Verified Facts
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a sovereign country located in the southeastern region of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, with a diverse terrain and climate that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Quick Facts
Location & Borders
The UAE is situated in the Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, and is surrounded by the countries of Saudi Arabia to the west and south, and Oman to the east. The country's strategic location has made it an important hub for trade and commerce, with the city of Dubai being a major center for business and tourism. The UAE also shares maritime borders with Iran and Qatar, and its coastline along the Persian Gulf is approximately 1,318 km long.
The UAE's location in the Arabian Peninsula has also made it a significant player in regional politics and economy, with the country being a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League. The country's borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman are relatively long, with the Saudi-UAE border being approximately 457 km and the Oman-UAE border being around 410 km. The UAE's unique location has also made it a popular destination for tourists, with its modern cities, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Terrain & Landscape
The UAE's terrain is characterized by a diverse range of landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and coastlines. The country's interior is dominated by the Arabian Desert, which covers much of the country's land area. The desert landscape is marked by vast expanses of sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and oases, with the Al Dhafra region being home to some of the most impressive sand dunes in the world. The UAE's mountainous regions are located in the eastern part of the country, with the Hajar Mountains being the most prominent range.
The Hajar Mountains stretch from the city of Fujairah in the east to the city of Ras al-Khaimah in the north, and are home to the country's highest point, Jebel Jais. The mountains are also home to a number of scenic valleys, known as wadis, which are popular hiking and trekking destinations. The UAE's coastline is also an important feature of the country's landscape, with the Persian Gulf coastline being home to a number of beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. The coastline is also dotted with a number of islands, including the island of Sir Bani Yas, which is a popular tourist destination.
The UAE's natural beauty is not limited to its landscapes, with the country being home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The country's deserts are home to a number of unique plants, including the iconic date palm, while the mountains are home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the Arabian tahr and the Arabian leopard. The UAE's coastline is also an important habitat for a number of marine species, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.
Climate By Season
| Season | Months | Temperature Range | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | December to February | 15-25°C | Low | Mild and pleasant |
| Spring | March to May | 20-30°C | Low | Warm and sunny |
| Summer | June to August | 35-45°C | Very Low | Hot and humid |
| Autumn | September to November | 25-35°C | Low | Warm and sunny |
Best Time To Visit
Best months: November to March. Why: The weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Avoid: June to August, as the heat and humidity can be unbearable, and the summer months are also the peak tourist season, making the cities and attractions very crowded.
Natural Highlights
- The Hajar Mountains are a popular destination for hiking and trekking, with scenic valleys and stunning views.
- The Al Dhafra region is home to some of the most impressive sand dunes in the world, making it a popular destination for desert safaris.
- The Sir Bani Yas island is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove forests.
- The Wadi Wurayah is a scenic valley located in the Hajar Mountains, and is home to a number of rare and endangered species.
- The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a protected area that is home to a number of unique plants and animals, including the Arabian oryx and the Arabian gazelle.
- The Jebel Jais mountain is the highest point in the UAE, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.