Welcome to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - a captivating destination nestled on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in West Asia. This vibrant country offers a blend of modernity and tradition, making it a must-visit for travellers seeking diverse experiences.
The UAE shares its borders with Oman to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and boasts marine boundaries with Iran and Qatar. Its strategic location has shaped its rich cultural heritage, influenced by centuries of trade and interaction with neighbouring regions.
Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate occupying 84% of the nation's land. It has 200 islands and a 700-km-long coastline. Its total area is 67,340 square kilometres, and Abu Dhabi city is the federal capital of the UAE.
The country is a federation of seven emirates, each governed by its own monarch or ruler. At the federal level, the UAE is governed by a system of constitutional monarchy. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
Father of the Nation: (late) HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
President: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi
Vice President: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
Founders of the Union
“The UAE is a nation that pursues innovation, with its people at the forefront of progress. Lifelong learning is the fuel that propels our nation forward.”
- HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi
Quick Facts
Languages: Arabic & English
Currency: Dirhams (AED)
1 USD = 3.65 dirhams
Weather:
Nov to Feb: Winter (18 to 30°C)
Mar to May: Spring (24 to 32°C)
Jun to Aug: Summer (35 to 45+°C)
Sep to Oct: Autumn (30 to 42 °C)
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Local time:
Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4
Major Airports:
Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT)
The UAE is made up of seven emirates (city-states): Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah.
Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate occupying 84% of the nation's land. It has 200 islands and a 700-km-long coastline. Its total area is 67,340 square kilometres, and Abu Dhabi city is the federal capital of the UAE.
Dubai is the second largest Emirate with an area of 4,114 square kilometres, which is about 5% of the UAE excluding islands. Dubai is known as the 'Pearl of the Gulf' and 'Jewel of the World' because of its heritage and history.
Sharjah is the third largest Emirate with an area of 2,590 square kilometres. It occupies 3.3% of the total area of the UAE, not counting the islands. It is known for its picturesque landscapes and water vistas. The Emirate has many educational institutions, which ensure a continuous supply of fresh graduates who have learned the latest knowledge in engineering, science, technology, and other skills that support economic growth.
Ajman is the smallest of the seven Emirates, covering 259 square kilometres, about 0.3% of the UAE's mainland. Ajman has a few sandy beaches but is mainly characterized by the rugged Hajjar mountain range.
Umm Al Quwain is the second smallest and the least populated Emirate in the UAE. It covers an area of approximately 720 square kilometres, equivalent to 1% of the UAE's landmass. Umm Al Quwain is located between Sharjah to the southwest and Ras Al Khaimah to the northeast. The city of Umm Al Quwain is built on a narrow peninsula called Khor Al Bidiyah.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has a rich history. It was known for its prosperous port and exquisite pearls, the whitest and roundest in the world. It is the fourth largest Emirate and covers an area of 1,684 square kilometres, 3.16% of the total area of the UAE. The Emirate is near the northern-most point of the United Arab Emirates and shares its boundaries with the Emirates of Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Sharjah. It also has an international border with the Sultanate of Oman.
Fujairah is the only Emirate entirely located on the eastern coast of the UAE on the Gulf of Oman. The shores of Fujairah extend along the Gulf of Oman for about 70km, from the city of Fujairah in the south to the town of Dibba in the far north. The total landmass of Fujairah is 1,450 square kilometres.
