United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), also known simply as the Emirates, is a country in West Asia. It is at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. The UAE is made up of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi as its capital. It borders Oman to the east and northeast, and Saudi Arabia to the southwest. It shares maritime borders with Qatar and Iran in the Persian Gulf, and with Oman in the Gulf of Oman. In 2024, the UAE had a population of over 11 million, with Dubai being the largest city.

Islam is the state religion, and Arabic is the official language. English is also widely used. The UAE has a rich history from its time in Eastern Arabia, known for its trade and seafaring. Over time, the region saw influences from powers like the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, before becoming independent in 1971.

Today, the UAE is an important country in world affairs. Dubai is a major center for finance, tourism, and business. The country has large oil and natural gas reserves. While oil and gas used to be the main part of the economy, the UAE now focuses more on tourism and business. It is part of groups such as the United Nations, Arab League, and World Trade Organization.

Etymology

The United Arab Emirates gets its name from the seven emirates that joined together to form the country. These emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah. Each of these places has its own special history and culture, and together they make up the UAE.

History

Main article: History of the United Arab Emirates

2nd century BCE era jar found in Mleiha Archaeological site in Sharjah

The United Arab Emirates has a long history. People lived in the area as far back as 127,000 years ago. Over time, the region traded with places like Mesopotamia, Iran, and the Harappan culture of the Indus Valley.

The area became part of the Islamic world in the 7th century. Later, many empires influenced the region, including the Achaemenids. During the time of the Portuguese, the area had many tribal groups and seasonal settlements.

In the 19th century, the British made treaties with local leaders. This led to the formation of the Trucial States. The discovery of oil in the mid-20th century brought wealth. This helped create the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Since then, the UAE has grown into a modern nation. It has taken part in international affairs and achieved milestones such as sending a probe to Mars in 2021.

Geography

Main article: Geography of the United Arab Emirates

Satellite image of United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is in the Middle East, between Saudi Arabia and Oman. It has coastlines along the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is near the Strait of Hormuz, a busy waterway for ships carrying crude oil.

The UAE has seven areas called emirates. Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate, covers most of the land. The smallest is Ajman. The country has deserts with big sand dunes and oases where plants like date palms grow. Some mountains are home to special animals, including the Arabian Oryx and Arabian camel. The weather is very hot in summer and mild in winter, with most rain falling in short, heavy bursts during winter.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a country with a special kind of government. It is made up of seven areas called Sheikhdoms, each ruled by a leader known as a Sheikh. These leaders work together in a group called the Federal Supreme Council.

The UAE has three parts to its government: making laws, running the country, and judging cases. The country also uses technology to help with government work. It has special ministries for things like kindness, happiness, and smart technology, showing it cares about improving lives.

Administrative divisions

The United Arab Emirates has seven emirates. Emirate of Dubai is the largest city. Emirate of Abu Dhabi has the most land. Together, they are home to most of the people in the UAE.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of the United Arab Emirates

The UAE has friendly ties with many countries around the world. It belongs to important groups like the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Some of its close friends include Bahrain, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

Sometimes, the UAE has disagreements with other countries. For example, there have been issues over islands in the Persian Gulf with Iran. There was also a time when there were tensions with Qatar in 2017, but this was solved in 2021. In 2020, the UAE and Israel decided to recognize each other as friends.

Military

The UAE has an army, navy, air force, and a special guard for the president. The country spends money on strong defenses and gets modern weapons from places like France, the US, and the UK. The UAE works with other countries on important safety projects and makes its own ships, cars, and flying machines that do not need a pilot.

In 2014, the UAE started a rule that adult men must join the military for a short time.

Law

Main articles: Legal system of the United Arab Emirates and Crime in the United Arab Emirates

The UAE has a federal court system. There are civil courts and Sharia courts. The UAE has changed some laws to be more tolerant. This includes changes to rules about alcohol and living together before marriage.

Sharia courts handle family law for Muslims. Civil courts handle other legal matters. The UAE has worked to update its legal system. Non-Muslims can now choose civil marriages.

Environmental policy

Further information: Environmental issues in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates faces challenges like water scarcity and drought. Rising sea levels are a concern due to climate change. The UAE is a big producer of oil and gas, which uses a lot of energy and creates pollution. The country has goals to cut pollution by 31% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. It is working on using energy more wisely, building greener buildings, and improving public transport. The UAE is also investing in sustainable agriculture and other green projects.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has grown very fast from a group of Bedouin tribes to one of the richest countries in about 50 years. It has a lot of money per person. The country’s economy grew until challenges like the global financial crisis and mixed years from 2015 to 2019. From 2000 to 2018, the economy grew by about 4% each year on average. It is the second largest economy in the GCC, after Saudi Arabia.

The UAE’s economy changed between 2014 and 2018. Some areas, like hotels and education, grew well. But other areas, like construction and oil, did not grow as much. In June 2024, the UAE moved up to 7th place among the top countries for competitiveness.

Business and finance

The UAE is ranked 26th in the world for how easy it is to do business. It also ranks well in happiness and innovation reports. However, challenges remain, such as improving education and making it easier to trade. The UAE does not allow trade unions.

The UAE keeps its money stable by linking its currency to the US Dollar. This helps protect the economy. In recent years, the economy has faced slower growth and higher prices, but the government is working to support it.

VAT

In 2018, the UAE started charging a value-added tax (VAT) of 5% on most goods and services. This helps the government get more money without raising other taxes.

Energy

Main article: Energy in the United Arab Emirates

Oil and gas are important to the UAE’s economy. The UAE has been working to use other energy sources, like solar power, to make its economy stronger. The country has built nuclear power plants and aims to use more clean energy in the future.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in the United Arab Emirates

Tourism is growing fast in the UAE. Dubai is one of the most popular places to visit in the world, known for tall buildings like the Burj Khalifa and beautiful places like Palm Jumeirah. The UAE is also building new attractions, such as a Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi and the first casino in the country.

Transport

Main article: Transport in the United Arab Emirates

The UAE has many ways to travel, including busy airports like Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport. There are also trains, buses, and taxis. The country is building new roads and railways to connect its cities. Big ports help the UAE trade with other countries around the world.

Telecommunications

The UAE has two main companies that provide phone and internet service: Etisalat and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (“du”). The government watches over these companies to make sure they follow rules. In 2019, fast 5G internet service became available across the country.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a big and mixed population. In 2020, about 9.9 million people lived there. Most are from other countries, with only about 11% being Emirati citizens. Many people come from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines to work.

The UAE is mostly cities, where most people live. Arabic is the official language, but many people speak English. Islam is the main religion, and the UAE is known for respecting other religions. There are also Christians, Hindus, and Jews living there, with many places for people to practice their faith. The UAE works hard to make sure everyone has good education and healthcare.

Culture

Main article: Culture of the United Arab Emirates

Emirati culture is based on Arabian culture. It has been shaped by the cultures of Persia, India, and East Africa. Traditional Emirati buildings, like wind towers called barjeel, show this Arabian influence. Important holidays include Eid al Fitr, which ends Ramadan, and National Day on December 2, celebrating the formation of the United Arab Emirates.

Traditional dances like Al-Ayyala and music such as Liwa are enjoyed at festivals and weddings. The UAE has many museums, with Sharjah famous for its Heritage District. Popular sports include Formula One, camel racing, and football. The UAE’s football teams play in many international tournaments. Cricket is also popular, especially because of the large number of people from other countries living there, and the UAE has hosted big cricket events.