United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Desert covers four-fifths of the country, yet its landscapes are varied and contrasting, from the towering red dunes of Liwa to the city of Al Ain, a natural oasis lined with palm trees, and from the steep Hajar Mountains to the fertile stretches of the flat coastal plains.

Despite its small size, close to that of Scotland, the United Arab Emirates has become an influential and pivotal player in regional and international affairs.

In 1971, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, through his far-sighted leadership, united the seven small and emerging emirates and founded the United Arab Emirates, which is the only federation in the Arab world. Oil wealth was invested in developing the emirates and in building an economy that is today among the most open and successful in the world.

In 2004, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became President of the United Arab Emirates and continued the path of development and success that the founding leader had set out for the country.