The seven Emirates created a federation in 1971 with its capital in Abu Dhabi. UAE had in 2007; 5.3 million people 19% of them or 900,000 are local Emirates. The population growth in UAE at 7% (Dubai is 8%) is the highest in the world with a GDP growth last year for the whole UAE of 5.2% to reach 100 Billion Dollars and to reach 200 Billion Dollar in 2015 as is expected to grow around 5% this year due to higher oil prices with record trade and budget surpluses. Dubai GDP recorded in 2007 a 16% growth and is expected to slow down to 0-3% over next two years due to the global recession and the really hard hit local real estate and tourism sections. 

Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate with two million people while its capital, the city of Abu Dhabi, has about one million people. The city has a majority of Arabs and some 350,000 locals and is much more conservative than Dubai making it an ideal city to raise a family. It has also much lower traffic congestion and is spread over a smaller area. It is much greener than Dubai due to the millions of trees that were planted. The traffic is going to get worse as Abu Dhabi starts to catch up with Dubai however it will never be as bad as Dubai.

Abu Dhabi has 92% of the UAE oil and thus is a very rich state. At the current production rate, Abu Dhabi can keep pumping oil for the next 103 years without discovering any new oil fields. It is embarking on an ambitious plan to catch up with its sister city Dubai including building entertainment parks, new hotels, and a 25 billion Derhams new airport, a new airline (Ettihad), a new convention center, several new private hospitals, a new medical city under construction, the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, a Disney like park and several international schools.

Read all about Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah – the emirates that form to make this unique country.

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, which means ‘Father of the Gazelle’, the capital of the UAE is a city that has managed to stay rooted to its Arabian culture and heritage, despite all and sundry comparisons to its buzzing neighbour, Dubai.

Dubai
From the dusty desert town to the sparkling metropolis – it’s been quite a whirlwind transformation for this bustling city. For eight months of the year, the climate is wonderful and for the remaining four, the sun shines so brightly, that you can make all the hay you possibly could in your lifetime.

Sharjah
If Dubai is the business capital of the UAE, then Sharjah can rightly be called the ‘cricket’ capital. Known all over the world for the nail biting matches that happen in its stadium, the city draws immense crowds and has gained international recognition.

Ajman
Looking to escape the chaotic ways of city life? Dreaming of sun bathing amidst turquoise waters? The perfect destination to hit for a relaxing and soothing experience, Ajman offers you this and much more.

Ras Al Khaimah
If you are looking for a relaxed entry into the UAE, then Ras Al Khaimah would be your ideal destination. Oil rich and predominantly agricultural, the city has retained a deep sense of traditional values and warm Arabian hospitality.

Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is an example of yet another emirate that is beginning to think big and emerge as a forerunner in its quest for development and foreign investment.

Fujairah
One of the most beautiful and picturesque regions of the UAE, Fujairah is and has always been a favourite weekend and annual destination with local and European travelers respectively, to the Middle East.