September to November is hot in the UAE, significantly cooler than the peak of the blistering summer, but still easily managing to hover between 25 and 35ºC (77-95ºF) most days. As long as you avoid the middle of the day, it is a fine time to visit this country of epic contrasts. In the late afternoon many choose to leave the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to head out into the dunes on desert safaris. Those a little lazier can spend their time Jumeirah Beach along Dubai's coast, which provides long stretches of soft white sand on which to relax, swim or even indulge in water sports. Those who are more culturally inclined can visit the ancient city of Sharjah, which has been named by Unesco as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World, a city truly teeming with Islamic art, culture, and history.