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United Arab Emirates

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The United Arab Emirates, often called the UAE, is a country located in West Asia.

Satellite image of United Arab Emirates in October
Satellite image of United Arab Emirates in October

It sits at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. The country shares land borders with Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the southwest.

Persian Gulf 1507-1750
Persian Gulf 1507-1750

It also sits near the water of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The nation is a federation made of seven different parts called emirates. Abu Dhabi is the national capital of the country. Dubai is the largest city and serves as a major hub for business and travel.

Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa

The UAE works as a federal monarchy through a group called the Federal Supreme Council. This council is made up of the seven ruling emirs. They work together to pick one member to be the federal president. The president then picks a prime minister to lead the cabinet.

Palacio Presidencial de los Emiratos, sede del Poder Ejecutivo Nacional.
Palacio Presidencial de los Emiratos, sede del Poder Ejecutivo Nacional.

While the state is an authoritarian one, it is often seen as more liberal than its neighbors. The country ranks very high in areas like housing, healthcare, and education.

UniversityCityHall
UniversityCityHall

However, human rights groups have reported concerns regarding personal freedoms and the treatment of critics.

UAE Folk Dance- Khaliji
UAE Folk Dance- Khaliji

History shows that people have lived in this region for a very long time.

Cántaro (26738115330)
Cántaro (26738115330)

Stone tools found by researchers suggest people lived there as far back as 130,000 years ago. Later, groups like the Magan civilization traded copper from the Hajar Mountains.

View from Jebel Jais - panoramio
View from Jebel Jais - panoramio

In the 1500s, the Portuguese arrived and set up bases in the area.

Forte de doba
Forte de doba

Later, the British helped create the Trucial States to protect the region. These states remained under British influence until the UAE gained full independence in 1971.

Flag-hoisting at the Union Declaration
Flag-hoisting at the Union Declaration

In the 20th century, the discovery of oil changed everything for the emirates.

ADNOC Refining Ruwais Site-187
ADNOC Refining Ruwais Site-187

Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the first president in 1971. He used the money from oil to build schools, hospitals, and roads.

Dubai Roads on 8 May 2008 Pict 2
Dubai Roads on 8 May 2008 Pict 2

The UAE now holds the seventh-largest oil reserves in the world.

Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building) and the Dubai skyline (25781049892)
Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building) and the Dubai skyline (25781049892)

It also has the seventh-largest natural gas reserves. Today, the economy is becoming more diverse by focusing on tourism and finance.

Dubai Marina Skyline
Dubai Marina Skyline

Today, the UAE is a very busy and diverse place to live.

Mid-20th century Dubai
Mid-20th century Dubai

In 2024, the population was estimated to be over 11 million people.

5018 Dubai Metro in Dubai UAE
5018 Dubai Metro in Dubai UAE

Most people living there are expatriates or migrant workers from places like South Asia.

Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa

Only about 11% of the people are native Emiratis. Arabic is the official language, but many people use English for business.

Dubai workers angsana burj
Dubai workers angsana burj

The country is a member of many global groups, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

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🖼️ Images & Media (35)
UAE national anthem.ogg
File:Cántaro (26738115330).jpg
Cántaro (26738115330).jpg
File:Forte de doba.jpg
Forte de doba.jpg
File:Persian Gulf 1507-1750.gif
Persian Gulf 1507-1750.gif
File:Ras Al Khaimah under attack, 1809 01.jpg
Ras Al Khaimah under attack, 1809 01.jpg
File:Dhayah Fort showing hilltop location.jpg
Dhayah Fort showing hilltop location.jpg
File:Mid-20th century Dubai.JPG
Mid-20th century Dubai.JPG
File:Flag-hoisting at the Union Declaration.jpg
Flag-hoisting at the Union Declaration.jpg
File:Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building) and the Dubai skyline (25781049892).jpg
Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building)...
File:President Joe Biden stands with leaders of the GCC countries, Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan.jpg
President Joe Biden stands with leaders...
File:Satellite image of United Arab Emirates in October.jpg
Satellite image of United Arab Emirates...
File:View from Jebel Jais - panoramio.jpg
View from Jebel Jais - panoramio.jpg

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