United Arab Emirates

Destination overview

About this destination

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula. Abu Dhabi is its capital. The country has coasts on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Desert landscapes contrast with the Hajar Mountains in the east. Arabic is the official language. Maritime trade, pearl diving and oasis agriculture formed important parts of its earlier economy.

Oil and gas development later transformed its cities and infrastructure. Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah each offer different urban perspectives, while forts, markets and inland settlements preserve traces of life before large-scale modern development.