· About UAE
The UAE in brief
The UAE: a constitutional federation of seven emirates
Though small in size (similar to the size of Scotland), the UAE has become an important player in regional and international affairs. In 1971, the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan unified the small, underdeveloped states into a federation—the only one in the Arab world. With his visionary leadership, oil wealth was used to develop the UAE into one of the world's most open and successful economies.
In 2004, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became the President and has since continued to strive towards an ambitious vision for the UAE.
Quick facts
Political system:
Constitutional federation
National Day:
2 December (The UAE was establised on 2 December, 1971)
Founder:
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
President:
H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Ruler of Abu Dhabi)
Vice President and Prime Minister:
H. H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Ruler of Dubai)
Other Rulers:
Sharjah: H. H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi
Ajman: H. H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi
Umm Al Quwain: H. H Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla
Ras Al Khaimah: H. H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi
Fujairah: H. H Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi
Area:
83,600 Sq. km. (Slightly bigger than Scotland); Abu Dhabi accounts for 87% of the country's total landmass.
Location:
Bordered to the North by the Arabian Gulf, to the East by the Gulf of Oman and Sultanate of Oman, to the South by Saudi Arabia and Sultanate of Oman and to the West by Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Geographic coordinates:
22. - 25.5 North and 51 - 56.5 East.
Climate:
Arid desert, cooler in the eastern mountains. (Winter: warm & sunny / Summer: hot and humid). The average annual rainfall in the coastal area is fewer than 120 mm (4.7 in), but in some mountainous areas annual rainfall often reaches 350 mm (13.8 in) where it is also generally cooler.
Elevation extremes:
Arabian Gulf 0m, Jabal Yibir 1,627 m
Natural resources:
Oil and gas; more than 90% of which are located in Abu Dhabi.
Population:
8.19 million, 16.5 % Nationals (est.2010. The National Bureau of Statistics, UAE)
Capital:
Abu Dhabi
Largest city by population density
Dubai
Monetary unit:
UAE Dirham 1AED = 100 Fills
Exchange rate:
1 USD = AED 3.67 (Pegged to the US Dollar)
Fiscal year:
1 January to 31 December
Weekend:
Friday and Saturday
Official language:
Arabic
Other languages:
English, Farsi, Hindi, Urdu
Religion:
Islam (Practice of other religious beliefs is allowed)
Literacy rate:
93%
Time:
GMT +4 (Daylight Saving Time +3)
International dialing code:
+971
Internet domain:
.ae
Flag:
Three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white (middle), and black (bottom) with a wider vertical red band on the hoist side.
Demonym:
The demonym for UAE nationals is Emirati.
National anthem:
The national anthem is ‘Aishi Biladee'.
*Content sourced from the official website of the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the official website of The Cultural Division of the Embassy of the UAE in Washington, DC.
Useful links:
· UAE fact file – UAE Interact
Read more about the UAE under:
- Culture
- Economy
- Electoral system
- Environment and energy
- Foreign policy
- Governance
- Government of future
- History
- Human rights
- Innovation
- Media
- Science and technology
- Sports
- The seven emirates
- Topography
View videos about the UAE on the YouTube channel of UAE Interact and WAM news agency.
Read more about the UAE on UAEPedia or download these E-Books
With year-round sunshine, intriguing deserts, beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and shopping malls, fascinating heritage attractions and a thriving business community, Dubai receives millions of leisure and business visitors each year from around the world. These visitors can benefit from a range of services and a local infrastructure that help make any trip to Dubai smooth and hassle-free.
Dubai has a warm, sunny climate that is ideal for tourism, with mild temperatures for most of the year and a low rainfall. Summer temperatures in July and August can reach highs of around 45ºC (113ºF) with high humidity, making this the least comfortable time of year to visit in terms of climate. However, Dubai is well geared up for high temperatures, and public transport, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions are all air conditioned.
List of Dubai Tourism Offices Abroad – Dubai Tourism
Dubai Visitors' Checklist - 21 Must-Do Activities – Dubai Explorer
Current Weather Report for Dubai – Dubai Meteorological Services
Dubai's Culture and Customs – Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Currency and Exchange Rates – UAE Interact
List of Dubai Banks– UAE Interact