, the Sheik Zayed Mosque is among the main attractions of the city that are worth the visit.
What to do in Abu Dhabi?
In the UAE, impressive destinations abound, such as Abu Dhabi. On site, include in the itinerary a tour of the beautiful islands and mangroves that exist in the city.
Take an unforgettable tour of the Abu Dhabi desert , which, of course, has magnificent scenery.
Take the opportunity to take a tour of the desert, a unique experience. There, it is also possible to make a rally through the dunes . A very radical and spectacular activity!
Admiring the sunset there is almost a rule over there. Undoubtedly, an extraordinary scenario, which you will never forget.
After your tour of the desert, take advantage and pay a visit to the leaning tower , which has the largest number of cultural buildings today. There, there are museums and many exhibitions.
The Emirates Palace must be a mandatory stop. After all, the building is lush and has a luxurious hotel, a private beach over 1 kilometer long and breathtaking pools.
The place won the 5 star hospitality award, with the most original experiences in the world. The Palace also offers a large complex for meetings and events.
For those who like motorsport, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a full plate, and is even the company’s first theme park in the world.
There, you will have access to activities for all tastes and ages. In all, the park has more than 20 attractions, in addition to shopping centers and restaurants with Italian cuisine.
Of course, the heat of Dubai calls for a delicious water park, isn’t it? So, our tip is to visit Yas Waterworld , which has dozens of toboggans, soccer fields and toys.
In fact, there, you can go down the slide made hydromagnetic, more than 200 meters long. It’s incredible!
But the attractions don’t stop there! If the idea is to venture out during your trip, Bubble’s Barrel is an attraction not to be missed. The toy has the biggest mechanical waves in the world.
3. Ajman
He’s not as famous as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but Ajman should be on his route to places in the UAE to see. The destination is considered the smallest emirate in the country, with only 260 square kilometers.
The city of Ajman may be small, but it is beautiful, modern and composed of luxurious shops, restaurants and sophisticated hotels . For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle, Ajman is the ideal place.
What to do in Ajman?
In Ajman, discover the natural beauty of the city, such as beautiful beaches and very old forts .
On your tour , visit the Ajman Museum , a very interesting place, which features exhibits of manuscripts, weapons and artifacts, as well as very old and ingenious irrigation systems.
Be sure to check out the cemetery where numerous ceramic jewels and funerals were discovered, which date from the year 3000 BC.
DESTINATIONS AND MAIN ATTRACTIONS In Detail:
- Ajman Museum: Built in the late 18th century, it was one of the main tourist attractions in the city and one of the most historic forts spread across the country. The Museum, which was once a Palace of the Governor, could be the right place to see the heritage of various civilizations, representing the history of the emirate and the area in general. Various ways of living in the past can be known through archaeological acquisitions, historical documents and tools that have been used in the past.
- Ajman Fort: The Ajman fort, which is believed to have been built in the late 18th century, but was bombed by British warships in 1820. It was built with local materials, such as sea coral stones and plaster, as special logs brought from East Africa was used for the ceiling. Later, the fort was restored during the 19th and 20th centuries. It was the residence of ruling families in the past. There is a huge arch built in two stands at the top of its large gates, made of honey-colored sandstones. It has been described as one of Ajman’s most beautiful citadels. Central Souq: The central market consists of two central naves connected to each other by an elevated bridge. In this market you can buy gold, antiques and rugs from Iran and other countries.
- Sheikh Zayed Ajman Mosque: There are several religious sites in Ajman, the most prominent of which is the Sheikh Zayed Ajman Mosque. The mosque’s rich architecture is impressive. The mosque is said to have been built for the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, by his son and current Ajman ruler, Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi. The mosque is an important landmark in the city of Ajman.
- Etisalat Tower: Ajman has experienced a major construction boom in recent years. The shiny new Etisalat Tower looks like an instant landmark in the city of Ajman. The tower was designed in the traditional style of the mosque. The tower is surmounted by a large sphere, called “giant golf ball”. The tower is one of the most distinctive skyscrapers in the world.
- Ajman Beach: The blue waters and the beautiful view will steal your heart. Perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of big city life.
4. Fujairah
The city of Fujairah is considered one of the most beautiful in the country , with about 100 thousand inhabitants. Located in the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah has beautiful beaches and a fort that is over 300 years old.
There, the city also draws attention due to its beautiful mosques, museums and hotels .
What to do in Fujairah?
The city of Fujairah is considered one of the most beautiful in the country , with about 100 thousand inhabitants. Located in the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah has beautiful beaches and a fort that is over 300 years old.
There, the city also draws attention due to its beautiful mosques, museums and hotels .
DESTINATIONS AND MAIN ATTRACTIONS In Detail:
- Mes- uita Al: BidyaThis small mosque is located 35 kilometers north of the capital and is the oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Excavations have been carried out in its surroundings, revealing that the area was inhabited more than 4,000 years ago. Several objects with more than 1,000 years of antiquity have been found.
- Fujairah Fort: Built in 1670, the Fujairah Fort is the oldest in the country. It was for centuries the most important defensive building on the coast and also the residence of the emirate’s m-walkers. The “Heritage Village” was built in its surroundings, with restored houses that show what the traditional way of life was like.
- Fujairah Museum: Located a few meters from the fort, this museum has an excellent collection of objects from the Bronze Age. We especially like the ethnographic section, where you can see scenes of how they lived in the past.
- Sheikh Zaued Mosque: It is the second largest mosque in the country, after Abu Dhabi. It has space for 32,000 worshipers and has 6 minarets of 100 meters of aluta. Unfortunately, non-Muslims can only see it from the outside.
- Al Bithna Fort: Located 13 kilometers from the city, this fort, without being as big as Fujairah, manages to be more striking, since it is in the middle of a palm grove.
- Al-Hayl Castle : Small castle with a location that enhances it. Due to the remote location and the behavior of the few inhabitants of the village, we recommend your visit only if you are with a guide.
5. Ras al-Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah. From mountains, deserts and ancient cultural sites to beaches, mangroves, water sports and more, Ras Al Khaimah is an unforgettable Arab experience. Just 45 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Dubai, this oasis of nature and tranquility is the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates, on the border with Oman.
- Shopping Al Hamra Mall: There is always a mall in any city, right? Of course, Ra’s Al-Khaimah would not lack a shopping center! There are 2 floors with more than 100 stores, restaurants, coffee shops and a supermarket, as well as a cinema and an area for children to play.
- Jabal Jais: Climb to the top of this mountain to have a beautiful view of the city. It is possible to camp along the trail, and still find places to have a nice picnic. We do not recommend going with children, due to the lack of structure. Upon reaching the top, the asphalt ends and a dirt road begins.
- Ras Al Khaimah National Museum: This museum also houses some government offices. You can climb to a lookout and get a beautiful view of the city and the sea. Explore all sectors with photo exhibitions, artifacts, among other items from the exposed collection.
- Ice Land Water Park: And what could not be missing in such a hot country is an aquatic park, right? With several entertainment options, such as swimming pools, water slides and soap football, the place still has a very special charm from the ice age. Be sure to visit the jacuzzis with fresh water, ideal for relieving the heat.
- FunCity: This mini park has very fun attractions, such as the elevator, hit the cans with the ball to get a plush, hit with the hammer to get the meter high, among others. A little more fun for the kids during the trip.
- Saqr Park: The perfect ride to bring the whole family together during the trip. The park, fully wooded, has a beautiful lawn for picnic and also some spots with barbecue. There are also a number of toys for children. Take the opportunity to get to know the whole place on a train ride, as well as the horses and ponies that live there.
What to do in Ras al-Khaimah?
6. Sharjah
The city is very modern and full of history and culture. Although not very famous among Brazilian tourists, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, must be on your tour of the country.
What to do in Sharjah?
If you want to experience local culture and history, a tour of the city’s museums must be at the top of the list in Sharjah.
In 1988, the city was recognized as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by the United Nations.
Sharjah also won the title of Capital of Islamic Culture by the Organization for Islamic Cooperation.
Incidentally, mansions are not lacking there either. Throughout the city, you will see public buildings constructed in the form of sumptuous palaces.
7. Umm al-Quwain
Like the other destinations already mentioned, the city of Umm al-Quwain is very interesting and worth visiting. There, there are beautiful beaches and points of history and culture .
What to do in Umm al-Quwain?
Umm al-Quwain is a very eclectic type of destination. You will be able to enjoy the beaches of crystal clear water and white sand, as well as walking in the vicinity to visit old buildings.
On your way through the city, a tip is to visit the Dreamland Aqua Park water park , which is really cool.
Also visit Al Quwain Open Beach , which with beautiful landscapes and blue sea, is an example of the impressive beaches in the region. There, it is still possible to camp and even have a picnic.
Also, go to the UAQ National Museum , which offers exhibitions that tell the story of the UAE.
COOKING
The United Arab Emirates is an interesting destination, with unique landscapes and culture. Seven Emirates are part of the country: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ra’s al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm al-Quawain. This formation was defined in 1971. When we talk about gastronomy, it is important to know how to distinguish the Arab food that we are used to eating here in Brazil, with the common dishes that the population eats at home, in the Emirates. Often, the really typical dishes of the destination are not served in the restaurants. A good option to get to know the local gastronomy and culture is to visit the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Ural Understanding located in the historic Al Fahidi district of Dubai. participate in events about local meals and also try the cuisine of the emirates, in addition to understanding the culture and tradition of the destination.The traditional ingredients of meals are made mainly of fish, meat and rice, in addition to cardamom, with a flavor similar to ginger. Sweets are served for breakfast.
Check out some of the typical dishes of the region and be sure to try each one on your trip.
Gahwa Arabia – It is a somewhat different coffee for us Brazilians. The drink has a mixture of lightly roasted Arab beans, cardamom and saffron that are ground and cooked. Coffee is strained and served hot in small cups, maintaining the right temperature to be served.
Nikhee or Dungaw (chickpeas) – Boiled with spices and often added peppers, Dungaw / Chickpeas, is part of the traditional local meal. It’s like our rice here in Brazil.
Balalit (balalete) – It is a type of sweet pastry, served for breakfast, dinner or as dessert. The recipe includes eggs and spices, such as cardamom and raisins and saffron. A very original dish from the Emirates.
Chabab – The traditional Emirati pancake takes flour, eggs, sugar and spices, such as cardamom. The yellow color is thanks to the hint of saffron. The dish is served with date syrup.
Dates – A staple in the Emirates diet, there are more than 40 varieties of dates, which are traditionally served at the beginning of the meal.
Khamir – Khamir, is the Arabic name for what we know as yeast. It is a type of bread served for breakfast with fresh cheese. The recipe is a mixture of yeast, flour, powdered milk. The bread is sprinkled with sesame seeds and baked until toasted.
Machboos – Very common at Dubai tables, Machboos is a dish that can be made in many ways. Based on rice, some recipes include meat, others chicken or fish. It is seasoned with spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, dried lemon, raisins and yellow lentils.
Fareeth – The dish consists of layers of fine bread, like the Syrian breads that we usually see in Brazil. On top of the bread layers a mixture of meat and vegetables is well cooked, seasoned, resulting in a stew.
Saluna – It is a stew of seasonal vegetables and meat, chicken or fish. Most often served with cooked white rice.
Mhammar – Being located along the coast, the Emirates are known for their fish. In this dish, small local fish are seasoned and prepared whole. These fish are served with sweet caramel onions and yellow rice. The flavor of the salty mixes with the sweet, in a different experience for the palate.
Ligamat – It is one of the most common sweets in the Emirates. It is a fried dumpling, bathed in ghee, a type of butter made with cow or buffalo milk, served with date syrup. Served for breakfast or dessert.
Curiosities about the United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates, curiosities attract the attention of tourists. If you like to have a cup of coffee, get ready to live a different experience.
Know that the coffee there is very weak and looks like tea, with saffron and cardamom in its composition. Unlike Brazil, the drink precedes meals!
If you want to enjoy local cuisine, traditional dishes are called emirati in the country and are made up of rice, meat and fish.
With 160 floors and almost 830 meters high, the Burj Khalifa Bin Zayid is considered the largest skyscraper ever built on the planet . That’s right!
Located in Dubai, it was opened in 2008 and houses the largest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall, which has more than one million square meters. Not to mention that the site has the largest suspended aquarium in the world, with about 30 thousand marine species.
If you want to stay there, the on-site luxury hotel offers 250 room options, in addition to movie theaters, more than 100 restaurants, a skating rink and theme shops.
Another important point is that many establishments in the country do not open on Fridays, as this is a day considered sacred for Muslims.
On this day, people have a tradition of visiting mosques to offer prayers. Because of this, the schedules and number of buses may change.
Since many Muslims do not work on Fridays, Sunday is considered a normal working day .
United Arab Emirates : care and customs
In the United Arab Emirates, customs are taken very seriously. It is important that you pay attention to understand the rules and traditions there.
In the country, alcohol consumption is authorized only for people who do not belong to the Muslim religion. In some emirates, such as Sharjah, alcoholic beverages are not sold.
As it is a more conservative country, when traveling there accompanied, pay attention to the displays of affection in public. Kisses or other types of affection are often seen as inappropriate.
Also be careful on public transport , as eating, drinking and smoking are considered infractions.
Speaking of forms of transport, when visiting the country, consider renting a car , as the local roads have modern structures and the distances between cities are short. In addition, rent in the United Arab Emirates is not high.
The clothes are also important aspects that you should take into consideration. There, a tip is not to expose the body with short or low-cut clothes – try to use larger pieces, which are less revealing.
For women, it is recommended to cover knees and shoulders. For men, long trousers are recommended in religious or formal places. Now, whether going to the beach or parks, the use of swimsuits from the West is normally allowed.
Neighboring countries of the United Arab Emirates
If you are going to extend your trip to the Middle East and visit other countries, know that the destination shares borders with Saudi Arabia and Qatar , which are other tourist nations on the continent.
Thanks to its recent economic rise, Qatar has become an increasingly sought after country within the region. The destination was even elected to host the World Cup scheduled for 2022 – the first in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia is the most extensive territory in the area, and there are the sacred cities Mecca and Medina . Other points of interest include the ruins of the city of Mada’in Saleh and historic Jeddah.
Effect of Covid -19 on UAE Economy
The epidemic of the new coronavirus has led to a drop in oil prices, threatening the Gulf economies, which are highly dependent on China’s oil demand. The second world economy consumes a fifth of oil production in the six Gulf countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates). However, the emergence of the new coronavirus had consequences in China, reducing activities at refineries and decreasing oil imports, while the economy remains paralyzed with millions of people confined to their homes.
According to Bill Farrem-Price of Petroleum Policy Intelligence, “the virus will have a significant impact on Chinese oil demand”, and if the isolation of citizens continues in the second quarter “the consequences for the economy will be much more profound”. China-Gulf trade relations do not just include oil. In recent years, the exchange of non-petroleum products between the Asian giant and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has increased and already moves US $ 200 billion dollars. Although the impact of the epidemic, which has left more than 1,100 dead, has not been noticed in Chinese investments in the region, tourism has already begun to feel its effects. In 2018, more than.