The Guide: United Arab Emirates
Where to Stay
Emirates Palace
West End Corniche, Abu Dhabi (971/2/690-9000). $335 double.
The most lavish hotel in the Emirates, with a dozen restaurants, exhibition spaces, a concert hall, a private beach, and vast grounds. Rooms are similarly luxurious, with private patios and fine linens.
Intercontinental Hotel
_ Festival City, Dubai (971/4/701-1111) $270 double._
A modern, conveniently located high-rise hotel with spacious rooms flooded with light. The hotel is home to the French chef Pierre Gagnaire's Reflets restaurant.
Corniche Al Buhaira Hotel
Cornich Road, Sharjah (971/6/556-6666). $130 double.
A comfortable hotel with spacious rooms overlooking a large man-made lake in the center of the city of Sharjah.
Where to Eat
Most hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah will have at least one Ramadan tent; the fancier the hotel, the more luxurious the menu. They are often reserved by large families or corporations, so book a table in advance.
Sharjah Heritage Center
Heritage Area, Sharjah (971/6/568-1738).
The cooking classes at this modern facility are a great place to sample Emirati foods.
Barbecue Delights
Near Lamcy Square, Oud Metha, Dubai (971/4/335-9868).
A casual spot that serves excellent food, from mutton ribs grilled over charcoal to lamb biryani.
Shababeek
Block B, Al Qasba, Sharjah (971/6/554-0444).
Sheikha Bodour bint Al Qasimi's elegant restaurant, which features contemporary Lebanese dishes, like outstanding kibbeh nayeh (Lebanese steak tartare).
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