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: 2026-08-21
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 3.062611
AAVE 0.002751
ADA 1.329345
AFN 17.969877
AGIX 4.359558
AKT 0.519086
ALGO 3.104066
ALL 21.580682
AMD 99.286367
AMP 683.436205
ANG 0.491227
AOA 249.948550
APE 2.064722
APT 0.472905
AR 0.132078
ARB 2.983606
ARS 407.685936
ATOM 0.179944
ATS 3.205003
AUD 0.381948
AVAX 0.037562
AWG 0.487406
AXS 0.280279
AZM 2,314.499691
AZN 0.462900
BAKE 363.945953
BAM 0.455545
BAT 4.088589
BBD 0.544588
BCH 0.001208
BDT 33.307055
BEF 9.395834
BGN 0.455545
BHD 0.102383
BIF 810.455468
BMD 0.272294
BNB 0.000411
BND 0.345928
BOB 3.144356
BRL 1.414582
BSD 0.272294
BSV 0.016856
BSW 729.178855
BTC 0.000004
BTG 0.579302
BTN 26.068160
BTT 961,022.108258
BUSD 0.272261
BWP 3.659884
BYN 0.829119
BYR 5,336.505273
BZD 0.548416
CAD 0.375033
CAKE 0.164584
CDF 624.233520
CELO 4.021375
CFX 6.049118
CHF 0.217639
CHZ 20.624850
CLP 251.258810
CNH 1.830687
CNY 1.830482
COMP 0.014351
COP 836.167049
CRC 123.759542
CRO 5.073451
CRV 0.953778
CSPR 103.332658
CUC 0.272271
CUP 7.215173
CVE 25.683719
CVX 0.158684
CYP 0.136320
CZK 5.619388
DAI 0.272322
DASH 0.008226
DCR 0.022120
DEM 0.455545
DFI 505.378550
DJF 48.500467
DKK 1.741249
DOGE 3.315175
DOP 15.930906
DOT 0.321967
DYDX 2.398623
DZD 36.177872
EEK 3.644363
EGLD 0.091140
EGP 13.853846
ENJ 10.369516
EOS 3.895894
ERN 4.084411
ESP 38.754070
ETB 44.377533
ETC 0.039030
ETH 0.000116
EUR 0.232917
EURC 0.233707
FEI 0.272226
FIL 0.365009
FIM 1.384860
FJD 0.598234
FKP 0.199541
FLOW 9.370370
FLR 39.144507
FRAX 0.274387
FRF 1.527833
FTT 1.252010
GALA 167.739196
GBP 0.199541
GEL 0.708106
GGP 0.199541
GHC 30,200.585454
GHS 3.020059
GIP 0.199541
GMD 20.194533
GMX 0.039192
GNF 2,393.853777
GNO 0.002215
GRD 79.366348
GRT 18.012186
GT 0.037812
GTQ 2.078389
GUSD 0.272695
GYD 57.010812
HBAR 3.672184
HKD 2.135579
HNL 7.305076
HNT 1.496121
HOT 770.157978
HRK 1.754911
HT 5.790939
HTG 35.666192
HUF 84.932455
ICP 0.114185
IDR 4,831.674199
IEP 0.183437
ILS 0.817349
IMP 0.199541
IMX 2.462046
INJ 0.057448
INR 26.068160
IQD 357.221148
IRR 374,256.466095
ISK 33.075025
ITL 450.989521
JEP 0.199541
JMD 43.128943
JOD 0.193057
JPY 43.282883
KAS 9.459057
KAVA 6.414555
KCS 0.036191
KDA 55.783658
KES 35.243380
KGS 23.838867
KHR 1,096.047249
KLAY 10.090075
KMF 114.587480
KNC 2.498449
KPW 245.043689
KRW 376.198231
KSM 0.085257
KWD 0.083944
KYD 0.226497
KZT 124.448108
LAK 6,136.142035
LBP 24,441.848822
LDO 0.802045
LEO 0.029295
LINK 0.025276
LKR 89.947673
LRC 33.566177
LRD 49.440478
LSL 4.384790
LTC 0.005658
LTL 0.804215
LUF 9.395834
LUNA 5.881990
LUNC 5,105.116958
LVL 0.163694
LYD 1.726492
MAD 2.518951
MANA 3.861620
MBX 12.792381
MDL 4.680349
MGA 1,164.739533
MGF 5,823.697663
MINA 5.808857
MKD 14.361899
MKR 0.000181
MMK 571.740444
MNT 980.038313
MOP 2.199647
MRO 108.722841
MRU 10.872284
MTL 0.099991
MUR 12.701877
MVR 4.209551
MWK 472.640578
MXN 4.612564
MXV 0.524438
MYR 1.101286
MZM 17,378.486700
MZN 17.378487
NAD 4.384790
NEAR 0.154179
NEO 0.137137
NEXO 0.342650
NFT 979,157.940751
NGN 367.666937
NIO 10.026136
NLG 0.513281
NOK 2.541211
NPR 41.728607
NZD 0.456455
OKB 0.002536
OMR 0.104777
ONE 364.878141
OP 2.811315
ORDI 0.065059
PAB 0.272294
PAXG 0.000060
PEN 0.912994
PEPE 84,490.704821
PGK 1.221150
PHP 16.794982
PI 2.989665
PKR 75.641466
PLN 1.005612
POL 3.368735
PTE 46.695596
PYG 1,641.697597
QAR 0.991150
QNT 0.004403
QTUM 0.334560
ROL 12,231.012401
RON 1.223101
RPL 0.167193
RSD 27.328687
RUB 22.544205
RUNE 0.606559
RVN 89.896241
RWF 400.721916
SAND 6.179254
SAR 1.021103
SBD 2.182253
SCR 3.823718
SDD 16,341.375825
SDG 163.413758
SEK 2.578738
SGD 0.345928
SHIB 54,851.430653
SHP 0.199541
SIT 55.816146
SKK 7.016847
SLE 6.235543
SLL 6,235.543172
SNX 1.279100
SOL 0.003082
SOS 155.703578
SPL 0.045382
SRD 10.297181
SRG 10,297.181473
SSP 1,530.262277
STD 5,754.184732
STN 5.754185
STX 1.833665
SUI 0.367789
SVC 2.382573
SYP 3,540.063319
SZL 4.384790
THB 8.941381
THETA 1.674922
TJS 2.518912
TMM 4,760.338886
TMT 0.952068
TND 0.789282
TOP 0.655752
TRL 13,084,079.151856
TRX 0.805249
TRY 13.084079
TTD 1.847083
TUSD 0.272727
TVD 0.381948
TWD 8.671926
TWT 0.662699
TZS 720.391968
UAH 12.162085
UGX 1,012.722477
UNI 0.071717
USD 0.272294
USDC 0.272284
USDD 0.272344
USDP 0.272678
USDT 0.272364
UYU 10.925748
UZS 3,225.129751
VAL 450.989521
VEB 21,163,702,730.5613
VED 211.050473
VEF 21,105,047.312448
VES 211.050473
VET 52.372834
VND 7,090.366147
VUV 32.287750
WAVES 1.322269
WEMIX 1.368857
WOO 23.453137
WST 0.739697
XAF 152.783307
XAG 0.003979
XAU 0.000060
XAUT 0.000060
XBT 0.000004
XCD 0.737202
XCG 0.491227
XCH 0.188182
XDC 9.498672
XDR 0.198856
XEC 39,230.968102
XEM 593.526268
XLM 1.472633
XMR 0.000654
XOF 152.783307
XPD 0.000202
XPF 27.794350
XPT 0.000146
XRP 0.211967
XTZ 1.215212
YER 64.554581
ZAR 4.384790
ZEC 0.000475
ZIL 107.653158
ZMK 5,166.429890
ZMW 5.166430
ZWD 98.543227
ZWG 7.251331
ZWL 18,119.077354

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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.