The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been in the news lately for announcing its exit from OPEC effective 1 May 2026 to prioritise its national interests and free itself from the cartel's obligations to pump oil.
Located in Western Asia, the UAE is a federal semi-constitutional monarchy of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Each of the seven emirates is governed by an absolute monarch.
The UAE gained independence from Britain on 2 December 1971. Before independence, the seven emirates were known as the Trucial States, a British protectorate under treaties dating back to 1820 and 1892. Following a 1968 British decision to withdraw, the Trucial States formed a federation to form the United Arab Emirates.
In this article, we will learn where the UAE is located, its bordering countries, and other key facts.
Where is the United Arab Emirates located?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in Western Asia, on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. It lies in the Middle East along the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is situated between Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Which countries share borders with the UAE?
The UAE shares borders with Oman to the east and northeast, and Saudi Arabia to the west and southwest. Of these, the UAE shares the longest land border with Saudi Arabia which is 530 km long. While Oman shares a 450 km border with the UAE. It also has maritime borders with Iran and Qatar in the Persian Gulf.
Key Facts about the UAE
The entire country is desert, with some of the world's largest sand dunes
The largest emirate, Abu Dhabi, accounts for 87% of the UAE's total area.
Dubai is the second biggest emirate. Dubai houses three manmade archipelagos, two of them designed to look like a palm tree and one to resemble a world map.
Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in Dubai, is the highest building in the world.
The Port of Jebel Ali in Dubai is the world's largest man-made harbor and the biggest, busiest port in the Middle East.
Jebel Jais, located in Ras Al Khaimah, is the highest mountain in the UAE (6,207 to 6,345 feet).
The UAE has no permanent rivers or natural freshwater lakes due to its arid, desert climate.
The world's tallest building in the word is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE, standing at a record height of 828 meters (2,717 feet).
World's largest gold market, Dubai Gold Souk, is located in Deira, Dubai, UAE.
Also read: Which Middle Eastern Countries Have an Absolute Monarchy?
