The UAE is very popular for both expats and tourists. Thousands of people coming from different nations are going to the country to experience its world-class tourism and of course, to get the job they are aiming for.
If this is your first time going to the UAE, this country is exceptionally famous for its 7 emirates namely Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Quwain. Read on to learn more about them.
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History of the United Arab Emirates
Now that you know about the 7 emirates of the UAE, you may be wondering about the brief history of the country. The United Arab Emirates was established in 1971 through a Federal Constitutional Monarchy. Previously, only the six emirates were able to join the unity. Ras Al Khaimah later engaged in 1972, making it the 7th emirate of the UAE.
Before becoming united, these emirates were known as the Trucial States and allies of the UK. Since 1820, it had been the situation. However, when 1968 entered, the British disclosed that their protectorate was withdrawing, which led to a discussion to form a new country. From that point, the National Day event is being celebrated every December 2 to commemorate the formation of the UAE.
About Dubai
Before Dubai became one of the most famous tourist spots in the UAE, it was just a small fishing and trading place. Today, it is a cosmopolitan city that represents the global trade. It is an exciting place where there is a combination of Arab-Islamic and modern culture. Next to Abu Dhabi, it is the second biggest emirate in the UAE and led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum who is the Prime Minister of the country and the Vice President.
800 members of the Bani Yas tribe were able to settle at the mount of the Dubai creek during the 18th century. They were led by the Maktoum Family. As time passed by, the creek became the center of sea activities such as pearling and fishing from being a natural creek.
Dubai is now a fruitful port since the introduction of the 20th century. The largest coast therein is the souk on Deira with 350 shops and solid visitors from different industries.
During the 1930s, Dubai consisted of 20,000 people, of which ¼ were expats. In the 1950s, the Dubai creek started to crowd due to the number of ships that were continuously increasing. The waterway was then dredged to make it wider. The project cost a lot of money but it resulted in a more successful port. In fact, Dubai was able to handle more cargoes at that time. It also made Dubai one of the major hubs in the country.
The first oil export of Dubai happened in 1969 then rapid developments followed. Now, plenty of shopping malls, tourist spots, restaurants, etc. are here to give entertainment to visitors, locals, and residents.
About Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the biggest city in the country. Its ruler is His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan—the President of the UAE. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi was once a normal place.
It was largely composed of desert sands where nomadic tribes lived. There were different villages. And during 1958, the oil was discovered. It made big changes to the economy of the emirate. The revenues it generated were invested in its transformation. This is one of a few good reasons why Abu Dhabi has an exciting society today.
Some of the investments are made in tourism, infrastructure, health, transportation, and education. The emirate is also working hard on its hydrocarbons reliance so to improve its economy. To this date, all of these investments are included in the 2030 urban plan of Abu Dhabi.
Today, you will see a lot of improvements in the economy of the emirate, including the major changes in its tourism. Shopping malls, tourist places, and other cultural and traditional sports are built here now, just like Dubai. However, Dubai is still better than Abu Dhabi in terms of tourism and infrastructure.
About Ajman
This emirate is located on the western coast of the country. Ajman is led by His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi. It is a unique city because of its solid maritime tradition wherein fishing, trading, and shipbuilding are great.
There is also a so-called Ajman Free Zone where lots of establishments exist. This is driving the economy of Ajman, together with the locals and expats coming from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and abroad. In terms of industrial development, this emirate is considered the 3rd in the UAE. It has also the 3rd largest market of real estate.
Like any other emirates, Ajman has something different that makes it appealing to visitors. Its Al-Manama region is the most famous tourist spot here as it represents a deserted place with mountains packed with chrome and magnesium.
About Sharjah
The City of Knowledge, which is Sharjah, is located near Dubai. Its leader is His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi. If we talk about the size of this emirate, it is considered as the third largest next to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
What’s unique about this emirate is that it has properties on both the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf Coast. From being the small trading town before, it has developed into a powerful modern commercial and trade center. It can be noted that the first trading activities here were pearl diving and fishing.
Since 1932, Sharjah has been a center of tourism. In fact, it is the emirate that first developed its tourism and has been growing since then. During the 19th century, it was the most essential port in the lower Arabian Gulf.
Today, Sharjah has over 800,000 residents that make it the third biggest city in the country.
About Fujairah
Fujairah is a mountainous city in the UAE and it is located on the eastern side of the country and along the Oman Gulf. Its ruler is His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi. Since it is located near one of the major bodies of water in the UAE, the usual method of living here is agriculture and fishing.
This emirate relies on the rainwater coming from the Hajar Mountains as an irrigation system. This means that farming here is more ideal and a lot cheaper. What’s unique about Fujairah is its location as it permits access to the major shipping routes in the world. Apart from that, it serves as the haven of the biggest livestock shipping companies globally.
About Ras al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah, also known as RAK, is situated at the northernmost point of the UAE. On its southeast side, the Sultanate of Oman is located. This emirate is composed of 1,700 square kilometers of land. It is led by His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Sagr Al Qasimi since 2010 after the death of its old ruler.
Ras Al Khaimah is also divided into two parts: the old and the new one. The old Ras Al Khaimah is where schools, government departments, hotels, and shopping malls are established. The other part is where residential areas, markets, Emiri Court, and Ras Al Khaimah Exhibition Centre are located.
About Umm al-Qaiwain
Last but not least is Umm al-Qaiwain, a small emirate located between Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. The name of this emirate means “Mother of Two Powers.” These words are closely related to their strong seafaring tradition. This emirate is ruled by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla. Umm al-Qaiwain is composed of a series of coastal mangroves situated on the Arabian Gulf. Plenty of fertile lands and sand dunes are here. Recreational activities such as skydiving and sailing can be enjoyed once you are here.
Top 10 attractions to visit in the UAE
If you are going to visit the UAE, a lot of places can be visited here. Here are the top 10 tourist spots you should check out:
- Corniche City Skyline in Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
- Palm Jumeirah in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa in Dubai
- Museum of Islamic Civilization in Sharjah
- Al Qasba in Sharjah
- Ajman Beach in Ajman
- Ajman Museum in Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain Museum in Umm Al Quwain
- Cove Rotana Beach Resort in Ras Al Khaimah
These are the destinations that are famous in each emirate. If you want to experience the best of the UAE, you should consider a few or all of what’s on this list.
Final Thoughts
The UAE is a country packed with exciting things to experience and discover. It’s not just a good economy to find a good career. It’s also a country with amazing tourist spots. If you are looking for a good country that will bring a world-class experience to your life in terms of tourism and career, UAE is one of the good options.