Asia · Western Asia

United Arab Emirates

Flag of United Arab Emirates
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+04:00
🏛️ Capital
Abu Dhabi
👥 Population
11,294,243
📐 Area
83,600 km²
💱 Currency
United Arab Emirates dirham (د.إ)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic
📞 Calling Code
+971
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+04:00
🌐 Region
Asia / Western Asia

About United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a destination that has reinvented itself with breathtaking speed and ambition. In the span of a single human lifetime, a federation of pearl-diving villages and desert trading posts has transformed into a global crossroads of commerce, luxury, and architectural spectacle. You can stand at the base of the Burj Khalifa — the world's tallest building — watch the sun set over perfectly sculpted dunes in the Empty Quarter, and wander the gold and spice souks of historic Deira all within a single intoxicating day in this improbable nation.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi dominate the international imagination, and rightly so — their combination of record-breaking infrastructure, world-class museums, and relentlessly innovative hospitality is genuinely extraordinary. But the UAE holds more than its headline cities. The emirate of Sharjah cherishes its artistic and heritage credentials with a seriousness that surprises many visitors. Ras Al Khaimah offers dramatic Hajar Mountain scenery and a slower pace. Fujairah faces the Indian Ocean on the country's eastern coast, where wadis and ancient forts sit beside clear diving waters.

Underlying all of this modernity is a culture of genuine Emirati hospitality rooted in Bedouin tradition. Coffee scented with cardamom and dates offered to a guest, the intricate courtesy of traditional Arab social customs, the Ramadan evenings filled with lantern light and communal generosity — these are not museum pieces but living practices that give the UAE a cultural depth that its gleaming towers alone could never provide. Visiting the Emirates means engaging with a society navigating the fascinating tension between rapid change and deeply held tradition.

History & Background

The coastline and desert of what is now the UAE has been inhabited for at least 7,000 years, as evidenced by Neolithic sites and Bronze Age tombs at Hili in Al Ain, which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Falaj Irrigation System. The region sat at the crossroads of ancient trade routes linking Mesopotamia, India, and East Africa, and its sailors developed extraordinary maritime skills navigating the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. The arrival of Islam in the seventh century CE transformed the region profoundly, and Arab traders became central figures in the medieval world economy.

The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw the coastline — then known as the Pirate Coast by the British — become a focus of British imperial attention, culminating in a series of treaties with local rulers that made the region the Trucial States under British protection. Oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi in 1958 and Dubai in 1966, and the revenues transformed these modest fishing and trading communities with extraordinary speed. The seven Emirates formally federated as the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971 under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, whose vision of inclusive, diversified development shaped the nation that exists today.

Culture & People

Emirati culture is grounded in the values and customs of the Arabian Peninsula's Bedouin heritage, shaped further by centuries of seafaring, pearl fishing, and trade across the Indian Ocean world. Hospitality — diyafa — is considered a near-sacred obligation, and the ritual of offering Arabic coffee (qahwa) flavoured with cardamom and saffron alongside dates to any guest represents a living expression of this tradition. The majlis, a communal sitting room where men gather to discuss community affairs, remains a central institution of social and political life.

The arts are increasingly prominent in the UAE's cultural identity. Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island hosts the Louvre Abu Dhabi — a masterpiece of contemporary architecture housing an extraordinary global art collection — alongside the Zayed National Museum and the planned Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Falconry, a UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage, continues to be practised and celebrated with great passion. The traditional art of Al Sadu weaving, camel racing, and the performance of the Ayalah stick dance all remain vibrant threads in a culture that is proudly both ancient and forward-looking.

Food & Cuisine

Emirati cuisine is a rich tapestry woven from Bedouin desert cooking, Indian Ocean seafood traditions, and centuries of trade influences from the Indian subcontinent, Persia, and East Africa. Al harees — a slow-cooked porridge of wheat and meat simmered to a silky, warming consistency — is one of the most beloved traditional dishes, prepared especially during Ramadan and celebrations. Machboos, fragrant rice cooked with meat or fish in a blend of baharat spices including loomi (dried lime), represents the pinnacle of Emirati home cooking and is considered the national dish.

The UAE's cosmopolitan character means Dubai and Abu Dhabi host some of the world's most diverse restaurant scenes, with world-class Lebanese, Indian, Persian, and international fine dining available alongside authentic Emirati experiences. Street food culture centres on shawarma and falafel wraps, and the city's food courts and market restaurants offer everything from Filipino adobo to Pakistani nihari. For an authentic Emirati experience, seek out traditional restaurants in Abu Dhabi's tourist-facing heritage areas or ask a local to recommend family-style Al Fanar or similar restaurants that preserve the Emirati kitchen with genuine care.

Top Attractions

  • Burj Khalifa, Dubai — The world's tallest building at 828 metres offers observation decks with jaw-dropping views across the city, the desert, and the Gulf; best experienced at sunset and illuminated after dark.
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi — A stunning Jean Nouvel-designed museum on Saadiyat Island presenting a global narrative of art and civilisation beneath an extraordinary perforated dome that filters light like a constellation.
  • Desert Safari, Rub al Khali — Dune bashing, camel riding, and a starlit night in a Bedouin-style camp in the Empty Quarter — one of the world's great landscape experiences on the doorstep of the UAE's cities.
  • Dubai Creek and Gold Souk — The historic heart of old Dubai, where abra water taxis cross the creek between spice-scented alleyways and the glittering stalls of one of the world's great gold markets.
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi — One of the largest mosques in the world and a masterpiece of white marble and intricate Islamic artistry; open to respectful non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times.
  • Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah — Jagged peaks rising to over 1,900 metres offering dramatic hiking, zip-lining at Jebel Jais, and ancient villages clinging to cliffsides just an hour from the coast.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Dress modestly in public spaces, particularly in shopping malls, markets, and government buildings — shoulders and knees should be covered; swimwear is appropriate only at beaches and hotel pools.
  • Public displays of affection, including between married couples, are considered inappropriate and can attract legal attention; exercise discretion in all public settings.
  • During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited by law for both residents and tourists; keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.
  • The UAE dirham (AED) is pegged to the US dollar; major international cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for smaller establishments and souks.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing apps including Uber and Careem are widely available and reasonably priced; driving yourself is practical given the excellent road network and clear signage.
  • Alcohol is available in licensed hotels, restaurants, and designated retail outlets; it is not sold in Sharjah, which is a dry emirate.
  • Book popular desert safari experiences, Louvre Abu Dhabi visits, and high-demand restaurants in advance, especially during the November-March peak season.

Visa Overview

Citizens of approximately 60 countries, including all EU nations, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, receive a free visa on arrival in the UAE valid for 30 days with the option to extend. Other nationalities can apply for a tourist visa online through the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security website, or through Emirates or Etihad Airways before departure. Visa requirements and durations can change; always verify current rules for your nationality through official UAE government channels before booking travel.

Getting Around

Dubai International and Abu Dhabi International airports are among the world's busiest and best connected. Within Dubai, the Metro is clean, affordable, and efficient for major tourist routes including the airport link, though its coverage doesn't reach all areas. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available and inexpensive by international standards. Inter-emirate travel is most comfortably done by car or taxi, with journey times between Dubai and Abu Dhabi taking roughly 90 minutes. The UAE's road network is excellent, and driving a rental car is practical for those comfortable with busy highways.

Safety Notes

The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world for visitors, with very low rates of violent crime and a highly visible, efficient police presence. The main concerns for travellers are legal rather than physical — laws regarding public behaviour, photography of government buildings and military installations, drug possession, and online expression are considerably stricter than in Western countries. Penalties can be severe and ignorance of the law is not accepted as a defence. Stay well hydrated during summer and take heat warnings seriously, as temperatures can cause rapid heat exhaustion in those not acclimatised.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) د.إ
Updated: 2026-05-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 2.931485
AAVE 0.003061
ADA 1.085950
AFN 17.112327
AGIX 3.222612
AKT 0.343772
ALGO 2.321449
ALL 22.356226
AMD 100.170090
AMP 323.084718
ANG 0.490821
AOA 249.667909
APE 1.860028
APT 0.284441
AR 0.122059
ARB 2.406147
ARS 380.663776
ATOM 0.135264
ATS 3.223415
AUD 0.380558
AVAX 0.029078
AWG 0.487406
AXS 0.223570
AZM 2,314.499616
AZN 0.462900
BAKE 313.261163
BAM 0.458162
BAT 2.738009
BBD 0.544588
BCH 0.000729
BDT 33.472415
BEF 9.449812
BGN 0.458162
BHD 0.102383
BIF 810.819053
BMD 0.272294
BNB 0.000419
BND 0.348001
BOB 1.881369
BRL 1.362931
BSD 0.272294
BSV 0.018065
BSW 367.243702
BTC 0.000004
BTG 0.851843
BTN 26.325165
BTT 844,639.949227
BUSD 0.272411
BWP 3.693649
BYN 0.746089
BYR 7,460.886804
BZD 0.548249
CAD 0.374419
CAKE 0.185630
CDF 624.913055
CELO 3.326752
CFX 4.588075
CHF 0.214374
CHZ 5.928168
CLP 244.723586
CNH 1.851820
CNY 1.851907
COMP 0.011910
COP 1,010.720679
CRC 123.134692
CRO 3.929477
CRV 1.132739
CSPR 91.739649
CUC 0.272294
CUP 6.535195
CVE 25.831268
CVX 0.157606
CYP 0.137103
CZK 5.692220
DAI 0.272457
DASH 0.005405
DCR 0.015598
DEM 0.458162
DFI 301.275439
DJF 48.534090
DKK 1.750557
DOGE 2.603097
DOP 16.036738
DOT 0.217429
DYDX 1.781857
DZD 36.138202
EEK 3.665299
EGLD 0.068633
EGP 14.547401
ENJ 6.026884
EOS 3.340865
ERN 4.084411
ESP 38.976705
ETB 43.954388
ETC 0.029992
ETH 0.000127
EUR 0.234255
EURC 0.234080
FEI 0.273939
FIL 0.280774
FIM 1.392815
FJD 0.599369
FKP 0.202565
FLOW 7.538230
FLR 32.586369
FRAX 0.274260
FRF 1.536610
FTT 0.829771
GALA 79.567567
GBP 0.202565
GEL 0.726612
GGP 0.202565
GHC 31,443.217240
GHS 3.144322
GIP 0.202565
GMD 20.045824
GMX 0.040711
GNF 2,388.772173
GNO 0.002278
GRD 79.822295
GRT 10.777353
GT 0.038451
GTQ 2.076151
GUSD 0.272879
GYD 56.962005
HBAR 3.042481
HKD 2.132876
HNL 7.242960
HNT 0.327973
HOT 674.238245
HRK 1.764992
HT 1.888397
HTG 35.653688
HUF 84.247476
ICP 0.106430
IDR 4,807.505544
IEP 0.184491
ILS 0.791078
IMP 0.202565
IMX 1.573901
INJ 0.053598
INR 26.325165
IQD 356.749929
IRR 359,899.400052
ISK 33.592497
ITL 453.580382
JEP 0.202565
JMD 43.090482
JOD 0.193057
JPY 43.265487
KAS 7.789510
KAVA 4.613901
KCS 0.033964
KDA 32.929014
KES 35.261850
KGS 23.818333
KHR 1,092.235547
KLAY 5.324423
KMF 115.245766
KNC 1.894500
KPW 245.069669
KRW 407.534955
KSM 0.054330
KWD 0.084102
KYD 0.226444
KZT 128.596584
LAK 5,974.563457
LBP 24,307.912306
LDO 0.752250
LEO 0.027081
LINK 0.028184
LKR 93.830168
LRC 16.158527
LRD 49.843979
LSL 4.484691
LTC 0.005009
LTL 0.808835
LUF 9.449812
LUNA 4.253454
LUNC 3,547.967275
LVL 0.164634
LYD 1.733387
MAD 2.511840
MANA 3.044455
MBX 6.958786
MDL 4.733292
MGA 1,143.422705
MGF 5,717.113525
MINA 4.746697
MKD 14.440199
MKR 0.000159
MMK 571.746105
MNT 974.348504
MOP 2.196863
MRO 108.849421
MRU 10.884942
MTL 0.100566
MUR 12.907866
MVR 4.205681
MWK 472.172296
MXN 4.710456
MXV 0.534977
MYR 1.080847
MZM 17,390.760672
MZN 17.390761
NAD 4.484691
NEAR 0.162904
NEO 0.093522
NEXO 0.308138
NFT 963,808.080779
NGN 373.488773
NIO 10.021320
NLG 0.516229
NOK 2.523677
NPR 42.140008
NZD 0.463788
OKB 0.003353
OMR 0.104821
ONE 134.089866
OP 2.093770
ORDI 0.063531
PAB 0.272294
PAXG 0.000060
PEN 0.930815
PEPE 72,663.344510
PGK 1.187464
PHP 16.742776
PI 1.793135
PKR 75.877920
PLN 0.995031
POL 2.992339
PTE 46.963854
PYG 1,679.642176
QAR 0.991150
QNT 0.003689
QTUM 0.302301
ROL 12,270.661442
RON 1.227066
RPL 0.155676
RSD 27.506902
RUB 19.469325
RUNE 0.616687
RVN 49.390971
RWF 398.583101
SAND 3.751060
SAR 1.021103
SBD 2.188187
SCR 3.981681
SDD 16,343.028812
SDG 163.430288
SEK 2.542977
SGD 0.348001
SHIB 46,827.245193
SHP 0.202565
SIT 56.136801
SKK 7.057158
SLE 6.221897
SLL 6,221.897110
SNX 0.857308
SOL 0.003136
SOS 155.392912
SPL 0.045382
SRD 10.111785
SRG 10,111.784820
SSP 1,281.814997
STD 5,785.068694
STN 5.785069
STX 1.116745
SUI 0.252310
SVC 2.382573
SYP 30.101957
SZL 4.484691
THB 8.865799
THETA 1.344208
TJS 2.531148
TMM 4,777.216519
TMT 0.955443
TND 0.791299
TON 0.131953
TOP 0.655777
TRL 12,411,906.856740
TRX 0.759926
TRY 12.411907
TTD 1.846520
TUSD 0.272670
TVD 0.380558
TWD 8.601573
TWT 0.587817
TZS 711.598996
UAH 12.054694
UGX 1,027.135841
UNI 0.075371
USD 0.272294
USDC 0.272435
USDD 0.272452
USDP 0.272717
USDT 0.272615
UYU 10.981139
UZS 3,292.421112
VAL 453.580382
VEB 14,119,577,571.7955
VED 141.190798
VEF 14,119,079.845347
VES 141.190798
VET 40.784258
VND 7,179.939608
VUV 32.391307
WAVES 0.700580
WEMIX 0.972462
WOO 15.801598
WST 0.737321
XAF 153.661022
XAG 0.003583
XAU 0.000060
XAUT 0.000060
XBT 0.000004
XCD 0.737217
XCG 0.490821
XCH 0.075277
XDC 7.770620
XDR 0.199304
XEC 37,432.041412
XEM 405.291003
XLM 1.885325
XMR 0.000674
XOF 153.661022
XPD 0.000198
XPF 27.954024
XPT 0.000139
XRP 0.197779
XTZ 0.795486
YER 64.974196
ZAR 4.484691
ZEC 0.000416
ZIL 68.472368
ZMK 5,171.458122
ZMW 5.171458
ZWD 98.543227
ZWG 7.146287
ZWL 17,856.600249

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Cities in United Arab Emirates 300
Browse all cities and towns
Abadilah - عبادلة Ad Daqdaqah Ajman Al Badīyah Al Dafain Al Dhaid الذيد Al Ghail - الغيل Al Halah - الحلاة Al Hayilah Al Jeer الجير Al Manzafah Al Miherbani Al Qurayyah Al Qusais Al Subaygha Al Tayyibah Al Usayli - العسيلي al-Fujayrah Ar Rufaysah As Saman As Simsimānīyah Ash Shubah Birkat Ad Dassah Dadna Daftah - دفتا Deira Dhaya Dibba Al Fujairah دبا الفجيرة Dubai Ghub غوب Ghura الغورة Harat Al Awalah - حارة عوالي Himer Al ‘Alam Huwaylat Jebel Ali Kadrah Kalba كلباء Khannur Khatt خت Khawr Fakkan Khor Fakkan - خورفكان Khor Khwair خور خوير Khuzam Lulayyah - اللؤلؤية Mahafiz Maqawwarah Marbad Masafi مسافي Mirbah مربح Mu'taridah Nahwa النحوة Naseem Qimah Ra'alat Ad Darah Rafadah Riyamah - ربامة Rumayli رميلي Saham Sakamkam Sha'am - شعم Sha'biyyah Al 'Ijе̄lī Sha'biyyat Bahayis Sha'biyyat Al Khawālid Sha'biyyat Al Qor (new village) Sha'biyyat as Rashidiyyah Sha'biyyat Ash Shiweb Sha'biyyat Milе̄hah مليحة Sha'biyyat Qabr al Yahūdī Sha'biyyāt Wishāh Sharjah Sharm - شرم Sharmatah Shawīyah Suhе̄lah سهيلة Tawiyean - الطويين Thoban شوبان Wasideh Zahir al Ya'ad Zahir As Safwah آل نَهيان أبو الأبيض أبو حريبة أبو ظبي أبو قرين أبو مريخة أم الأشطان أم الزمول أم القيوين أم ليله البِحوث البديعة البطائح البطين الثيب الجدة الحِدَيريات الحِصِن الحَفَّار الحمرية الحَنْيُورَة الحيل الخَالِدية الختم الخزنة الخليج التجاري الخِيران الدَّانَةْ الرأس الأخضر الراحة الرَّحبة الرِّدِيم الروضة الرويس الريف الزَّاهية الزُّبَارَة الزبير الزراف السَّعادة السلامات السلع السَّلَمِيَّة السِّمَيح السُّوت السودة الشارقة الشَّامْخَة الشناين الشهامة الشَّوامخ الشُّوِيهَات الصَّدر الطف الغربي الطَّوِيلَة الظاهرة الظنة العايف العجبان العَدلَة العراد العزيزة العَشيش العقة العين الغمرة الغويفات الفَايَة الفجيرة الفرفار الفقع الفلاح القُرْم القوع الكَاسِر اللَّيان المحاضر الغربية المِحسِنة المدام المدينة الصناعية المرفأ المرير المُزُون المُشرِف المطار المِعْرَاض المَعْمُورَة المنامة المُنتَزه المَنهَل النَّهضة النوف الهدوانية الهَرميَّة الهير الوَثْبَة الوقن الوُهَيْدَة بدع المطاوعة بَرَاكَة بطين ليوا بلجعان بني ياس بو الذياب بو حصا بو كرية بو نِيَيدة بينونة جَرْن يَافُور جزيرة أرزنة جزيرة أم الحطب جزيرة أم قصار جَزيرَة أم يِفينَة جزيرة الأريام جزيرة البزم جزيرة الجبيل جَزِيرَة الرِّيم جزيرة الريم شرق جزيرة السعديات جزيرة الشليلة جزيرة العالية جَزيرَة الفْطَيسِي جزيرة اللولو جزيرة المارية جزيرة الياس العالي جزيرة بالرميد جزيرة بلغيلم جزيرة جنانة جزيرة ديينة جزيرة رمحان جزيرة زركوه جَزِيرَة صَلاَحَة جزيرة غشا جزيرة فاهد جزيرة قرنين جزيرة قفاي جزيرة مبرز جزيرة مروح جزيرة مكاسب جزيرة مهملية جزيرة مهيمات جزيرة نُوراي جزيرة ياس حبشان حتا حَدْبَة الزَّعْفَرَانَة حميم خَصبة الرِّيم خِضَيرة خليفة الصِّناعية دبا دبا الحصن دبي دلما دِهان ديرة رأس الخيمة رأس غُمِيس رَأس مْشَيْرِب ربدان رماح رملة سويحان رُوْضَة الرِّيْف ساس النَّخْل سَبْخَة مَطِّي سويحان شارع المدينة الصناعية 3 شريات شمال شيص صير بني ياس ضدنا طَرِيف ظَهارة الطِّيب عجمان عجَيِّج عصب غَدِير الطَّيْر غليلة غناضة غنتوت غياثي فلج المعلا قدفع قِرقِشان قرية قرية النحوة القديمة قريطيسه قِرَيْنْ العَيْشْ قَصر البَحر قفعة لهباب ليوا مَحْمِيَّة الصُّقُور مخيرز مَدينة أبوظبي الصناعية مدينة الرويس الصناعية مدينة الظنة مدينة خليفة مدينة زايد مدينة شخبوط مدينة محمد بن زايد مربح مركز دبي المالي العالمي مزيرع مزيرعة مَسَاكِن مْشَيْرِف مُصَفَح مصفوت مِلَيسَة مُوَيلح ميداق ميناء زايد ناهل نزوى نقا الذيب هيلي ود ويد يو الغدر يو النظرة

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of United Arab Emirates needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of United Arab Emirates?
The capital of United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi.
What currency does United Arab Emirates use?
United Arab Emirates uses the United Arab Emirates dirham (د.إ) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in United Arab Emirates?
The official language(s) of United Arab Emirates include Arabic.
What is the population of United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has a population of approximately 11,294,243 people.
What region is United Arab Emirates in?
United Arab Emirates is located in Asia, specifically in the Western Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for United Arab Emirates?
The international dialing code for United Arab Emirates is +971.
What time zones does United Arab Emirates observe?
United Arab Emirates observes the following time zone(s): UTC+04:00.
What is the current time in United Arab Emirates?
The local time in United Arab Emirates is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates covers a total area of 83,600 km².
How many states or provinces does United Arab Emirates have?
United Arab Emirates is divided into 16 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in United Arab Emirates in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for United Arab Emirates in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of United Arab Emirates?
Visa requirements for citizens of United Arab Emirates vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.