Easily one of the most favoured travel spots in the world, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has always enjoyed a huge boon in the form of its well-developed travel and tourism industries. The seven emirates which form the UAE regularly experience an ever-present flux of travel and patronage, all year round. And with good reason too — home to some of the most coveted architectural structures, like the Burj Khalifa and the Emirates Palace, as well as luxurious beaches and a rich hospitality sector, the UAE has consistently been one of the most culturally rich and relaxing travel destinations. Also known for its rich multi-ethnic society and culture, as well as the friendliness of its locals (the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, was named one of the friendliest cities in the world by Big 7 Travel last year), the nation provides its travellers with a diverse and engaging experience within its borders.
But with tensions in the Middle East on the rise since the start of this year, how safe is it to travel to the UAE? The Canadian state department travel advisory’s latest security advice urges citizens to exert vigilance and caution while travelling to the constitutional monarchy (“Travel Advice And Advisories For United Arab Emirates”), while the US state department expresses a similar tone at the possibility of increased attacks against Western travellers due to the compromised position of the region. Though the Middle East as a region is not a monolith, it is currently at a point of charged political upheaval and raised tension due to recent developments in Iran and Iraq. In close-knit political bodies such as this, the developments and unravelling events of one nation often have some effect on the events of others. In the face of an escalating conflict, neighbouring nations may find themselves in tricky situations of compromise, leaving the balance of the region much changed and uncertain.
Situated across the Persian Gulf from Iran, the UAE as a nation is one of the most influential and wealthy principalities within the Middle East, giving it a crucial role in the period to come. Yet, even amidst uncertain political backgrounds and progress, the nation and its well-established tourism industry remain one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations.
However, to those who find themselves reconsidering holiday destinations, what’s the next best travel option? If a relaxing getaway to Asia is what’s on the table, one destination that’s bound to catch your interest is Sri Lanka. Rated the top country for travel by Lonely Planet in 2019, the island nation situated at the heart of the Indian Ocean has since proven a favourite of those travellers looking for a new and relaxing vacation experience. The diversity of the land allows for a wide range of rich experiences within its small border, leaving it one of the best places to visit in Asia. With its sandy beaches and sunny, tropical weather, the island is perfect as an ocean-side retreat; and if that’s not your cup of tea, the waters of the region cater to several tastes. Dotted around the central highlands of Sri Lanka (where much of the nation’s world-renowned tea is cultivated) are several waterfalls and lakes, each beautiful in their own right and offering incredible sights and experiences. The Dunhinda Falls situated in the lower hills of Badulla prove a favourite among many, and charging through a forest of pines, the tallest waterfall in the country, the Bambarakanda Falls, leaves a lasting memory. Nestled, too, amongst these waters are a plethora of natural pools, some of which are perfect for a noon day dip! Though not all these pools remain safe for aquatics, even the cautious adventurer may find one catering to a refreshing and out of the ordinary experience.
Much like the UAE, Sri Lanka too boasts a rich tradition of hospitality and luxury resort experiences. Rooted in a history of wellness and Ayurveda, the nation is home to some of the best wellness retreats. Nestled deep within the central hills and overlooking the Knuckles mountain range is the Santani Resort and Spa, which, seeking to bring that distinctive local tradition to a global audience, offers a luxury resort experience. Rooted in the rich heritage of Ceylon’s ayurvedic tradition, the resort, like many of its counterparts, is a full package of rest, retreat, and relaxation. This deep custom of wellness and healing singular to the nation and tracing back through centuries leaves just one more reason to visit Sri Lanka.
Both the UAE and Sri Lanka are home to a variety of local and international ethnic groups, leaving the nations with rich multi-cultural societies. Sri Lanka in particular is known for its diverse culture as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation, with many varied historical and religious sites and structures co-habiting in close proximity to the other. It’s an experience for the sights and senses that you just don’t want to miss out on.
Sri Lanka travel advisory proposes travellers exert an increased level of caution, but the friendly and hospitable nature of the locals allow for that initial feeling of welcome to linger on. So, if that getaway trip to the UAE falls away and you’re looking for a similar brand of experience amongst other multi-ethnic localities, you know where you should be headed!
REFERENCES:
· “Chasing Waterfalls In Sri Lanka, Exploring Wellawaya Swimming Spots”. The Island Insider, 2020, http://www.jetwinghotels.com/islandinsider/chasing-waterfalls/.
· Fitzgerald, Sunny. 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/worried-about-visiting-the-middle-east-these-travel-and-safety-experts-have-tips/2020/01/14/62732078-3705-11ea-bf30-ad313e4ec754_story.html. Accessed 27 Jan 2020.
· Murphy, Darragh. “UAE Crowned Best Travel Destination In The World”. Time Out Dubai, 2020, https://www.timeoutdubai.com/travel/428579-uae-crowned-best-travel-destination-in-the-world.
· Sly, Liz. 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the-uaes-ambitions-backfire-as-it-finds-itself-on-the-front-line-of-us-iran-tensions/2019/08/11/d3ee41a0-509d-11e9-bdb7-44f948cc0605_story.html. Accessed 27 Jan 2020.
· “Travel Advice And Advisories For United Arab Emirates”. Travel.Gc.Ca, 2020, https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-arab-emirates. Accessed 27 Jan 2020.
· “Travel Advisories”. Travel.State.Gov, 2020, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/.
