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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 3.798674
AAVE 0.003081
ADA 1.450547
AFN 17.312169
AGIX 3.490067
AKT 0.434142
ALGO 3.041793
ALL 22.320359
AMD 100.196110
AMP 610.468697
ANG 0.491039
AOA 250.073327
APE 1.942410
APT 0.435391
AR 0.136410
ARB 3.404328
ARS 406.416380
ATOM 0.172198
ATS 3.277320
AUD 0.393073
AVAX 0.039440
AWG 0.487406
AXS 0.269659
AZM 2,314.499341
AZN 0.462900
BAKE 362.384111
BAM 0.465824
BAT 3.091806
BBD 0.544588
BCH 0.001128
BDT 33.566643
BEF 9.607839
BGN 0.465824
BHD 0.102383
BIF 810.621328
BMD 0.272294
BNB 0.000466
BND 0.351942
BOB 1.886224
BRL 1.407239
BSD 0.272294
BSV 0.018443
BSW 813.559243
BTC 0.000004
BTCB 5.138210
BTG 0.943646
BTN 25.942775
BTT 1,026,707.177437
BUSD 0.272062
BWP 3.675080
BYN 0.790721
BYR 5,337.479479
BZD 0.548418
CAD 0.386924
CAKE 0.188033
CDF 628.248584
CELO 4.052966
CFX 6.086257
CHF 0.219044
CHZ 15.082722
CLP 250.837231
CNH 1.849251
CNY 1.848519
COMP 0.016247
COP 910.151231
CRC 124.080799
CRO 4.555531
CRV 1.273726
CSPR 140.204339
CUC 0.272320
CUP 7.216490
CVE 26.263240
CVX 0.226400
CYP 0.139396
CZK 5.760490
DAI 0.272423
DASH 0.007741
DCR 0.024530
DEM 0.465824
DFI 327.744577
DJF 48.493637
DKK 1.780316
DOGE 3.523554
DOP 16.137864
DOT 0.312142
DYDX 2.061842
DZD 36.213467
EEK 3.726593
EGLD 0.098519
EGP 13.375622
ENJ 9.408718
EOS 3.759307
ERN 4.084411
ESP 39.628506
ETB 43.554943
ETC 0.038339
ETH 0.000153
EUR 0.238172
EURC 0.238346
FEI 0.272391
FIL 0.344855
FIM 1.416107
FJD 0.611438
FKP 0.204078
FLOW 9.716370
FLR 39.173845
FRAX 0.275259
FRF 1.562307
FTT 1.143150
GALA 118.858172
GBP 0.204078
GEL 0.715193
GGP 0.204078
GHC 30,935.268187
GHS 3.093527
GIP 0.204078
GMD 20.080144
GMX 0.045949
GNF 2,387.348846
GNO 0.002590
GRD 81.157149
GRT 14.352014
GT 0.040165
GTQ 2.078434
GUSD 0.272654
GYD 56.995316
HBAR 3.606074
HKD 2.135613
HNL 7.289919
HNT 1.136269
HOT 754.565874
HRK 1.794508
HT 7.599867
HTG 35.641837
HUF 84.218393
ICP 0.123523
IDR 4,899.250369
IEP 0.187576
ILS 0.817880
IMP 0.204078
IMX 1.970812
INJ 0.055735
INR 25.942775
IQD 357.030328
IRR 374,699.228919
ISK 34.297153
ITL 461.165528
JEP 0.204078
JMD 43.137530
JOD 0.193057
JPY 44.070726
KAS 8.876640
KAVA 6.035042
KCS 0.037716
KDA 46.718141
KES 35.205128
KGS 23.815992
KHR 1,091.853331
KMF 117.173001
KNC 2.442779
KPW 245.088439
KRW 417.388652
KSM 0.077274
KWD 0.084493
KYD 0.226527
KZT 128.725129
LAK 6,156.309440
LBP 24,452.937387
LDO 1.008003
LEO 0.029092
LINK 0.034101
LKR 91.189963
LRC 22.161931
LRD 49.455131
LSL 4.425811
LTC 0.006032
LTL 0.822361
LUF 9.607839
LUNA 5.544699
LUNC 4,435.105972
LVL 0.167387
LYD 1.746594
MAD 2.549665
MANA 3.913237
MBX 10.826976
MDL 4.792682
MGA 1,155.487332
MGF 5,777.436659
MINA 5.743543
MKD 14.671818
MKR 0.000190
MMK 571.634203
MNT 975.939694
MOP 2.199682
MRO 108.746173
MRU 10.874617
MTL 0.102247
MUR 12.799640
MVR 4.209500
MWK 472.331193
MXN 4.759515
MXV 0.539685
MYR 1.110213
MZM 17,390.470830
MZN 17.390471
NAD 4.425811
NEAR 0.136661
NEO 0.137661
NEXO 0.353951
NFT 1,027,446.240952
NGN 373.118919
NIO 10.023381
NLG 0.524862
NOK 2.678401
NPR 41.527897
NZD 0.478598
OKB 0.003414
OMR 0.104800
ONE 217.849409
OP 2.532795
ORDI 0.083882
PAB 0.272294
PAXG 0.000066
PEN 0.927238
PEPE 99,830.751803
PGK 1.197900
PHP 16.749599
PI 2.407050
PKR 75.754864
PLN 1.022392
POL 3.702551
PTE 47.749223
PYG 1,656.263425
QAR 0.991150
QNT 0.004067
QTUM 0.383057
ROL 12,446.897741
RON 1.244690
RPL 0.134487
RSD 27.935678
RUB 20.982347
RUNE 0.658412
RVN 71.447440
RWF 399.147969
SAND 5.457515
SAR 1.021103
SBD 2.203420
SCR 3.891026
SDD 16,344.321725
SDG 163.443217
SEK 2.628409
SGD 0.351942
SHIB 62,192.005102
SHP 0.204078
SIT 57.075567
SKK 7.175173
SLE 6.219183
SLL 6,219.183209
SNX 1.189127
SOL 0.003375
SOS 155.491010
SPL 0.045382
SRD 10.250406
SRG 10,250.406460
SSP 1,293.175204
STD 5,878.517003
STN 5.878517
STX 1.592402
SUI 0.364471
SVC 2.382573
SYP 30.100143
SZL 4.425811
THB 9.051131
THETA 1.941002
TJS 2.523971
TMM 4,777.658710
TMT 0.955532
TND 0.802706
TOP 0.655768
TRL 12,747,568.869146
TRX 0.829146
TRY 12.747569
TTD 1.845061
TUSD 0.272864
TVD 0.393073
TWD 8.737982
TWT 0.792081
TZS 715.482360
UAH 12.134946
UGX 995.102933
UNI 0.086157
USD 0.272294
USDC 0.272378
USDD 0.272571
USDP 0.273118
USDT 0.272588
UYU 10.959582
UZS 3,258.760352
VAL 461.165528
VEB 17,547,679,528.9113
VED 175.461173
VEF 17,546,117.263256
VES 175.461173
VET 57.720431
VND 7,161.391619
VUV 32.727550
WAVES 1.024704
WEMIX 1.051747
WOO 22.996664
WST 0.753114
XAF 156.230668
XAG 0.004410
XAU 0.000065
XAUT 0.000066
XBT 0.000004
XCD 0.737066
XCG 0.491039
XCH 0.172777
XDC 9.690705
XDR 0.200841
XEC 51,261.060129
XEM 636.064614
XLM 1.363935
XMR 0.000841
XOF 156.230668
XPD 0.000214
XPF 28.421494
XPT 0.000166
XRP 0.237859
XTZ 1.094317
YER 64.531910
ZAR 4.425811
ZEC 0.000598
ZIL 88.269584
ZMK 4,996.408303
ZMW 4.996408
ZWD 98.543227
ZWG 7.303901
ZWL 18,250.435331

No currencies match your search.

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.