The United Arab Emirates is made up of 7 emirates, not states: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. These seven federated territories joined together to form a single sovereign nation, with Abu Dhabi serving as the federal capital and by far the largest emirate by land area.
Emirates, Not States
People often search for the number of "states" in the UAE, but the country's official subdivisions are called emirates — territories each governed by a hereditary ruler known as an emir or sheikh. The English word "emirate" comes from the same Arabic root as "emir," meaning a commander or prince. While the function is broadly similar to a state or province in a federation, the term reflects the UAE's distinctive monarchical tradition.
Six of the seven emirates federated on December 2, 1971, when they gained full independence from Britain after decades as the "Trucial States." Ras Al Khaimah, the seventh, joined the federation a few weeks later on February 10, 1972. December 2 is now celebrated each year as UAE National Day.
The Seven Emirates at a Glance
- Abu Dhabi — the federal capital and the largest emirate, covering roughly 87% of the country's total land area and holding the vast majority of its oil reserves.
- Dubai — the most populous emirate and a global hub for finance, tourism, real estate, and aviation, home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
- Sharjah — the third most populous emirate, widely regarded as the UAE's cultural capital and unusual for having territory on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
- Ajman — the smallest emirate by area, at around 259 km², tucked along the northern Gulf coast.
- Umm Al Quwain — the least populous emirate, quiet and known for its lagoons and traditional fishing heritage.
- Ras Al Khaimah — the northernmost emirate, increasingly popular for adventure tourism and its mountain scenery.
- Fujairah — the only emirate located entirely on the Gulf of Oman coast, outside the Persian Gulf.
How Power Is Shared
The UAE is a federation, and each emirate retains a striking degree of autonomy. Individual emirates control their own natural resources, economic policy, land, and local administration. This is why Dubai could pursue an aggressive diversification strategy independent of Abu Dhabi's oil wealth.
At the top sits the Federal Supreme Council, made up of the seven rulers. This council elects the UAE's president and vice president from among its members. By long-standing convention, the ruler of Abu Dhabi serves as president, while the ruler of Dubai serves as vice president and prime minister. Federal authority covers shared concerns such as defense, foreign affairs, immigration, currency, and national education standards, while everything else largely remains in the hands of each emirate.
Why Abu Dhabi and Dubai Dominate
Although all seven emirates are equal partners in the federation, two carry outsized weight. Abu Dhabi holds roughly 94% of the UAE's oil reserves, giving it enormous financial influence and funding much of the federal budget. Its sovereign wealth funds are among the largest in the world.
Dubai, by contrast, sits on comparatively little oil and built its prosperity by becoming a trade, logistics, and tourism powerhouse. Its population grew from about 183,000 in 1975 to several million today. The five remaining emirates — Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah — are often grouped together as the "Northern Emirates" and are smaller in both population and economic scale, though each contributes distinct industries, from Sharjah's manufacturing to Fujairah's strategic shipping port on the Indian Ocean side of the Strait of Hormuz.
Size and Population Contrasts
The differences between the emirates are dramatic. Abu Dhabi alone spans roughly 67,000 km², while Ajman occupies only around 259 km² — meaning Abu Dhabi is hundreds of times larger than the smallest emirate. Much of Abu Dhabi's territory is desert, including the edge of the vast Rub al Khali, or Empty Quarter. The northern emirates are far more compact and densely settled along the coastline. Roughly nine in ten residents of the UAE are expatriates, one of the highest proportions of any country in the world, which shapes the culture and economy of every emirate. For a fuller picture of the nation as a whole, see our united arab emirates country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states are in the UAE?
The UAE has 7 emirates rather than states: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. They federated between 1971 and 1972.
What is the capital of the UAE?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is also the largest emirate by land area and the seat of the federal government and president.
Which is the largest and smallest emirate?
Abu Dhabi is the largest, covering about 87% of the country, while Ajman is the smallest at around 259 km². Dubai is the most populous emirate.
Why are they called emirates instead of states?
Each is ruled by an emir, a hereditary monarch, so the territories are called emirates. The name reflects the UAE's monarchical structure rather than a republican state system.