The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in the southeastern region of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west. To the north, it shares maritime borders with Qatar and Iran. The UAE also shares maritime borders with Bahrain, a small island nation located to the northwest.
Geography
Climate
The UAE has a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) during the summer months, while winters are relatively cooler, with temperatures averaging around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Rainfall is scarce, with most of it occurring between November and March.
Fauna
The desert landscape of the UAE is home to various species of wildlife adapted to arid conditions. Common animals include Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelle, sand gazelle, Arabian leopard (critically endangered), and Arabian tahr. The coastal areas support marine life such as dolphins, dugongs, and various species of fish.
Longest Rivers
The UAE does not have significant rivers. Most of the water bodies in the country are wadis (seasonal rivers) that flow during periods of rainfall but remain dry for much of the year.
Highest Mountains
The highest point in the UAE is Jebel Jais, located in the Hajar Mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. Jebel Jais has an elevation of approximately 1,934 meters (6,345 feet) above sea level.
History
Prehistory
The area now known as the UAE has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have inhabited the region since the Stone Age, with ancient civilizations engaged in trade, fishing, and pearl diving along the coast.
Ancient and Medieval Periods
Throughout antiquity, the UAE was part of various empires and trade routes, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Persians. In the medieval period, the region was ruled by various Arab dynasties, with Islam spreading to the area in the 7th century.
Modern Age
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the UAE was known as the Trucial States, a collection of sheikhdoms under British protection. In 1971, the Emirates gained independence from Britain and formed the United Arab Emirates, with Abu Dhabi as the capital.
Demographics
The population of the UAE is diverse, with a large expatriate community comprising various nationalities. Emiratis, the citizens of the UAE, make up a minority of the population, while the majority consists of expatriates from South Asia, other Arab countries, and Western nations.
Administrative Divisions
The United Arab Emirates is divided into seven emirates, each governed by its own ruler:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
- Fujairah
- Ras Al Khaimah
Each emirate is further divided into municipalities and administrative regions.
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Al Ain
- Ajman
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Umm Al Quwain
- Khor Fakkan
- Kalba
Education Systems
Education in the UAE is primarily overseen by the Ministry of Education. The government provides free education to Emirati citizens from kindergarten to university level. The UAE is home to several top universities, including the United Arab Emirates University, Khalifa University, and the American University of Sharjah.
Transportation
Airports
The UAE has several major airports, including:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
- Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
- Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT)
- Fujairah International Airport (FJR)
Railways
The UAE is developing a modern railway network known as the Etihad Rail, which will connect the emirates and facilitate freight and passenger transportation.
Highways
The UAE has an extensive network of highways, including Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Road, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, which connect major cities and towns across the country.
Ports
The major ports in the UAE include:
- Port of Jebel Ali (Dubai)
- Port of Khalifa (Abu Dhabi)
- Port of Rashid (Dubai)
- Port of Fujairah
- Port of Khalifa Bin Salman (Sharjah)
Country Facts
- Population: 9.9 million
- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Language: Arabic (official), English widely spoken
- Religion: Islam (predominantly Sunni)
- Race: Emirati (Arab), South Asian, other expatriate communities
- Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
- ISO Country Codes: AE, ARE
- International Calling Code: +971
- Top-Level Domain: .ae