The Gulf has been an important trading and fishing centre for many centuries. As far back as ancient Dilmum times the Gulf region was an important trade route between the Orient and Europe. This trend continues to this day, with the ports of Dubai, Jebel Ali and Fujairah being strategic commercial hubs between East and West. Fascinating historical accounts of the UAE and the region can be found in the following books, available in most bookshops and libraries both abroad and in the UAE: A. Hourani, A History of the Arab Peoples (Harvard University Press); J. Raban, Arabia Through the Looking Glass (Fontana); P. Mansfield, The Arabs (Pelican); W. Thesinger, Arabian Sands.

Two particularly useful and practical guides to the Emirates and the Middle East are published by the Lonely Planet Company. Both provide an excellent history; advice on everything from dinning out to camel racing; and invaluable maps of major routes and cities which are often difficult to find even in the countries themselves. Both are available from bookstores or can be ordered directly from the company's web pages: www.lonelyplanet.com