The United Arab Emirates is a progressive country where people of different nationalities, live harmoniously in one global environment that has transformed the country into a melting pot of different cultures.
Also known as UAE, the United Arab Emirates is a federation that was formed on December 2, 1971, consisting of seven emirates namely: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. UAE is located on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula. It is bounded by Saudi Arabia to the south and west and by Oman to the east. The country is famous as one of the most advanced in the Middle East and Western Asia.
Geography of UAE
The United Arab Emirates is situated between the countries of Oman and Saudi Arabia, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The land area of the UAE is around 83,600 square kilometers.
Abu Dhabi, the capital and the largest emirate comprises 87% of the country with its land area of 72,732 square kilometers. Ajman is the smallest emirate with a land area of only 259 square kilometers.
The highest peak of the country is Jabal Yibir which has a height of 5,666 feet, while the highest point of the country is Jebel Jais which has 6,270 feet height.
The country has very pleasant winter and hot humid summer. July and August are the hottest months of the year. The country is rich in natural gas, petroleum, and marine resources.
Popular Cities
Among the most popular cities of the UAE are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are regarded as among the global cities playing significant roles as hubs of businesses and innovations within the world economic system.
Abu Dhabi, An Inspiring Destination
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the seat of the federal government where the President of the United Arab Emirates or head of state is seated.
Dubai, Anything is Possible
Dubai has gained popularity as a tourism destination due to its fast-paced developments, iconic high-rises, world-class resorts, and shopping malls. It is the home of the world’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa, and the world’s biggest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall. You can also find the marvelous architecture of the palm-shaped man-made island, the Dubai Palm Jumeirah. These amazing structures among the city’s other achievements, explain the famous tagline that in Dubai anything is possible. Dubai continues to grow as one of the favorite tourist destinations for many people around the world.
Sharjah, the UAE's Cultural Capital
Sharjah is considered as the nation’s cultural capital. It is known for its museums and establishments devoted to Emirati customs and heritage. Here you will find restored Emirati houses and other cultural structures such as Sharjah Fort that served as a Royal Residence in the early days and now turned into local museums.
Also known as the third largest emirate, Sharjah is noted for its Islamic monuments, public parks, schools. and other high profile intellectual institutions.
Al Ain, The Garden City
Al Ain is not an emirate but a city that is inhabited mostly by locals, located in the eastern part of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is known for its natural springs and groves of palm trees.
Al Ain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will find a historic oasis called Al Ain Oasis sprawling across a 3,000 acre area, shaded by hundreds of thousands of date palm trees. You can also find the country’s oldest museum, largest forts and the famous Al Ain Zoo that is inhabited by the exotic species Arabian Oryx.
People
The UAE is known as a melting pot of world’s different cultures. Here you will find many nationalities from different parts of the globe living harmoniously in a safe and progressive country. UAE is a home for more than 200 nationalities. Of the country’s total population, only 10% are UAE nationals with the demonym of Emirati. The remaining percentage are expatriates. 95% of the UAE’s workforce come from South Asia (2017 IMF Report). The official and majority religion in the UAE is Islam. Other religions in the country practiced by non-nationals are Hinduism, Christianity,Buddhism, Judaism and Sikhism.
Culture
The things you need to know about UAE has a rich cultural heritage surrounding Arab traditions, arts, architecture, sports, food, crafts historical places and valuable archaeological sites. The lifestyle and values are derived from Islam. Amidst the modern changes, high rise buildings and iconic structures, the country preserves its glorious heritage and cultural significance. Hospitality, tolerance, solidarity and love for family are some of the distinct features of the Islamic and Arab heritage. The official language is Arabic but with the in day-to-day life and in business, English language is widely used and accepted.
Telecommunication
+971 is the international dialing code of the UAE.
If you are dialing from another country, you need to dial 00971 or +971
- Followed by the area code for landline then by the 7 digit local number. (Ex. 00971-4-1234567)
- Followed by the 9 digit number for mobile (Ex. 00971-50-1234567)
The area codes for the cities are as follows:
Dubai | 04 |
Abu Dhabi | 02 |
Sharjah | 06 |
Umm Al Quwain | 06 |
Ajman | 06 |
Al Ain | 03 |
Ras Al Khaimah | 07 |
Khor Fakkan | 09 |
Fujairah | 09 |
Major Airports in the UAE
| Airport Name | Code |
| Dubai International Airport | DXB |
| Al Maktoum Airport | DWC |
| Abu Dhabi International Airport | AUH |
| Al Ain International Airport | AAN |
| Sharjah International Airport | SHJ |
| Fujairah International Airport | FJR |
| Ras Al Khaimah International Airport | RKT |
Useful Arabic Phrases
| Marhaba | Hello |
| As-salaam alaykum | Greeting (peace be upon you) |
| Wa ‘alaykum salaam | Greeting (in reply) |
| Shukran | Thank you |
| Ma’assalaama | Goodbye |
| Na’am | Yes |
| La | No |
Quick Facts!
How well do you know United Arab Emirates?
What is the capital of UAE?
Answer:
ABU DHABI
What is the official language of UAE?
Answer:
ARABIC
When was the UAE Federal Union formed?
Answer:
DECEMBER 2, 1971
When was the UAE Federal Union formed?
Answer:
DECEMBER 2, 1971
What is the currency of UAE?
Answer:
EMIRATI DIRHAM (AED)
What is the official language of UAE?
Answer:
ARABIC
What are the seven emirates of UAE?
Answer:
ABU DHABI, DUBAI, SHARJAH, AJMAN, UMM AL QUWAIN, RAS ALKAIMAH, FUJAIRAH
What is the total land area of UAE?
Answer:
Approx. 83,600 square kilometers
What is the time zone in UAE?
Answer:
GMT + 4
What is the highest peak of UAE?
Answer:
JABAL YIBIR (5010 feet)
What is the largest emirate of UAE by land area?
Answer:
ABU DHABI (72,732 sq km)
What is the smallest emirate of UAE by land area?
Answer:
AJMAN (259 sq km)
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