A:

Art By 2012, one of the most monumental art galleries in the world will open its doors in the UAE. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, is an ambitious project set to boost the region's culture scene. For something a bit more low key, there are numerous art galleries and exhibitions that also promote Arab, international and modern artists.

For more information visit www.indexuae.com

B:

Bullfighting: A bloodless sport that is an utter contrast to the notorious Spanish version. Two bulls are lead to the arena where one tries to push the other to retreat. Once a bull runs away from its opponent or is pushed outside the designated competing area, the referee whistles and the assistants hurry to take the rivals away. Bullfighting is a weekly event at Fujairah's Corniche and starts at around 16.30pm. Competitions are not held during Ramadan or the hot summer months.

C:

Camel polo: This revered sport of polo is making the headlines once again - this time with a twist. No need for horses, or even elephants as used in Thailand. Today, you can play on camelback. The new version is a Danata initiative to promote and diversify tourism in the UAE.
For prices and reservation contact camelpolo@dnata.com

D:

Desert: The magic of the desert has lured visitors and explorers to the UAE for hundreds of years, Its ripples and dunes have long acted as maps and familiar routes for the Bedouin tribe and classic tours provide an authentic experience of their way of life. You can also try out dune bashing, sunset camel trekking across the Arabian sands or simply sitting around a campfire under a clear desert sky.

E:

Equestrian: Elegant and beautiful, horses retain a soft spot in the heart of all Arabs. It is not uncommon to see several equestrian-related events taking place simultaneously including dressage, show jumping, endurance - and of course racing.

F:

Forts: In the UAE, these military fortifications were built to defend either the coast or the inland caravan routes. Most of the seven emirates have at least one, with the most famous of all standing firm overlooking the city of Fujairah.

G:

Grand prix: This autumn, the first Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will kick-start. It is the first such race to take place at the state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit. It is also the final race for the 2009 Formula One Season; who will win the Grand Prix?

H:

Heritage: With its rich Arabian culture, sites of historical importance are scattered around the country. And one doesn't need to go very far; have a stroll in the old district of Bastakia in Dubai. Built by wealthy merchants during the 19th century, it is believed the quarter inherited its name from the southern Iranian town of Bastak.

I:

International festivals

From music and film to poetry and art, there is always something happening in the UAE's diverse annual calendar. Whether you are into jazz, rock, watching independent movies by local talent or getting up-close to a growing list of top movie stars and bands, this is now one of the trendiest places for holding international events.

J:

Jamboree If you don't have time to travel all over the world, why not let the world come to you? At Global Village during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), you can get a glimpse of the best of what every country has to offer. From African masks, exotic food and traditional clothing, to unique musical instruments, home accessories and toys.

K:

Kitchen It seems all of the most enticing flavours of the world find their way here, giving us a wide (maybe too wide!) choice of food from other cultures. International restaurant chains, cosy little eateries and lush dining help expats recover from homesickness and offer everyone a bit of ‘soul food'. The Dubai International Food Festival also offers a chance to sample a variety of cuisine, learn about healthy eating and of course how to indulge like a pro!

L:

Leisure Taking a stroll along the Sharjah & Abu Dhabi Corniches in the early evening or cruising on a dhow along Dubai Marina at sunset are just a few ideas if you want to kick back and take in local colour. There is also a selection of beach parks that act as great barbecue locations. You can also take an Al Ain Green City tour, catch a theatre performance or even go crab hunting in Umm al Quwain!

N:

Nightlife: For the party animals amongst us, the evening offers plenty of piano bars, jazz cafes and an assortment of nightclubs. For chilled out people-watching spots, check out Barasti and 360 in Dubai or the Embassy nightclub in Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

O:

Oryx: Without a doubt, these gorgeous creatures are the pride of the Emirates and the whole of Arabia. Hunted to near extinction in the 1970s, Arabian oryx is making a comeback thanks to conservation efforts and breeding programmes springing up around the region. The Sir Bani Yas Island project is among the most successful.

P:

Palm Jumeirah: Now an international icon, Dubai's man-made peninsula in the shape of a palm, the Jumeirah Palm, includes fancy residential areas, hip shopping malls, luxurious resorts and spas, mind-boggling beaches and even shark-infested aquariums!

Q:

Quad biking: Driving towards Hatta or Ras Al Khaima, you will spot popular areas for quad biking in the desert. The exciting sport is great for adrenaline junkies who like to show off their off road skills! Beginners should opt for smaller dunes that are just as fun.

R:

Rally: Put your skills to the test and dare the rolling Emirati desert during the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, which takes which takes place during March/April (too late for this year – but plan for 2010). And if the race is too much adrenaline pumping for your taste, you can always enjoy the podium and the finale ceremony at the end.

S:

Shopping: Let's face it, one thing the UAE is not short of is impressive shopping malls. With a variety of local and international brands, high street and designer labels, retail junkies will be spoilt for choice. Where else in the world can shoppers sit and watch some sharks (Dubai Mall) go skiing (Mall of Emirates), watch musical shows and visiting performing artists (Abu Dhabi Mall) in the middle of a spree?

T:

Trekking: Discovering abandoned settlements and villages across the UAE with your hiking boots on is one of the best ways to explore the local terrain. The Hatta and Liwa treks are some of the most popular as you can also swim in wadis and create your own little oasis. Many tour companies arrange trekking adventures so you will never be stuck for options.

U:

Underwater: Diving in the UAE is not to be missed. Head for Fujairah for some world-class reef diving, or stay in Dubai and opt for a wreck dive—the MV Dara.

V:

View: One of the best ways to enjoy the emirates is to take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise to experience breathtaking views above the desert. Many of those who have embarked on this experience have described it as unforgettable.
For more information visit www.ballooning.ae

W:

Water sports: The dazzling coastline proves irresistible for both visitors and residents who love a bit of adventure off dry land whether it's jet skiing, water skiing, banana boating, parasailing, deep see diving or snorkelling.

X:

Xtreme sports: If you've always wanted to fling yourself out of an airplane, then skydiving at Umm Al Quwain Aeroclub will seem like a dream come true. Jumping at an altitude of about 12,000ft is bound to give you an once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

Y:

yas island: Located some 250km from the capital, Sir Bani Yas Island offers a one-of-kind opportunity in the UAE — a safari game drive! Hosting endangered native, as well as non-native, species, this ambitious project is playing a vital role in the conservation of threatened animals.

Z:

Zoo: Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium houses a large number of animals including some really rare species and has research facilities dedicated to endangered species. You can also visit the Arabian Wildlife Centre, Sharjah, which has a fundamental aim of protecting wildlife and the environment.