Country Profile: United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates located on the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman. The country's population exceeds 10 million people, with a significant proportion being expatriates. The UAE's economy is heavily reliant on oil, but it has diversified into sectors such as tourism and finance, achieving one of the fastest GDP growth rates in the Gulf region. Governed as a federation of monarchies, the UAE is noted for its political stability and strategic foreign relations.

Geography

The UAE is situated in the Middle East, bordered by the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. It has a total area of 83,600 sq km, which is slightly larger than South Carolina. The terrain is characterized by a flat coastal plain that transitions into vast deserts, with mountains located to the east. The country faces natural hazards such as frequent sand and dust storms.

• Coastline: 1,318 km
• Highest Point: Jabal Bil 'Ays at 1,905 m
• Land Boundaries: 1,066 km (Oman: 609 km, Saudi Arabia: 457 km)
• Climate: Desert, with cooler temperatures in the eastern mountains

People and Society

The UAE's estimated population is 10,032,213 as of 2024, with a high urbanization rate of 87.8%. The population is diverse, with 59.4% being South Asian, and only 11.6% Emirati nationals. The official language is Arabic, while English is widely spoken. The country enjoys a relatively high life expectancy of 79.9 years and a low infant mortality rate of 5 deaths/1,000 live births.

• Median Age: 35.8 years
• Urban Population Growth Rate: 1.5% (2020-2025)
• Literacy Rate: 98.8%
• Life Expectancy: 79.9 years
• Maternal Mortality Ratio: 3 deaths/100,000 live births

Economy

The UAE maintains a high-income oil-driven economy, with a projected real GDP of $745.994 billion for 2024. Its GDP growth rate is anticipated at 3.8% for the same year, alongside a low unemployment rate of 2.2%. The economy has diversified significantly, focusing on tourism, construction, and services, supported by strong foreign direct investment.

• GDP per Capita: $68,600 (2024 est.)
• Export Value: $558.402 billion (2023)
• Industrial Production Growth Rate: 0.8% (2023)
• Agriculture Contribution to GDP: 0.7% (2023)

Government

The UAE is a federation of monarchies, consisting of 7 emirates. The governance system blends Islamic law with civil law, and the President is indirectly elected by the Federal Supreme Council. The capital, Abu Dhabi, is also the largest emirate, where the executive and legislative branches operate. The country celebrates its independence on December 2, marking its departure from British control in 1971.

• Current President: MUHAMMAD BIN ZAYID Al Nuhayyan (since May 14, 2022)
• Population with Voting Rights: Approximately 12% of Emirati citizens
• Most Recent Election: Held on October 7, 2023

Military and Security

The UAE Armed Forces comprise land, sea, and air components, with approximately 65,000 active personnel. Military expenditures are projected at 4% of GDP for 2024. The UAE maintains significant military ties with several countries, including the U.S. and France, and has been involved in regional security operations.

• Military Expenditures: 4% of GDP (2024)
• Active Military Personnel: 65,000
• Compulsory Military Service: For men aged 18-30

Energy

The UAE is a significant producer of oil and natural gas, with 4.146 million bbl/day of petroleum production as of 2023. The electricity sector is well developed, with 100% electrification, and an installed capacity of 44.462 million kW. Renewable sources are being integrated, especially nuclear (19.9% of total capacity).

• Natural Gas Production: 55.8 billion cubic meters (2023)
• Crude Oil Reserves: 97.8 billion barrels (2021)
• Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 450.432 million Btu/person (2023)

Environment

The UAE faces several environmental challenges, including air pollution and water scarcity, due to its desert climate. The country is a participant in various international environmental agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change.

• Total CO2 Emissions: 271.703 million metric tonnes (2023)
• Percentage of Municipal Waste Recycled: 24.5% (2022)
• Total Renewable Water Resources: 150 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

The UAE has an extensive transportation network, boasting 42 airports and 655 merchant marine vessels. The country's infrastructure facilitates high connectivity and trade, with significant investments in modern transport facilities.

• Heliports: 204 (2025)
• Ports with Oil Terminals: 17

Communications

High communication penetration exists in the UAE, with full internet access for the population. Mobile and fixed-line subscriptions are well above average, highlighting the nation's advanced digital infrastructure.

• Internet Users: 100% (2023)
• Total Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 21.2 million (2023)
• Broadband Fixed Subscriptions: 3.95 million (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,032,213	2024 estimate
Area	83,600 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$745.994 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption	450.432 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	10.7 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	2.2%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	79.9 years	2024 estimate
Literacy Rate	98.8%	2024 estimate
Military Expenditures	4% of GDP	2024 estimate