The most surprising facts about the UAE are that roughly 90% of its population are expatriates, its Burj Khalifa is so tall that people on the upper floors can watch the sun set minutes after those at ground level, and a desert nation that lived on pearl diving fifty years ago reached Mars orbit in 2021. The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, with Abu Dhabi as its capital and Dubai as its best-known city. Below are the facts that capture how extraordinary this young country really is.
Geography and Nature
For such a compact country, the UAE packs in a remarkable range of landscapes and natural curiosities.
- The UAE covers about 83,600 square kilometres, roughly the size of Austria, yet it borders Saudi Arabia and Oman and faces both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
- Its terrain runs from coastal salt flats and sand seas to the rugged Hajar Mountains, which rise to 1,934 metres at Jebel Jais, the country's highest peak.
- The Empty Quarter (Rub al Khali), the largest continuous sand desert on Earth, reaches into the southwest, with dunes towering over 250 metres.
- Summers are punishing, with temperatures regularly above 45 degrees Celsius and humid coastal "feels-like" readings that climb even higher.
- The Arabian oryx, the national animal, was once hunted nearly to extinction; the UAE now keeps one of the world's largest herds through breeding programmes.
- Mangrove forests line parts of the Abu Dhabi coast, sheltering flamingos, sea turtles and dugongs.
History and People
The UAE is one of the youngest nations on the planet, and its demographics are unlike almost anywhere else.
- The federation was formed on 2 December 1971, when six emirates united; Ras Al Khaimah joined in early 1972 to complete the seven.
- Before oil, the economy ran on pearl diving, fishing and dhow trade across the Gulf.
- Around 90% of residents are foreign nationals from more than 200 countries, making Emiratis a minority of roughly 10% in their own land.
- Falconry is so central to Emirati identity that it is recognised by UNESCO; falcons travel on their own official passports and visit dedicated falcon hospitals.
- Camel racing endures as a heritage sport, now run with lightweight remote-controlled robot jockeys after child riders were banned.
- The UAE created the world's first government Minister of Happiness in 2016 and a Minister of Artificial Intelligence in 2017.
Records and Megaprojects
Few countries have a portfolio of superlatives like the Emirates, where ambition is measured in record books.
- The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world's tallest building at 828 metres and 163 floors; sunset arrives a few minutes later for residents near the top.
- Palm Jumeirah, an artificial palm-shaped archipelago, added tens of kilometres of coastline and is plainly visible from space.
- The Dubai Mall is among the largest shopping centres on Earth by total area, housing an aquarium, an ice rink and over a thousand stores.
- The Gold Souk in Dubai gathers hundreds of retailers displaying many tonnes of gold at once, and some hotels even feature gold-bar vending machines.
- Dubai International Airport is consistently one of the busiest airports worldwide for international passengers, home to the Emirates fleet.
Economy and Innovation
Oil built modern UAE wealth, but the country has spent heavily on diversifying beyond it.
- The UAE holds some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, and Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth funds rank among the biggest globally.
- There is no personal income tax; a modest 5% VAT was only introduced in 2018, a policy that draws businesses and wealthy residents worldwide.
- Despite its oil riches, the UAE invests in clean energy through the Barakah nuclear plant and the vast Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
- In February 2021 the Hope Probe entered Mars orbit, making the UAE the first Arab nation and one of only a handful of entities ever to reach the planet.
- The Hope mission was built in roughly six years by a team whose average age was in the late twenties.
Surprising Everyday Facts
Beyond the headline records, daily life in the UAE holds plenty of delightful contradictions.
- Dubai's police fleet famously includes Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bugattis, used mainly for tourism and public relations rather than chases.
- Ski Dubai keeps about 6,000 tonnes of real snow inside the Mall of the Emirates year-round, complete with resident penguins, while it bakes outside.
- Arabic coffee (gahwa) served with dates is the customary welcome; guests shake the small cup to signal they have had enough.
- Lavish multi-hour Friday brunches at hotels are a beloved social ritual, and the country has one of the highest concentrations of shopping malls anywhere.
- Though founded on Islamic values, licensed venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi make the UAE relatively liberal by regional standards, drawing millions of visitors.
Taken together, these facts explain why a small desert federation has become a magnet for talent, capital and tourists. To explore more about the country, visit our united arab emirates country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of the UAE?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and its largest emirate by area. Dubai, often mistaken for the capital because of its global profile, is the most populous city and the main commercial and tourism hub.
Why are so many UAE residents foreigners?
The oil boom from the 1970s onward created enormous demand for labour and expertise that the small native population could not meet. Workers and professionals arrived from South Asia, the wider Arab world, Europe and beyond, so today roughly nine in ten residents are expatriates.
How tall is the Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa stands 828 metres tall with 163 usable floors, making it the tallest building and tallest free-standing structure in the world since it opened in 2010. Its height is so great that sunset times differ noticeably between the ground floor and the upper levels.
Does the UAE have income tax?
The UAE charges no personal income tax. A 5% value-added tax was introduced in 2018, and a corporate tax now applies to larger business profits, but for most individuals the country remains effectively tax-free, a major draw for global talent.