The United Arab Emirates, often abbreviated as UAE or shortened to The Emirates, is a federation situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia.
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain. The President of the United Arab Emirates is its head of state, and the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates is its head of government.
The capital is Abu Dhabi, which is also the country's center of political, industrial, and cultural activities. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the UAE's president from the nation's founding until his death on November 2, 2004.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The emirates comprise a mixed environment of rocky desert, coastal plains and wetlands, and waterless mountains. The UAE has deserts, oases, mountains, valleys, salt plains, mangroves, beaches and a very rich terrestrial and marine flora and fauna.
The United Arab Emirates has a diverse and multicultural society and is relatively liberal. While Islam is the main religion, the UAE has been known for its tolerant practices, hence the UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities from different religious and cultural backgrounds.
The United Arab Emirates is a part of the Khaliji tradition and is also known for Bedouin folk music.
This rich tapestry of culture and tradition is an integral part of the UAE’s identity. The UAE’s deep culture is reflected in its diverse art scene and cuisines. The UAE was known for its pearl diving and fishing communities, influencing the seafood aspect of its cuisine.
Many emirates have established museums of regional repute, most famously Sharjah with its Heritage District contains 17 museums, which in 1998 was the Cultural Capital of the Arab World.
Football/Soccer is the national sport of the United Arab Emirates. Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the UAE, largely because of the expatriate population from the Indian subcontinent. Other popular sports include camel racing, falconry, endurance riding, and tennis.
Dubai is the largest and the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. Known as the global city, Dubai is a popular business and tourism hub in the Middle East.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Makhtoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai is a major source of inspiration for the development of Dubai.
Over the past 30 years, life in Dubai has seen incredible growth in terms of its economy, lifestyle, and everything else. The development in Dubai started in the early 1990s, but things started taking shape from the early 2000s.
The visitors coming to Dubai can enjoy a whole range of different experiences. From the beautiful undulating desert sands to the bustling downtown areas, to Theme parks, Water parks, and gardens, Dubai offers elements of adventure, contrast, discovery, and surprise.
As the premier location for tourism and leisure in the Middle East, Dubai also has a fantastic nightlife encapsulating the world's tastes when it comes to restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. as well as having the leading exhibition venues in the region.
• Sports and Leisure: Dubai offers world-class sports facilities including golf, tennis, water sports, horse riding, dune driving, and sand skiing.