UAE Information
The UAE is a constitutional federation of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi city serving as its capital. It is recognized as a politically and economically stable country, holding the 25th position globally in Global Competitiveness Report 2019 by World Economic Forum. The UAE’s diplomatic policies have earned it the top rank in the Passport Index. In addition, it stands out as one of the 10 largest donor states in official development aid (ODA). Known for its tolerance, the UAE hosts more than 200 nationalities engaged in business, living, learning and touring the UAE. Residents enjoy freedom of civil rights and the practice of religion. Learn more facts about the UAE.
Capital
Abu Dhabi city is the capital of the UAE Federation.
Presidents
The late H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, known as the Father of the Nation, was the first President of the UAE from its formation on December 2, 1971 until his passing in 2004. H. H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the current President of the UAE, having assumed office in 2022. He also serves as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Political system
The UAE is a constitutional federation of seven emirates. The UAE Constitution delineates the roles and responsibilities of five federal authorities. They are:
1.The Supreme Council
2.The President and the Vice-President
3.The Cabinet
4.The Federal National Council
5.The Federal Judiciary
Foreign policy
The UAE adopts a moderate foreign policy aimed at cultivating balanced relationships with the international community. It upholds the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and advocates for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. The country actively supports international institutions such as the United Nations, and plays a leading role in the global campaign against human trafficking, terrorism and promoting human rights.
Foreign aid
The UAE provides support for developmental, humanitarian and charitable programmes in a number of developing countries. In 2018, its assistance amounted to AED 28.62 billion (USD 7.79 billion). Since 2012, the UAE has consistently exceeded the United Nations’s target of allocating at least 0.7 per cent of its Gross National Income (GNI) for official development assistance (ODA). Specifically in 2018, the UAE contributed 0.93 per cent of its GNI towards ODA efforts.
Read the UAE’s annual foreign aid reports.
Official language
The official language of the UAE is Arabic. Positioned as a global commercial hub and top tourist destination, English is widely spoken. All road and traffic signs, as well as signs on commercial outlets, are displayed in both Arabic and English.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE; however, the practice of other religions is allowed. Besides mosques, the UAE is home to several churches and temples where worshipers can practice their religions in an atmosphere of safety, security and mutual respect.
Location
The UAE is located in the southeastern region of the Asian continent, in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It overlooks the Arabian Gulf to the north and northwest, borders the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west and south, and the Sultanate of Oman to the southeast.
Area
The UAE territory is approximately 71,023.6sq km of land, including some islands in the Arab Gulf, in addition to 27,624.9sq km of territorial water. Abu Dhabi accounts for 84 per cent of the country's total landmass.
Geographic coordinates
The UAE is situated at: Longitude: 51° 35’ - 57°10’ east Latitude: 22°35’ - 26°25’ north Time The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT.
Climate
The UAE has a desert climate. It is warm and sunny in the winter, and hot and humid in the summer.
Monetary Unit/Currency
The Emirati Dirham (AED) is the official currency of the UAE. Unofficial abbreviations include Dh and Dhs.The dirham is divided into 100 fils. Coins are in the following denominations: AED 1, 50 fils and 25 fils.
Banknotes come in denominations of AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000.
Exchange rate Since February 2002, the Emirati Dirham (AED) has been pegged to the US dollar (USD) at a rate of 1 USD = AED 3.6725.
Flag
The flag comprises three equal horizontal stripes: green at the top, white in the middle, and black at the bottom. There is also a wider vertical red ribbon in the direction of the flagpole. Green represents hope, joy, optimism and love. It can also symbolise the country's prosperity. White represents peace and honesty. It is the purest colour, often interpreted to symbolize cleanliness. Black stands for the defeat of enemies and strength of mind. Red represents hardiness, bravery, strength and courage. The vertical red band can also be interpreted as binding all the other meanings together in unity.
Coat of Arms The UAE's new coat of arms displays the UAE flag surrounded by seven stars, representing the seven emirates. A falcon is shown holding a parchment in its talons which reads 'United Arab Emirates' in Arabic.
UAE Nation Brand
In 2020, the UAE adopted the ‘7 Lines’ design as its logo for the next 50 years. The logo represents the seven emirates and the seven founding fathers, complements by the slogan ‘Make it Happen’. It is intended to represent the UAE in all its initiatives and events, conveying the nation’s story to the world.
National Anthem
The UAE's national anthem, Ishy Bilady, was originally conceived as an instrumental piece in 1971. In 1986, Dr. Aref Al Sheikh was tasked to writing the lyrics, which were subsequently approved by the Cabinet.
Diplomatic missions in the world
Diplomatic and Consular Corps abroad
The UAE's Embassies Foreign Representation in the UAE Nearly 100 foreign embassies are located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, and Dubai is home to almost 80 consulates. Consulates, found in major cities outside a country’s capital, handle minor diplomatic matters such as issuing visas. Embassies and consulates are typically open from Sunday to Thursday (the UAE work week) and are closed on Fridays, all UAE public holidays, and the public holidays of the embassy's home country. Opening times vary depending on the embassy and the purpose of the visit. It is advisable to arrive early or book an appointment, as most operate a queuing system, especially for visa applications.
Diplomatic and Consular Corps in the UAE
Nationality
All UAE citizens across the seven emirates carry the unified nationality of the UAE, which is recognised internationally. The demonym for these citizens is Emirati. Since December 2018, the UAE passport has held the first position globally according to Arton Capital's Passport Index. As of January 1, 2020, UAE passport holders can travel easily to 179 countries around the world; 118 destinations offer visa-free travel, and 61 offer eVisa or visa-on-arrival options.
Population
According to Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the UAE's total population (including both nationals and expatriate residents) was 9,304,277 in 2017, as compared to 9,121,167 in 2016. Males significantly outnumber females.
There were 6,415,942 males in 2017, compared to 6,298,294 in 2016. There were 2,888,335 females in 2017, compared to 2,822,873 in 2016.
The UAE hosts more than 200 nationalities living and working within its borders, with expatriates outnumbering the UAE nationals. Indians form the largest foreign community, followed by Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, other Asians, Europeans and Africans. UAE Nationals as of 2010 (estimate) Total UAE Nationals: 947,997
Males: 479,109 Females: 468,888
Non-Nationals in the UAE as of 2010 (estimate) Total : 7,316,073 Males : 5,682,711 Females : 1,633,362
Literacy Rate The literacy rate in the UAE is close to 95 per cent.
Births
According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the figures for births in 2017 were as follows: Total births: 97,738 Males: 50,121 Females: 47,612
Deaths According to Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the figures for deaths in 2017 were as follows: Total deaths: 8,826 Males: 6,168 Females: 2,654
Life Expectancy According to the Human Development Report (PDF, 300 KB), issued by the UNDP in 2019, life expectancy in the UAE is 77.8 years.
Coastline
Prior to the construction of 'Dubai Palms' and other projects, the coastline of the UAE was approximately 1,318 kilometers. Land reclamation projects are extending this figure. Elevation Extremes
The country's lowest point is at sea level, and its highest point is Jebel Jais at 1,934 meters. GDP
According to Annual Economic Report 2019 (PDF, 18.5 MB), the GDP at constant prices was AED 1,442.5 billion, while GDP at current prices was AED 1,521.1 billion in 2018. Imports and Exports The non-oil foreign trade (direct trade and free zones) amounted to 1.536 trillion dirhams during 2018. The breakdown is as follows: Imports: 898.5 billion dirhams. Non-oil exports: 206 billion dirhams Re-exports: 431.55 billion dirhams. Source: Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year in the UAE runs from January 1 to December 31.
Federal Budget
The UAE Cabinet approved a zero-deficit federal budget of AED 61.354 billion for the year 2020. This is the largest budget allocated since the establishment of the UAE. The budget is distributed amongst various sectors related to Emirati citizens and their services. With 31% allocated to social development, 14% to infrastructure and economic resources, 6.5% to social benefits, and 32.6% to government affairs.
Inflation Rate
The UAE's inflation rate was 3.1 per cent in 2018.
Consumer Price Index
As of November 2019, the UAE's consumer price index reached 108.48.
Taxes
The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. However, oil companies and branches of foreign banks are liable to pay taxes. In addition, the UAE levies a 5 per cent Value Added Tax on the consumption or use of goods and services.
Natural Resources and Energy
Oil and Gas
The UAE holds 6.7% of the world's proven oil reserves, estimated at 97.8 billion barrels, and 3.5% of proven gas reserves, equal to 6091 billion cubic meters.
Source: Annual Statistical Report 2018- OAPEC The UAE is ranked as the 6th largest proved reserves of both oil and natural gas globally. Source: WAM (Arabic)
Electricity
The domestic supply in the UAE operates at 220 volts. The standard sockets accommodate three-pin 13 AMPs plugs designed to British standard. Appliances typically come with two-pin plugs attached.
In 2017, the total installed capacity of electricity in the UAE reached 30,371 megawatts (MW), predominantly utilizing natural gas as a source.
Source: Ministry of Energy and Industry
Water
The installed capacity for desalinated and groundwater reached 1,658 million imperial gallons per day, while the production of desalinated water was 435,387 million imperial gallons per year as of 2017. Source: Ministry of Energy and Industry Tap water produced by desalination is safe to drink; however, bottled water is preferred by most residents and tourists, generally priced reasonably.
Solar Energy In 2017, the installed capacity of renewable energy plants in the UAE amounted to 325 MW.
Nuclear Energy
The UAE adopted a nuclear programme for electricity production, with four reactors under construction at the nuclear power plant in Baraka, located in the Western Region of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Upon completion of this programme, a production capacity of up to 5,600MW will be added to the national grid by 2020.
Working Days Government and semi-government offices operate from Sunday to Thursday. Some private companies are closed only on Fridays, while others are closed on both Fridays and Saturdays.
Public Holidays
UAE National Day
It falls on 2 December and marks the UAE's formal nationalisation and the start of the federal unification of the emirates in 1971.
Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day falls on 1 December. It recognises the sacrifices and dedication of the nation’s citizens, who have given their lives in the UAE and abroad in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service.
Other public holidays include:
Gregorian New Year Eid Al Fitr Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha Hijri New Year The Prophet's Mohammed’s birthday
Telecommunications
The international dialing code for the UAE is +971
The dialing codes for different emirates/cities are as follows:
02 for the emirate of Abu Dhabi 03 for Al Ain city in the emirate of Abu Dhabi 04 for the emirate of Dubai 06 for the emirates of Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain 07 for the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah 09 for the emirate of Fujairah and city of Khor Fakkan. Telephones - Fixed Lines
According to Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, there were 2,328,781 fixed lines in the UAE, with an average of 26.2 lines per 100 inhabitants as of August 2019.
Mobile Cellular
As of August 2019, there were 18,999,237 active mobile subscriptions in the UAE, with an average of 213.8 mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.
Internet Domain
The top-level domain for the UAE is .ae.
Internet Subscribers
According to Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, there were 3,016,318 broadband internet subscribers in the UAE, with an average of 33.94
broadband internet subscriptions per 100 inhabitants as of August 2019.
TV and Radio
TV channels and radio stations are owned by government and private companies; both local and international. Content is offered mainly in Arabic and English. Other languages of broadcast include Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Tagalog and Farsi.
News Agency
Emirates News Agency (WAM) is the official news agency of the UAE Government. It publishes news in multiple languages.
Transportation
Major Airports in the UAE
Abu Dhabi International Airport (IATA code: AUH) Al Ain International Airport (IATA code: AAN) Dubai International Airport (IATA code: DXB) Al Maktoum Airport (IATA code: DWC) Sharjah International Airport (IATA code: SHJ) Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (IATA code: RKT) Fujairah International Airport (IATA code: FJR)
Roadways Motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Toll Roads
In the emirate of Dubai, a toll (salik) of AED 4 is charged when vehicles pass through the toll gates. In Abu Dhabi, a toll of AED 4 is levied on every vehicle passing through the toll gate during peak hours, from 7 to 9 am and from 5 to 7 pm, from Saturday to Thursday.
Major Highways
E11 – known as the longest road in the UAE, it stretches from Al Silah in the emirate of Abu Dhabi to the boundary of Ras Al Khaimah. It has various alternate names: Sheikh Maktoum Road in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh
Zayed Road in Dubai and Etihad Road in Ras Al Khaimah.
E311 - it is also known as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. It starts from the emirate of Abu Dhabi and ends in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. E611 - also known as Emirates Road, it starts from the boundary of Umm Al Quwain and ends in the emirate of Fujairah.
Bridges The UAE has a number of flyovers and bridges, including the Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Floating Bridge, Business Bay Crossing, Al Qouz Bridge, Al Khail Bridge, Al Shindagha Tunnel, Al Mamzar Beach Bridge and the Dragon Mart Bridge, among others.
Tram Dubai Tram is a transportation service in the emirate of Dubai that covers several key areas.
Taxis
Taxis operate throughout the UAE. The colour of the taxi varies depending on the emirate. The cabs in Dubai are usually cream-coloured and in Abu Dhabi they are silver with white roofs. In Sharjah, they are also silver with a yellow roof. In other emirates, taxis are a mixture of orange, green, yellow, blue and even pink. It is worth noting that "pink" taxis are driven by women and are available to transport female passengers only.
Public Buses
Every emirate has its own public bus network. In Dubai, buses are operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). In Abu Dhabi, the bus network is operated by the Department of Transport. The bus network is also developed in other emirates.
Source: NOL
Dubai Metro The Dubai Metro is a driverless, fully automated metro rail network in Dubai. The first line, which runs from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali, was inaugurated in September 2009. The second line, which runs from Al Ras to Jebel Ali, was inaugurated in September 2011. This metro system is the world's longest driverless network. Encompassing a total distance of 75km, it boasts 49 stations. The Red Line covers a distance of 52.1km and has 29 stations. The Green Line, which was opened in 2011, is 22.5km long and serves 20 stations.
Landmarks
The Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, stands as the tallest building in the world, soaring to height of 828 meters and comprising 163 floors. Other landmarks include the Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Dubai Mall.
Culture
The UAE's culture is rooted in Arabian traditions and Islamic values. The family is of paramount importance and plays a central role in the social structure. The UAE is home to a rich cultural heritage that has been influenced by various civilizations throughout history. The traditional arts, crafts, music, dance, and storytelling continue to be preserved and celebrated.
Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the official religion of the UAE. However, the country is very diverse, with a significant expatriate population, and you will find a blend of various cultures and languages in everyday life.
Dress Code
The UAE has a modest dress code, especially in public places. While there are no strict dress code regulations for tourists, it is respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, markets, and other public areas. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, and women should cover their shoulders and knees. In more traditional areas, such as Sharjah, women are encouraged to cover their hair with a scarf.
Traditional Clothing
The traditional clothing for Emirati men is the kandura, also known as a dishdasha or thobe, which is a long white robe. They typically wear a head covering called a ghutra or shemagh, held in place with a black cord known as an agal. Emirati women typically wear the abaya, a long black cloak-like garment worn over their regular clothing. Some women also choose to wear a face-covering called a niqab.
Cuisine
Emirati cuisine reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region and is influenced by Arabian, Persian, Indian, and African flavors. Traditional dishes often include rice, meat, and spices like saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon. Camel meat is considered a delicacy in the UAE. Popular dishes include Al Harees, Machboos, and Luqaimat. The UAE is also known for its delicious dates and Arabic coffee (gahwa). In addition to traditional Emirati cuisine, you'll find a wide variety of international cuisines, reflecting the diverse expatriate community in the country.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in the UAE, and the country has a strong football culture. Other popular sports include cricket, tennis, rugby, and golf. The UAE has also become a major destination for international sports events, hosting events such as the Dubai Tennis Championships, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the Dubai World Cup (horse racing). Additionally, the UAE has invested heavily in sporting infrastructure and facilities, including world-class stadiums, golf courses, and sports arenas.
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and a modern outlook. It offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, making it a fascinating destination for visitors and a dynamic home for residents. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient heritage sites, enjoying modern architectural marvels, shopping in luxury malls, or experiencing thrilling adventures in the desert, the UAE has something to offer for everyone.
While this guide provides an overview of various aspects of the UAE, there is much more to discover and experience in this captivating nation.
