The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates located on the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman along the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. It is known for its dramatic skylines, luxury tourism, and vast oil wealth that transformed it from a modest pearl-diving region into a modern economic powerhouse. The country blends ancient Bedouin traditions with a remarkably cosmopolitan, fast-paced urban culture.
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- Western Asia
- Area
- 83,600 km²
- Coordinates
- 24° N, 54° E
Country facts
- The UAE was founded on 2 December 1971, when six emirates united, with a seventh joining in 1972.
- Arabic is the official language, though English is widely spoken due to the large expatriate population.
- Pearl diving was the backbone of the UAE's economy before the discovery of oil in the 20th century.
- The Arabian oryx, a graceful antelope once extinct in the wild, was successfully reintroduced and is a national symbol.
- The UAE follows an Islamic lunar calendar for religious observances, and Friday and Saturday form the traditional weekend.
Capital facts
- Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates by land area and serves as the political capital of the UAE.
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, completed in 2007, is one of the world's largest mosques and a major landmark of the city.
- Abu Dhabi is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an encyclopedic art museum that opened in 2017 under an agreement with France.
- The city sits on a T-shaped island connected to the mainland by several bridges, giving it a distinctive coastal layout.
- Yas Island in Abu Dhabi hosts a Formula One Grand Prix circuit, making the city a notable destination on the motorsport calendar.