Where is United Arab Emirates Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 18, 2024

Where is United Arab Emirates located on the map? United Arab Emirates is an independent nation located in Western Asia. Check out the following images to see location of United Arab Emirates on maps.

United Arab Emirates Location in World Map

The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as UAE, are located on the Arabian Peninsula and, with an area of 83,600 square kilometers, are roughly the size of the federal states of Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein combined.

The country emerged from the union of seven emirates , namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ra’s al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman and Umm al-Qaiwain. Abu Dhabi is the largest of these emirates.

Here you see the location of the United Arab Emirates on a map.

Location Information of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates located in the Middle East, on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. It shares borders with Saudi Arabia to the south and Oman to the southeast, while the Persian Gulf lies to the north. The UAE is known for its modern infrastructure, towering skyscrapers, oil wealth, and dynamic cultural scene.

Latitude and Longitude

The UAE is positioned approximately between 22° and 26° North latitude and 51° and 56° East longitude. The country lies on the Arabian Gulf, making it an important maritime gateway between the East and the West.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and is located on an island in the Persian Gulf, just off the mainland of the Arabian Peninsula. It is the largest of the seven emirates and serves as the political and administrative center of the country. With a population of over 1.5 million in the city proper and over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, Abu Dhabi is a vital global city. The city is also the center of the UAE’s oil industry, with much of the country’s petroleum wealth stored in its vast oil reserves.

Key landmarks in Abu Dhabi include:

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, renowned for its stunning architecture.
Louvre Abu Dhabi: A branch of the famous French museum, housing global masterpieces.
Emirates Palace: A luxury hotel and iconic symbol of opulence.

Abu Dhabi is known for its rapid modernization, along with a strong focus on cultural and economic development, particularly in arts, sustainability, and tourism.

Major Cities

Dubai: The most populous city in the UAE, Dubai is a global financial hub and tourism destination. Known for its futuristic architecture, shopping, and entertainment, Dubai’s skyline features landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. The city’s economy is based on oil, trade, tourism, and real estate.
Sharjah: Located just north of Dubai, Sharjah is known as the cultural capital of the UAE, with numerous museums, galleries, and heritage sites. It is the third-largest city in the UAE and has a strong focus on preserving the country’s Islamic heritage.
Ajman: The smallest of the UAE’s emirates, Ajman is located on the western coast and has a more relaxed pace of life compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Its economy is driven by industry, trade, and tourism.
Fujairah: Situated on the eastern coast, Fujairah is the only emirate that lies entirely on the Gulf of Oman. It is known for its scenic mountains, beaches, and natural attractions. The emirate’s economy is based on trade, tourism, and fishing.
Ras Al Khaimah: Known for its mountainous landscapes and natural beauty, Ras Al Khaimah has diversified its economy by focusing on tourism, manufacturing, and real estate.
Umm Al-Quwain: The least populated of the seven emirates, Umm Al-Quwain is known for its relaxed lifestyle, natural reserves, and focus on fishing and agriculture.

Time Zone

The UAE operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC +4 hours. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), so the time remains constant throughout the year. This time zone is shared with countries like Oman, and the time difference from major U.S. cities is as follows:

New York City (Eastern Standard Time): The UAE is 9 hours ahead of New York during standard time and 8 hours ahead when the U.S. observes daylight saving time.
Los Angeles (Pacific Standard Time): The UAE is 11 hours ahead of Los Angeles during standard time and 10 hours ahead during U.S. daylight saving time.

Climate

The UAE has a desert climate with extremely hot summers, mild winters, and little rainfall throughout the year. The country’s coastal location and proximity to the Arabian Desert mean that the weather can be very extreme in certain seasons.

Summer (June to September): Temperatures in the summer months can soar to 40°C to 50°C (104°F to 122°F), with high humidity, particularly along the coast. The heat can make outdoor activities difficult, but many people retreat to air-conditioned indoor spaces or take advantage of the cooling ocean breezes in coastal areas.
Autumn (October to November): Temperatures begin to cool, with averages between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This is a popular time for outdoor activities, as the weather becomes more tolerable.
Winter (December to February): Winter in the UAE is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This is the best time for outdoor exploration and tourism, especially along the coast and in the desert.
Spring (March to May): The weather gradually warms up with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). Spring is an ideal time for travel as it offers comfortable conditions before the intense summer heat arrives.

Rainfall is sparse, averaging between 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 inches) annually, with most rain occurring in the winter months. However, the country is prone to occasional dust storms, especially during the summer.

Economic Status

The UAE has one of the most diversified and fastest-growing economies in the world, thanks to its rich oil reserves and ambitious plans to build a knowledge-based economy. Key elements of the UAE economy include:

Oil and Gas: The UAE is one of the world’s top producers of oil and natural gas, with Abu Dhabi holding the majority of the country’s oil reserves. The oil industry remains a key driver of the UAE economy, but there has been a concerted effort to reduce reliance on oil in favor of diversification.
Tourism: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are globally recognized tourism hubs, attracting millions of visitors each year. Major attractions include luxury shopping, the tallest buildings, cultural experiences, and resorts. The UAE is also a leading global destination for conferences, exhibitions, and sporting events.
Trade and Logistics: Due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the UAE has developed a major trade and logistics hub. Jebel Ali Port in Dubai is one of the largest ports in the world, while Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports for international travel.
Real Estate and Construction: The UAE’s booming real estate market has seen the construction of iconic buildings like the Burj Khalifa and massive developments like Palm Jumeirah. Despite a slowdown in recent years, the real estate sector remains a crucial part of the UAE’s economy.
Renewable Energy: As part of its long-term vision, the UAE has heavily invested in renewable energy, particularly solar power. The country is home to one of the world’s largest solar parks, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
Financial Services: Dubai, in particular, has established itself as a leading financial hub with a favorable tax regime, international banks, and a thriving business environment. The UAE has been ranked as one of the best places in the world for business.

Tourist Attractions

The UAE is home to a variety of world-class tourist attractions, from modern architectural marvels to traditional cultural sites and natural landscapes. Some of the key destinations include:

1. Burj Khalifa (Dubai)

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet). Visitors can take a high-speed elevator to the observation deck on the 148th floor for breathtaking views of Dubai and beyond.

2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi)

This architectural masterpiece is one of the largest mosques in the world, capable of holding over 40,000 worshippers. Its grand design features stunning marble floors, intricate carvings, and a massive central dome.

3. Palm Jumeirah (Dubai)

An iconic man-made island, Palm Jumeirah is a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and luxury. The island is home to five-star hotels, upscale restaurants, and pristine beaches.

4. Dubai Mall (Dubai)

The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world, offering luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment, including an ice rink, aquarium, and underwater zoo.

5. Al Fahidi Historic District (Dubai)

One of Dubai’s oldest neighborhoods, the Al Fahidi Historic District (formerly known as Bastakiya) offers a glimpse into the UAE’s history, with traditional wind-tower houses, museums, and art galleries.

6. Al Ain Oasis (Al Ain)

Located in the desert city of Al Ain, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a network of ancient irrigation systems, palm groves, and tranquil desert landscapes.

7. Liwa Oasis (Abu Dhabi)

Famed for its large sand dunes and breathtaking desert landscapes, Liwa Oasis offers a chance to explore the UAE’s natural beauty, with options for dune bashing, camel rides, and stargazing.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens can travel to the UAE without a visa for short-term visits of up to 30 days. This is typically issued upon arrival at the airport. The key requirements are:

Passport: The passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Return or onward ticket: Proof of travel out of the UAE is generally required.
Sufficient funds: Travelers may need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay.

For longer stays, or if engaging in activities such as employment or study, U.S. citizens will need to apply for a specific visa.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance from Dubai to New York City: Approximately 11,100 km (6,900 miles), with a flight time of about 14 hours.
Distance from Dubai to Los Angeles: Approximately 13,000 km (8,100 miles), with a flight time of about 16 hours.

United Arab Emirates Facts

Size	83,600 km²
Residents	9.8 million
Language	Arabic
Capital	Abu Dhabi
Longest river	–
Highest mountain	Jebel Yibir (1,527 m)
Currency	UAE dirham