In this exceptionally well-written novel, author Bobby Right weaves a story of spirituality and astral projection, of loss and rebirth --a stunning achievement that fans of inspirational fiction everywhere won't want to miss. Set in the exotic United Arab Emirates -- a place where ancient meets modern -- Eternal Life is the action-filled tale of a pair of honeymooners who fall into adventure in the form of illusions, curses and danger that tests their willingness to sacrifice all for love. This story has a wealth of information about the Arabian culture, tastefully blended into the background plot. With a dosage of sex,murder, mystery, a spiritual message and the supernatural mixed into its fast-paced plot, this is one of those books that you'll wish would never end.

I have read this book because of my interest in the development of industry in the Gulf and particularly the UAE. The book starts with an historical review of the development of industry since the pre-oil era, and the review is concise but quite comprehensive. The book then discusses the population aspect of the UAE and its impact on economic development and it is obvious that the writer has an indepth understanding of the economic and social dimensions of the country. The following chapters are fascinating in that they give first hand experience of the problems that were faced in industrializing the country, and the author relies on his first hand local experience to propose various strategies in which the country can develop its industry successfully.

Judith Caesar's Writing Off The Beaten Track: Reflections On The Meaning Of Travel And Culture In The Middle East reflects on the meaning of travel and culture in the Middle East as it surveys her journey through the Untied Arab Emirates and the flavors of Arabia. Cultural and social insights abound.

In keeping with the series title "Culture Shock", Gina Crocetti makes a worthy attempt to describe the multi-cultural society to be found in the UAE, yet leaves the longer-staying visitor areas that can be discovered or developed for himself or herself.

Gina also manages to include aspects related to women not easily described from experience by male writers. As such, the book deserves to be read alongside those guides holding more factual and reference-type information. One or two items should be corrected - for example, "at least 3" cups of welcoming coffee should read "not more than 2 or 3". Also the "Do's and Don'ts" need to be separated - it's not always clear which is which !

In its second or third re-print from a 1996 edition, the book also needs updating for "current" information, since a lot of content appears dated. I would have been more impressed with Gina's research had reference to Dr. Frauke Heard-Bey, as a foremost published authority on the UAE's historical development, not included four mentions of "he" when Dr. Frauke is a woman.

A source of excellent references can be found at the UAE National Library located at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. The library is "lending" and has a special Gulf archive, which includes a historical summary of the development of Abu Dhabi by Clarence Mann, now long out of print.

I lived in a larger city than Ms Crocetti did and felt initially that this book did not pertain to my experience. As time passed and I went through the cycles of adjustment described, I decided to re-read this book. Not only did I find the cycles of adjustment were as described, but also that the values of the Emirati culture were manifesting themselves in my life. The understanding I gained about them from this book helped me to be more patient, relaxed and respectful. I thought, too, that the book was negative because I had so much hope and expectation for my time working in the UAE. I see now that this author has really given us a realistic view of what to expect from living in the Emirates. I have read numerous Culture Shock! books and can confidently say of the writing- this is one of the best.

I lived in the UAE from 1997-2000. If I had not read this book in the beginning, I don't know that I would have made so many Emirati friends. The book made me interested in the people and understand our communication difficulties. This book is a must.

This book does not fully explain the status of some birds in the UAE. Some species are commoner than they were in the 1980's. I do advice a birdwatcher coming to the UAE to buy this book as he/she will not find it useful at all. The latest guide to the UAE's avifauna is the Shell Birdwatching Guide to the UAE.

The Birds of the UAE is not out of print! It was privately published and I hold plenty of stock and can provide it to anyone wholesale (35% discount) or retail (£17 plus £5 p&p) who wishes a copy. Contact Colin Richardson P.O. Box 50394, Dubai. Thank you...

Although a fine overall introduction to the U.A.E., the work understandably bogs down in the more traditional tourist centers of Dubai and Abu Dabhi. Since the city of Al Ain has grown so substantially so quickly, perhaps the lack of current information is forgiveable. Compared to other guides, this is still among the best. Fine photos and maps.

This is a terrific book for the tourist. The photography was excellent and the information was logically organized.

First of all this Iranian guy is correct. The official name of this body of water is PERSIAN Gulf. The term Arabian Gulf was invented in 1970s by some Pan Arabists who failed to show up at their geography classes. The author's use of this term shows simply his arrogance and fact that he does not know the region nor its people. By using "Arabian Gulf" he simply wants to impress ignorant Arabs into buying his book.

Other than that his book is useless as it does not touch on the cultural aspects on the region.

The book makes repeated references to the "Arabian Gulf" - but there is no such thing. There is an Arabian Sea, and a Gulf of Oman, and the PERSIAN Gulf, but no "Arabian Gulf" exists. The Persian Gulf is the official name of that body of water, and has been known by that name since ancient times. Even the ancient Greeks referred to it by its correct name. One has to wonder, if Lonely Planet is so willing to pander to the Arab governments of the PERSIAN gulf in this manner by renaming the PERSIAN Gulf, then how accurate can their travelogues really be?

Having just returned from a 5 week trip through Oman, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain I can say that Lonely Planet has again produced an accurate and useful guide. And despite the fact that it is several years old, prices and descriptions were still right. The guide's advice to try to get to the Musandem Peninsula in Oman was a fine piece of advice--it is amazingly beautiful.

And to the person who gave one star to this guide because of it's reference to the "Arabian Gulf": relax. If you say "Persian Gulf" to anyone in the Arab Gulf states they will have no idea what body of water you are talking about. I suppose you would be equally upset if 25 years ago a guidebook to China refered to the capital as "Beijing" instead of the Western imposed name "Peking"?

This was the first Lonely Planet Book with hundreds of faults. Very disappointing!!!

this book has everything u need 2 know on the emirates, oman and their relationship as neighbouring countries

Zahlan covers the history of the Gulf states with special emphasis on the history of the various monarchical families. Sadly, her attitude is unflinchingly fawning; she seems afraid to say one negative thing about these countries and their economic and political challenges. As well, the writing style is very dry and wooden. Her bias is symbolized by one of the maps showing the UAE as extending westward all the way to Dawhat as Salwa, at the southwest base of Qatar. This reflects absurdly ambitious territorial claims of the UAE at a time when the Saudis have claimed the coast in the vicinity of Khawr Duwayhin, southeast of Qatar. This map is emblematic of the book's flaws. A much better book despite its age (1980) is 'Arabia, the Gulf, & the West' by J.B. Kelly.