All about the seven emirates of the UAE
Once a vast desert, the United Arab Emirates is now a country where you can find an ideal blend of the traditional and ultra-modern. With humble beginnings in camel rearing, pearl farming and fishing, the 7 UAE emirates now offer an exciting mix of adventure, history, culture and fun for everyone.
So, what makes the UAE’s 7 emirates unique? What sets them apart from each other? Why is the UAE one of the best places to live in the world? Here’s everything you need to know about the UAE’s seven emirates.
THE UAE’S 7 EMIRATES AND THEIR RULERS
Although a nation-state, all seven emirates in the UAE are ruled by different royal families in the UAE.
Here’s a quick look at the ruling families and the current Emirs of the seven emirates of the UAE.
| EMIRATE | RULING FAMILY | PRESENT RULER |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Al Nahyan | His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
| Dubai | Al Maktoum | His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum |
| Sharjah | Al Qasimi | His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi |
| Ajman | Al Nuaimi | His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi |
| Umm Al Quwain | Al Mualla | His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Al Qasimi | His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi |
| Fujairah | Al Sharqi | His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi |
The present rulers of all emirates are the descendants of the founding Sheikhs of the UAE.
THE SEVEN EMIRATES OF THE UAE AND WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL
Let’s now take a detailed look at each of the seven emirates of the UAE and see how each is unique. Here’s a map of the UAE with the 7 emirates pinpointed to give you an idea of their geographical locations.
ABU DHABI – THE CAPITAL EMIRATE
Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate in the UAE, is also the country’s capital. In Arabic, the name Abu Dhabi translates to “land of the gazelle.” Legend is that the name originated when a young gazelle led a lost tribe to fresh water on an island with some coral buildings, a fort and some 300 palm frond huts (barasti). The tribe settled there, marking the beginning of modern Abu Dhabi.
One of the most interesting facts about Abu Dhabi is that the earliest settlement in the area can be traced back to the 3rd millennium B.C! Today, this thriving archipelago blends a rich heritage with glorious high-rises, stunning landscapes and a vibrant high-end lifestyle. You can discover some of the best things the UAE has to offer right here, in Abu Dhabi.
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an ode to stunning Islamic architecture. Believed to be one of the largest mosques in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque blends the UAE’s rich history and the values of Islamic traditions with grandeur and magnificence. This beautiful mosque is a sight to behold, no matter what time of the day you choose to visit.
QASR AL HOSN
Qasr Al Hosn or the Al Hosn Palace once served as the home of the ruling family. It holds a watchtower that was Abu Dhabi’s first permanent structure, built in the 1790s to protect the island settlements. Today, the palace has been converted into a museum displaying artefacts dating as far back as 6000 B.C.
FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI
If you love the thrill of intense speed, this is the place to be. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers spine-chilling, adrenaline-pumping rides and experiences for all ages. The epic list of attractions at this world-class theme park includes walking on the destination’s iconic red roof and taking a zipline across it!
MANGROVE PARKS
One of the distinguishing features of Abu Dhabi is its thriving mangrove population. Whether you go kayaking at the Eastern Mangroves or set out to explore the Jubail Mangrove Park, you can witness the lush vegetation and the prolific ecosystem it supports firsthand.
DUBAI – THE HAPPENING MULTICULTURAL DESTINATION
Multicultural Dubai is home to people from more than 200 nationalities. The emirate is known for its modern skyscrapers, extravagant landmarks, star-studded skyline, vibrant nightlife and high-end shopping experiences.
The emirate’s economy is majorly driven by its real estate and tourism sector. However, this was not always so. One of the interesting facts about Dubai is that until the 1700s, Dubai’s economy relied heavily on fishing and pearl farming. Similarly, the history of Dubai architecture is also quite exciting.
Many things make Dubai a popular tourist destination, but here are some of the best ones.
BURJ KHALIFA
Burj Khalifa needs no introduction. It’s the tallest building in the world and is expected to remain so for a long time. There are plenty of things to do at Burj Khalifa. Whether you fancy an afternoon tea or a view of Dubai from the top of Burj, you can have it all.
THE MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE
The Museum of the Future opened its doors to the public on February 22 2022. Referred to as the “most beautiful building on Earth” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this museum building on the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road promises an exhilarating experience to all lucky visitors. You can explore the future of artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies here.https://www.instagram.
AIN DUBAI
Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, is an impressive addition to Dubai’s epic ‘must-see attractions’ list. A one-of-a-kind experience, a ride on this observation wheel lasts around 48 minutes. The name translates to Dubai Eye. So, riding on this Dubai Ferris wheel means witnessing the emirate’s iconic developments, such as Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa like never before.
PALM JUMEIRAH
This is the largest artificial island in the world, shaped like a palm tree – complete with the fronds and a trunk. Palm Jumeirah is a luxury development that offers high-end waterfront living for residents, with all lifestyle amenities and leisure activities nearby.
The Pointe is an exclusive waterfront destination on the world’s largest artificial island, dotted with restaurants and retail outlets.
THE PALM FOUNTAINS
In 2020, the Palm Fountain became the world’s largest fountain, a record previously held by the Dubai Fountain. Located at The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah, this fountain covers 14,000 sq. ft. of water, with its highest water shooters standing 105m tall. With 3,000 LEDs and an 86-speaker sound system, the Palm Fountain puts on a magical show of dancing, colorful lights and water.
The Dubai Mall
The biggest mall in the UAE and one of the biggest in the world, The Dubai Mall is where you can immerse yourself in the ultimate shopping experience. You can find most international brand outlets in Dubai Mall and high-end local ones as well. Apart from shopping, there are many other thingsthings to do in Dubai Mall, like ice skating or exploring the Underwater Aquarium and Zoo.
AL FAHIDI DISTRICT
Any discussion about the history of Dubai would be incomplete without mention of Al Fahidi District. Also known as Al Bastakiya, this historic neighbourhood is one of Dubai’s oldest heritage sites. This district is characterized by low buildings and narrow winding passageways; it is a remnant of the emirate’s pearl trading roots.
SHARJAH – THE CULTURAL HUB
Sharjah is the biggest patron of art, culture and history — as well as the richest in terms of heritage among the seven emirates of the UAE. In 1998, UNESCO awarded Sharjah the title of “Cultural Capital of the Arab World.” The emirate is dotted with museums, heritage centres, beautiful mosques and various art galleries.
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah harmonises its best historical and Islamic influences. You can witness the best of Sharjah at these must-visit places.
KHALID LAGOON
The Khalid Lagoon is an artificially created water body that spans over 1,720,000 square hectares. The lagoon has led to the formation of a corniche that offers family-friendly activities. A visit to Al Noor Island is one of the many things to look forward to at the Khalid Lagoon.
SHARJAH ART MUSEUM
Art lovers with a genuine appreciation for different artistic techniques may consider a visit to the Sharjah Art Museum, an absolute art haven. With a mix of permanent and temporary displays, the museum gives celebrated local and regional artists a chance to showcase their work as well as interact with those who connect with it.
SHARJAH SAFARI PARK
The 8000-hectare Sharjah Safari is the world’s largest safari park outside Africa. It features fascinating and exotic species, such as giraffes, lions and even a black rhinoceros.
AL NOOR MOSQUE
You can spot beautiful mosques across the 7 emirates of the UAE, but Al Noor Mosque stands apart because of its traditional Ottoman-style architecture. Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah is also one of the four mosques offering mosque tours in the UAE. Aside from being a place of worship, the mosque serves as a destination for learning more about Islamic culture and history.
AJMAN – TRADITIONAL MEETS MODERN
The smallest of the 7 emirates of the UAE, Ajman has its fair share of natural wonders and age-old traditions. It is bordered by the Arabian Gulf on one side and the Hajar Mountains on the other, with a landscape featuring several pristine beaches with plenty of activities for visitors.
The emirate effortlessly balances its traditions with modernised services and urban development, in alignment with the UAE Vision 2050. Some of the most prominent places in Ajman include these.
AJMAN DHOW BUILDING YARD
Bringing the age-old traditions of building dhows to the public eye, the Ajman Dhow Building Yard is the world’s largest dhow construction yard. Traditional dhows, commonly used for cruises, cargo shipping, fishing and pearling, are built from scratch at the Ajman Dhow Building Yard.
AJMAN MUSEUM
The Ajman Museum is an 18th-century fort that previously served as the residence of the Ajman ruling family and also a police station. It was converted into a museum in 1981 and has since been a place to explore the emirate’s lifestyle and culture through historical displays.
AL ZORAH NATURE RESERVE
A beautiful bird sanctuary, Al Zorah Nature Reserve boasts pristine lagoons, quiet beaches and a thriving mangrove ecosystem. This is an excellent spot for non-motorised watersports and birdwatching. At Al Zorah Nature Reserve, you can spot herons, egrets and pink flamingos.
UMM AL QUWAIN – THE FISHING HAVEN
Umm Al Quwain might be the smallest emirate by population size, but it wins the race regarding unexplored sites. The emirate has a history dating back to the Stone Age and is home to Ed-Dur — one of the largest archaeological sites in the UAE.
Most of this emirate remains unexplored, but it attracts fishing enthusiasts from all over the country. The shores of Umm Al Quwain have some of the best deep-sea fishing points you can find. Aside from that, the emirate has plenty of other things to offer.
FALAJ AL MUALLA FORT
One of the most important sites in Umm Al Quwain, the Falaj Al Mualla Fort, was built in 1825 under His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Rashid Al Mualla’s supervision, a former ruler of Umm Al Quwain. Following its restoration in 2015, the fort now serves as a museum.
ED-DUR SITE
The Ed-Dur site gives you a comprehensive look into the history of Umm Al Quwain. This fenced area includes a significant temple from the first century AD. Other excavated discoveries depict human settlements in the area belonging to the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages.
UMM AL QUWAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM
The Umm Al Quwain Museum is housed inside the former residence of the emirate’s ruling family. It holds a display of artefacts unearthed at the Ed-Dur site. The museum also showcases exhibits from historical wars fought in the region.
RAS AL KHAIMAH – THE ADVENTURE ZONE
Ras Al Khaimah, which translates to “top of the tent” in Arabic, is the northernmost emirate of UAE. It is also the fourth largest city in the country. The emirate is home to three seaports that give it great strategic and economic importance.
Rugged and mountainous in certain areas, Ras Al Khaimah offers plenty of adventures and outdoor activities. Some of the emirate’s most prominent attractions include these.
JEBEL JAIS
The ultimate adventure destination, Jebel Jais is much more than a towering 2,000-metre mountain. There’s so much for visitors to see and do here — ice skating, zip-lining and camping, to name a few!
WADI SHAWKA
Located in the Hajar Mountains, Wadi Shawka is an agricultural area close to several abandoned settlements, which are now protected heritage sites. The wadi overlooks the Shawka Dam and has natural pools created from the area’s excessive rainfall.
Wadi Shawka is not just one of the easiest hiking trails in the UAE but also a popular tourist attraction due to its abundance of natural wonders.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RAS AL KHAIMAH
Like most other museums across the 7 emirates of the UAE, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is also a historic fort that once served as the ruling family’s residence. It was converted into a museum in 1987 and has an impressive collection of historical, archaeological, ethnographical and traditional displays.
FUJAIRAH – THE LAND OF WILD WATERS AND WADIS
The last entry on our list of UAE’s 7 emirates, Fujairah, is the most mountainous and peaceful of all — located on the eastern coast of the UAE.
Whilst all emirates have impressive coastlines, Fujairah beaches, in particular, stand out for snorkelling, scuba diving and even surfing! Here are some of the best attractions in the emirate.
TIM’S REEF
One of the best places to surf in the UAE, Tim’s Reef in Fujairah is the only reef break spot in the country. The reef faces the Indian Ocean and produces some excellent waves for surfers. So, if you want to catch some wild surf, this is the place for you.
MADHAB SPRING SULPHURIC PARK
Commonly known as the Ain Al Madhab Gardens, and sometimes even as the Madhab Spring Park, this nature spot in Fujairah has public pools filled with water from the Ain Al Madhab Hot Springs nearby. The Madhab Spring Park is a popular family destination with many fun activities to enjoy, including barbeque, badminton and of course, swimming.
WADI WURAYAH
There are several wadis in Fujairah, and Wadi Wurayah is the most popular — nestled between the Bidiyah, Khorfakkan and Masafi areas. This beautiful wadi is home to several mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Wadi Wurayah is also the first protected mountainous area in the UAE, often called the Wadi Wurayah National Park.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN WAS THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES FORMED?
The United Arab Emirates, formerly known as the Trucial States, became a federation of six emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah) in December 1971. A year later, in 1972, Ras Al Khaimah also joined the union forming the modern-day United Arab Emirates.
WHICH IS THE SMALLEST EMIRATE IN THE UAE BY AREA?
The UAE’s smallest emirate is Ajman, covering a total area of 259 square kilometres. At the other end of the scale, Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate of the UAE, with a covered area of 72,732 square kilometres.
WHAT IS UAE KNOWN FOR?
There are a lot of things the UAE is known for. Think of the tallest skyscrapers, having a ski resort in the desert, one-of-a-kind leisure facilities, cuisines from all around the world, a thriving nightlife and some of the best shopping experiences.
However, the one thing that sets the UAE apart from most other countries is tolerance. The population of the UAE has a large number of residents of Asian, European, American and African nationalities — all living in harmony.
WHO WAS THE FIRST RULER OF THE UAE?
His Highness, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was the first President of the UAE. He ruled the newly formed state from December 2, 1971, to November 2, 2004.
That’s all we have for you from the 7 emirates of the UAE. The country is a fantastic place to visit if you’re seeking luxury, thrills, relaxation, and fun. There’s a multitude of must-visit tourist attractions and a myriad of beautiful natural attractions in the UAE to be explored.
Until recently, there was no process for awarding citizenship to expats in the country. However, the new citizenship in the UAE makes it possible for certain groups of people to now apply for it.
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