United Arab Emirates
A federation of desert emirates turned global hub
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven desert emirates along the southern Persian Gulf, transformed within half a century from a string of pearling and fishing settlements into one of the world's most futuristic and globally connected societies. Dubai's record-breaking skyline and Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth symbolize a leap powered first by oil and now by trade, aviation, finance, and tourism. A vast majority of its residents are foreign nationals drawn from across the world.
The country is overwhelmingly flat desert, from the gravel plains and coastal sabkha of the Gulf to the towering dunes of the Liwa oasis on the edge of the Empty Quarter, with the Hajar Mountains rising in the east near Jabal Jais, its highest point. The climate is hot and arid, with desalination meeting most water needs. Abu Dhabi holds the bulk of the oil reserves, while Dubai has built a diversified economy around trade, logistics, real estate, and aviation.
The Trucial States, long under British protection, united as the UAE in 1971 under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi. Oil wealth funded rapid modernization, free zones, and global ambitions, from the Burj Khalifa to a Mars probe and nuclear power. Governed by hereditary rulers of the seven emirates, the federation projects economic and diplomatic influence well beyond its size. Abu Dhabi is the capital, while Dubai is the commercial showcase.