Malta packs glorious variety into its small archipelago. You'll find prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs, hidden coves, thrilling scuba diving spots and a history of remarkable intensity. In short, it's an ideal holiday destination that's not on everyone's bucket list - which means it's not as crowded.
Here are some interesting facts to pique your interest.
Emiratis don't need a tourist visa
Citizens of the UAE do not need can stay in Malta for up to 90 days without a tourist visa.
The official language is influenced by Arabic
English and Maltese are the official languages of Malta. Maltese, or Malti, has a heavy Arabic influence and also features words adopted from both Italian and English.
They drive on the left side
If you're planning on driving in the Mediterranean archipelago, it'll take some practice. Unlike the UAE, they drive on the left side of the road.
It used to be a British colony
Malta was a British colony for more than 150 years. it gained independence in 1964.
It's one of the world's best diving locations
Boasting nearly 100 dive sites and visibility up to 30 metres in calm seas, Malta is a haven for divers. Besides exploring its many reefs and caves, divers love taking a dip around historic wrecks from the first World War.
Some believe that Malta was part of the Lost City of Atlantis
Don't believe us? Here's an article from the Times of Malta actually discussing that theory.
You won't find any forests in Malta
There are also no mountains or rivers.
Like Dubai, there's no property tax
In case you're planning on making the beautiful archipelago a second home.
Was once part of Italy
About 20,000 years ago, a 40-kilometre-wide land bridge connected southeast Malta all the way to the south of Sicily. Today that bridge is 330-feet below sea level.
Game of Thrones was filmed in Malta
If you're a fan of GoT, don't miss out on a holiday to Malta. Ned Stark was executed at Fort Manoel and Verdala Palace is where Daenerys Targaryen first meets Khal Drogo.