The Seven Emirates

The United Arab Emirates comprises seven Emirates located in the south east of the Arabian Peninsula. The unique character of each Emirate comes from its remarkable history and rich heritage. The integration of each of the seven Emirates with the other contributes a unified single country.

Abu Dhabi
 
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf between the two latitudes 22.5 and 25 north and the two longitudes 51 and 55 east. It is the largest of the seven Emirates with an area of about 67,340 sq. km., 86.7% of the total area of the country without the island. Abu Dhabi city is the capital of the UAE. The population of the emirate is 1,399,484 according to the 2005 census. Abu Dhabi comprises three major areas; the city of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain region and Al Dhafra region.
 
Abu Dhabi city is the capital of the UAE. It is the seat of the President, the Cabinet and most of the ministries, federal establishments and foreign embassies. Port Zayed, Abu Dhabi International Airport and most of petroleum companies, facilities and commercial markets are in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Corniche and its parks and fountains are considered one of the aesthetic landmarks of the city. Al Ain region, has very fertile land full of greenery, farms and parks and an abundance of natural water that flows through underground channels and wells. Ain Al Faida Parks, Jebel Hafit, Al Hili Games Park, the Zoo and Al Ain Archaeology Museum are among its major landmarks.

Zayed City is the capital of the Western Area. It includes many forests planted to fight desertification and has 100,000 hectares of woods that includes about 20 million trees. There are some land petroleum fields and the petroleum refinery in Al Ruwais. There are many islands attached to the Emirate including: Das, Mebraz, Zarko and Arzana. These are the major sea petroleum fields in addition to the islands of Dalma, Saadiyat, Abul Abyad and Ser Bani Yas.

Dubai
 
Dubai is located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It is about 72 km long with an area of about 3,885 sq. km which is about 5% the UAE without the islands. The population of the Emirate is about 1.4 million. Despite its fast economic development, Dubai continued to be attached to its heritage. It is now known as a cosmopolitan community that simultaneously maintains a culture and civilization deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of the Arabian Peninsula. Read more about it in, ‘Dubai, the Past’.
 
Dubai city is the capital of the emirate. It is divided into two parts by a gulf called Dubai Creek. The southern part is known as “Bur Dubai” and it represents the centre of official activity: It is the location of the Ruler’s Court, most company head offices, banks, custom offices and Port Rashid. The northern part is known as “Deira”. It is the centre of commercial and tourist activity including shops, markets, schools, hotels, clubs and Dubai International Airport.
 
An area called Jebel Ali is considered one of the most important commercial and industrial areas in the country. It accommodates the largest free zone in the Gulf and has the Dry Dock, Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Aluminium Factory. Among the major tourism landmarks in the emirate are the areas of Hatta, Al Awir and Khawanij. Read more about, Dubai Today.

There are a number of luxury hotels in Dubai that cater for the needs of visiting tourists and businessmen. In the restaurants of these hotels you find a microcosm of the world’s cuisines. There are also hundreds of small restaurants spread all over the city, convenient for all tastes and budgets.
 
In addition to traditional markets, there are several modern shopping centres spread all over the city where you can find all kinds of international brands at reasonable prices. The ‘Dubai Shopping Festival’ is held annually and has become a well-known international event, gathering people from all over the world to benefit from the competitive sale prices, raffles, shows and promotional activities.
 
Sharjah

The Emirate of Sharjah lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It is over 16 km in length and extends inland more than 80 km. There are three areas attached to the emirate on the east coast overlooking the Gulf of Oman; Kalbaa, Khor Fakkan and Daba Al Hosn.
 
The area of the Emirate is 2,590 sq. Km, equivalent to 3.3% of the UAE without the islands. According to the December 2005 Census, its population is 793,573. Sharjah city is the capital of the emirate. It overlooks the Arabian Gulf and is the where H.H. the Ruler lives and is where you can find all government departments, companies, banks and hotels.

The city is known for its commercial markets and the way its buildings are designed in Islamic style. It includes several amusement and entertainment areas such as Al Qasbaa Channel, Al Jazeera Games Park and the Lake Corniche. The city is also characterized by a large number of high minarets.
 
Sharjah has an airport and port: Sharjah International Airport and Port Khalid. There are some oases inland; Al Dhaid Area is known for its fertile lands and includes many farms producing large quantities of vegetables and agricultural products. The Eastern Area overlooks the coast of Oman, the city of Khor Fakkan is attached to the Emirate and it has an important sea port. The islands of Abu Mousa and Sir Bu Naer are also attached to the Emirate.
 
Cultural and educational monuments give Sharjah the true image of a modern city that stays close to its history and traditions. The historic, natural, archaeological and heritage museums are witnesses to a period of time that affected modern Sharjah and made it a lighthouse for everyone who wished to obtain more of that distinctive cultural and historic wealth.
 
In 1998, UNESCO chose Sharjah as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World. This was the crowning achievement for intensive efforts made by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the Union, Ruler of Sharjah that made Sharjah the cultural capital of the Gulf and Arabic regions. Sharjah New Arts Museum has a rare selection of historic art pieces of great importance to the history of the United Arab Emirates.
 
Sharjah’s strategic location has contributed to flourishing international navigation during the last 65 years. It extends through the shores of the Gulf of Oman and also vast areas of valleys and mountains. The city of Sharjah has numerous hotels overlooking its beaches and the banks of Khalid Lake and there are several restaurants, gardens and parks.

Ajman

The Emirate of Ajman lies on the cost of the Arabian Gulf. It is 16 km long between the Emirate of Sharjah and the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain. The area of the emirate is about 259 sq. km, 0.3% of the UAE without its islands. Its population was 206,997 according to the December 2005 Census.
 
The city of Ajman is the capital of the Emirate and it lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It contains the Ruler’s residence, government departments, companies, banks and trading markets. Ajman Port is located on a natural creek that passes through the city.
 
Although Ajman has become a modern city that provides up to date services and facilities, it maintained its old traditional style. It combines the achievements of modern times and the charms of a long history. The magical beaches of Ajman with their fresh air, peace and quiet and clean water provide various marine activities that attract many sea lovers.
 
Massfout is an area attached to Ajman and is located about 110 km to the south east. It is known for agriculture as the soil is fertile, valleys are wide and the climate is moderate, making it a tourist attraction. Massfout is distinguished by its charming nature, vast valleys and the surrounding mountains add an amazing beauty to the area.
 
Ajman Fort is one of the country’s archaeological landmarks. It dates back to the eighteenth century and shows life in different eras. The Fort has been restored and transformed into a museum containing archaeological samples and showing past people’s possessions, industries and traditional professions as well as images from their old social life.
 
Umm Al Quwain

The Emirate of Umm Al Quwain lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf for about 24 km between Sharjah in the west and Ras Al Khaimah in the East and it is about 32 km wide. The area of the emirate is about 777 sq. km, 1% of the UAE without the islands.
 
The population of Umm Al Quwain is 49,159 according to the December 2005 Census. The city of Umm Al Quwain is the capital of the emirate. It lies on a deep creek that is 2m wide and about 5km long and is where the Ruler lives. All government departments, companies, banks and trading markets are in the city as well as Port Saqr and the Marine Life Research and Breeding Centre that helps in the development of the country’s fisheries.
 
Falaj Al Mualla is attached to the emirate, about 50 km to the south east of the city of Umm Al Quwain. The name Falaj Al Mualla is derived from Al Falaj (water channel). The water comes from underground springs and the mountains running along the side of the valley. There is an abundance of agriculture in Falaj Al Mualla due to the fertility of the land and availability of fresh water.
 
The Scenic Island is about 1 km from the city with an area of 90 sq. km and is attached to the emirate. The island is a natural reserve for deer and sea birds and there are lots of Crimea trees.
 
Along the Umm Al Quwain coast, on the south east side of the Arabian Peninsula, is the ruins of the oldest city in the area, Al Door, which flourished two thousand years ago. Excavations carried out by archaeologists have revealed stone houses, graves, pottery and Egyptian and Syrian glass.
 
Ras Al Khaimah

The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It is about 64 km long and more than 128 km wide. The area of the Emirate is about 1684 sq. km, 2.2% of the UAE without the islands. The population of the Emirate was 250,000 according to the December 2005 Census. Ras Al Khaimah shares a mountain border with the Sultanate of Oman in the south and north east. There are several islands in the Gulf waters. The main ones are the two islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs which are attached to the Emirate. 
 
The city of Ras Al Khaimah is the capital of the Emirate. It is divided into two parts by a tongue of water called Ras Al Khaimah Creek. The western part is known as Old Ras Al Khaimah where the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah and some government departments are located. The eastern part is known as Al Nakheel and it includes the Ruler’s Court, some government departments and commercial companies. The two parts are connected by a large bridge that crosses the Creek to facilitate movement between them.
 
Among the important areas in the Emirate there is the Khor Khowair Industrial Area that is about 25 km to the north and is known for several important industries such as cement, rocks and marbles. The main exporting port, Port Saqr is also here.
 
The Ras Al Khaimah National Museum contains a rare and diversified collection of ancient archaeological items that goes back to different historic eras. The museum also contains some human remains that go back to the Third Thousand Year BC and the ruins of Shommal Colonies. There are also other archaeological ruins including the conic towers used for watching and reconnaissance especially on the coastal strip.
 
The Emirate has abundant archaeological ruins such as Julfar City, Dhay Fort and Al Ghaf Valley. The Emirate is known for its location, mountains, beaches, agricultural areas and the hot natural springs in the resort of Ain Khit that people visit for therapeutic purposes.
 
Fujairah

The Emirate of Fujairah is distinguished from the other Emirates in the country because it is located on the Gulf of Oman and off the Hormuz Strait. Its shores extend along the Gulf of Oman for 90 km and are of strategic importance.
 
The area of the Emirate of Fujairah is 1165 sq. km, 1.5% of the UAE without the islands. It population was 125,698 according to the December 2005 Census. The city of Fujairah is the capital of the Emirate and is where the Court of H.H. the Ruler, government departments, commercial establishments and companies can be found.
 
Fujairah Port is also located in the city. The port is central to marine shipping and both the port and Fujairah International Airport are important for commercial activity in the emirate. Fujairah is distinguished by a series of rough mountains that limits the eastern coastal plane between the Emirate and the Gulf of Oman and it is considered one of the most fertile areas in the country with a large number of farms.
 
Fujairah enjoys tremendous tourism potential due to the existence of shores that extend on the coastal line, high mountains adjacent in many areas to the sea shore, natural valleys and water channels with marvellous scenery. The important areas in the Emirate include Daba Al Fujaira which has agriculture and livestock projects and is also known for fishing.
 
Fujairah heritage village is located next to the Ain Madab Park. It represents the region’s ancient history with all of its features and details including old houses, cutlery and food tools that our ancestors used and the old irrigation methods used to water the farms by using oxen. The Fujairah Museum contains archaeological and old cultural items that were discovered in Fujairah going back to 4500 BC.
 
Al Bidya Mosque, also known as Othman Mosque, is considered the oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its unique design represented by its four small domes on the mosque’s roof.