All about the seven emirates of the UAE
With humble beginnings in camel rearing, pearl farming and fishing, the 7 emirates of the UAE offer an exciting mix of adventure, history, culture and fun for everyone. So, what makes the UAE’s 7 emirates unique? Let’s find out on MyBayut.
7 EMIRATES OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND THEIR RULERS
Although a nation-state, all seven emirates in the UAE are ruled by different UAE royal family.
Here’s a quick look at the ruling families and the current Emirs of the UAE’s seven emirates.
EMIRATE | RULING FAMILY | PRESENT RULER |
|---|---|---|
EMIRATE Abu Dhabi | RULING FAMILY Al Nahyan | PRESENT RULER His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
EMIRATE Dubai | RULING FAMILY Al Maktoum | PRESENT RULER His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum |
EMIRATE Sharjah | RULING FAMILY Al Qasimi | PRESENT RULER His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi |
EMIRATE Ajman | RULING FAMILY Al Nuaimi | PRESENT RULER His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi |
EMIRATE Umm Al Quwain | RULING FAMILY Al Mualla | PRESENT RULER His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla |
EMIRATE Ras Al Khaimah | RULING FAMILY Al Qasimi | PRESENT RULER His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi |
EMIRATE Fujairah | RULING FAMILY Al Sharqi | PRESENT RULER His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi |
The present rulers of all emirates are the descendants of the Founding Sheikhs of the UAE.
THE 7 EMIRATES OF THE UAE AND WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL
According to the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy, the country was founded on 2nd December 1971. In 2023, the UAE celebrated its 52nd National Day.
Let’s now take a detailed look at each of the 7 emirates of the UAE in order and see how each is unique.
ABU DHABI – THE CAPITAL EMIRATE
- Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate in the UAE, is also the country’s capital.
- In Arabic, Abu Dhabi translates to “land of the gazelle.”
- Legend has it that the name originated when a young gazelle led a lost tribe to fresh water on an island with some coral buildings, a fort and some 300 palm frond huts (barasti). The tribe settled there, marking the beginning of modern Abu Dhabi.
- One of the most interesting facts about Abu Dhabi is that the earliest settlement in the region can be traced back to the 3rd millennium B.C!
Today, this thriving archipelago blends a rich heritage with glorious high-rises, stunning landscapes and a vibrant high-end lifestyle. You can discover some of the best things the UAE offers in Abu Dhabi.
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an ode to stunning Islamic architecture.
- Believed to be one of the largest mosques in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque blends the UAE’s rich history and the values of Islamic traditions with grandeur and magnificence.
- This beautiful mosque is a sight to behold, no matter what time of the day you choose to visit.
QASR AL HOSN
- Qasr Al Hosn, or Al Hosn Palace, once served as the home of the ruling family.
- It holds a watchtower that was Abu Dhabi’s first permanent structure, built in the 1790s to protect the island settlements.
- Today, the palace has been converted into a museum, displaying artefacts dating back to 6,000 B.C.
FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI
- If you love the thrill of intense speed, Yas Ferrari World is the place to be!
- This park offers spine-chilling, adrenaline-pumping rides and experiences for all ages.
- The epic list of attractions at this world-class theme park includes the Formula Rossa – one of the UAE’s fastest roller coaster rides.
LOUVRE ABU DHABI
- Located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, Louvre Abu Dhabi is the ‘first universal museum in the Middle East.
- The museum displays historical, sociological and cultural artefacts in its galleries.
- You can expect to find objects like astrolabes and dancing shiva at the museum.
- The museum also organises exhibitions and tours. Thrill-seekers will particularly enjoy kayaking tours in Louvre Abu Dhabi.
MANGROVE PARKS
- One of the distinguishing features of Abu Dhabi is its thriving mangrove population.
- Whether you go kayaking at the Eastern Mangroves or set out to explore the Jubail Mangrove Park, you can witness the lush vegetation and the prolific ecosystem it supports firsthand.
Aside from these, you can visit some of the hugely popular tourist spots in Abu Dhabi.
DUBAI – THE HAPPENING MULTICULTURAL DESTINATION
- Multi-cultural Dubai is home to people from more than 200 nationalities.
- The emirate is known for its modern skyscrapers, extravagant landmarks, star-studded skyline, vibrant nightlife and high-end shopping experiences.
- The emirate’s economy is driven by its real estate and tourism sectors. However, this was not always so. One of the interesting facts about Dubai is that until the 1700s, Dubai’s economy relied heavily on fishing and pearl farming.
- Similarly, the history of Dubai’s architecture is quite exciting.
Many things make Dubai a popular tourist destination, but here are some of the best ones.
BURJ KHALIFA
- The Burj Khalifa needs no introduction. Standing at a staggering height of 828 metres, it’s the tallest building in the world and is expected to remain so for a long time.
- There are plenty of things to do at Burj Khalifa. Whether you fancy afternoon tea or a view of Dubai from the top of the Burj, you can have it all.
- Burj Khalifa has two observation decks: At the Top (124th and 125th floor) and At the Sky (148th floor).
THE MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE
Next on our list is the Museum of the Future. Referred to as the “most beautiful building on Earth” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai), this museum promises an exhilarating experience to all lucky visitors.
You can explore the future of artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies here.
PALM JUMEIRAH
- Palm Jumeirah is one of the world’s largest artificial islands, shaped like a palm tree, with fronds and a trunk. These are some of the most exciting facts about Palm Jumeirah.
- The luxury development offers high-end waterfront living for residents, with all lifestyle amenities and leisure activities nearby.
- There are many things to do in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.
DUBAI MALL
Located in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall is where you can immerse yourself in the ultimate shopping experience:
- You can find international and local brand outlets, restaurants and many attractions at the mall. Dubai Mall ice cream shops are a must-visit.
- There are many other things to do in Dubai Mall, like ice skating or exploring the Underwater Aquarium and Zoo.
AL FAHIDI DISTRICT
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (also known as Fahidi District or Al Bastakiya) is a historic neighbourhood in Dubai with low-rise buildings and narrow winding passageways.
- The district is a remnant of the emirate’s pearl trading roots.
DUBAI OPERA
- Dubai Opera is a popular performing arts venue in Dubai that hosts various events, including concerts, exhibitions, ballet shows, conferences and more.
- You can watch the Dubai Opera shows with friends and family.
DUBAI SOUKS
- Dubai has several souks that boast a traditional shopping experience.
- You can head to the Dubai Spice Souk or Gold Souk in Deira (also known as Deira Gold Souk) if you’re fond of jewellery.
You can also explore fun places in Dubai with your family. The list includes everything from skydiving to beaches.
SHARJAH – THE CULTURAL HUB
- Sharjah is the biggest patron of art, culture and history — as well as the richest in heritage, among the seven emirates of the UAE.
- In 1998, UNESCO awarded Sharjah the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World.”
- The emirate is dotted with museums, heritage centres, beautiful mosques and various art galleries.
- Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah harmonises its best historical and Islamic influences.
You can witness the best of Sharjah at these must-visit places.
KHALID LAGOON
The Khalid Lagoon is an artificially created water body that has led to the formation of a corniche – Al Noor Island. This archipelago offers many family-friendly activities.
SHARJAH ART MUSEUM
- Art lovers with a genuine appreciation for different artistic techniques can consider visiting the Sharjah Art Museum.
- With a mix of permanent and temporary displays, the museum gives celebrated local and regional artists a chance to showcase their work.
SHARJAH SAFARI PARK
- The 8000-hectare Sharjah Safari is the world’s largest safari park outside Africa.
- This features fascinating and exotic species, such as giraffes, lions and even a black rhinoceros.
AL NOOR MOSQUE
You can spot beautiful mosques across the 7 emirates of the UAE, but Al Noor Mosque stands apart because of its traditional Ottoman-style architecture:
- Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah is also one of the most popular religious places, offering mosque tours in the UAE.
- Apart from being a place of worship, the mosque is a wonderful destination for learning more about Islamic culture and history.
Looking for more places? Visit some of these exciting attractions in Sharjah.
AJMAN – TRADITIONAL MEETS MODERN
- The smallest of the 7 emirates of the UAE, Ajman has its fair share of natural wonders and age-old traditions.
- This is bordered by the Arabian Gulf on one side and the Hajar Mountains on the other, with a landscape featuring several pristine beaches and other attractions.
- The emirate effortlessly balances its traditions with modernised services and urban development in the UAE.
Some of the most prominent places in Ajman include these.
AJMAN MUSEUM
- The Ajman Museum is an 18th-century fort, which previously served as the Ajman ruling family’s residence and a police station.
- This was converted into a museum in 1981 and has since been a place to explore the emirate’s lifestyle and culture through historical displays.
UAE PYGMY ZOO
- The ‘first petting zoo in Ajman’, the UAE Pygmy Zoo, allows you to feed and interact with beautiful birds, pups, camels and horses.
- You can also enjoy camel/horse riding at the zoo.
AL ZORAH NATURE RESERVE
- Al Zorah Nature Reserve is a beautiful bird sanctuary with pristine lagoons, quiet beaches and a thriving mangrove ecosystem.
- This is an excellent spot for non-motorised watersports and birdwatching. You can spot herons, egrets and pink flamingos here.
Are you looking for more things to do in Ajman and places to see? Visit some of the best places in the emirate. Your options include visiting a museum and a waterpark, among others.
UMM AL QUWAIN – THE FISHING HAVEN
- Umm Al Quwain might be the smallest emirate by population size, but it wins the race regarding unexplored sites.
- Most of this emirate remains unexplored, but it attracts fishing enthusiasts from all over the country.
- The shores of Umm Al Quwain have some of the best deep-sea fishing points you can find.
Aside from that, the emirate has plenty of other attractions to offer.
FALAJ AL MUALLA FORT
- Falaj Al Mualla Fort is one of the most important sites in Umm Al Quwain.
- Following its restoration in 2015, the fort now serves as a museum.
ED-DUR SITE
The Ed-Dur site gives you a comprehensive look into the history of Umm Al Quwain:
- This fenced area includes a significant temple from the first century.
- Other excavated discoveries depict human settlements from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages.
UMM AL QUWAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM
- The Umm Al Quwain Museum is housed inside the former residence of the emirate’s ruling family.
- This holds a display of artefacts unearthed at the Ed-Dur site.
- The museum also showcases exhibits from historical wars fought in the region.
RAS AL KHAIMAH – THE ADVENTURE ZONE
- Ras Al Khaimah, which translates to “top of the tent” in Arabic, is the northernmost emirate of UAE.
- Rugged and mountainous in certain areas, Ras Al Khaimah offers plenty of adventures and outdoor activities.
Some of the emirate’s most prominent attractions include the following:
JEBEL JAIS
- The ultimate adventure destination, Jebel Jais is much more than a towering 2,000-metre mountain.
- There’s so much for visitors to see and do here — ice skating, zip-lining and camping, to name a few!
WADI SHAWKA
- Located in the Hajar Mountains, Wadi Shawka is an agricultural area close to several abandoned settlements, now protected heritage sites.
- The wadi overlooks the Shawka Dam and has natural pools created from the area’s excessive rainfall.
- Wadi Shawka is one of the easiest hiking trails in the UAE and a popular tourist attraction due to its abundant natural wonders.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RAS AL KHAIMAH
- Like most other museums across the 7 emirates of the UAE, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah is also a historic fort that once served as the ruling family’s residence.
- It was converted into a museum in 1987 with an impressive collection of historical, archaeological, ethnographical and traditional displays.
Apart from the mentioned places, you can visit these equally epic destinations in Ras Al Khaimah for exciting activities.
FUJAIRAH – THE LAND OF WILD WATERS AND WADIS
The last entry on our list of the UAE’s 7 emirates, Fujairah, is the most mountainous on the eastern coast of the UAE. Here are some of the best attractions in the emirate.
FUJAIRAH BEACHES
Whilst all emirates have impressive coastlines, Fujairah beaches, in particular, stand out for snorkelling, scuba diving and even surfing!
TIM’S REEF
- One of the best places to surf in the UAE, Tim’s Reef in Fujairah is the only reef break spot in the country.
- The reef faces the Indian Ocean and produces some excellent waves for surfers. So, if you want to catch some wild surf, this is the place for you.
MADHAB SPRING SULPHURIC PARK
- Commonly known as the Madhab Spring Park, this natural spot in Fujairah has public pools filled with water from the Ain Al Madhab Hot Springs nearby.
- The Madhab Spring Park is a popular family destination with many fun activities to enjoy, including BBQ, badminton and of course, swimming.
WADI WURAYAH NATIONAL PARK
There are several wadis in Fujairah, with Wadi Wurayah (also known as Wadi Wurayah National Park) being the most popular!
- Nestled between the Bidiyah, Khorfakkan and Masafi areas, this beautiful wadi is home to several mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
- This is the ‘only terrestrial protected area’ in Fujairah.
FAQs ABOUT THE 7 EMIRATES OF THE UAE AND MORE
WHICH EMIRATES FORM UAE?
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain form UAE emirates.
WHEN WAS THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES FORMED?
The United Arab Emirates came into being on 2nd December 1971. Many people want to know what are the 7 UAE countries? The UAE doesn’t have 7 countries but 7 emirates, namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.
WHICH IS THE SMALLEST EMIRATE IN THE UAE BY AREA?
The UAE’s smallest emirate is Ajman, covering a total area of 259,000,000 sq. m.
WHAT WERE THE EMIRATES CALLED BEFORE 1971?
Before 1971, 7 emirates of UAE were named sheikhdoms, collectively known as Trucial States.
WHO UNITED THE EMIRATES?
His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum united the seven emirates.
WHAT IS UAE KNOWN FOR?
There are a lot of things the UAE is known for, such as the tallest skyscrapers, cuisines from all around the world, a thriving nightlife, and some of the best malls.
However, the one thing that sets the UAE apart from most other countries is tolerance. The population of the UAE has a large number of residents of Asian, European, American and African nationalities, all living in harmony.
That’s all we have for you on the 7 states of the UAE. The country is a fantastic place to visit if you seek luxury, thrills, relaxation and fun. There are many must-visit tourist attractions and natural attractions in the UAE.
For more information on the UAE’s history, culture and lifestyle, follow us on MyBayut.
