The United Arab Emirates, often abbreviated as UAE or shortened to The Emirates, is a federation situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia.
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain. The President of the United Arab Emirates is its head of state, and the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates is its head of government.
The capital is Abu Dhabi, which is also the country's center of political, industrial, and cultural activities. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the UAE's president from the nation's founding until his death on November 2, 2004.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The emirates comprise a mixed environment of rocky desert, coastal plains and wetlands, and waterless mountains. The UAE has deserts, oases, mountains, valleys, salt plains, mangroves, beaches, and a very rich terrestrial and marine flora and fauna.
The United Arab Emirates has a diverse and multicultural society and is relatively liberal. While Islam is the main religion, the UAE has been known for its tolerant practices, attracting over 200 nationalities representing various religious and cultural backgrounds.
Rooted in the Khaliji tradition, the UAE is renowned for its Bedouin folk music and vibrant cultural heritage.
This rich tapestry of culture and tradition is an integral part of the UAE’s identity. The UAE’s deep culture is reflected in its diverse art scene, culinary traditions, and festivals. Historically, the UAE’s pearl diving and fishing communities have strongly influenced its seafood cuisine.
Many emirates have established museums of regional repute, most famously Sharjah, with its Heritage District housing 17 museums. Sharjah was also designated the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998.
Football/Soccer is the national sport of the United Arab Emirates, while cricket enjoys widespread popularity due to the large expatriate community from the Indian subcontinent. Other traditional and popular sports include camel racing, falconry, endurance riding, and tennis.
Recognized as a global city, Dubai serves as a prominent business and tourism hub in the Middle East.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Makhtoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has been a major source of inspiration behind Dubai's remarkable development.
Over the past three decades, life in Dubai has seen incredible growth in terms of its economy, lifestyle, and infrastructure. While development began in the early 1990s, the city truly began taking its modern shape in the early 2000s.
Visitors to Dubai can enjoy a wide range of experiences. From stunning desert landscapes with undulating golden sands to vibrant downtown districts, world-class theme parks, water parks, and lush gardens, Dubai offers adventure, contrast, discovery, and delightful surprises at every turn.
As the premier location for tourism and leisure in the Middle East, Dubai also has fantastic nightlife encapsulating the world's tastes when it comes to restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The city also features some of the region's leading exhibition and conference venues.
• Sports and Leisure: Dubai offers world-class sports facilities including, golf, tennis, water sports, horse riding, dune driving, and sand skiing.