The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation
of seven emirates; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman,
Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The federation
was formally established on 2 December 1971.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) occupies an area of 83,000
sq km along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.
Qatar lies to the west, Saudi Arabia to the south and
west, and Oman to the north and east. The capital and
the largest city of the federation, Abu Dhabi, is located
in the emirate of the same name.
Four-fifths of the UAE is desert, yet it is a country
of contrasting landscapes, from awe-inspiring dunes to
rich oases, precipitous rocky mountains to fertile plains.
The United Arab Emirates, one of the world's fastest
growing tourist destinations, has all the right ingredients
for an unforgettable holiday, sun, sand, sea, sports,
unbeatable shopping, top-class hotels and restaurants,
an intriguing traditional culture, and a safe and welcoming
environment.
![The most comprehensive site about the United Arab Emirates [UAE]](images/banner_2x2_sep.gif){kind=small}
