The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formed as a federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain), which came together as one state on the 2nd of December 1971. The federal capital of UAE is Abu Dhabi and it is ruled by the president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan. The vice-president is Sheikh Maktoom bin Rashid al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai. The 40 members of the Federal National Council, who are ruling members of each of the 7 emirates, choose the president and vice-president every five years. The emirate of Dubai is the business capital, while the emirate of Sharjah is the cultural capital.

Sheikh Khalifa
The President
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates and the Federal capital of the UAE. It occupies an area of 26,000 square miles. Its long coastline – the shallow waters of the Southern Gulf, extending from the base of the Qatar Peninsula in the west to the border of the emirate of Dubai on the north east, was once the world’s best waters for pearling.

Sheikh Maktoom
Vice President
Dubai is a city of contrasts, where the old and new makes it a mysterious exciting place to it’s visitors. It is a very welcoming city and increasingly becoming very well known worldwide. Some people believe “Dubai’ is a shorter form of the word “Daba” meaning a prospering or raveling market. It has several names such as the City of Gold because of its famed Gold Market, and The City that Cares since the merchants set aside money from its promotions for charities.

Sheikh Sultan
Ruler of Sharjah           
Sharjah: This city is also known as The City of Knowledge. It is known for it beautiful and impressive achitectual buildings, mosques, museums and distinctive Islamic designed souqs. It is a great place to visit and see the Al Buheirah Corniche and its local raveling such as The Al Sha-abiah Resturant on the Corniche and the Fisherman’s Wharf overlooking the poolside and Khalid’s Lagoon. Sharjah has many beautiful gardens and a nice atmosphere. Being in Sharjah gives you easy access to Dubai and Ajman. Sharjah also encompasses some beautiful oasis areas such as Al Dhaid where you can see many vegetables and fruit such as strawberries being grown.

Shaikh Humaid
Ruler of Ajman
Ajman: This is the smallest Emirate of the United Arab Emirates and lies between Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. The central area of Ajman is developed, while the rural area has many farms. It has a few good fast food raveling, a City Centre (shopping mall) and cinema, and a traditional Islamic designed souq.

Shaikh Hamad
Ruler of Fujairah
Fujairah: This Emirate has a beautiful and very scenic mountain scenery and the winding roads are part of its beauty as you always wonder what scene is at the next turn. It has waterfalls and beautiful untouched beaches which are a major attraction to tourists and visitors from abroad and within the UAE. The beaches are a great attraction to divers who enjoy discovering the amazing marine paradise of the UAE coasts . It is I a major resort area.

Sheikh Rashid
Ruler of Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain:This is an Emirate where people like to go sailing and bird watching. It is famous for its Multi-million dirham “Dreamland” Aqua park which attracts thousands of visitors. Umm Al Qaiwain’s popular archaelogical sites are Ad Door, a raveling port town and nearby Tell Abraq a fortified settlement from around 2,500 BC. It is also famous for Falaj Al Mu’ala a natural oasis and an important agricultural area.

Sheikh Saqr
Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah: It’s name means ‘head of the tent’. I did a little research and found out that ‘Al Khaimah’ (the tent) also means a raveli shelter symbolizing the traditional arab friendship and hospitality. This Emirate is one of the most natural beautiful spots in the country. It is surrounded by sea, desert and mountains. It is known for its camping grounds when the weather is pleasant, natural water springs where there are separate facilities for men and women to bathe in its natural warm waters. The springs are located next to the mountains In Sh’am. There are several very interesting archaeological sites such as The Queen of Sheba’s Palace in the Shimal to the north.