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United Arab Emirates flag

United Arab Emirates

Capital:Abu Dhabi
Population:9.8M
Currency:UAE Dirham (AED)
Language:Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
Central Abu Dhabi

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

The giving and receiving of hospitality is an important part of Arab and Bedouin culture. Politeness and courtesy to guests, whether friends or business contacts, is a noticeable feature of life in the UAE.

Central Abu Dhabi

Land of Ancient Pearls and Desert Hospitality

Social Customs & Etiquette

Greetings

Greetings are elaborate and extended, with numerous references to Allah (the Muslim name for God). Common expressions include Al-hamdu-lilah (all praise is due to Allah) and Subhan-Allah (glory be to Allah).

Gestures

It is considered polite to take off your shoes before entering a private home.

Visiting

In traditional Arab society, men and women do not socialize or eat together, although modern Arabs may not observe this tradition within the family. Incense is burned to welcome guests into an Emirati home. The smell fills the air with a sweet fragrance. According to tradition, rosewater may also be sprinkled on guests' head and hands as they leave someone's home.

Personal Appearance

Men wear the "dishdasha" or "khandura" an ankle length robe, usually while. Dishdashas are usually worn with a with or red checkered head cloth "gutra" and a twisted black rope-like coil, an "agla" which holds the gutra in place; under the headdress is a skull cap called a "gafir" Most women wear a black "abaya" a long loose black robe that covers their normal clothes plus a headscarf, called a "shayla".

Some women also wear a thin black veil covering their face, while some older women wear a small mask made of fabric known as a "burkha" which covers the nose, brow, and cheekbones.

Diet

At mealtimes, guests may be invited to join in the traditional mansaf of whole lamb and spiced rice. The meal is laid out on trays and people help themselves from the trays. Arabic coffee, known as ghawah, is served after the meal. Reception rooms where meals are eaten are known as majlis. Majlis are reserved for celebrating special occasions or entertaining important guests. These rooms are spacious, decorated with carpets and cushions.

Before meals a mezze, or appetizer, is served. The most famous mezze dish is hummus, a puree of spices and chickpeas. Another popular dish is tabbouleh, a salad of cracked wheat and parsley with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and olive oil. Vine leaves stuffed with rice are also widely enjoyed.

Every imaginable spice can be found in the spice streets known as atarinehs of UAE's markets. Spices are sold in paper cones called dukkahs. One of the most popular mixtures is made up of cinnamon, cayenne pepper and paprika. Other popular ingredients in Emirati cuisine include sesame oil, pine nuts, walnuts, almonds and parsley.

Dubai Mosque

Family

The life of the family is kept extremely private. In the traditional Arab world the family is a tight unit where children respect their parents and the roles of men and women are clearly defined.

In traditional culture, when a man wants to get married, he must ask his prospective bride's father for permission. The two then agree on a bride-price or mahr. When the mahr is settled, a lawyer or religious leader draws up a marriage contract. Although the couple is legally married after the marriage contract has been completed, they do not live together as partners until after the wedding ceremony.

Weddings are occasions for some of the most colorful celebrations in the Emirates. The bride's house is often decorated with thousands of lights. Feasts are held that may continue for several days. For members of prominent families, the celebration extends beyond family and friends. Public entertainment is usually arranged, including dances, camel races, and musical performances.

Dating Customs

Dating and marriage customs in the United Arab Emirates are deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and Emirati cultural values, though the country's large expatriate population — which makes up roughly 88 to 89 percent of residents — means a wide variety of practices coexist within its borders.

For Emirati nationals, marriage is traditionally a family-arranged affair, though modern couples increasingly have a say in choosing their partner. Marriages between Emirati citizens are strongly preferred, and the government has actively encouraged this through the Marriage Fund, established in 1992, which provides financial assistance to Emirati men who marry Emirati women. Grants from this program can reach up to AED 70,000 (approximately USD 19,000) to help offset wedding costs, which are traditionally borne by the groom's family and can be substantial.

Islamic law governs marriage for Muslim residents. A marriage contract, or nikah, must be signed in the presence of a religious official, and a mahr — a mandatory gift from the groom to the bride — is a legal requirement. Muslim men are permitted under Islamic law to marry up to four wives, provided they can treat each equally, though polygamous marriages are becoming less common among younger generations.

Public displays of affection between unmarried couples are socially discouraged and can attract legal penalties under UAE law. Cohabitation outside of marriage is technically illegal for both citizens and expatriates, though enforcement has relaxed somewhat in recent years, particularly in urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

For non-Muslim expatriates, marriages may be conducted at their respective embassies or consulates according to the laws of their home countries. Civil marriages for non-Muslim residents became legally recognized under a 2021 legal reform in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to personal status law for foreigners.

The legal minimum age for marriage is 18 for both men and women, with judicial approval required for marriages involving anyone younger.

Recreation

Camel racing, horse racing, and falconry are traditional pastimes in the UAE. Soccer is the most popular sport. Other sports include cricket, rugby, bowling, tennis, and squash.

Some Emirati children still play traditional games. Al Meryeihana is a skipping game usually played by young girls. Hawari is a game involving toy ships made from palm leaves. Al Ghomaid is like blind man's bluff.

Student Life

Students who complete their secondary education have the opportunity to continue their studies at universities in the UAE or abroad. The UAE has several reputable universities, and many students choose to study abroad in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom.

There are plenty of extracurricular activities available for students in the UAE, including sports, music, arts, and drama. Many schools have after-school clubs and activities that students can participate in. The education system in the UAE is modeled after the western education system, with the medium of instruction being English. The system is divided into primary, secondary and tertiary education. All students are required to attend primary and secondary education, which is free in government schools.

Education is a top priority in the UAE, and the government has invested heavily in developing a modern education system. All children in the country have access to free education up to the university level, and the literacy rate is high.

Holidays

  • Independence Day

    12/2

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • February

    Held annually in February, this festival features light installations and projections on various landmarks in Sharjah, transforming the city into a vibrant art gallery.

How do people greet each other in the United Arab Emirates?

Greetings are elaborate and extended, with numerous references to Allah.

Good to know

  • Common expressions include Al-hamdu-lilah (all praise is due to Allah)
  • Subhan-Allah (glory be to Allah) is also used

What are dining customs like in the United Arab Emirates?

Guests may be invited to share the traditional mansaf of whole lamb and spiced rice, laid out on trays from which people help themselves.

Do

  • Help yourself from the shared trays
  • Enjoy the mezze appetizers served before the meal, such as hummus and tabbouleh

Good to know

  • Arabic coffee, known as ghawah, is served after the meal
  • Meals are eaten in reception rooms called majlis, reserved for special occasions or important guests
  • Vine leaves stuffed with rice are widely enjoyed
  • Spices are sold in paper cones called dukkahs in the spice streets (atarinehs)

What etiquette should I know when visiting a home in the United Arab Emirates?

Hospitality is central to Emirati culture, and homes welcome guests with fragrant incense.

Do

  • Take off your shoes before entering a private home

Good to know

  • Incense is burned to welcome guests, filling the air with a sweet fragrance
  • Rosewater may be sprinkled on guests' head and hands as they leave
  • In traditional society, men and women do not socialize or eat together, though modern families may not observe this

How do people dress in the United Arab Emirates?

Men wear an ankle-length robe called a dishdasha or khandura, while women wear a black abaya and headscarf (shayla).

Good to know

  • Men's dishdashas are worn with a white or red checkered head cloth (gutra), held by a black coil (agla), over a skull cap (gafir)
  • Some women wear a thin black face veil, and some older women wear a fabric mask called a burkha

What is family life like in the United Arab Emirates?

Family life is kept extremely private, forming a tight unit where children respect parents and gender roles are clearly defined.

Good to know

  • Traditionally a man asks his prospective bride's father for permission to marry and agrees on a bride-price (mahr)
  • A marriage contract is drawn up by a lawyer or religious leader, but the couple lives together only after the wedding ceremony
  • Weddings are colorful, with lights, multi-day feasts, and sometimes public entertainment like camel races and dances

What do people do for recreation in the United Arab Emirates?

Traditional pastimes include camel racing, horse racing, and falconry, while soccer is the most popular sport.

Good to know

  • Other sports include cricket, rugby, bowling, tennis, and squash
  • Traditional children's games include Al Meryeihana (skipping), Hawari (toy palm-leaf ships), and Al Ghomaid (like blind man's bluff)

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of United Arab Emirates

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Currency
Emirati dirham (AED)
Time Difference
UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate
Rainfall is low; but humidity is uncomfortably high. May to October is extremely hot, with shade temperatures of 29°C (85°F) to 50°C (122°F) and frequent 100% humidity. During the cool season (December-February) the weather is damp and seems colder than the 10°C (50°F) the thermometer sometimes indicates. During the rest of the year, the climate is pleasant, except for occasional sandstorms and hot, dry winds, which blow off the Empty Quarter of Arabia.
Airports
35
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Ba-theeth

Bread

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient & Medieval

    4000 BCE – 1500

    The coastal and interior regions of present-day UAE have been inhabited since at least the fourth millennium BCE, with evidence of Bronze Age settlements at sites such as Hili. The area participated in ancient Gulf trade networks, and from roughly the 7th century CE Islam transformed the region's society and political organization. Maritime trade, fishing, pearling, and camel caravan routes underpinned the economies of the small tribal polities that gradually coalesced along the coast.

  2. Pearling & Trade Era

    1500 – 1820

    Portuguese, then later Dutch and British commercial interests competed for influence over the strategically vital Persian Gulf coast. Dubai and other coastal settlements emerged as significant entrepôts on international trading routes, while pearling became the dominant industry. The Al Qasimi confederation's attacks on British and allied shipping in the early 19th century brought British military retaliation and ultimately forced a fundamental reshaping of the region's political order.

  3. Trucial States

    1820 – 1971

    Britain imposed a series of maritime truces beginning in 1820, culminating in the 1892 Exclusive Agreements by which the seven sheikhdoms—collectively called the Trucial Coast—ceded control of foreign affairs and defense to Britain in exchange for protection. This arrangement froze the internal political map while external trade and pearling continued until the pearl market collapsed in the 1930s. The 1958 discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi, with exports beginning in 1962, transformed the region's economic prospects on the eve of independence.

  4. Independence & Federation

    1971 – 1985

    Britain's 1968 announcement that it would withdraw from the Gulf by 1971 spurred negotiations among the nine Trucial sheikhdoms; Bahrain and Qatar chose separate independence, while six emirates federated as the UAE on December 2, 1971, with Ras al-Khaimah joining in 1972. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi became the federation's first president, steering oil revenues into infrastructure, education, and social services. Iran's simultaneous seizure of the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa created a territorial dispute that persists to the present day.

  5. Oil Boom & Gulf Crisis

    1985 – 2000

    Sustained oil revenues enabled rapid urbanization, massive infrastructure investment, and the recruitment of a large expatriate labor force that soon outnumbered UAE nationals. The federation joined coalition forces during the 1991 Gulf War to reverse Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, demonstrating both its regional security commitments and its ability to project military force. Dubai began deliberately diversifying its economy away from oil dependency through finance, trade, and real estate, laying the groundwork for its emergence as a global commercial hub.

  6. Modern UAE

    2000 – present

    The accession of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as UAE president in 2004 following the death of Sheikh Zayed marked a generational transition, and the first-ever national elections were held in 2006. Dubai's spectacular construction boom—including the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah—was followed by a significant property crash in 2008–09, prompting Abu Dhabi to underwrite Dubai's debt obligations. The UAE has since pursued ambitious economic diversification, space exploration, and an active foreign policy, including the 2020 Abraham Accords normalization of relations with Israel.

Overview

THE COUNTRIES OF THE PERSIAN GULF Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates--have assumed added prominence as a result of Operation Desert Shield in 1990 and the Persian Gulf War in 1991. These states share certain characteristics while simultaneously differing from one another in various respects. Islam has played a major role in each of the Persian Gulf states, although Kuwait and Bahrain reflect a greater secular influence than the other three. Moreover, the puritanical Wahhabi Sunni sect prevails in Qatar; Bahrain has a majority population of Shia, a denomination of the faith that constitutes a minority in Islam as a whole; and the people of Oman represent primarily a minor sect within Shia Islam, the Ibadi. The beduin heritage also exerts a significant influence in all of the Persian Gulf states. In the latter half of the twentieth century, however, a sense of national identity increasingly has superseded tribal allegiance. The ruling families in the Persian Gulf states represent shaykhs of tribes that originally settled particular areas; however, governmental institutions steadily have taken over spheres that previously fell under the purview of tribal councils. Historically, Britain exercised a protectorate at least briefly over each of the Persian Gulf states. This connection has resulted in the presence of governmental institutions established by Britain as well as strong commercial and military ties with it. Sources of military matériel and training in the late 1980s and early 1990s, however, were being provided by other countries in addition to Britain. Because of the extensive coastlines of the Persian Gulf states, trade, fishing, shipbuilding, and, in the past, pearling have represented substantial sources of income. In the early 1990s, trade and, to a lesser extent, fishing, continued to contribute major amounts to the gross domestic product (GDP) of these states. Of the five states, Oman has the least coastal area on the Persian Gulf because its access to that waterway occurs only at the western tip of the Musandam Peninsula, separated from the remainder of Oman by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Partly as a result of this limited contact with the gulf and partly because of the mountains that cut off the interior from the coast, Oman has the most distinctive culture of the five states. In general, the gulf has served as a major facilitator of trade and culture. The ancient civilization of Dilmun, for example, in present-day Bahrain existed as early as the fourth millennium B.C. The Persian Gulf, however, also constitutes a ready channel for foreign conquerors. In addition to Britain, over the centuries the gulf states have known such rulers as the Greeks, Parthians, Sassanians, Iranians, and Portuguese. When England’s influence first came to the area in 1622, the Safavid shah of Iran sought England’s aid in driving the Portuguese out of the gulf. Britain did not play a major role, however, until the early nineteenth century. At that time, attacks on British shipping by the Al Qasimi of the present-day UAE became so serious that Britain asked the assistance of the ruler of Oman in ending the attacks. In consequence, Britain in 1820 initiated treaties or truces with the various rulers of the area, giving rise to the term Trucial Coast. The boundaries of the Persian Gulf states were considered relatively unimportant until the discovery of oil in Bahrain in 1932 caused other gulf countries to define their geographic limits. Britain’s 1968 announcement that in 1971 it would abandon its protectorate commitments east of the Suez Canal accelerated the independence of the states. Oman had maintained its independence in principle since 1650. Kuwait, with the most advanced institutions--primarily because of its oil wealth--had declared its independence in 1961. Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE followed suit in 1971. In the face of the Iranian Revolution of 1979, all of the Persian Gulf states experienced fears for their security. These apprehensions led to their formation, together with Saudi Arabia, of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in May 1981. Of all the gulf states, Kuwait clearly has the greatest security concerns. By early 1994, Kuwait largely had succeeded in rebuilding its damaged infrastructure and oil industry facilities ravaged by Iraq in the course of its August 2, 1990, invasion and subsequent scorched-earth policy concerning Kuwait’s oil wells. By June 1993, Kuwait had increased its oil production to such an extent that it refused the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota of 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd); instead, it demanded parity with the UAE at 2.2 million bpd, which OPEC refused. The war and the occupation left significant scars on the Kuwaiti po

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1400

    From about this time Dubai became a major crossing point on international trading routes

    From about this time Dubai became a major crossing point on international trading routes in silk, pearls, spices and gold.

  2. 1820

    The British enforced an end to piracy.

    The British enforced an end to piracy.

  3. 1892

    Seven Emirates ceded right over foreign representation to Britain.

    Seven Emirates ceded right over foreign representation to Britain.

  4. 1958

    Oil discovered in Abu Dhabi.

    Oil discovered in Abu Dhabi.

  5. 1962

    Oil is exported for the first time from Abu Dhabi.

    Oil is exported for the first time from Abu Dhabi.

  6. 1970

    The seven Emirates were released into independence.

    The seven Emirates were released into independence.

  7. 1971

    Iran occupies the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.

    Iran occupies the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.

View full timeline (11 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • Pearls have been harvested by Gulf fisheries for more than 5,000 years.

  • The earliest evidence of the domestication of the camel has been found in Umm an-Nar and dates back more than 4,000 years.

  • The UAE has created a Marriage Fund to enable Emirati men to meet the high costs of marrying Emirati women.

  • Strikes and labour unions are illegal in the Emirates.

  • The containers used to store oil are called khazzans. Each is big enough to cover a 15-storey building and holds 75 million litres of oil.

  • Women's groups throughout the country have been at the forefront of the campaign to educate women. Today two- thirds of the students at the Emirates National University are women.

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Geography and Environment

On December 2, 1971, six of the seven small Arabian emirates formerly known because of their commercial and security alliances with Great Britain as the "Trucial States"- Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Um Al Qaiwain, and Ajman - joined to form the sovereign independent country of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). The seventh emirate, Ras al Khaimah, joined the federation in February 1972. The U.A.E. has an area of about 34,000 square miles, with a 386-mile coastline on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. All the main towns, with the exception of the oasis of Al Ain, are on the coast. Apart from a mountain range in the north and scattered oases, much of the U.A.E.'s territory is sandy desert and salt marshes. A few offshore islands belong to or are claimed by the U.A.E.
Terrain
flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east
Climate
Rainfall is low; but humidity is uncomfortably high. May to October is extremely hot, with shade temperatures of 29 °C (85 °F) to 50 °C (122 °F) and frequent 100% humidity. During the cool season (December-February) the weather is damp and seems colder than the 10 °C (50 °F) the thermometer sometimes indicates. During the rest of the year, the climate is pleasant, except for occasional sandstorms and hot, dry winds, which blow off the Empty Quarter of Arabia.
Natural Hazards
frequent sand and dust storms
Current Environmental Issues
lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

  • Arabic
  • Hindi
  • Persian
  • Urdu

Population

Population
9,770,529
Population in Major Urban Areas
ABU DHABI (capital) 942,000; Dubai 1.978 million; Sharjah 983,000
Nationality Noun
Emirati(s)
Ethnic Groups
Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in the United Arab Emirates stands among the highest in the Arab world and compares favorably with many developed nations. Current data places the average life expectancy at birth at approximately 79 to 80 years overall, with women typically living longer than men — around 81 to 82 years for females compared to roughly 78 years for males. This relatively high life expectancy reflects decades of substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure, public health programs, and rising living standards fueled by the country's oil wealth. The UAE has built a modern, well-equipped healthcare system featuring world-class hospitals, specialized medical centers, and a growing network of community clinics accessible to both citizens and residents. Government spending on health has consistently prioritized preventive care, maternal and child health, and the management of chronic diseases. Infant mortality rates have dropped dramatically over the past several decades, contributing significantly to improved overall life expectancy figures. Advances in prenatal care, vaccination programs, and nutrition have all played important roles in this progress, with infant mortality now among the lowest in the Middle East region. The UAE also benefits from a relatively young expatriate population, which statistically influences national averages. The country's large proportion of working-age migrants — who often arrive healthy and employed — can affect how demographic health data is interpreted compared to nations with more uniform age distributions. Despite these achievements, the UAE faces ongoing public health challenges that could affect future life expectancy trends. High rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease remain concerns among both the national and expatriate populations, driven in part by sedentary lifestyles, dietary habits, and extreme heat that limits outdoor physical activity. The government has responded with broad national wellness initiatives, including long-term strategies embedded in the UAE Vision 2031 framework and various emirate-level programs, aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. Overall, the UAE's life expectancy trajectory reflects a country that has transformed its public health landscape within a remarkably short period, moving from a developing-nation baseline in the mid-twentieth century to outcomes now comparable to those seen across Western Europe and North America.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in the United Arab Emirates stands among the highest in the Arab world and compares favorably with many developed nations. Current data places the average life expectancy at birth at approximately 79 to 80 years overall, with women typically living longer than men — around 81 to 82 years for females compared to roughly 78 years for males. This relatively high life expectancy reflects decades of substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure, public health programs, and rising living standards fueled by the country's oil wealth. The UAE has built a modern, well-equipped healthcare system featuring world-class hospitals, specialized medical centers, and a growing network of community clinics accessible to both citizens and residents. Government spending on health has consistently prioritized preventive care, maternal and child health, and the management of chronic diseases. Infant mortality rates have dropped dramatically over the past several decades, contributing significantly to improved overall life expectancy figures. Advances in prenatal care, vaccination programs, and nutrition have all played important roles in this progress, with infant mortality now among the lowest in the Middle East region. The UAE also benefits from a relatively young expatriate population, which statistically influences national averages. The country's large proportion of working-age migrants — who often arrive healthy and employed — can affect how demographic health data is interpreted compared to nations with more uniform age distributions. Despite these achievements, the UAE faces ongoing public health challenges that could affect future life expectancy trends. High rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease remain concerns among both the national and expatriate populations, driven in part by sedentary lifestyles, dietary habits, and extreme heat that limits outdoor physical activity. The government has responded with broad national wellness initiatives, including long-term strategies embedded in the UAE Vision 2031 framework and various emirate-level programs, aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. Overall, the UAE's life expectancy trajectory reflects a country that has transformed its public health landscape within a remarkably short period, moving from a developing-nation baseline in the mid-twentieth century to outcomes now comparable to those seen across Western Europe and North America.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
UnitedArabEmirates
Full Country Name
United Arab Emirates
Local - Long
Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah
Former Name
Trucial Oman, Trucial States

Government Structure

Government Type
federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates
Legal System
federal court system introduced in 1971; all emirates except Dubayy (Dubai) and Ra's al Khaymah are not fully integrated into the federal system; all emirates have secular and Islamic law for civil, criminal, and high courts
Executive Branch
chief of state: President MUHAMMAD bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan (since 14 May 2022), ruler of Abu Dhabi (since 13 May 2022); Vice President and Prime Minister MUHAMMAD bin Rashid al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006), ruler of Dubai head of government: Prime Minister and Vice President MUHAMMAD bin Rashid al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006); Deputy Prime Minister SAIF bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan (since 2009); Deputy Prime Minister MANSUR bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan (since 2009) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the seven emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions federal legislation; meets four times a year; the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai hold effective veto power elections: president and vice president are elected by the FSC for five-year terms (no term limits); MUHAMMAD bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan was elected president on 14 May 2022 following the death of President KHALIFA bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan on 13 May 2022; the prime minister and deputy prime ministers are appointed by the president election results: MUHAMMAD bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan elected president by a unanimous vote of the FSC; MUHAMMAD bin Rashid al-Maktum unanimously reaffirmed as vice president and prime minister
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Federal National Council (FNC) or Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; 20 members indirectly elected by an Electoral College whose members are appointed by the rulers of the constituent emirates, and 20 members directly appointed by the rulers; members serve four-year terms). Elections: The UAE introduced limited electoral participation in 2006, when indirect elections were first held for half of the FNC's 40 seats. The Electoral College, whose members are selected by the rulers of the seven emirates, votes for the 20 elected seats, while the remaining 20 seats are filled by direct appointment. Women are eligible to both vote and stand as candidates. The most recent elections were held in October 2023. Note: The FNC serves an advisory and legislative review function. It may examine, propose amendments to, and debate federal legislation and the national budget, but it does not hold full legislative authority and cannot veto laws passed by the Supreme Council or the Cabinet.
Judicial Branch
Union Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)
Suffrage
none
Constitution
2 December 1971 (made permanent in 1996)
Independence
2 December 1971 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 2 December (1971)

Capital City

Capital Name
Abu Dhabi
Capital - geographic coordinate
24 28 N, 54 22 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

in Arabic, abu means "father" and dhabi refers to "gazelle"; the name may derive from an abundance of gazelles that used to live in the area, as well as a folk tale involving the "Father of the Gazelle," Shakhbut BIN DHIYAB AL NAHYAN, whose hunting party tracked a gazelle to a spring on the island where Abu Dhabi was founded

Military

Branches: United Arab Emirates Armed Forces: Critical Infrastructure Coastal Patrol Agency (CNIA), Land Forces, Navy, Air Force and Air Defense, Border and Coast Guard Directorate (BCGD)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi

Physical Address: Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4.

Mailing Address: US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Telephone: (971) (2) 414-2200

Emergency after-hours telephone: (971) (2) 414-2200

Facsimile: (971) (2) 414-2241

U.S. Consulate General in Dubai

Physical address: At the corner of Al Seef Rd. and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rd, Dubai, U.A.E. Mailing address: U.S. Consulate General Dubai, P.O. Box 121777, Dubai, UAE

Telephone: (971) (4) 309-4000

Emergency after-hours telephone: (971) (4) 309-4000

Facsimile (971) (4) 311-6213

The work week for both the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai is Sunday through Thursday.

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Economy

The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Once heavily dependent on oil and gas, the country has made significant strides in diversification, with the hydrocarbon sector now accounting for roughly 30% of GDP, while non-oil sectors such as tourism, finance, real estate, logistics, and renewable energy contribute the majority of economic output. Since the formation of the federation in 1971, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from a region of small desert principalities into a modern, globally connected state with one of the highest standards of living in the world. At current production levels, its oil and gas reserves are projected to last for several decades, with Abu Dhabi holding the bulk of these resources.

The government continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and clean energy as part of long-term strategies such as "We the UAE 2031" and the Net Zero by 2050 initiative. Efforts to attract foreign investment have been bolstered by reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, the introduction of long-term residency visas, and the establishment of a federal corporate tax in 2023. Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain key regional hubs for trade, finance, and tourism, while ongoing privatization and public-private partnerships are expanding private sector participation in utilities and state-owned enterprises.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
UAE Dirham (AED)
GDP — official exchange rate
$98,100,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
4.4%

Banknotes

United Arab Emirates Money - Front
United Arab Emirates Money - Front
United Arab Emirates Money - Back
United Arab Emirates Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$29,410,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
17.5%
External Debt
$30,210,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP)
20.7%
Current Account Balance
$25,660,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
services 78%; industry 15%; agriculture 7%
Industries
petroleum, fishing, petrochemicals, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, pearling
Agriculture Products
dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs, dairy products; fish
Export Commodities
crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, dates
Export Partners
Japan 27.3%, South Korea 9.9%, Iran 4.3%
Import Commodities
machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food
Import Partners
Japan 8.7%, China 8.2%, US 7.7%, UK 7.4%, Germany 7.1%, India 6.7%, France 6.6%, South Korea 5.3%, Italy 5.1%

Energy

Oil Production
2,396,000 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
310,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
97,800,000,000 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
44,790,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
37,880,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
7,190,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
6,006,000,000,000 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of mobile-cellular telephones; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubai domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber optic and coaxial cable international: country code - 971; linked to the international submarine cable FLAG (Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe); landing point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia
Internet Country Code
.ae

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

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Climate Overview

Rainfall is low; but humidity is uncomfortably high. May to October is extremely hot, with shade temperatures of 29°C (85°F) to 50°C (122°F) and frequent 100% humidity. During the cool season (December-February) the weather is damp and seems colder than the 10°C (50°F) the thermometer sometimes indicates. During the rest of the year, the climate is pleasant, except for occasional sandstorms and hot, dry winds, which blow off the Empty Quarter of Arabia.

Videos

2 curated YouTube videos.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of United Arab Emirates?
The population of United Arab Emirates is approximately 9.8M.
How do people greet each other in the United Arab Emirates?
Greetings are elaborate and extended, with numerous references to Allah. Common expressions include Al-hamdu-lilah (all praise is due to Allah) Subhan-Allah (glory be to Allah) is also used
What are dining customs like in the United Arab Emirates?
Guests may be invited to share the traditional mansaf of whole lamb and spiced rice, laid out on trays from which people help themselves. Do: Help yourself from the shared trays Enjoy the mezze appetizers served before the meal, such as hummus and tabbouleh Arabic coffee, known as ghawah, is served after the meal Meals are eaten in reception rooms called majlis, reserved for special occasions or important guests Vine leaves stuffed with rice are widely enjoyed Spices are sold in paper cones called dukkahs in the spice streets (atarinehs)
What etiquette should I know when visiting a home in the United Arab Emirates?
Hospitality is central to Emirati culture, and homes welcome guests with fragrant incense. Do: Take off your shoes before entering a private home Incense is burned to welcome guests, filling the air with a sweet fragrance Rosewater may be sprinkled on guests' head and hands as they leave In traditional society, men and women do not socialize or eat together, though modern families may not observe this
How do people dress in the United Arab Emirates?
Men wear an ankle-length robe called a dishdasha or khandura, while women wear a black abaya and headscarf (shayla). Men's dishdashas are worn with a white or red checkered head cloth (gutra), held by a black coil (agla), over a skull cap (gafir) Some women wear a thin black face veil, and some older women wear a fabric mask called a burkha
What is family life like in the United Arab Emirates?
Family life is kept extremely private, forming a tight unit where children respect parents and gender roles are clearly defined. Traditionally a man asks his prospective bride's father for permission to marry and agrees on a bride-price (mahr) A marriage contract is drawn up by a lawyer or religious leader, but the couple lives together only after the wedding ceremony Weddings are colorful, with lights, multi-day feasts, and sometimes public entertainment like camel races and dances
What do people do for recreation in the United Arab Emirates?
Traditional pastimes include camel racing, horse racing, and falconry, while soccer is the most popular sport. Other sports include cricket, rugby, bowling, tennis, and squash Traditional children's games include Al Meryeihana (skipping), Hawari (toy palm-leaf ships), and Al Ghomaid (like blind man's bluff)
What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and serves as the seat of the federation's government. It is the largest of the seven emirates by area and functions as the country's political and administrative center. Abu Dhabi also holds the majority of the UAE's oil reserves, making it the economic powerhouse behind the federation. The city has grown from a modest coastal settlement into a modern metropolis of global significance over the past half century.
Where is the United Arab Emirates located?
The United Arab Emirates is situated on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. It occupies a strategic position along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf and a short stretch of the Gulf of Oman, placing it at a crossroads between Asia, Africa, and Europe. This coastal geography historically made the region a hub for maritime trade and pearl fishing, with Gulf fisheries harvesting pearls for more than 5,000 years.
What countries border the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates shares land borders with two countries: Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman to the east and northeast. To the north, the UAE faces the Persian Gulf, while a small eastern enclave of the country touches the Gulf of Oman. These borders were formally defined following the federation's establishment in 1971, when six Trucial States united, with a seventh, Ra's al Khaymah, joining in 1972.
What is the predominant religion in the United Arab Emirates?
Islam is the official and overwhelmingly dominant religion of the United Arab Emirates, practiced by approximately 96 percent of the population. The country follows a moderate interpretation of Islamic tradition, a stance that has shaped its role as a diplomatic and economic bridge between the Gulf states and the wider world. The remaining population includes Christians, Hindus, and followers of other faiths, largely drawn from the UAE's substantial expatriate workforce.
What currency is used in the United Arab Emirates?
The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham, with the ISO code AED. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, providing monetary stability that has supported the country's growth into a global financial and trade hub. This stable currency environment, combined with revenues from oil exports, has helped give the UAE a per capita GDP comparable to those of leading Western European nations.
What languages are spoken in the United Arab Emirates?
Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates and is used in government, media, and formal settings. However, the country's diverse expatriate population means that English, Hindi, Urdu, and Persian are all widely spoken in daily life and commerce. English in particular functions as the primary language of business and is commonly understood across the major cities. This multilingual environment reflects the UAE's role as a major destination for international migration and trade.
What is the United Arab Emirates known for?
The United Arab Emirates is known for its oil wealth, its record-breaking architecture — including Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building — and its transformation from a collection of modest Trucial sheikhdoms into a global hub for finance, aviation, and tourism within a single generation. The country is also recognized for its deep-rooted Bedouin hospitality traditions, its historic role in camel domestication (with evidence dating back more than 4,000 years found at Umm an-Nar), and a cultural life that blends Arab heritage with striking cosmopolitan modernity.
What is the government structure of the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven monarchies, each ruled by a hereditary emir. The seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm al-Quwain, and Ra's al Khaymah — each retain a degree of internal autonomy while sharing a common foreign policy, military, and currency. The president of the federation is traditionally the ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the prime minister is traditionally the ruler of Dubai, reflecting the relative power and wealth of those two emirates.

Last reviewed 2026

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