The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is a federation of seven emirates, each governed by a hereditary monarch known as an Emir. The seven emirates are Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

The UAE has a diverse and rapidly growing economy, driven largely by oil and gas production, as well as tourism, real estate, and financial services. It is one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East and is home to some of the tallest skyscrapers and most luxurious hotels in the world.

The UAE has a relatively small population of around 10 million people, the majority of whom are expatriates from other countries. Arabic is the official language of the UAE, but English is widely spoken and many other languages are also used in the country due to its diverse population.

The UAE is known for its modern infrastructure, impressive architecture, and luxurious lifestyle. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year to its stunning beaches, high-end shopping malls, and world-class attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and the man-made Palm Jumeirah island.

The UAE is a Muslim country, but it is known for its tolerance and acceptance of other religions and cultures. The country has a rich cultural heritage, and traditional activities such as camel racing and falconry are still practiced today alongside modern entertainment options.

The UAE is a member of the United Nations (UN), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), among other international organizations. It is also a close ally of the United States and has a strong military presence in the region.

Telephone Code
971

Local Emergency Phone
998, 999

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Desert; cooler in eastern mountains

Currency (Code)
Emirati dirhams (AED)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
Arabic, English, Hindi, Malayam, Urdu, Pashto, Tagalog, Persian

Major Religions
Muslim 76%, Christian 9%, other ( Hindu and Buddhist) 15%

Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Dubai (includes Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest building), Burj-al-Arab Hotel (world's tallest hotel), Dubai Creek Dhow Ride, Dubai Museum); Jebel Hafeet; Bastakia; Al-Bidyah Mosque; Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization; Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; Al Ain

Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, tennis, table tennis

Cultural Practices
The sole of the foot is considered the lowliest part of the body; it is therefore considered very rude to use the foot to point or to move around objects.

Tipping Guidelines
Even if there is a service charge, tip the waiter 10-15% of the total bill. Many Dubai residents choose to tip taxi and hail-riding services 5-10 dirhams or to round up the fare.

Souvenirs
Silk pashminas, leather goods, perfumes, gold and silver items

Traditional Cuisine
Kabsa (or Al Machboos) — chopped meat, fried onions, salt, other spices, and dried lemon served with rice cooked in the broth from the meat mixture

Geography
Area
total: 83,600 sq km
land: 83,600 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
desert; cooler in eastern mountains

Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas

People and Society
Population
9,973,449 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Emirati 11.6%, South Asian 59.4% (includes Indian 38.2%, Bangladeshi 9.5%, Pakistani 9.4%, other 2.3%), Egyptian 10.2%, Filipino 6.1%, other 12.8% (2015 est.)

Languages
Arabic (official), English, Hindi, Malayam, Urdu, Pashto, Tagalog, Persian

Religions
Muslim (official) 76%, Christian 9%, other (primarily Hindu and Buddhist, less than 5% of the population consists of Parsi, Baha'i, Druze, Sikh, Ahmadi, Ismaili, Dawoodi Bohra Muslim, and Jewish) 15% (2005 est.)

Population growth rate
0.58% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
federation of monarchies

Capital
name: Abu Dhabi

Economy
Economic overview
historically oil-driven Middle Eastern economy; diversifying into a trade-oriented logistics and supply chain leader; weak domestic business growth; declining real estate sector; new Israeli technology trade improving resilience; key aid donor

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$653.067 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$69,700 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
dates, cucumbers, tomatoes, goat meat, eggs, milk, poultry, carrots/turnips, goat milk, sheep milk

Industries
petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, commercial ship repair, construction materials, handicrafts, textiles

Exports
$308.5 billion (2017 est.)

Exports - partners
India 11%, Japan 10%, Saudi Arabia 7%, Switzerland 6%, China 6%, Iraq 6% (2019)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, gold, jewelry, broadcasting equipment (2019)

Imports
$229.2 billion (2017 est.)

Imports - partners
China 15%, India 12%, Untied States 7% (2019)

Imports - commodities
gold, broadcasting equipment, jewelry, refined petroleum, diamonds (2019)