Is it possible to swim in the Persian Gulf? Three main dangers of the UAE that every tourist should know about

Ras al-Khaimah is the capital of the United Emirate of the same name. United Arab Emirates. About 90% of all residents of this territory live here and this is where resort life is in full swing. The resort is young; its active development began no more than 20 years ago. But today it is in demand as a place to relax, where you can find the optimal balance between cost and quality of services offered.

Ras Al Khaimah resort on the map

Ras al-Khaimah is located in the north of the country, on a cape that separates the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs. The resort area is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. It includes several bulk islands under the general name Al-Marjan. The archipelago belongs to the Arab company Al-Marjan Island, which operates in the field of hotel business and tourism services.

Ras Al Khaimah has an international airport where the emirate's airline RAK Airways and the UAE's low-cost carrier AirArabia are based. And if the first one flies within the countries of Southeast Asia, then the second one flies to several cities Russian Federation, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, but, unfortunately, not from Ras al-Khaimah.

Most tourists fly to Dubai Airport, the main resort center of the country. The distance from it to Ras Al Khaimah is 100 km. The route passes along a modern highway. The second closest airport is located in Sharjah at a distance of about 85 km from the resort.

Beach and sea

Beach near the Rixos Bab Al Bahr hotel

The total length of the RAK beach area, as the emirate is abbreviated even in official sources, is more than 60 km. True, this also includes the beaches of man-made islands. The sea off the coast of the resort is mostly calm. Winds, and especially storms, are rare. The water is clean and clear even at the height of the season.

The beaches are sandy with white or slightly pinkish sand. In some places on the coast you can find picturesque dunes. The entrance to the sea is gentle and safe. Some tourists in their reviews talk about places with shell rocks and large boulders near the coast. They do exist, but most often on public beaches.

Municipal beaches are often overcrowded and poorly equipped. Hotel beaches have good infrastructure and offer a lot of entertainment. From boat trips on a yacht or catamaran to fiery parties. By the way, guests of other hotels are allowed to attend entertainment events, subject to the purchase of drinks. Yes, most hotel beach bars sell alcoholic drinks. But this does not mean that there is no prohibition in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah.

Resort accommodation

Five-star Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is a dynamically developing resort. New hotels open every year. Mostly they are designated 5 or 4 stars. Most of them have their own beach area with good equipment. The resort is considered a leader in the United Arab Emirates in working with the all-inclusive and ultra-all-inclusive systems. More than half of the hotels offer their guests a holiday without any worries or hassle.

However, when choosing a hotel, it is worth carefully researching the services it offers and where it is located. Even though hotels have their own beaches, they can be located far from the coast. The range of services in the all-inclusive system also varies somewhat. If you have the financial means, it is better to give preference to a holiday on the islands.

Top five:

• - the most luxurious hotel. An oasis of luxury in the desert. Accommodation in villas with a private pool. The only negative is that the prices are steep.
• – excellent golf hotel. Shopping centers are within walking distance. Luxurious interiors.
• - family hotel. Part of the Rixos hotel chain . Impeccable service.

Fours with good reviews:

• - club hotel. First line. Great beach. All inclusive.
• - city hotel. Nearby are shops and cafes. The Hilton name stands for excellent service.

The best three are:

• — located next to the beach.
• city ​​hotel with good room capacity.

Fans of independent holidays at the resort can rent an apartment or villa from local residents on airbnb. The prices will pleasantly surprise you. In addition, for your first booking you will definitely receive a discount of 2100 rubles.

Vacation with children

Ras Al Khaimah is suitable for families with children. It has a milder climate, a warm and calm sea with sandy beaches in shallow waters.

There is little children's entertainment at the resort. Many hotels offer an on-site children's pool, outdoor playgrounds, animation and babysitting services for an additional fee.

The most luxurious place for children, where life is always in full swing, is the Iceland Waterpark water park. It has 30 slides. True, none of them are super extreme, but guests will get their dose of adrenaline. The design of the area is attractive. From a green oasis among the desert sands, visitors, upon crossing the threshold, are transported to the Arctic Circle. They are waiting eternal ice, polar bears, penguins and the hot sun of the Arabian Peninsula.

Infrastructure

The resort's infrastructure is quite developed, but it is worth making allowances for the country's traditions.

Cafes and restaurants

Italian restaurant Piaceri Da Gustare

There are many cafes and restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah with a large selection of dishes and destinations. If you are not satisfied National dishes, then you can go to the Italian restaurant “Piaceri Da Gustare” or the establishment “Ayoka”, which serves Japanese cuisine. At Moti Mahal, visitors will get acquainted with the culinary delights of national and Indian cuisine. Surprisingly, there are also fast food chain cafes here - McDonald's, KFC, BurgerKing.

Entertainment

Most of the entertainment is offered by the hotels themselves. These include not only parties, but also sea fishing, trips to Dubai, and excursions to interesting places. There are few entertainment venues in the city itself.

Transport

When traveling to Ras Al Khaimah, it is worth keeping in mind that public transport Doesn't work within the city. There are regular bus services that run to Dubai and neighboring emirates. You will have to travel within the resort on foot or by taxi.

Walking in the heat is tiring. Taxi is expensive. Therefore, when booking a hotel without meals or with half board, you should choose a hotel where there are shops and cafes within walking distance. And also find out in advance how far the hotel is from the sea and whether there is a transfer.

Excursions and attractions of the resort

The Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, and the resort itself, is rich in attractions and interesting places. The city is divided into two parts by a bay. Previously, in its place was the city of Julfar, the largest center in Asia for the extraction and trade of pearls.

Today, on the west bank, you can visit an ancient fort with watchtowers made of light yellow sandstone and a mosque made of coral blocks. It is interesting to visit the National Museum, which displays a rich collection of corals, pearls and pearl jewelry. In the modern part of the city, visitors will find the Emir's Palace, exhibition centers, numerous markets and shops.

Road to Jebel Jais

Exciting will be a car and then a walking ascent to Mount Jebel Jais, Fort El Daya, a trip to the Khatt Springs hot springs and the Wadi Bi canyon. Those interested can visit the pearl farm and the picturesque Al Gail Park. And of course, a trip to Dubai is very interesting.

basic information

A little general information that is most often of interest to tourists planning a holiday in Ras al-Khaimah.

Travel budget

A room with breakfast at the Rixos Bab Al Bahr hotel will cost 28,000 rubles per day

It is worth noting that the trip will not be on a budget, no matter what type of vacation you choose.

• Prices for all-inclusive package tours start from 110,000-120,000 rubles for seven nights when staying in 4* hotels 1-2 km from the beach.
• If you choose accommodation without meals, then a good three-way stay with a free transfer to the beach will cost 60,000-65,000 rubles. It is worth keeping in mind that a snack at McDonald's with a Big Mac and French fries will cost at least 350 rubles. A trip to a cafe or restaurant will empty your pocket by 6,000-15,000 rubles, depending on the establishment and the order.
• The ability to cook yourself is only available in the villas. Some apartments are equipped with an electric kettle, but that's it.
• Each tourist is charged a tourist tax. Its size depends on the level of the hotel and the number of nights. In a five-star hotel, in terms of Russian rubles, you will have to pay about 5,000 for 2 people staying for a week. In 3* apartments the amount will be half as much.

You can save money by choosing travel periods with low demand for trips. As a rule, this is mid-January-February and the summer months.

Climate and travel time

On the Persian Gulf coast you can sunbathe and swim all year round. The most comfortable weather at the resort is in spring and autumn. The air warms up to +27-30 °C, water – to +23-26 °C. In summer, Ras Al Khaimah experiences hot weather with temperatures of +40-45°C. Water heated to +33-35°C is not refreshing.

The winter months are relatively cool. The air and water temperatures are practically comparable and range between +23-25°C. The nights are also never cold. It's time for travel and sightseeing.

Shopping

Shopping in Ras Al Khaimah is one of the best entertainments. You can purchase goods in numerous shopping centers famous brands, as well as products from local manufacturers, visit a cinema, cafe or restaurant, and stroll along your own embankment, such as in the oldest shopping center “Al Manar Mall”. In addition to it, tourists note:

• Shopping center "Al Hamra Mall" with a wide selection of electronics and household appliances;
• Shopping center "RAK Mall" with goods from local producers;
• The Safeer Mall shopping center in the old city, where you can buy original spices and aromatic oils.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to the resort of Ras Al Khaimah is from the airports of Dubai and Sharjah by bus, taxi or transfer. Travel time will be 1.5-2 hours. There are no flights from Russia to the local airport.

Cons of the resort

TO negative aspects For a holiday in the resort of Ras al-Khaimah, many attribute the distance from Dubai, the lack of public transport within the resort and the small amount of entertainment.

Overall, Ras Al Khaimah is a great place for a classic beach holiday. It is suitable for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of big cities. Relaxation on the shores of the Persian Gulf overlooking artificial islands, exploring the city and occasional excursions. Plus, the prices are pleasing compared to the popular resorts of the United Arab Emirates.

Inspirational video - overview of Ras Al Khaimah:

We wish you a pleasant stay!

Below is a selection of the best last-minute tours to all resorts in the Emirates. If Ras Al Khaimah is not suitable, choose other resorts.

Content:

Dubai is a fabulous city in the United Arab Emirates, located in the middle of the desert. It is literally overflowing with man-made wonders. The city attracts a large number of tourists who want to experience this magical place with their own eyes. The waters of the Gulf of Oman splash along the eastern coast of Dubai; from the west, the city is washed by the Persian Gulf.

Ocean or sea?

Vacationers often argue in which bodies of water they get life-giving coolness in Dubai. Some guests believe that they are swimming in the bay, others talk about the sea and the ocean. Which option is correct?

In fact, both are right; you just have to turn to geography. A significant part of Dubai is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, which hydrologists consider the sea. The Gulf of Oman connects the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf. Moreover, the Arabian Sea is part of the Indian Ocean. That is why all statements can be considered true.

The sea in Dubai is beautiful. Lovers of activities come here aquatic species sports Large luxury yachts can be seen here and there, surfers and divers are delighted with the big waves and the amazing underwater kingdom.

Persian Gulf

The Persian Gulf is located in the region of Western Asia between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. From a hydrological point of view, it is considered a sea. The bay strongly cuts into the land and is significant in size: it covers an area of ​​\u200b\u200btwo hundred and fifty thousand square kilometers. The reservoir stretches for nine hundred eighty-nine kilometers, and its width varies in different places and reaches from three hundred twenty to one hundred eighty kilometers. The sea is considered shallow: the greatest depth is ninety meters, and the average is fifty meters.

The Persian Gulf receives the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It is located in the northeast and is considered part of the Arabian Sea. The bay is not directly connected to the Indian Ocean. It first connects to the Strait of Oman, which in turn connects to the Indian Ocean through the Arabian Sea.

The bottom relief of the Persian Gulf is a complex system. There are many coral reefs in the southwest. The deepest places are located near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. In the northwest, the bottom of the bay looks different; instead of coral reefs, there are shoals of sand and silt. The bottom of the Persian Gulf is covered with limestone deposits.

There are a large number of islands in the sea. The largest is an island called Qeshm. This island land begins in the Strait of Hormuz, and its main part is in the eastern region of the Persian Gulf. The island is part of Iran.

The plants and animals that live in the waters of the Persian Gulf are truly unique creatures. They are isolated in relation to the ocean expanses and are connected to them only by a narrow strait. A precious natural phenomenon is mangrove forests, or in other words, mangrove swamps. As they develop, they harmonize the balance of salt and fresh water.

Living creatures living in the waters of the sea suffer from global warming and the results of human activity. However, for now it remains quite diverse. The Persian Gulf is home to seven hundred species of fish. Many species are no longer found anywhere else on the planet. In the south of the reservoir you can see coral reefs. The rarest animals live in the waters of the bay - sea cows, which eat sea grass and are more similar to mammals than whales and dolphins.

In addition to the well-known species of dolphins, a less studied species lives here - the humpback dolphin. The sea contains many different species of fish, crustaceans and cephalopods: sardines, tuna, mackerel, lobsters, crabs, shrimp, octopuses and cuttlefish. Thanks to the huge number of shellfish, the bay is the largest pearl fishing area.

Now the Persian Gulf region is a large source of oil and gas deposits.

Gulf of Oman

The waters of the Gulf of Oman wash several countries. The western coast of the reservoir belongs to the United Arab Emirates. The bay reaches five hundred kilometers in length and three hundred and thirty kilometers in width. The deepest part of the reservoir has a mark of three thousand six hundred and ninety-four meters.

In the summer months, the surface water temperature in the Gulf of Oman reaches twenty-nine to thirty degrees.

The Gulf of Oman used to be of great commercial importance because it served as a waterway for traders traveling from India to Europe. It lost its significance when the Persian Gulf became known to the world.

The waters of the bay are crystal clear and transparent, offering stunning views of the underwater world. This is a diver's personal paradise. Fans of underwater excursions will be delighted by the flora and fauna. Schools of various fish swim measuredly under the waters of the bay; there you can find exclusive shells that look like a work of art, and colorful corals. In the bay there are sharks, barracudas, small but very dangerous animals with poisonous limbs: needles, pinches and tentacles.

The bay coast serves as chic beaches, which are combined with coves and cliffs. The weather is favorable for holidays at any time of the year.

• On the coast of Dubai there are many islands created by human hands, that is, artificial. Some of them are a palm tree with a trunk and diverging in different directions palm branches. In addition to the palm islands, there is a stunning group of artificial islands located in a special way and imitating a world map. When photographed from above, these wonders of human creation look especially impressive.
• In the Persian Gulf, on a specially created artificial island, there is a huge hotel called Burj Al Arab. It is a building in the form of a mast with a sail. It was once the tallest hotel in the world, until buildings appeared that surpassed its height.
• The Persian Gulf used to be called the "Pirate Coast" because the tribes attacked the ships of Indian traders.

Dubai is a luxurious city that demonstrates the power of human capabilities. Guests visiting the city are impressed not only by technological progress, but also by the natural beauty of nearby bodies of water.

The Persian Gulf is the gulf between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula

The Persian Gulf: countries and resorts, nature, place in history, wars and the Arab Spring

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Persian Gulf - definition

The Persian Gulf is gulf between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Connected by the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. According to its hydrological regime, it is a sea.

The Persian Gulf is bay in the northwest Indian Ocean, off the coast of Asia. In the east it connects to the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. 240 thousand km2. Depth up to 115 m. The river flows into Shatt al-Arab. There are many islands off the coast. On the shelf of the Persian Gulf there are large oil deposits (see Persian Gulf oil and gas basin). Fishing, pearling. Main ports: Faw, Basra (Iraq), Abadan, Bandar Khomeini (Iran), Al Kuwait (Kuwait), Ras Tannura (Saudi Arabia), Manama (Bahrain), Umm Said (Qatar). As a result of the war in the Persian Gulf (January - February 1991), the ecology of the Gulf and a number of areas of its coast suffered serious damage.

The Persian Gulf is bay in the northwest Indian Ocean, off the coast of Asia. Separated by the Arabian Peninsula. In the east it connects to the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. Area 240 thousand km2. It juts out into the land for 926 km, width from 180 to 320 km. Depth up to 115 m. The prevailing depths are less than 50 m. The Shatt al-Arab River flows into it. There are many small islands off the coast, and there are many coral reefs in the southern part. The most significant islands are Bahrain and Qeshm. According to its hydrological regime, the Persian Gulf is a Mediterranean sea. Water temperature in August is +30-33 °C, in February +15-21 °C. Salinity is up to 40‰, near the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab 30‰. The currents form a counterclockwise circulation. Main ports: Fao, Basra (on the Shatt al-Arab river, Iraq), Abadan (on the Shatt al-Arab river), Bandar Khomeini, Bandar Shahpur, Bandar Mahshahr, Kharq (Iran), Kuwait ( Kuwait), Ras Tannura (Saudi Arabia), Manama (Bahrain), Umm Said (Qatar), Abu Dhabi, Dubai (United Arab Emirates). The coastal countries of the Persian Gulf are Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran. The Shatt al-Arab River, formed from the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates, flows into the Persian Gulf.

Significance of the Persian Gulf in history

The Persian Gulf, given that it possesses one-fourth of the world's mineral resources and therefore provides the world's energy, is of great importance, and in addition, as a water passage and liaison between East and West, it has a special political and geographical position. For this reason, this region has always been invaded by foreign forces and colonial powers throughout history. The political-economic importance and geographical location of the Persian Gulf contributed to the rivalry between colonial governments and powers to have a presence in the region. European countries have been coveting the Persian Gulf for 350 years. Before the British entered the Persian Gulf, the Portuguese pursued their colonial goals in the area.

Another factor that has set the region apart politically since the late 15th century is its increasing strategic importance to rival European states. The Portuguese, Dutch, French and Russians considered it necessary to dominate the Persian Gulf as part of their pursued colonialist policies. In the mid-16th century, the Dutch entered the Persian Sea and, hoping for lucrative trade in the East, began a rivalry with the British that led to the re-entry of English colonizers into the Persian Gulf in the 18th century.

The Persian Gulf trade was in the hands of the Portuguese for approximately a hundred years. With the reversal of trade from India to Hormuz Island, the Cape of Good Hope and Atlantic Ocean, Iran's foreign trade has suffered great damage. However, during the Safavid period, European countries again established trade and economic ties with Iran. During this time period, Europeans established trading centers on the Indian border and focused their attention on the Persian Gulf islands. Dutch and English companies and their trading posts in Jask, Bandar Abbas, Kharq and Bushehra began to compete with each other, but during all this time the name of the Persian Gulf was never distorted.

During the period of Qajar rule in Iran, which coincided with the Iranian-Russian wars in northern Iran, the Russians sought to gain access to the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. This rivalry continued simultaneously with political transitions in Iran and changes in governments. However, despite all these plans of the colonialists, one thing remained unchanged - the name of the Persian Gulf. Nevertheless, the largest number of conspiracies in the region were formed at the height of the movements and competition of the colonialists in the region, traces of which are still visible today. One of these conspiracies involves the British inventing names for the Persian Gulf.

Many books and articles have been written regarding the Persian Gulf and its name to this day from various points of view. The authors of these works are foreigners, mainly Englishmen, since, due to their special position in this region, which lasted several centuries, they tried in every possible way to hide the reality and call the Persian Gulf by a fictitious and incorrect name. On this basis, in many reports and speeches of British agents in the region, the Persian Gulf was referred to as simply a gulf, while the name of the Persian Gulf is recorded in history as its true and ancient name.

Sir Charles Balgreave, who was Britain's representative in the Persian Gulf from 1926 to 1957, wrote and published a book in 1966 citing personal research. In his work he used notes from Sir Francis Erskinlah, another representative of the foreigners in the Persian Gulf. Lord Balgreave, who for about 30 years pursued Britain's colonialist policy in the Persian Gulf and harbored enmity towards the Iranians, in pursuit of a colonialist goal, was the first to openly distort the name of the Persian Gulf, renaming it Arabic.

In his book, touching on the topic under discussion, he calls the Persian Gulf Arab, referring to the Arabs. Thus, Britain laid the foundation for new attempts to distort the history of the region in order to further its goal of creating division in the region through indoctrination of the Arab states. All the documents and history of the region show that before this action of Belgreve the term "Arabian Gulf" had not appeared in any authoritative work, except in rare cases when some historians and geographers called the Red Sea the Arabian Gulf. At the end of his reign on the Arab coast of the Persian Gulf, Lord Balgreave, in the journal Sot-ul-Bahrain, called the Persian Gulf Arab, promoting this fictitious term among the Arab states. However, in his second book, Welcome to Bahrain, written in 1955, he refers to the Persian Gulf correctly. Upon his return to London in 1966, Sir Charles Belgrieve, in a book on the Persian Gulf, officially stated that Arabs tended to call the Persian Gulf Arab. With the spread of this fictitious name, the Arab press and some political personalities used the term Arabian Gulf instead of Persian Gulf in their official correspondence.

In another action by the British at that period of time, the London newspaper The Times in 1992 in an article used the word Arabic instead of the Persian Gulf, and from that time on, some Arab governments and principalities, welcoming this method, began to encourage their press to take a similar action. It gradually influenced some Arab politicians, including Abdol Karim Qasim in Iraq and Jamal Abdol Nasser in Egypt. In 1958, Abdol Karim Kassym, during the coup in Iraq under the leadership of Russia, claiming leadership of the Arab world, intended to abuse the situation created in the region, calling the Persian Gulf by a fictitious name and presenting Iran as an enemy of the Arabs, to attract the attention of the Arab world to his leadership role. Whereas these attempts were a consequence of the policy of the British colonialists in the region and had no significance for knowledgeable and literate people, even in Arab countries. So documents published in Iraq at the time, including by the University of Baghdad, rejected these claims. Considering the extremist trends in the government of Arab countries in August 1963, based on a decision taken in the Arab League Commission in the principalities of the Persian Gulf, for the first time the distorted name of this body of water called the Arabian Gulf was mentioned in an official document and after this the Arab League decided to use this name in textbooks of all member countries of the League and official letters.

"Arab Spring" in the Persian Gulf

The so-called “Arab Spring”, which began in the Middle East and North Africa region in December 2010 from Tunisia, swept through the countries of the region, changed them beyond recognition, and now hardly anyone has any doubt about the fidelity and accuracy of this phenomenon titles - "Arab Spring".

Having begun as a wave of peaceful demonstrations, with predominantly socio-economic demands, this process quite quickly transformed into political slogans, which also very quickly grew into demands for a change in the “hated regimes” represented by their rulers: Ben Ali, Mubarak, Gaddafi, Saleh, Assad and even the monarchs of the Persian Gulf experienced, albeit to a much less significant extent, the echo of this “Arab Spring”.

Having mentioned the “flooded” monarchs here, I would like to dwell on them in more detail. However, first I would like to start with a small but very important digression. It concerns the fact that the Arab world, as an ummah, as a symbol of the pan-Arab, pan-Islamic project, has long been subject to erosion and does not represent a set of Arab states ready to support each other and act as a united front against the policies of third countries that do not suit them, or for any reason other questions. The Arab Spring only deepens the divide between the states of the region. To a greater extent, each of the Arab countries, since gaining their independence, mainly in the post-colonial period after the Second World War, has been trying to realize their national interests. Some countries did not give up their attempts to act as leaders of the Arab world, trying to unite the “scattering” ummah. For the pan-Arab nationalists (Nasserists, Basists, Arab Nationalist Movement) who had gained a strong position in the Middle East since the late 1940s, the highest goal was the unification of all Arabs. Their doctrine of a single Arab nation was secular, and this nation included both non-Muslim Arabs and national minorities.

At the same time, there were those who tried to unite the Arabs based on Islamic values. The pan-Islamic line was continued in the concepts of the caliphateists of the late twentieth century, such as the Islamic Liberation Party (Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islami).

Already at that time, the ambitions of the Arab states prevented them from achieving unity. In addition, the international realities of the post-war period, characterized by the policies of the two superpowers in the Cold War, the spread of socialist ideas in the region, and the creation of the state of Israel, prevented the Arab countries from acting as a single camp even in the regional arena. The lack of unity among the Arab countries of the region and their rivalry is one of the reasons for the unresolved Palestinian issue and the failure of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement in general.

Not the least role in this fragmenting process was played by the monarchies of the Persian Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia, which was one of the main and richest allies of the United States in the region, both during the Cold War and after its end. Saudi Arabia, along with Qatar and Egypt, have claimed leadership in the Arab world in recent decades, and 2011 showed who was the winner.

With the fall of the Ben Ali and Mubarak regimes and the deterioration of the situation in Yemen, the spread of a wave of demonstrations and protests in Jordan, among the Shiites of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Riyadh acted as the main counter-revolutionary force to prevent further destabilization from spreading to the Gulf countries and Jordan. Using his material resources, the King of KSA allocated $1.4 billion to Jordan and included it in the GCC in order to reduce social tension and bring Jordan closer to the Gulf states; troops from the GCC countries were brought into Bahrain to suppress the Shiite uprising; The kingdom itself at home did not hesitate to harshly disperse demonstrators, although the royal family partially used its financial resources.

It is worth remembering the reaction of Saudi Arabia to the overthrow of Ben Ali in Tunisia and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, which ran counter to the position of the United States. The Saudi king supported his “colleagues” in Tunisia and Egypt to the last, and then even provided asylum to the ousted Tunisian president Zine al-Abidine ben Ali and reproached the United States for “surrendering” Mubarak.

Against the general background of seemingly democratic trends and protests, the Gulf countries stood out sharply against the background of the general trend, since in essence they were even more authoritarian.

The “Arab Spring” brought even greater turmoil into the “discordant” Arab ranks, only intensifying the struggle of Arab countries for dominance in the region. In general, the Arab Spring was not the first irritant of the Saudi regime. The rise of Arab nationalism in the 1950s and 1960s and the Iranian Revolution of 1979 severely tested Riyadh's position in the region.

The main struggle during the Arab Spring took place between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Muslim Brotherhood's rise to power was actively supported by Qatar, which provides generous financial assistance to the Brotherhood in Tunisia and Egypt. Saudi Arabia began to support the so-called “Salafis,” who are a more radical element and compete with the Brotherhood. As a result, the two “bay” states became rivals, “betting” on different horses. And, as recent events in Egypt show, Qatar is losing its position.

Thus, in this article I wanted to draw attention to the destructive element of the Arab Spring, which greatly affected all Arab countries in the region. This topic can be analyzed for several hundred and thousands of pages, just mentioning inter-Arab rivalry, Sunni-Shiite confrontation, different levels of political, social and economic development of Arab countries, etc. But important issue, relegated to the background was the Palestinian problem. And the further it goes, the more difficult it is to resolve it, especially without the lack of cohesive, strong support from such Arab states as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Syria. Therefore, I would like to hope that a one-sided, idealistic and naive perception of modern processes in the Arab world will not become the norm.

Geographical location and economy of the Gulf countries

The Persian Gulf region is geopolitically extremely important due to its rich oil reserves. It gave its name to the 1991 Gulf War (although the main conflict took place on land).

According to hydrological, hydrochemical and other parameters, the Persian Gulf belongs to the seas.

The area of ​​the bay is 239,000 km², length - 926 km, width - 180-320 km, average depth - less than 50 m, maximum - 102 m.

The Gulf countries are located in foreign Asia, they are located at the junction of three parts of the world and extend from the Black Sea to the Indian Ocean. These countries include Kuwait, in whose depths lie billions of tons of oil and where the annual national income per capita is more than 20 thousand dollars; Iraq is one of the ancient states of the world, with several millennia behind it; The United Arab Emirates, whose state existence began only after the collapse of the colonial system, Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Countries differ in area, natural resources, level of socio-economic development, shape government system and manifestation of, “let’s say” independence, etc.

The differences between countries became especially sharp after the Second World War, when the unevenness of their political and socio-economic development increased. The countries have the world's largest oil wealth.

Gulf War

"Gulf War" - a war (January 17 - February 28, 1991) between the Multinational Force (MNF) (led by the United States, under a UN mandate) and Iraq for the liberation and restoration of independence of Kuwait. The conflict is known for the unprecedented scale of the use of aviation (not in terms of the number of aircraft, but in terms of the impact on the course of hostilities), “smart” and high-precision weapons, which, according to many experts, marked the beginning of a new era in the art of war (also thanks to wide coverage of the process of hostilities in the media, received the name “television war”). This is also the first military conflict of the new world order that came after the end of the Cold War: almost all the former allies of the USSR in the socialist camp took part in the coalition, and the Soviet Union itself, already on the verge of collapse, supported the United States for the first time.

Kuwait was founded in the 18th century by a group of Bedouin clans who migrated to the shores of the Persian Gulf from the interior of Arabia and the Qatar Peninsula. The status of Kuwait was quite uncertain: the Ottoman Empire considered it part of its territory, but in fact the sheikhs of Kuwait pursued a policy independent of Istanbul. At the end of the 19th century, Kuwait became dependent on Great Britain, and in 1920 it officially became a protectorate of the British Empire. The country gained independence in 1961.

Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, again as in the 1960s, claiming the right to rule the emirate, which in Iraqi tradition is considered former part The Ottoman Empire, accusing its southern neighbor of stealing oil (drilling using inclined well technology, which was specially provided to Kuwait by the United States) from the border fields of Iraq, as well as (and this version is still alive among Iraqis) of participating in an international anti-Iraq conspiracy.

On the night of August 2, 1990, four regular Iraqi army divisions invaded Kuwait. Due to the complete military superiority of the enemy, ground units of the Kuwaiti armed forces fought holding battles, while at the same time retreating into Saudi Arabia. The bulk of the Kuwaiti Air Force aviation managed to relocate to Saudi airfields. By the end of the day, Kuwait was under the control of Iraqi forces.

The success of the operation to occupy Kuwait was predetermined by the significant quantitative and qualitative superiority of the invading forces over the national Kuwaiti army. However, Iraq suffered a serious setback that affected further development Kuwait crisis: Iraqi special forces failed to capture Kuwait Emir Jaber III. An attempt by a helicopter landing in Kuwait with the aim of capturing the emir encountered opposition from the country's air defense, and the special forces suffered significant losses. The emir managed to evacuate to Saudi Arabia, but his brother died during the storming of the palace complex.

Reaction of the world community

Already on August 2, the UN Security Council adopted resolution No. 660, in which it condemned the invasion and demanded that Iraq immediately withdraw its troops from Kuwait. The Iraqi leadership ignored this resolution. A “provisional government” was installed in Kuwait, which asked Iraq to include Kuwait in its composition. On August 8, the de facto annexation of Kuwait was announced. Part of the country's territory was annexed to the Iraqi province of Basra, and the remaining territory was proclaimed the 19th province of Iraq. Kuwait City was renamed Kadhima. Kuwaiti refugees began arriving in Saudi Arabia.

The UN Security Council continued to regularly return to the Kuwait crisis and adopt resolutions (a total of 12 were adopted by the end of the year). A number of sanctions were imposed on Iraq and a naval blockade was introduced. In response to this, citizens of those states that took part in the sanctions were detained in Iraq. These people were essentially in the position of hostages and were used by Iraq for political manipulation. It was only in December that the problem of foreign citizens in Iraq was finally resolved.

After the occupation of Kuwait, a large group of Iraqi armed forces appeared on the Kuwaiti-Saudi border. Almost immediately, border incidents began to occur involving Iraqi units violating the international border between countries. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's intentions remained unclear. A number of Western analysts suggested that he might now try to invade Saudi Arabia, which had a clearly insufficient army to repel such an invasion. Control of two countries with huge oil reserves would allow Iraq to significantly influence the world oil market. In view of these considerations, the United States invited Saudi Arabia to station its military units on its territory. After some hesitation, the country's king Fahd gave his consent. Already on August 7, American troops began arriving in Saudi Arabia. The operation to ensure the country's security was called “Desert Shield”.

On November 29, 1990, after the failure of numerous attempts to persuade Iraq to peacefully resolve the crisis, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution No. 678. The resolution gave Iraq one and a half months to end the occupation of Kuwait. If this does not happen, UN Member States cooperating with the Government of Kuwait are authorized to “use all necessary means to support and implement resolution No. 660 (1990) and all subsequent relevant resolutions and restore international peace and security in the region.” This meant that the UN granted the already formed coalition of the Multinational Force (MNF) the right to conduct a military operation to liberate Kuwait.

There are different estimates of Iraqi losses in the 1991 war. Immediately after the end of hostilities, Western media reported that the number of Iraqi deaths could reach 100 thousand people. Some authors adhere to even higher numbers - up to 200 thousand dead. According to official Iraqi government figures released after the war, 2,278 civilians were killed in air raids in 1991. Iraqi army losses were not officially reported. According to researcher Carl Conetta, as a result of aerial bombing and ground fighting, Iraqi armed forces lost about 20 thousand people killed. In Kuwait, between the beginning of the occupation and the start of military activity by the MNF, about 200 Iraqi soldiers were killed, 126 of them as a result of the fall of a military transport plane shot down by members of the Kuwaiti underground.

The war had severe environmental consequences for the region. In the last weeks of the occupation of Kuwait, Iraqi forces organized the dumping of oil into the Persian Gulf. In an attempt to prevent oil from entering the Gulf, Multinational Force aircraft bombed a number of oil pumping stations using precision-guided weapons. However, before the end of the war, about 8 million barrels of oil spilled into the Gulf. During the retreat from Kuwait, the Iraqi army set fire to oil wells, the extinguishing of which was completed only in November. It took the next decade for the 320 lakes to dry up. According to the BBC, the war resulted in one of the worst environmental disasters in history.

Kuwait suffered great economic losses as a result of the occupation and war. The cost of extinguishing burning wells and restoring equipment was estimated at $12 billion alone. The total damage caused to the country, according to conservative estimates, amounted to 30-50 billion dollars.

Gulf countries

This name conventionally includes six countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain.

The Gulf countries are located in overseas Asia, they are located at the junction of three parts of the world and extend from the Black Sea to the Indian Ocean.

Countries differ in area, natural resources, level of socio-economic development, form of government and manifestation of, “let’s say” independence, etc.

The differences between countries became especially sharp after the Second World War, when the unevenness of their political and socio-economic development increased. The countries have the world's largest oil wealth.

Iraq is a country in the north of the Persian Gulf

The Republic of Iraq is located on the northeastern edge of the Arab East. Iraq borders Turkey in the north, Iran in the east, Syria and Jordan in the west, and Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the south.

In the southeast for 50 km. Iraq is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. On the border of Iraq with Saudi Arabia according to the 1922 agreement. A neutral zone was allocated so that the nomadic tribes of the two countries could use the areas located here. Recently, an agreement was reached on the division of this zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The total length of the state borders of Iraq is 3.6 thousand km. The northern and eastern borders run along natural boundaries - mountain ranges and rivers. In the southern part, the border between Iraq and Iran passes through the Shatt al-Arab river, formed from the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The area occupied by the Iraqi Republic is 435 thousand square meters. km Population - more than 13 million people, most of them Arabs.

Iraq is also home to Nurds, Turkmens, Assyrians, Turks, and Armenians. The rise of the national liberation movement, in which the Iraqi Communist Party and the Arab Socialist Renaissance Party (BAath) took an active part, ended on July 14, 1958 with an anti-imperial and anti-fiadal revolution, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the proclamation of a republic. Iraq withdrew from the Baghdad Pact and liquidated foreign military bases on its territory.

The implementation of democratic reforms began in the country, but degeneration began in 1960. The regime of a bourgeois-democratic republic into a military dictatorship led to the liquidation of many revolutionary gains and the outbreak of military action against the Kurdish people. With the arrival again in 1968. In the 1990s, the Baath government, which revised some erroneous guidelines of previous years, came to power, a number of progressive socio-economic transformations were carried out in the country, and a law on the autonomy of Kurdistan was adopted.

The Iraqi government, the first in the Arab world, placed the country's oil wealth under national control and widely used large oil revenues to boost agriculture, build modern industrial enterprises, develop communications and means of transport, and raise the living and cultural standards of the people. On the initiative of the Iraqi Communist Party, the Progressive National Patriotic Front was created in 1973, which included the Baath, the Iraqi Communist Party and the Kurdistan Democratic Party. This front played an important role in mobilizing the Iraqi people to defend national sovereignty from the machinations of imperialist forces and Arab reaction, to implement deep socio-economic transformations in the interests of the working people.

The Republic of Iraq as a whole pursued a progressive foreign policy, advocated within and outside the non-aligned movement for strengthening the solidarity of developing countries in the struggle against imperialism, for their beneficial cooperation with the USSR and the countries of the socialist community. In 1972 An agreement on friendship and cooperation was signed between the USSR and the Iraqi Republic, on the basis of which friendly Soviet-Iraqi relations were built. However, by the end of the 70s, the influence of right-wing nationalist tendencies in the Baath Party increased. The anti-democratic actions carried out by the Baath government pitted it against the progressive forces of the country.

Administratively, Iraq is divided into 18 provinces.

Nature. Physiographically, Iraq can be divided into four parts: mountainous, northern and northeastern (Iraqi Kurdistan) and desert southwestern (Al-Badiya), representing the outskirts of the Syrian-Arabian plateau, the Al-Jazeera plain. (Upper Mesopotamia) and lower Mesopotamia, facing the shores of the Persian Gulf. The mountainous region consists of spurs of the Eastern Taurus and Zagros massifs, located within Turkey and Iran. A series of small mountain ranges composed of limestone, gypsum and sandstone stretch along the Iraq-Turkey and Iran-Iraq border. Here is one of the highest peaks in Iraq, for example Kurawa (3352 m), Pir - Omar - Gudrun (2960 m). South of the Bolshaya Zaba River, the mountains gradually decline. Below the confluence of the Greater Zab and the Tigris lies the Erbil Depression, a vast fertile plain, and to the north of it there is a leafy plateau, sometimes called the Chaldean Plain. The northeastern region of Iraq is an extremely picturesque area, which in terms of landscape beauty is not inferior to mountainous Lebanon or Switzerland. There are alpine meadows here, which are used in the summer for transhumance by the Kurds and Arabs living here.

Iraq is the only country in the east through which very large rivers flow. The two largest of them, the Tigris and the Euphrates, begin in the neighboring well-irrigated mountains and enter Iraq at a considerable distance from each other, then gradually come closer and below Baghdad they diverge again, so that in the area of ​​​​the city of Elkurna they form a powerful stream of the Shatt- Al Arab, flowing into the Persian Gulf. However, the Euphrates and Tigris are not considered the most restless rivers in Iraq.

The vegetation cover of Iraq is dominated by species typical of semi-deserts: drought-resistant grasses, leafless camel thorn, wormwood, and saltwort. Along rivers and in better moistened areas there are willows and poplars, sometimes forming groves. In northern Iraq, poplar and oak thickets occupy quite large areas. In the southern part of Iraq, in the swamps and floodplains of rivers, there are reed-reed thickets and meadow vegetation. In Iraq, from the city of Ana in the north to the city of Fao in the south, large areas are occupied by date palm plantations; Southern Iraq, where there is an abundance of water and heat and sunlight, is considered the most suitable place for growing this tree. In Iraq, among the 420 varieties of dates, there are some that do not grow in other countries. The fauna of Iraq has much in common with the fauna of neighboring countries. In the steppes and semi-deserts there are gazelles and striped hyenas. There are many wild boars and waterfowl in the reed beds of the southern regions. Mosquitoes are a real scourge in swampy areas. Reptiles are represented by some species of poisonous snakes and lizards, including monitor lizards.

Kuwait is a small state on the shores of the Persian Gulf

Kuwait is a small Arab state located in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The state also owns the coastal islands: Bubiyan, Failana, Warba, Minjan, Aupa, Umm En Namil, Shuwaikh, Nubbar, Naru and Umm El Maradim. The largest of them are Bubiyan and Failana. Kuwait borders Iran to the north and northwest, and Saudi Arabia to the south and southwest.

In the east, the country's territory is washed by the waters of the Persian, or, as the Kuwaitis call it, the Arabian Gulf. The country's territory is 20.2 thousand sq. km. The population of Kuwait is about 1.4 million people, of which more than 6,000 thousand are foreigners. The capital is Kuwait City. In accordance with the constitution adopted in 1962, Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy and a hereditary emirate. The head of state is the Emir, one of the members of the ruling Saban family. He is both the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and the Supreme Judge. Legislative power belongs to the Emir; the government, together with the Emir, exercises executive power.

The territory of Kuwait is located within the Arabian Fold Platform. The stable foundation, composed of ancient crystalline rocks, is everywhere buried under later sedimentary ash. Sedimentary rocks lie almost horizontally, with some slope towards the ancient depression, now filled with the waters of the Persian Gulf. This gives the surface the appearance of a monotonous plain. The entire territory of the country is occupied by desert. In the western part it is rocky, in the eastern part it is sandy. Dunes rise along the shore of the Persian Gulf. The coast, which is about 220 km long, is replete with sand spits and black lagoons, which creates inconvenience for ships. Only Kuwait Bay has a natural, well-protected harbor, one of the most convenient in the Persian Gulf. According to the relief features, the territory of Kuwait can be divided into three parts: elevated, inland, hilly, central and flat coastal. The elevated area covers the southwestern part of the country and resembles a triangle in plan with the apex facing north. It belongs to the interior highlands of the Arabian Peninsula.

The force of the wind is so great that in a matter of minutes it moves huge masses of sand. Sand and dust penetrate into houses, no matter how tightly the windows and doors are closed, settle in a thick layer on all objects, get into the ears and nose, blind the eyes, and grind the teeth. The yellow-brown mass raised to the heights obscures the sun. It becomes twilight, like an eclipse. Strong changes in atmospheric pressure lead to poor health.

The peculiarities of the Kuwaiti economy - an abundance of cheap energy, large investment opportunities and a shortage of local labor resources - dictate a certain profile of industrial development for the country: energy- and capital-intensive, but labor-saving. Although this strategy is not always clearly stated in official documents, it can be seen quite clearly in the country’s narrow specialization in the field of petrochemicals and oil refining, and its focus on becoming the new banker of the Arab world. Objectively, from the very beginning, Kuwait’s entire industrial strategy became export-oriented. At the present stage, the economy of Kuwait is similar to the economies of other oil-exporting countries of the Arabian Peninsula in the main - the main place in it belongs to the modern oil sector, which for a long time developed almost completely in isolation from other sectors of the economy, and now acts as a “locomotive” of production to extend required level other areas of the local economy.

Qatar - a new Gulf state

Several years ago, two new, independent states appeared on the political map of Asia - the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. They are located in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian and Oman Gulfs.

The Qatar Peninsula, on which the Arab principality of the same name is located, extends far into the Persian Gulf and lies between 34.5 and 34.3?N latitude. In the south, the state of Qatar borders on Saudi Arabia and the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which are part of the UAE. The seven emirates of this federal state, like Qatar, border on Saudi Arabia in the southwest and south, and the Sultanate of Oman in the east and north of the UAE. The length of the UAE coastline in the Persian Gulf is over 700 km, and in the northeast of the country, in the Gulf of Oman, it is about 90 km.

In accordance with the agreement on territorial and border issues signed by the two states in August 1974, Abu Dhabi transferred part of the territory in the northwest of the Emirate to Saudi Arabia. This “corridor” is from 50 to 80 km wide. Connected the mainland of Saudi Arabia with the coast. Thus, Saudi Arabia gained access to the Persian Gulf east of the Qatar Peninsula, but without the right to establish sovereignty and extend its legislation to the territorial waters and shelf adjacent to the corridor, which still belong to the UAE. The land borders of Qatar and the UAE are largely conditional, as they pass through desert areas where there are no clearly defined natural boundaries.

The total area of ​​both states is small - only about 95 thousand sq. km., of which Qatar accounts for almost 11.4 thousand sq. km. in the UAE -83.6 thousand sq. km. The largest, by area, of the Arab emirates is Abu Dhabi, which occupies 86% of the territory of this state; the remaining emirates account for: Dubai - 5.5%, Sharjah - 3.3%, Ras Al Khaimah -2.1 %, Fuijairah - 2%, Umm Al Quwain -1%, Ajman - 0.3% of the UAE area. The population of both countries at the turn of the 80s reached just over 1.5 million people, of which 1.3 million people were the population of the UAE.

Qatar and the UAE include over 30 small and tiny islands located near their coasts. These mostly uninhabited islands have a rocky surface, in some places covered with sand dunes. And they are deprived of sources of fresh water. Only a few of them, such as Dalma and Giannana, have been inhabited for a long time, the rest for a long time were used by the population of both countries, mainly as anchorages and places of shelter from bad weather for fishing vessels, as well as during the pearl fishing season. As oil production developed on the continental shelf, some of the islands became involved in economic activity.

Oil dramatically changed the fate of these countries, leaving its mark on their socio-economic appearance. The unhurried, if not slow, development of the national economy gave way to rapid growth. In place of medieval adobe towns and villages, as if by magic, modern cities with multi-storey residential buildings, banks, shops, hotels and cinemas arose. Extensive construction of petrochemical enterprises, ports, airfields, highways, cement plants, natural and oil gas reduction enterprises, desalination plants, equipped with the latest technology, is underway, and agricultural plantations are being created. The entire economic well-being of Qatar is based on the sale of oil abroad, the production of which marked the beginning of a new stage in the socio-economic development of this backward and poor country in the recent past. Until the global economic crisis of 1929-1933. The principality existed mainly due to the pearl industry, which flourished in Qatar thanks to the Parisian and Indian markets. In 1974, the first gas processing plant from the Dukhan field went into operation in Umm Said.

In general, these countries began an accelerated transition from feudalism to capitalism. The basis of Kuwait's economy is oil production and oil refining. Natural gas deposits are being developed quite intensively, and the chemical and cement industries are developed. The agricultural sector is characterized by nomadic cattle breeding and oasis farming.

UAE is the most popular Gulf country

The basis of the country's economy is oil production. Oasis agriculture predominates. The country is the financial center of the Middle East, comprising a large economic zone and compatible businesses.

The basis of the Saudi Arabian economy is the oil refining and gas industry. The petrochemical and food industries and industrial crafts are developed.

Iraq's economy is closely linked to its foreign policy. The country is rich in oil, natural gas, sulfur, phosphates and other minerals. Industry is represented by oil production, oil refining and other industries. The country has a developed fuel and energy and transport infrastructure. The first US invasion (1991) of Iraq led to victory for the Iraqis and did not affect the economic and political development. A few weeks ago the second invasion of Iraq was carried out (2003), it is based on economic interests and position in the world, Iraq is a sovereign state and must solve its problems on its own, its political structure may be liked by some, but not by others. Huge oil reserves are Washington’s main pain point. Most Gulf countries export oil and refineries. Countries occupy a leading position in the global economy

This marginal sea has several names - Oman, Green, Persian, Indo-Arab, Eritrean. It is located between the Arabian Peninsula and Hindustan. The southern border of the sea is arbitrary. The area occupied by the waters of the Arabian Sea is 4832 thousand sq. km - this is one of the largest seas in the World Ocean. The maximum depth is 5203 m, the average is 2734 m. The entire sea area is located in the tropical and subtropical zones of the northern hemisphere. A large water artery, the Indus River, flows into the Arabian Sea.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers carry their waters to the Persian Gulf. This bay, located in the northeast, beyond the Gulf of Oman, can be considered part of the Arabian Sea. It is an extremely wealthy area economically. Firstly, pearl fishing is developed here. The ancient Greeks called this bay "Tilos", which means "pearl". Especially a lot of high-quality pearls are mined in the area of ​​the Bahrain Islands. However, the Persian Gulf is also known for another jewel, which in our time is valued no less than pearls. There are huge deposits of oil fields, thanks to which countries with access to its waters have often been drawn into military conflicts with economic overtones. The oil wealth of the Persian Gulf cannot be overestimated. However, the theme of our site is marine life and sharks, so we will not dwell on this treasure. I would just like to dwell a little on the status of the bay.

Some geographers insist that the Persian Gulf would be more correctly called the inland sea of ​​the Indian Ocean. Those who have read the first articles of this section of the site (with definitions) will understand that such metamorphoses are not of decisive importance, since many of the definitions are conditional. Hudson Bay is also a sea, although we are accustomed to its usual status as a bay.

For the most part, the coastline is indented, with many small bays, bays, capes and alluvial spits. Among the largest gulfs are the Gulf of Aden, through which communication with the Red Sea is established, and the Gulf of Oman, which connects the sea with the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.

The relief of the coast ranges from high rocky to low-lying deltaic. The sea is not rich in islands; only along the coastline there are small islands of volcanic origin, coral atolls and areas detached from the land. The bottom topography is flat, the soil consists of biogenic silts, and near the coast of the mainland - terrigenous sediments. Coral islands and atolls are covered with almost white coral sand. Currents are seasonal and change their direction throughout the year.

Quite large tides, reaching over 5 meters in height. Since the sea is located in warm climate zones, the temperature of surface waters exceeds 20 degrees Celsius all year round, reaching 29 degrees Celsius in some places in the summer.

The Arabian-Indian underwater ridge, stretching from the eastern tip of the Somali Peninsula (Africa) to the southeast and the Maldives (south of the Hindustan Peninsula), divides the sea into two deep-sea basins - the Arabian (depth more than 5300 m) and the Somali to the south -west (up to 4600 m). The bottom of the basins is covered with red clay.

The shelf zone of the Arabian Sea occupies from 120 km (off the coast of Hindustan Island) to 200 km off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula. On the shelf area owned by India there are large oil deposits (Gulf of Cambay). The shelf zone of the Arabian Sea is mainly used for fishing.

According to some sources (Complete Encyclopedia of the Underwater World, Moscow, 2010), sharks in the waters of the Arabian Sea behave very modestly, it is very difficult to even approach them, because when they see a person, predators try to hide.

Gulf Resorts

There are many luxury resorts in the Gulf with unlimited holiday options. These are modern cities appearance which consists of numerous imposing skyscrapers, luxurious palaces and vibrant bazaars. Also here you will find an incredibly attractive combination of velvet dunes and rocky mountains.

There are excellent beach centers along the bay coast. Each of them has separate restaurants, cafes, bars and park areas. The best period to visit is from October to April.

Dubai Gulf Resort

The name “Dubai” is simultaneously borne by both the most visited emirate and its administrative center, a city that is most liberally disposed towards tourists and their whims. Actually, the city is divided into three large areas - the oldest area of ​​​​Deira, the shopping area with many shopping centers, Bar Dubai and Jumeirah - where the most upscale hotels are located.

Hotels located in the beach area undergo annual re-certification and have a classification similar to the requirements of European standards, with the vast majority being 4* and 5* hotels. They all have their own beaches, mostly closed to outsiders. The most famous hotel in Dubai is the famous Burj Al Arab, which is nicknamed the “seven-star” hotel for the luxury of its interiors and service, as well as the scope of its construction. Another masterpiece of modern hotel construction is the artificial islands of the Palm Jumeirah, a structure that has become a symbol of the United Arab Emirates.

Those who live in city hotels remote from the beach area usually use two beach complexes - Jumeirah Beach Park and Al Mamzar Park. Entrance to both beaches is paid, as is the rental of beach accessories. However, the infrastructure on both is excellent: bars, restaurants, rentals of everything your heart desires, and Al Mamzar Park even has its own swimming pool.

There is always a warning system on the beaches of Dubai, you should pay attention to the flag on the beach - yellow means a complete absence of danger, but if you go swimming under a red flag, you may be fined, because the sea is unsafe on such days.

In Dubai, as the most democratic region of the UAE, the “prohibition law” applies only to the streets and beaches, but no one will forbid you to enjoy beer or something stronger in cafes and restaurants. So the nightlife in Dubai is perhaps the liveliest in the whole country. There are many clubs open here, one of the most famous is “Catharsis”; hotel discos are constantly organized - for example, the famous “Planetarium” or “Scarlet”. The latter takes place on the top floor of the Emirates Towers Hotel. When going to any disco, be sure to check at the hotel reception what documents you need to take with you - they are often checked.

During the day, you can visit the Wild Wadi water park and the Jumeirah Beach Park amusement park, go with your children to the Wonder Land amusement park or play golf on the excellent courses of the Emirates Golf Club located in the Jumeirah area or the Dubai Creek Golf Course located on the shores of the Creek.

In principle, diving can be done on almost any beach, but divers chose Jumeirah Park, where two old fighter jets were specially sunk for their entertainment.

Persian Gulf resort Ajman

The smallest of the emirates is Ajman.

Those who want a relaxing holiday come here. Despite the fact that the tourism business in Ajman is developing slowly, there is a five-star Kempinski hotel, small shops, cozy cafes, and also the only store in the entire UAE where you can purchase alcoholic beverages without restrictions (but taking them out of the emirate is strictly prohibited ). The beaches in Ajman are sandy, and on weekends you can often meet locals who like to have picnics on the beach.

Gulf resort Sharjah

The Emirate of Sharjah is located on the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf and borders Dubai.

Sharjah is the most conservative emirate, here any alcohol is prohibited, the punishment for violation is very strict, local law enforcement officers do not get away with a single offense. Carrying even one bottle of beer in your trunk, you risk breaking the law and being punished to the fullest extent, despite the fact that you are a foreign tourist.

The choice of hotels here is smaller than in Dubai. Three hotels are located on the coast of Khaled Bay, nine on the shores of the Persian Gulf. That's probably all.

There are no entertainment venues, bars or discos in Sharjah, but in the evening you can plunge into the cultural traditions of the country and go to an Arab nightclub where national Arab music plays. For tourists who crave nightlife and adventure, there are taxis that will take you to neighboring Dubai, where the nightlife is in full swing.

Sharjah also includes the city of Khorfakkan, located on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Divers come here to admire the beauty of the sea, as well as those tourists who want to relax peacefully on a picturesque beach.

Gulf Resort Abu Dhabi

The emirate is located on an island and consists of the city of Abu Dhabi and the small cities of Liwa and Al Ain.

There are so many in the main city of Abu Dhabi green spaces that the air temperature here is always several degrees lower than in the surrounding desert.

The largest park area is located on The Corniche embankment, where the famous fountains “Swan”, “Pearl”, “Coffeepot” and other masterpieces of landscape art are located. Those who have visited the UAE call this place one of the most picturesque in the entire country.

Most hotels in Abu Dhabi are located on the beach. All beaches on the island are sandy; hotel beaches are cleaned daily of ocean debris. Abu Dhabi is actually the capital of the UAE, and therefore there is a lot of entertainment here, and you definitely won’t be bored. Here you can go on a desert safari - by jeep or camel, visit the local hippodrome and watch exotic camel racing, visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Fort Al Jahili, and the ethnographic museum “Historical Heritage Village”. For lovers of elite entertainment, golf courses are open and falconry is held.

As for alcohol, it can only be found in some hotel restaurants; in city restaurants you will not find alcohol. Drinking alcoholic beverages is also prohibited in public places and on beaches.

Persian Gulf resort Fujairah

The Emirate of Fujairah is famous among tourists for its historical monuments and attractions.

Here are the ruins of the old fort and the remains of its settlement. In the museum you can see interesting archaeological finds from excavations near Binta and Kidfa. Divers come here to scuba dive in the Indian Ocean and explore the coral reefs. Most diving centers are located near the Oceanic Hotel.

Tourists staying at one of the hotels in Fujairah will never get bored. There is everything for an active holiday - exotic tours along dry river deltas (they are filled with water only during the rains), excursions introducing you to the culture of the Middle East and mountain climbing.

Gulf resort of Ras al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah is the northernmost of the emirates.

The mountains in this picturesque place touch pristine, clean sandy beaches. There is no prohibition in the emirate, but you should still not drink alcohol on the city streets or on the beach. In the main city of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ice Land water park recently opened, which is designed not only for adults, but also for children.

Persian Gulf resort Umm Al Quwaii

Umm Al Quwai is a quiet emirate consisting of the Old and New Cities.

The emirate is located on a picturesque coastline - in this place the waters of the Persian Gulf form many bays and lagoons.

The spirit of an ancient Arab settlement has been preserved in the Old Town, while modern houses and shopping centers are being built in the New Town. There are also several small hotels here. Umm Al Quwai's isolation from other emirates makes it attractive to tourists who want to immerse themselves in the traditions and culture of the Middle East.

You can have fun by visiting the nautical club and Dreamland water park, as well as the first flying club in the Emirates.

The club hosts championships in parachuting and skydiving. Anyone can see the UAE by taking off in an inflatable balloon or learn to fly airplanes and other air vehicles.

Gulf resort Muscat

People go to the resorts of the capital of Oman - the city of Muscat - mainly for a quiet beach holiday: you won’t find nightlife or noisy parties here.

The city is divided into several districts, each of them performs a specific function. The main bazaar is located in the Muttrah area, the Sultan's Palace is located in the Muscat area, the Ruwi area is the commercial district, and the main beaches and hotels are located in the Al Qurum area.

All Muscat beaches are sandy. Municipal beaches are open to the public; you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers at any of them, completely free of charge. This applies, of course, to landscaped beaches. But there are also wild ones. These are usually not crowded - because the entrance to the water is not covered with bulk sand, and you can get injured on the coral reefs, of which there are a great number here, off the coast. If you still decide to visit a “wild” beach, do not forget to take special shoes with you.

You can enrich yourself culturally by visiting the Oman Historical Museum, the National Museum in Ruwi and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Persian Gulf resort Nizwa

The former capital of Oman is the city of Nizwa. The city is a large oasis in the heart of the desert and claims to be the country's main resort. Unfortunately, there are no beaches and nowhere to swim. Despite the fact that there are only 4 large hotels in the city, there are always a lot of tourists here.

Firstly, in Nizwa there are nightclubs and restaurants (all for the entertainment of young people), secondly, it is from this city that the excursion to the ancient monuments of Jabrin begins, where you should pay attention to the painted ceilings and wood carvings, and Bakhly, a small village where the art of pottery flourishes. Thirdly, there is an old fortress-fort, from the top of which you can see a beautiful view of the city, and fourthly, in Nizwa you can buy products made of precious metals at a very low price. From Nizwa you can also go on a jeep safari to the sands of Wahiba.

Gulf resort Salalah

The capital of the southern region of the country is the city of Salalah. Here tourists can not only lie on the sandy beach and swim in clear water, but also go sailing, water skiing or motorcycling, and also go down to the seabed with scuba gear.

It is best to go on holiday to Salalah without children, because... There are strong currents in the ocean that sometimes even an adult cannot cope with. The city is rich in excursion options - you can take part in archaeological excavations, visit banana and coconut plantations, and see the ruins of the palace of the Queen of Sheba.

Persian Gulf resort Sohar

The city of Sohar, known as the historical birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor, attracts tourists big market"Bitch."

There are always few vacationers on the large sandy beach of Sohar, so those who like a relaxing holiday will like it here. The only danger is represented by ocean currents, which can “suddenly” change their direction. Among the attractions here, the Sohara Fort is worthy of attention, it is beautiful and majestic. On Fridays, everyone can watch a bullfight.

Fauna of the Persian Gulf

In terms of settlement by various life forms, the Arabian Sea is one of the most productive places in the World Ocean. There are almost 100 species of commercial fish alone. Among them: tuna, marlin, sardines, sailfish, mackerel. Fishing for crustaceans - shrimp, crabs, lobsters - is important.

A significant part of the coast of the Arabian Sea is inhabited by corals. Many bottom invertebrates, mollusks, crustaceans and fish thrive in coral thickets. Here you can find clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, lionfish, gobies, flying fish, sardinella, herring, tuna, swordfish, sailfish and many other fish. In terms of the abundance of marine animal species, the Aral Sea is not much inferior to the Red Sea. The flora of the sea is much poorer than its fauna. Here, only in some places you can see thickets of coastal algae - red, brown, kelp.

There are several species of sharks in local waters, including those classified as dangerous to humans. Here you can find a tiger shark, mako, blue shark, gray blunt-nosed (bull) shark, and many species of reef predators.

According to some sources, sharks in the waters of the Arabian Sea behave very modestly, it is very difficult to even approach them, because when they see a person, predators try to hide.

Man, on the contrary, destroys these fish for the sake of fins, meat and other valuable parts. Shark fins are sold to local restaurants at incredible prices - up to $200 per kilogram. It is clear that such demand and prices give rise to poaching, as a result of which the populations of these fish sharply decrease in number. However, the Arabian Sea is not the only example of such barbaric destruction of sharks.

Of great interest to sports anglers is such an object as the giant grouper from the Serranidae family. This huge (2.5 m, 400 kg) fish lives in coastal waters and leads a solitary lifestyle, hunting lobsters, stingrays, young turtles and small fish. Adult groupers, due to their large size, have almost no natural enemies, so they are clumsy and slow. Divers love to swim and take pictures in the company of this good-natured giant. However, caution should be exercised when interacting with a gooper. There were cases when he attacked overly annoying fans, inflicting serious and even fatal wounds.

Flora of the Persian Gulf

The special tropical climate has allowed the growth of a large number of beautiful exotic plants that surround the Persian Gulf. The photos of these places are mesmerizing. Favorable conditions contributed to the breeding here of a huge number of incredibly beautiful fish and other inhabitants. Multi-colored corals with their colorful inhabitants are firmly located in coastal areas.

To the casual observer, nature may seem poor and dull. But precisely because of this poverty, nature must be surrounded by even greater care in order to preserve what it has, since life itself has balanced everything very gracefully. One large mangrove forest adjacent to Abu Dhabi Island has been declared a nature reserve and cannot be visited for scientific research purposes only.

Sources for the article "Persian Gulf"

ru.wikipedia.org - Wikipedia - The free encyclopedia

iagency.com – News from Central Asia

dic.academic.ru - Dictionaries and encyclopedias on Academics

tour52.ru - Tourist portal Nizhny Novgorod

russian.irib.ir - Russian radio service

sea-cruise.ru - Sea cruises

vostlit.info - Eastern literature

gulf.ru - Travel to the Gulf countries

islam.ru - Islamic information portal

Every visitor to the Emirates should familiarize themselves with the rules of conduct in this Arab state. Many violations in the UAE have serious consequences. Large monetary fines and even long prison sentences. Dangers can await you in water and on land. Tochkamira will tell you about the three main dangers in the United Arab Emirates and tell you how to avoid them.

The first danger is hot climate

In summer in the Emirates, the maximum temperature can exceed +45ºС. Residents of the UAE are accustomed to such conditions, but Europeans literally find no place for themselves. Therefore, in all public places, including bus stops, air conditioners are located.

To move around the city, it is better for tourists to choose public transport or a rented car, they have an air conditioning system.

It is better to postpone hiking until the evening, when the sun is ready to go below the horizon.

In order to protect yourself from dehydration and sunstroke, you must:

• Regardless of the time of day, it is worth applying sunscreen to your body, because the sun in the Emirates is active even at sunset.
• Take a dip in the pool or sea at least once every half hour so that your skin cells are nourished with moisture.
• It is better to go to the beach in the morning or evening. The hottest part of the day is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At this time, the sun is at its zenith, and it is not worth staying in the sun for a long time.
• You need to drink as much liquid as possible so that your body does not suffer from dehydration. Finding a kiosk with drinking water is not a problem; there are a lot of them on the streets, inside malls and on the coast.
• Clothes should be made from the “right” lightweight materials, such as linen or cotton. These fabrics are able to pass air through themselves and provide natural ventilation.
• You should avoid invigorating drinks such as coffee, alcohol or sweet mineral water. It is not recommended to eat a lot of meat and deep-fried foods. Drink more liquids!

The second danger is exotic reptiles and inhabitants of the seabed

Another important problem that you may encounter in the UAE is exotic reptiles and inhabitants of the seabed. On land, tourists may be at risk of snakes and scorpions. In turn, the sea can bring an unpleasant surprise in the form of predatory fish and poisonous jellyfish.

Danger on land

On land, a tourist may encounter three main dangers:

• snakes;
• camels;
• Scorpios.

Snakes

The United Arab Emirates began to develop only at the end of the last century. Until this point, sparse settlements and nomadic families lived among the dunes and shifting sands. Many now popular resorts have grown up in the middle of the desert, and along with this, snakes have migrated to the metropolis.

Mostly the snakes here are harmless, but there are also some that cause panic not only among tourists, but also among local residents. These include:

• Arabian cobra;
• false-horned viper;
• horned viper, etc.

The venom of these snakes is extremely poisonous. One bite is enough to cause devastating consequences in the human body. Most often, poisonous reptiles can be found on deserted beaches, in remote resort towns and in the private sector. They usually hide inside air conditioners or in the bathroom.

Camels

Camels seem harmless at first glance. However, with closer contact they can injure an inexperienced tourist. Bruises, abrasions and scratches can easily be caused by falling from the back of an animal.

Scorpios

Scorpios are found all over the world, but in the UAE they are harmless. Of course, the tourist is guaranteed the effect of shock and numbness when meeting a scorpion, but this is only from surprise. They live in the desert, and are afraid to approach people, but when traveling through the sands, you need to carefully look at your feet.

Danger in the water

All crowded beaches in the UAE are equipped with a special shark net that prevents predatory fish from swimming into the tourist area. But there are a lot of them in open water, so you should behave carefully there. Thus, 4 main dangers can await tourists in the water:

• water snakes;
• jellyfish;
• sea ​​urchins;
• crabs and sharp stones.

Water snakes.

Snakes, just like people, suffer from dehydration in the summer, so they can often be found in the water. In such an environment, snakes are harmless, since they themselves enjoy the process of bathing. But it’s still not worth swimming closer to them, you never know.

Jellyfish

Unlike the Black Sea jellyfish, which only amuse tourists with their presence, the Persian Gulf jellyfish can seriously harm everyone who comes across them. The most dangerous of them wash up on the coast in September-October; they sting everyone who touches them and create burns on their bodies.

Sea urchins

These are the most dangerous inhabitants of the seabed in the UAE. They are found on all the beaches of the Emirates and these meetings can result in serious consequences. The sea urchin is poisonous and if you step on it, you may not immediately notice it; all symptoms will appear within an hour.

Crabs and spicy shells

There are plenty of small sharp shells and shy crabs in the shallow waters. In general, they are not poisonous, they do not bite, but they hurt in other ways. Stepping on a sink can cause a deep wound that will hurt for at least several days.

To prevent your vacation from becoming a headache, you should wear rubber flip-flops when entering the water on the beach. Shoes will reliably protect a person from meeting the “prickly” inhabitants of the seabed.

The third danger is the mentality of the country

Any tourist planning a vacation in the UAE must understand that he is going to an Arab country with its own rules, laws and prejudices, which include:

• Arab-Israeli conflict;
• alcohol consumption;
• religious prohibitions.

Arab-Israeli conflict

The Arab-Israeli conflict arose back in the 40s. last century, echoes of it still exist today. Some tourists may simply not be allowed into the country and sent back home at the airport. And all because of a banal visa in the passport - an Israeli visa.

In the UAE, the road is closed to everyone who has a stamp in their document about visiting Israel and to those who have a passport of this state. You will have to postpone visiting the Emirate until you receive a new passport.

Alcohol consumption

The Emirates is the only country in the world where alcohol is strictly prohibited. Bringing it into the country, distributing it and drinking it in public places can result in a prison sentence.

If the craving for alcohol is great, then you can try exclusive brands in the 5* hotel bar and special bars. Naturally, you cannot take it with you, and its cost is simply prohibitive.

Religious prohibitions

The Emirates is an Islamic country, so it is worth honoring the religious affiliation of the local residents. Girls are not recommended to wear revealing outfits or tight-fitting clothing. Ladies should behave modestly and with restraint; residents of the UAE speak negatively about public hugs and kisses. There have been cases when tourists were given real prison sentences for kissing in public.

On city beaches you can often see a banner prohibiting women from:

• sunbathe topless and expose your breasts;
• wear swimsuits with thong bottoms;
• Wear cotton underwear, which becomes see-through when wet.

Ideally, all girls should wear a traditional Arabic swimsuit, similar in appearance to diving clothing. Fortunately, you can buy it in any shopping center upon arrival in the country.

• It is prohibited to film religious and government sites without special permission. You are also not allowed to take photographs of local residents.
• You must enter the mosque and other religious institutions barefoot; shoes, as a rule, are left at the entrance. Women should definitely cover their heads with a headscarf.
• During the holy month of Ramadan, it is dangerous to be in a religious country, because even chewing ordinary gum can cause a barrage of criticism against you.

One of the main attractions of the UAE is the warm sea with pure water and snow-white beaches. On one side it is the Gulf of Oman (Indian Ocean), on the other - the Persian Ocean. All Emirates resorts, except Fujairah, are located on the shores of the Persian Gulf.

The “character” of the sea depends on the Emirate. For example, in the bays of Ajaman, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah there are high and low tides, and in windy weather high waves appear at sea. But in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, on the contrary, the sea is almost always calm (this is partly facilitated by the nearby bulk islands). The depth changes smoothly, the water temperature is usually several degrees higher than in the Gulf of Oman.

The water temperature in the UAE is always above 18 degrees, and in summer it can reach 35 degrees and above!

Basic rules of conduct at sea

To prevent your vacation from being marred by troubles, you should follow certain rules when swimming in the sea. They may seem trivial to you, however, by following them, you will save yourself and your family from a lot of trouble.

• Swim only in designated areas. There are many free and paid beaches in the UAE, so you won’t have any problems choosing a suitable place for swimming. As mentioned above, there are quite strong tides on the Indian Ocean coast. In addition, when swimming on a “wild” beach, you can encounter a coastal current with an unpredictable character.
• Do not swim under any circumstances if you see a red flag raised.
• There are almost three dozen species of sharks in the waters of the UAE. Although almost all of them are safe for people, however, constant surveillance is carried out on the beaches of the Emirates and if sharks are detected, vacationers are immediately notified.
• It is best to swim in special rubber slippers, especially for children. These slippers do not interfere with swimming at all, but at the same time protect your feet from injuries from sharp stones and corals.
• No matter how beautiful and harmless the corals and other marine life of the UAE may seem to you, don’t touch them. You could get hurt or stumble upon a poisonous sea creature.
• Only dive under the supervision of an instructor. On the shores of the Indian Ocean there are many diving centers with a variety of exotic activities: from regular diving to deep-sea fishing and night crab hunting
• If you are an inexperienced swimmer, then when planning to go snorkeling (snorkeling), wear life vest. Although all UAE beaches have a lifeguard service, caution on the water never hurt anyone.

Follow the rules of behavior on the water, and enjoy your holiday!