United Arab Emirates in a Snapshot
Brief Background
- The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The federation was formally established on 2 December 1971.
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) occupies an area of 83,000 sq km along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar lies to the west, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman to the north and east. The capital and the largest city of the federation, Abu Dhabi, is located in the emirate of the same name.
- Four-fifths of the UAE is desert, yet it is a country of contrasting landscapes, from awe-inspiring dunes to rich oases, precipitous rocky mountains to fertile plains.
- The United Arab Emirates, one of the world's fastest growing tourist destinations, has all the right ingredients for an unforgettable holiday, sun, sand, sea, sports, unbeatable shopping, top-class hotels and restaurants, an intriguing traditional culture, and a safe and welcoming environment.
Cosmopolitan flavour
Dubai's social scene is a melting pot of cultures with east and west sitting happily side by side. The city has dozens of luxury hotels with signature restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. Internationally renowned celebrity chefs own restaurants in Dubai or pay regular visits to cook up a storm. Arabic food is widely available, but if you have a more Western palate then all of the major international fast food chains and restaurants have outlets in Dubai. The city has plenty of places to relax, no matter what your inclination - be it bars, coffee houses and shisha cafes.
Quick facts
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Population: 2,603,000
Location: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia
Time zone: GMT + 4
Climate: desert; cooler in eastern mountains.
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Population: 2,603,000
Location: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia
Time zone: GMT + 4
Climate: desert; cooler in eastern mountains.
Religions: Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%
Literacy: Age 15 and over can read and write - total population: 77.9%, male: 76.1%, female: 81.7%
Official Currency: Emirati dirham (AED)
Government: Federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates
Date joined UN: 14 December 1955
GDP: Real growth rate - 8.8%
GDP: Per capita (purchasing power parity) - $115.8 billion
GDP: Composition by sector - agriculture: 4%, industry: 58.5%, services: 37.5%