About the United Arab Emirates
The UAE is composed of seven emirates namely: Abu Dhabi (AD - capital), Dubai (DXB), Sharjah, Ajman, Fujeirah, Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK), Umm Al-Quwain (UAQ)
Abu Dhabi
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is the largest emirate in terms of area covering 67,340 km² and second highest in terms of population. The President of the United Arab Emirates is located in Abu Dhabi city with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan being the current ruler.
Abu Dhabi is the richest in oil out of the seven emirates having nearly 10% of world's oil reserves. Being so, Abu Dhabi city hosts many oil companies. In January 2009, Abu Dhabi successfully established itself as a global hub for renewable energy.
Last year, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi began building an ecocity of Masdar that is aimed to be the world's first carbon-dioxide-neutral city. The city will produce its own energy requirements and will not generate any waste.
Dubai
Dubai is the most populated city of the United Arab Emirates.
The current ruler of Dubai and also the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Dubai built its economy based on sectors such as tourism, trade, financial services and real estate.
Dubai city had been well known in the world by having the world's tallest building (Burj Dubai), seven (7*) star hotel (Burj Al-Arab), biggest mall (Dubai Mall) and many other tourist attractions such as The Atlantis, Wild Wadi, artificial islands (The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Deira, The Palm Jebel Ali), man-made archipelago (The World) and uncounted tall buildings that is spread around the whole city.
Sharjah
Sharjah is the third largest in the United Arab Emirates.
The current ruler of Sharjah is Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi and also the Supreme Council of the UAE.
Sharjah built a name for itself in the Arab world in terms of its rich culture.
Sharjah is known to be the most conservative emirate. Being so, Sharjah is the only Emirate that completely banned the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol, and strictly implements decency laws in the UAE. Mixing between unmarried man and woman is illegal in the city of Sharjah.
Ajman
Ajman is the smallest emirate in terms of area.
The current ruler of Ajman is Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi.
Fujeirah
Fujeirah is the fifth largest emirate in terms of area in the UAE and the only one that is completely mountainous.
Fujeirah is ruled by Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi.
Fujeirah is one of the favourite places of residents and visitors alike for weekend get-aways mainly in Dibba where popular 5* beach hotels surround the area such as Le Meridien Al Aqah & Rotana Al Aqah. The view of this area is majestic with mountains on one side and the indian ocean on the other side.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is ruled by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al-Qassimi.
Ras Al Khaimah focused its economy in industrial sector. RAK Ceramics is one of the world's largest ceramics producer.
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is the least populous emirate.
Umm Al Quwain is ruled by Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla.
In May 1st 2009, Umm Al Quwain ordered closure of all nightclubs.