Map data for
the United Arab Emirates

Situated in western Asia, at the eastern point of the Arabian Peninsula, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country made up of a federation of seven emirates, each one governed by an Emir. The emirates comprise: Abu Dhabi (the largest), Ajman, Dubai (the most populous), Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. The UAE shares land borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia and has coastline along the Persian Gulf. The capital is Abu Dhabi.
For centuries the harsh desert area now known as UAE was home to versatile nomadic tribes and became a dominant trading point in the Persian Gulf. From the 1500s colonial expansion by the British, Dutch and Portuguese, led to European interest in the area. In 1820, the British signed a truce with leaders in the area to protect their shipping routes from piracy and in turn, to protect the coastal interests of the states which became known as the Trucial States. In 1952, oil was discovered in the region and the seven states formed the Trucial Council, under UK administration. It became clear that this was not viable and the UAE gained independence from Britain in 1971. The first national elections took place in 2006 and UAE is now run as a federal constitutional monarchy, made up of the seven Emirates, or Sheikhdoms. Together the hereditary Sheikhs (or Emirs) form a Federal Supreme Council, with one of them taking the role of leader of the council and thus President of the UAE.
Until the discovery of oil, the main contributions to the economy were fishing and pearl fishing. The economy has changed dramatically since then and revenue from oil and gas has transformed the country. Shrewd economic leadership has led to significant diversification of the economy and huge undertakings in the construction industry. Oil and gas still account for just over a quarter of economic revenues, but the service sector, especially tourism, has boomed. Sophisticated general infrastructure and IT infrastructure has ensured that UAE has attracted numerous companies and is considered a business hub. Dubai airport is now the busiest airport in the world. The majority of the population comprises working foreign nationals, and over two-thirds of the population live in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Perceived as more liberal than its neighbours, UAE still has challenges to face in human rights arena, with particular regard to treatment of migrant workers.
Cultural influences in the UAE are Arabian with Persian, African and Indian accents. Architecture is notably Arabian in style. Music and poetry are important and the small but growing cinema scene is thriving. Investment has been made in creating UAE as an artistic hub. Museums have been developed and Abu Dhabi has established a culture district and has attracted the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Formula One, soccer and cricket are the most important sports, and Abu Dhabi hosts a Grand Prix.
On the world stage, UAE is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League and OPEC.