United Arab Emirates

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"UAE" redirects here. For other uses, see UAE (disambiguation).

Coordinates: 24°N 54°E

United Arab Emirates

‫( اإلمارات العربية المتحدة‬Arabic)

al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyyah al-Muttaḥidah

Flag

Emblem

Anthem: ‫عيشي بالدي‬

"Īšiy Bilādī"
"Long Live My Nation"

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 Location of United Arab Emirates (green)
in the Arabian Peninsula (white)

Capital Abu Dhabi

24°28′N 54°22′E

Largest city Dubai

25°15′N 55°18′E

Official languages Arabic

Ethnic groups  27.8% Indian

 12% Emirati
 10.2% Pakistani
 9.5% Bangladeshi
 6.1% Filipino
 4.76% Iranian
 4.23% Egyptian
 2.2% Chinese
  14.1% Others

Religion Islam

Demonym(s) Emirati[1]

Government Federal constitutional

monarchy[2]

• President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

• Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum

Legislature Federal National Council

Establishment from the United Kingdom and the Trucial States

• Ras al-Khaimah 1708

• Sharjah 1727
• Abu Dhabi 1761
• Ajman 1816
• Dubai 1833
• Fujairah 1952
• Independence 2 December 1971
• Admitted to the United Nations 9 December 1971
• Admission of Ras al-Khaimah to 10 February 1972
the UAE

Area
• Total 83,600 km2 (32,300 sq mi)
(114th)
• Water (%) negligible

Population
• 2018 estimate 9,599,353[3] (92rd)
• 2005 census 4,106,427
• Density 99/km2 (256.4/sq mi) (110th)

GDP (PPP) 2018 estimate

• Total $732.861 billion[4] (32nd)
• Per capita $70,262[4] (7th)

GDP (nominal) 2018 estimate

• Total $432.612 billion[4] (28th)
• Per capita $41,476[4] (19th)
 Gini (2008) 36
medium

HDI (2017) 0.863[5]

very high · 34th

Currency UAE dirham (AED)

Time zone UTC+4 (GST)

Date format dd/mm/yyyy

Driving side right[6][7]

Calling code +971

ISO 3166 code AE

Internet TLD  .ae

 ‫امارات‬.

United Arab Emirates portal

The United Arab Emirates (UAE; Arabic: ‫ اإلمارات العربية المتحدة‬al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyyah al-Muttaḥidah),
sometimes simply called the Emirates (Arabic: ‫ اإلمارات‬al-ʾImārāt), is a country in Western Asia at the
southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi
Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing maritime borders with Qatar to the west and Iran to
the north. The sovereign constitutional monarchy is a federation of seven emirates consisting of Abu
Dhabi (which serves as the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al
Quwain. Their boundaries are complex, with numerous enclaves within the various emirates.[8] Each
emirate is governed by a ruler; together, they jointly form the Federal Supreme Council. One of the
rulers serves as the President of the United Arab Emirates.[9] In 2013, the UAE's population was 9.2
million, of which 1.4 million are Emirati citizens and 7.8 million are expatriates.[10][11][12]
Human occupation of the present UAE has been traced back to the emergence of anatomically
modern humans from Africa some 125,000 BCE through finds at the Faya-1 site in Mleiha, Sharjah.
Burial sites dating back to the Neolithic Age and the Bronze Age include the oldest known such
inland site at Jebel Buhais. Known as Magan to the Sumerians, the area was home to a prosperous
Bronze Age trading culture during the Umm Al Nar period, which traded between the Indus
Valley, Bahrain and Mesopotamia as well as Iran, Bactria and the Levant. The ensuing Wadi Suq
period and three Iron Ages saw the emergence of nomadism as well as the development of water
management and irrigation systems supporting human settlement in both the coast and interior. The
Islamic age of the UAE dates back to the expulsion of the Sasanians and the subsequent Battle of
Dibba. The UAE's long history of trade led to the emergence of Julfar, in the present-day emirate of
Ras Al Khaimah, as a major regional trading and maritime hub in the area. The maritime dominance
of the Persian Gulf by Emirati traders led to conflicts with European powers, including the
Portuguese and British.
Following decades of maritime conflict, the coastal emirates became known as the Trucial
States with the signing of a Perpetual Treaty of Maritime Peace with the British in 1819 (ratified in
1853 and again in 1892), which established the Trucial States as a British Protectorate. This
arrangement ended with independence and the establishment of the United Arab Emirates on 2
December 1971, immediately following the British withdrawal from its treaty obligations. Six emirates
joined the UAE in 1971, the seventh, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the federation on 10 February 1972.[13]
Islam is the official religion and Arabic is the official language of the UAE. The UAE's oil reserves are
the seventh-largest in the world while its natural gas reserves are the world's seventeenth-
largest.[14][15] Sheikh Zayed, ruler of Abu Dhabi and the first President of the UAE, oversaw the
development of the Emirates and steered oil revenues into healthcare, education and
infrastructure.[16] The UAE's economy is the most diversified in the Gulf Cooperation Council, while its
most populous city of Dubai is an important global city and international aviation and maritime trade
hub.[17][18] Consequently, the country is much less reliant on oil and gas than in previous years and is
economically focusing on tourism and business. The UAE government does not levy income tax
although there is a system of corporate tax in place and value added tax was established in 2018 at
5%.[19]
The UAE's rising international profile has led to it being recognised as a regional and a middle
power.[20][21] It is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation, OPEC, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Gulf Cooperation

Politics[edit]
Main article: Politics of the United Arab Emirates

Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

The United Arab Emirates is a federal constitutional monarchy made up from a federation of
seven hereditary tribal absolute monarchy-styled political system called Sheikhdoms. It is governed
by a Federal Supreme Council made up of the ruling Sheikhs of Abu
Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain. All responsibilities
not granted to the national government are reserved to the individual emirate.[80] A percentage of
revenues from each emirate is allocated to the UAE's central budget.[81] The United Arab Emirates
uses the title Sheikh instead of Emir to refer to the rulers of individual emirates. The title is used due
to the sheikhdom styled governing system in adherence to the culture of tribes of Arabia, where
Sheikh means leader, elder, or the tribal chief of the clan who partakes in shared decision making
with his followers.
The President and Prime Minister are elected by the Federal Supreme Council. Usually, a sheikh
from Abu Dhabi holds the presidency and a sheikh from Dubai the prime minister-ship. All prime
ministers but one have served concurrently as vice president. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is
the UAE founding father and widely accredited for unifying the seven emirates into one country. He
was the UAE's first president from the nation's founding until his death on 2 November 2004. On the
following day the Federal Supreme Council elected his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to
the post. Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the heir apparent but will
still require the election of Federal Supreme Council to assume presidency.[82]
The federal government is composed of three branches:

 Legislative: A unicameral Federal Supreme Council and the advisory Federal National
Council (FNC).
 Executive: The President, who is also commander-in-chief of the military, the Prime Minister and
the Council of Ministers.
 Judicial: The Supreme Court and lower federal courts.
The UAE eGovernment is the extension of the UAE Federal Government in its electronic form.[83] The
UAE's Council of Ministers (Arabic: ‫ )مجلس الوزراء‬is the chief executive branch of the government
presided over by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, who is appointed by the Federal Supreme
Council, appoints the ministers. The Council of Ministers is made up of 22 members and manages
all internal and foreign affairs of the federation under its constitutional and federal law.[84] The UAE is
the only country in the world that has a Ministry of Tolerance,[85] Ministry of Happiness,[86] and Ministry
of Artificial Intelligence.[87] The UAE also has a National Youth Council, which is represented in the
UAE cabinet through the Minister of Youth.[88][89]
The UAE legislative is the Federal National Council which convenes nationwide elections every 4
years. The FNC consists of 40 members drawn from all the emirates. Each emirate is allocated
specific seats to ensure full representation. Half are appointed by the rulers of the constituent
emirates, and the other half are elected to serve two-year terms. However, the FNC is restricted to a
largely consultative role.[90] A directive was issued stating that as of the 2019 election, half of the FNC
members would be allocated to females.[91]
The UAE is frequently described as an "autocracy".[92][93] According to The New York Times, the UAE
is "an autocracy with the sheen of a progressive, modern state".[94] The UAE ranks poorly in freedom
indices measuring civil liberties and political rights. The UAE is annually ranked as "Not Free" in
Freedom House's annual Freedom in the World report, which measures civil liberties and political
rights.[95] The UAE also ranks poorly in the annual Reporters without Borders' Press Freedom Index.
Sheikh Zayed was asked by The New York Times in April 1997 on why there is no
elected democracy in the United Arab Emirates, in which he replied:

Economy[edit]
Main article: Economy of the United Arab Emirates
 Dubai Marina Beach

Burj Khalifa is the tallest man-made structure in the world.

Abu Dhabi skyline

The UAE has developed from a juxtaposition of Bedouin tribes to one of the world’s most modern
and wealthy States in only about 50 years. Economic growth has been impressive and steady
throughout the history of this young confederation of emirates with brief periods of recessions only,
e.g. in the global financial and economic crisis years 2008-09, and a couple of more mixed years
starting in 2015 and persisting until 2019. Between 2000 and 2018, average real Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) growth was at close to 4%.[301] It is the second largest economy in the GCC (after
Saudi Arabia),[302] with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of 414.2 billion USD, and a real GDP
of 392.8 billion constant 2010 USD in 2018.[301] Since its independence in 1971, the UAE's economy
has grown by nearly 231 times to 1.45 trillion AED in 2013. The non-oil trade has grown to 1.2 trillion
AED, a growth by around 28 times from 1981 to 2012.[302] Backed by the world’s seventh-largest oil
deposits, and thanks to considerate investments combined with decided economic liberalism and
firm Government control, the UAE has seen their real GDP more than triple in the last four decades.
Nowadays the UAE is one of the world’s richest countries, with GDP per capita almost 80% higher
than OECD average.[3

United Arab Emirates country profile

 14 May 2018
 Share
 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states that has grown from a quiet backwater
to one of the Middle East's most important economic centres.

Though traditionally conservative, the UAE is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf, with other cultures
and beliefs generally tolerated. Politically it remains authoritarian, however.

Relations with neighbouring Iran have been tense because of an ongoing territorial dispute over Gulf islands.
The UAE was one of only three countries to recognise Taliban rule in Afghanistan.

Before oil was discovered in the 1950s the UAE's economy was dependent on fishing and a declining pearl
industry. But since oil exports began in 1962, the country's society and economy have been transformed.

The UAE has diversified and has become a regional trading and tourism hub. UAE firms have invested heavily
abroad.
 See more country profiles - Profiles compiled by BBC Monitoring

FACTS
United Arab Emirates
Capital: Abu Dhabi
 Population 8.1 million
 Area 77,700 sq km (30,000 sq miles)
 Major language Arabic
 Major religion Islam
 Life expectancy 76 years (men), 78 years (women)
 Currency Dirham
UN, World Bank

Getty Images

LEADER
President: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
Abu Dhabi President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, who has a reputation as a pro-Western moderniser, was named
as president by the UAE Federal Council in November 2004, shortly after the death of his father, Sheikh Zayed
Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain - the seven emirates that
make up the UAE - maintain a large degree of independence.

The UAE is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers made up of the seven emirs, who appoint the prime
minister and the cabinet.

The United Arab Emirates [1], often referred to as the U.A.E, is a federation of seven emirates on
the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. It has coastlines on
the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, with Saudi Arabia to the west and southwest, and Oman to
the southeast and also on the eastern tip of the Musandam Peninsula as well as an Omani enclave
within its borders. It is a country rich in history and culture and an easy starting point for travels in
the Middle East

Top 10 Tourist Attractions In United Arab

Emirates
9
SHARES

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The unbeatable shopping experience, spectacular events, high-end resorts,

white sand beaches and safety of UAE attracts millions of visitors every year.
UAE government also made huge investment in tourism industry to make
country as one of most popular tourist destinations in the world in near
future. Followings are 10 popular tourist attractions in UAE.
10Dubai Creek

Dubai creek is a 14 kilometer length water inlet that divides the city in to two
main sections, Bur Dubai and Diera. The creek served as main port for
transportation of merchandise from Africa and India in 20th century. Also
became the destination of pearling industry of the city at that time.

Nowadays boating through Dubai creek becomes one of popular tourist

activities in the city. Tourists can hire old fashioned boats known as ‘abra’ ,
at cheap rate. The cruising offers view of beautiful sunset and lining of
remarkable building like Dubai creek tower and Diera twin tower.
9Dubai Museum

Dubai museum is the oldest existing building in the city. It is a part of Al

Fahidi Fort which was built in 1787. The museum showcases different
historical models that representing lifestyle in Emirates before the discovery
of oil. The gallery of this museum also includes the artifacts from ancient
times, some of them dated back in 3000 BC.

The number of maps and video room within the museum let the visitors to
get deep knowledge about growth of Dubai over time. The models of old
Arabic homes and towers also offers much historical infos of the city. The
other sections of Al Fahidi Fort also have collection of old weapons from
different centuries.

See Also:

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Travel
8Bastakiya, Dubai

One of remaining parts of old Dubai. The traditional courtyard houses and
wind towers reflects the history of UAE. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of
Arabian architecture within historical buildings of Bastakiya. Some of
historical houses in Bastakiya now served as museums, galleries and
traditional markets.
Bastakiya’s wind towers reveals how people in old Dubai cooled down their
houses before main electricity. Th remaining parts of old city wall, built back
in 1800 also reflects defensive system used in old city of Bur Dubai. The
galleries of Bastakiya also have collection of old paintings, handcrafts and
jewelry.

7Jumeirah Beach and Hotel, Dubai

Jumeirah beach stretches over the South coast of Jumeirah city. The soft
white sand of Jumeirah beach attracts visitor for walking and sun bathing.
Sailing, scuba diving, water skiing and wind surfing becomes popular
activities in the beach. The frontage of Jumeirah beach also features large
and luxurious hotels like Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah beach hotel.

It is a wave shaped hotel that contains 298 rooms, 20 restaurants, bars and
beach side villas. Visitors can enjoy Arabic style parties and DJs. Jumeirah
hotel also offers tennis courts, swimming pools, health clubs, spas and
gyms.
6Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

Emirates palace is a seven star hotel located in Abu Dhabi. It spread across
in an area of 100 hectares, including the large garden. The hotel contains
300 rooms and 92 suites. The 114 domes of this luxurious hotel standing at
height of 80 meters, covered with gold. Many of suites of Emirates palace
also decorated with gold and expensive marbles.

The suites within top floor of this hotel solely reserved for Emiralty loyalty. A
single room in Emirates palace demands $12000 per night. The list of
attractions within Emirates palace also includes world’s most expensive
Christmas tree, worth 11 million dollars. The hotel also offers camel riding,
exclusive beach, tennis court, spa and health centres.

5Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi

The largest indoor amusement park in the world, located in Yas Island of
Abu Dhabi. It is the first Ferrari themed park in the world, explains the story
of Ferrari through educational rides. The huge iconic red roof of itself is the
main attraction of Ferrari world, designed by award winning architectural
firm, Benoy group. the dimension of Ferrari logo within huge structure
measures 65m * 48.5 m. largest Ferrari logo in the world.

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Steel and glass are mainly used for the construction of Ferrari world, to
reduce the effect of desert heat. The park is also home to Formula Rossa,
the fastest roller coast in the world. It gains top speed of 240 km/ hr in just 5
seconds, just like a Ferrari super car. The gallery of Ferrari world, Galleria
Ferrari also displays cars from 1947 to present time.
4Dubai Mall

Based on total area Dubai mall is the largest mall in the world, spread across
13 million square foot and have internal floor area of 5.9 million square foot.
It is situated in Downtown Burj Dubai. Opened in the year 2008, attracted 65
million visitors in 2012 and became most visited shopping mall in the world.
Dubai mall contains 1200 shops, 22 cinema theaters, cafes, 120
restaurants and luxury hotels. The mall also offers 14000 parking space for
the visitors. The list of attraction within Dubai mall includes Dubai aquarium
& under water zoo, Dubai fountain, Dubai Ice Rink and SEGA Republic
indoor park.

Dubai aquarium is one of the largest acrylic viewing panel in the world which
is 32.88 meter wide, 750 mm thick and 8.3 meter high. It contains 85
different species of marine animals,total population of animals in this
aquarium is 33,000. The 270 degree transparent although tunnel of Dubai
aquarium offers incredible close encounters of marine animals, includes 400
sharks and rays.

Dubai ice rink on ground floor of mall have 1.5 inches of ice bead, Olympic
sized one, host sports activities and skating. SEGA Republic, a 76000
square foot indoor theme park at Dubai mall contains 150 amusement
games for the visitors. Moreover the mlal offers view of Burj Khalifa, the
tallest building in the world and Dubai fountain from which water jets rise to a
height of 150 meters.
3Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque situated in Abu Dhabi city, The largest mosque
in United Arab Emirates. The mosque covers an area of 30 acres and have
capacity to accommodate 40000 worshipers. The tomb of Sheikh Zayed Bin
Sultan AI Nahyan, late visionary president of UAE also buried in the
courtyard of this mosque.
The construction of grand mosque done between 1996 to 2007. Persian,
Mughal and Moorish mosque architecture styles are uaed for it’s
construction. The four minarets found within four corners of the mosque have
height of 107 meter. High cost marbles, gold, stones, semi precious stones
and crystals are the main material used by artists for the design for the
mosque.

The visitors can see 96 columns within main hall of Sheikh Zayed Grand
Mosque, all of them are covered with marble. The 99 names of Allah, God in
Islam also written on Qibla wall of mosque using Kufic calligraphy.