The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. It is known for its rapid development, modern infrastructure, and status as a global trade and tourism hub.

Here’s a detailed overview:

Area: Approximately 71,024 square kilometers (27,422 sq mi).

Population: As of June 2025, the population is estimated at 11.35 million. The majority of the population (around 88.50%) are expatriates, with Emiratis making up about 11.50%. The urban population accounts for about 88.10% of the total.

Language:

• Official Language: Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic is the official dialect, with most native Emiratis speaking a dialect of Gulf Arabic).
• Other Widely Spoken Languages: English, Urdu, Malayalam, Hindi, Bengali, Farsi, Mandarin, Nepali, Russian, Sinhalese, and Tagalog. English is very widely used, especially in business and tourism.

Currency:

• The official currency is the Emirati Dirham (AED).
• In March 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE introduced a new symbol for the Dirham, inspired by the English name “dirham” and featuring two horizontal lines symbolizing stability and echoing elements of the UAE flag.

Religion:

• Islam is the official religion of the UAE.
• The country promotes tolerance and allows other religions to practice freely, with various places of worship available for non-Muslim communities.

Capital:

• Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. It is also the largest and wealthiest of the seven emirates.

Major Cities:

• Dubai: The most populous city, known for its iconic skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
• Abu Dhabi: The capital, a major financial, industrial, and cultural hub.
• Sharjah: Known as the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World” by UNESCO, with a focus on arts and heritage.
• Al Ain: Located in the Eastern region of Abu Dhabi, known for its oases and historical sites.
• Ajman: The smallest emirate, featuring white sandy beaches.
• Ras Al Khaimah: The northernmost emirate, offering mountains, deserts, and historical sites.
• Fujairah: Located on the east coast, known for its beaches and the Hajar Mountains.
• Umm Al Quwain: The second smallest emirate, with a focus on traditional Emirati life.

Attractions & Wonders:
The UAE boasts numerous world-renowned attractions:

• Burj Khalifa (Dubai): The tallest building in the world, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
• The Dubai Mall (Dubai): One of the world’s largest shopping malls, featuring the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and the Dubai Ice-Rink.
• Palm Jumeirah (Dubai): An iconic artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree.
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi): A magnificent architectural masterpiece, one of the largest mosques in the world, with stunning white marble and intricate designs.
• Yas Island (Abu Dhabi): A leisure and entertainment hub home to Ferrari World (featuring the world’s fastest roller coaster), Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi): A renowned art and civilization museum with a unique domed architecture.
• Museum of the Future (Dubai): A landmark showcasing innovative technologies and ideas for the future.
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (Dubai): An iconic sail-shaped luxury hotel.
• Global Village (Dubai): A multicultural festival park offering shopping, entertainment, and dining from around the world.
• Dubai Fountain (Dubai): The world’s largest choreographed fountain system.
• Jebel Jais (Ras Al Khaimah): The UAE’s highest mountain, offering stunning views and the world’s longest zipline.
• Hatta (Dubai): A mountain exclave known for outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and its heritage village.
• Fujairah Fort: One of the oldest forts in the UAE, dating back to 1670.

Architecture:
The UAE’s architecture is a fascinating blend of traditional Islamic and Bedouin influences with ultra-modern, futuristic designs.

• Traditional Architecture: Historically, buildings utilized locally available materials like palm fronds (arish), mud bricks, coral, and stone. Wind towers (Barjeels) were a common feature for natural cooling.
• Modern Architecture: The UAE is a showcase for groundbreaking contemporary architecture, characterized by towering skyscrapers, innovative designs, and luxurious structures. Iconic examples include the Burj Khalifa, the sail-like Burj Al Arab, and the geometrically complex Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Roads:
The UAE has an extensive and well-maintained road network connecting its cities and emirates. Highways are multi-laned and designed for high speeds, making inter-emirate travel efficient.

Hotels:
The UAE is renowned for its luxurious and diverse hotel landscape, ranging from opulent five-star resorts to boutique hotels and budget-friendly options. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, are known for their high concentration of world-class hotels, including iconic properties like the Burj Al Arab, Emirates Palace, and numerous international hotel chains.

Restaurants & Cuisine:
The culinary scene in the UAE is incredibly diverse, reflecting its multicultural population.

• Emirati Cuisine: Traditional Emirati food emphasizes rice, meat (lamb, mutton, occasionally camel), fish, dates, and aromatic spices like saffron, cardamom, and turmeric.
  • Popular Dishes:
    • Machboos: A fragrant rice dish with meat or fish, similar to biryani.
    • Harees: A hearty dish made with wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a porridge-like consistency.
    • Thareed: A stew with meat and vegetables served with bread.
    • Balaleet: A sweet and savory vermicelli dish, often served for breakfast.
    • Luqaimat: Sweet, deep-fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup.
    • Khameer: Traditional Emirati flatbread, often served with cheese or honey.
  • Beverages: Arabic coffee (Gahwa) served with dates is a customary welcome. Camel milk, various teas, and fresh juices are also popular. Alcohol is generally available in licensed hotel restaurants and bars.
• International Cuisine: Due to its large expatriate population and status as a global hub, the UAE offers an unparalleled variety of international cuisines, from fine dining establishments by celebrity chefs to casual eateries, food trucks, and a vibrant street food scene.

Annual Travel:
The UAE is a year-round travel destination, though the cooler months (October to April) are generally preferred for outdoor activities due to lower temperatures. Major events, festivals, and conferences throughout the year also attract a significant number of tourists and business travelers.