The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is situated in the Southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia. UAE also called the United Arab Emirates is a cumulation of seven emirates which are Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaima, Ajman, and Umm Al Quain.
Most people and tourist always incline their visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi as they are the most popular places to visit. However, the remaining other emirates also boast a lot of fun activities, unique sights, and truly amazing offerings.
Capital of United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, and it is the country’s largest and second-most populous city.
Moreover, Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates in the UAE.
Population
The current population of the United Arab Emirates is 10,170,075
The currency of the UAE Arab country
The United Arab Emirates dirham is the currency of the Emirates, which consists of 100 fils and its abbreviation “AED” and the symbol “Dhs” [1].
The climate in the United Arab Emirates
The (UAE) has a desert climate, characterized by pleasantly mild winters and very hot, sunny summers, with the humidity of the Persian Gulf that makes the heat unbearable.
What is the national language of the United Arab Emirates?
Its native residents speak the Arabic language with a local Emirati dialect similar to the dialects of other Gulf countries.
However, due to the huge number of tourists and ex-pats, you will find that the actual popular language is English as an international language for communication between different nationalities.
What is the main traditional food in the UAE?
The main traditional Emirati foods, porridge, harees, Shawarma, Balaleet, regag bread, yeast bread, traditional Arabic coffee, and various types of dates.
Tourism in UAE
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is located in Dubai, and it is one of the most famous landmarks in Dubai. It is the tallest man-made tower in the world. It is 828 m long.
Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque is located on Jumeirah Beach Road and was built in 1976 AD, and it is the only mosque in Dubai open to the public. It is made of white stone and carved in the Fatimid style.
Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is one of the most preferred tourist sites in Abu Dhabi, as this visit enables tourists to learn about the lifestyle and traditions of Bedouin culture.
Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is a beautiful man-made island that takes the form of a palm and includes many resorts and luxury hotels.
Built from reclaimed land in a series of artificial archipelagos, Palm Jumeirah is shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above.
Al Qasba
Al Qasba is located on both sides of the Al Qasba Water Canal, and it is a lively and active area that includes cafes, restaurants, and recreational activities
In addition to a picturesque park, where visitors can enjoy a tour of the water boats in the canal.
FAQs
The official language of the UAE is Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic is used in formal communication, while Gulf Arabic is spoken in everyday conversation. English is widely used across the country, especially in business, tourism, and education.
The official currency of the UAE is the UAE Dirham (AED), which is commonly abbreviated as “Dhs” or “DH.” The dirham is divided into 100 fils and is used across all seven emirates.
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates, each with its own ruler. These emirates are:
Abu Dhabi: The capital and largest emirate, known for its oil wealth and cultural landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Dubai: Renowned for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife, including landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
Sharjah: Known for its cultural heritage, museums, and traditional Islamic architecture.
Ajman: The smallest emirate, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Umm Al Quwain: A quieter emirate, popular for its natural landscapes and historical sites.
Ras Al Khaimah: Known for its mountainous terrain, adventure tourism, and historical sites like the Dhayah Fort.
Fujairah: Located on the eastern coast, known for its stunning beaches, mountains, and diving spots.
The UAE is relatively liberal, but modest dress is still encouraged, especially in public places. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and knees, while men should avoid wearing shorts in public. In more conservative areas, such as Sharjah, it’s recommended to dress more conservatively. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches and hotel pools, but it should be covered when moving through public areas.
The UAE is home to numerous world-famous attractions, including:
Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world, offering stunning views of Dubai from its observation decks.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: An architectural masterpiece in Abu Dhabi, known for its grandeur and intricate design.
The Dubai Mall: One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring an indoor aquarium, ice rink, and numerous entertainment options.
Palm Jumeirah: A man-made island in Dubai, known for its luxury hotels, resorts, and residential areas.
Louvre Abu Dhabi: A renowned art museum showcasing works from around the world.
Jebel Jais: The highest peak in the UAE, located in Ras Al Khaimah, offering breathtaking views and adventure activities like zip-lining.
The UAE has a desert climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F) from June to September, while winter temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) from November to March. The best time to visit the UAE is during the cooler months when the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities.
The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists, with a low crime rate and strict law enforcement. The country takes security seriously, and visitors are generally safe in all emirates. However, it’s important to respect local customs, laws, and cultural practices to avoid any legal issues.
The UAE’s National Day is celebrated on December 2nd each year, marking the unification of the seven emirates in 1971. It is a major public holiday, celebrated with parades, fireworks, cultural events, and patriotic displays across the country. The day reflects national pride and the achievements of the UAE since its formation.
The UAE’s economy is highly diversified, with significant contributions from sectors such as oil and gas, tourism, real estate, finance, and trade. While oil was the initial driver of the UAE’s economic growth, the country has successfully diversified its economy to reduce dependence on oil, particularly in Dubai, which has become a global hub for tourism, finance, and logistics.
Emirati cuisine is a blend of Arabian, Persian, and Indian influences, featuring dishes such as:
Machboos: A spiced rice dish with meat, fish, or chicken.
Harees: A slow-cooked dish made of wheat and meat, often served during Ramadan [2].
Luqaimat: Sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup, commonly enjoyed as a dessert.
Shawarma: A popular street food made of marinated meat, usually chicken or lamb, wrapped in flatbread.
Ghuzi: A whole roasted lamb served on a bed of rice, nuts, and raisins, often prepared for special occasions.
Read more about Arab Countries – Arab League – Famous Arab Cities – List of Arab Capitals
References
[1] Wikipedia: United Arab Emirates dirham
[2] موقع مطعم دليفري: طريقة الهريس