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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 2.575654
AAVE 0.001498
ADA 1.010507
AFN 17.593261
AKT 0.355812
ALGO 2.120215
ALL 22.334709
AMD 98.509644
AMP 424.651461
ANG 0.489644
AOA 249.424835
APE 1.699545
APT 0.331657
AR 0.060404
ARB 1.335666
ARS 413.865647
ATOM 0.149556
ATS 3.340965
AUD 0.390735
AVAX 0.023982
AWG 0.487406
AXS 0.207916
AZM 2,314.531375
AZN 0.462906
BAKE 1,060.857979
BAM 0.474870
BAT 2.581408
BBD 0.544588
BCH 0.000862
BDT 33.473109
BEF 9.794424
BGN 0.474870
BHD 0.102383
BIF 818.086267
BMD 0.272294
BNB 0.000349
BND 0.348395
BOB 3.266409
BRL 1.361122
BSD 0.272294
BSV 0.013636
BSW 661.714169
BTC 0.000003
BTCB 3.897170
BTG 0.412741
BTN 26.254066
BTT 732,428.893976
BUSD 0.272248
BWP 3.747650
BYN 0.830694
BYR 5,337.702467
BZD 0.547610
CAD 0.388525
CAKE 0.111344
CDF 629.270482
CELO 2.618241
CFX 4.962432
CHF 0.226481
CHZ 16.278129
CLP 264.950066
CNH 1.825193
CNY 1.825777
COMP 0.011109
COP 870.970523
CRC 124.598201
CRO 4.009776
CRV 0.738632
CSPR 106.748273
CUC 0.272332
CUP 6.522480
CVE 26.773272
CVX 0.123010
CYP 0.142103
CZK 5.939789
DAI 0.272405
DASH 0.004803
DCR 0.014766
DEM 0.474870
DFI 297.930967
DJF 48.441380
DKK 1.814679
DOGE 2.871759
DOP 16.318884
DOT 0.220077
DYDX 1.863650
DZD 36.603524
EEK 3.798964
EGLD 0.060925
EGP 14.275854
ENJ 8.225211
EOS 2.679480
ERN 4.084411
ESP 40.398092
ETB 44.291874
ETC 0.030685
ETH 0.000101
EUR 0.242797
EURC 0.242765
FEI 0.272413
FIL 0.228115
FIM 1.443608
FJD 0.612687
FKP 0.206066
FLOW 8.606122
FLR 37.776101
FRAX 0.275051
FRF 1.592647
FTT 1.054087
GALA 112.386531
GBP 0.206066
GEL 0.706736
GGP 0.206066
GHC 32,012.678525
GHS 3.201268
GIP 0.206066
GMD 20.152769
GMX 0.031013
GNF 2,394.055438
GNO 0.002242
GRD 82.733223
GRT 9.351637
GT 0.024324
GTQ 2.077991
GUSD 0.272855
GYD 56.841238
HBAR 2.704872
HKD 2.136815
HNL 7.301248
HNT 0.524756
HOT 594.580884
HRK 1.829357
HT 7.465499
HTG 35.581206
HUF 89.192377
ICP 0.078095
IDR 4,878.213839
IEP 0.191219
ILS 0.832717
IMP 0.206066
IMX 1.485010
INJ 0.035923
INR 26.254066
IQD 355.980529
IRR 489,728.073567
ISK 33.246573
ITL 470.121371
JEP 0.206066
JMD 43.089317
JOD 0.193057
JPY 43.052799
KAS 6.347038
KAVA 3.927768
KCS 0.035868
KDA 27.889921
KES 35.346197
KGS 23.814480
KHR 1,103.091602
KLAY 6.537928
KMF 119.448503
KNC 1.901001
KPW 245.098669
KRW 365.545006
KSM 0.053149
KWD 0.084168
KYD 0.226362
KZT 123.969739
LAK 6,109.933431
LBP 24,556.191023
LDO 0.594424
LEO 0.030621
LINK 0.019687
LKR 89.811391
LRC 26.521765
LRD 46.466685
LSL 4.533395
LTC 0.003909
LTL 0.838331
LUF 9.794424
LUNA 5.332211
LUNC 5,149.693152
LVL 0.170638
LYD 1.747068
MAD 2.717678
MANA 2.633108
MBX 9.206685
MDL 4.880087
MGA 1,205.838812
MGF 6,029.194060
MINA 2.021051
MKD 14.938482
MKR 0.000135
MMK 571.592823
MNT 978.945034
MOP 2.200919
MRO 109.018254
MRU 10.901825
MTL 0.104233
MUR 12.907346
MVR 4.209575
MWK 471.294622
MXN 4.921780
MXV 0.559509
MYR 1.112499
MZM 17,380.326050
MZN 17.380326
NAD 4.533395
NEAR 0.052108
NEO 0.107435
NEXO 0.320203
NFT 1,141,092.938206
NGN 359.984947
NIO 10.010392
NLG 0.535055
NOK 2.613440
NPR 42.026196
NZD 0.486475
OKB 0.002088
OMR 0.104795
ONE 1.859118
OP 2.025577
ORDI 0.059846
PAB 0.272294
PAXG 0.000066
PEN 0.937542
PEPE 62,960.594765
PGK 1.226760
PHP 17.112683
PI 3.119330
PKR 75.289388
PLN 1.063605
POL 2.489993
PTE 48.676513
PYG 1,590.739089
QAR 0.991150
QNT 0.001053
QTUM 0.277781
ROL 12,978.369695
RON 1.297837
RPL 0.142399
RSD 28.517629
RUB 23.101386
RUNE 0.350724
RVN 110.980913
RWF 401.353538
SAND 4.140820
SAR 1.021103
SBD 2.197057
SCR 3.856703
SDD 16,342.563732
SDG 163.425637
SEK 2.735103
SGD 0.348395
SHIB 46,516.150620
SHP 0.206066
SIT 58.183975
SKK 7.314515
SLE 6.277710
SLL 6,277.710101
SNX 1.087542
SOL 0.002270
SOS 154.922378
SPL 0.045382
SRD 10.267071
SRG 10,267.071031
SSP 1,559.329030
STD 5,990.692242
STN 5.990692
STX 0.726631
SUI 0.228154
SVC 2.382573
SYP 3,540.857593
SZL 4.533395
THB 9.165324
THETA 1.175926
TJS 2.506097
TMM 4,777.914091
TMT 0.955583
TND 0.814928
TOP 0.655806
TRL 13,390,222.524898
TRX 0.810314
TRY 13.390223
TTD 1.843633
TUSD 0.272509
TVD 0.390735
TWD 8.654010
TWT 0.476982
TZS 718.417258
UAH 12.263933
UGX 1,094.661870
UNI 0.030735
USD 0.272294
USDC 0.272368
USDD 0.272488
USDP 0.273913
USDT 0.272432
UYU 10.999615
UZS 3,203.023891
VAL 470.121371
VEB 23,709,314,247.9448
VED 237.093142
VEF 23,709,314.247945
VES 237.093142
VET 31.202767
VND 7,078.384815
VUV 32.733033
WAVES 0.912722
WEMIX 1.421859
WOO 19.892370
WST 0.757847
XAF 159.264671
XAG 0.004500
XAU 0.000066
XAUT 0.000066
XBT 0.000003
XCD 0.737079
XCG 0.489644
XCH 0.173991
XDC 8.102780
XDR 0.201268
XEC 34,145.977419
XEM 433.707481
XLM 1.261683
XMR 0.000485
XOF 159.264671
XPD 0.000233
XPF 28.973440
XPT 0.000159
XRP 0.181230
XTZ 0.814977
YER 64.315239
ZAR 4.533395
ZEC 0.000203
ZIL 74.619783
ZMK 5,383.349492
ZMW 5.383349
ZWD 98.543227
ZWG 7.289729
ZWL 18,215.021626

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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.