Country Profile: United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), formed in 1971 from six emirates, is a federation strategically located along the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf, bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia. With a population estimated at over 10 million, it has a diverse demographic heavily influenced by expatriates. The UAE boasts a high-income economy primarily driven by oil, complemented by sectors such as tourism, construction, and finance. Governed by a federation of monarchies, the UAE has seen significant political stability and development, maintaining a unique blend of modern governance and traditional values.

Geography

The UAE is situated in the Middle East, bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia, with a total area of 83,600 sq km. The country features a desert climate, with a terrain that includes flat coastal plains and rolling sand dunes, while the eastern region has cooler mountains.

1,318 km of coastline along the Persian Gulf.
Over 90% of the UAE's area and two-thirds of its population reside in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Elevation ranges from the lowest point at 0 m in the Persian Gulf to the highest at 1,905 m on Jabal Bil 'Ays.

People and Society

The estimated population of the UAE is approximately 10,093,593 in 2025, with a predominance of expatriates, who represent around 87.9% of the total population. The nation is predominantly Muslim, with 74.5% identifying as Muslims, alongside a rich tapestry of other religions and ethnicities.

87.8% of the population lives in urban areas.
The median age is 35.8 years.
The literacy rate stands at 98.8% (2024 estimate).
The birth rate is 10.65 births per 1,000 population (2025 estimate).
Life expectancy is 79.9 years (2024 estimate).

Economy

The UAE has an oil-driven economy classified as high-income, with a GDP (PPP) estimated at $745.994 billion in 2024. The economy is diversifying through tourism, construction, and services, boasting strong foreign direct investment and a business-friendly environment.

Real GDP growth rate is projected at 3.8% for 2024.
4.146 million bbl/day of petroleum produced in 2023.
Unemployment rate is low at 2.2% (2024 estimate).
Top exports include crude petroleum and natural gas.

Government

The UAE operates as a federation of monarchies, with the capital in Abu Dhabi. Governance is characterized by a mixed legal system of Islamic law and civil law, and the constitution was made permanent in 1996.

The president is Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nuhayyan, elected on 14 May 2022.
The Federal National Council consists of 40 seats, with 50% occupied by women.
The UAE gained independence from the UK on 2 December 1971.

Military and Security

The UAE maintains a robust military structure, with approximately 65,000 active personnel as of 2025. The military is primarily equipped with modern imported armaments and has been involved in various security operations in the region.

Military expenditure is estimated at 4% of GDP for 2024.
The military consists of Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, and Presidential Guard.
The UAE actively participates in international military coalitions to address regional security concerns.

Energy

The UAE is a significant player in the global energy market, primarily due to its petroleum and natural gas reserves. The country has a total electricity production capacity of 44.462 million kW and aims to diversify its energy sources.

100% of the population has access to electricity (2022 estimate).
Total petroleum production reached 4.146 million bbl/day in 2023.
Nuclear energy contributes 19.7% to total electricity production.

Environment

The UAE faces environmental issues such as air pollution and water scarcity, with ongoing challenges in managing its natural resources.

Urban population stands at 87.8% (2023), which affects land degradation.
Known for 5.618 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 estimate).
Active participation in multiple international environmental agreements.

Transportation

The UAE boasts a modern transportation network with a significant number of airports and ports, facilitating both domestic and international travel.

The country has 42 airports and 20 major ports.
The merchant marine includes 655 vessels as of 2023.

Communications

The UAE has a well-developed communications sector, with complete internet access and a high number of mobile subscriptions.

100% internet usage among the population (2023 estimate).
22.4 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 estimate).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,093,593	Estimate for 2025
Area	83,600 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$745.994 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	2.2%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	10.65 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	79.9 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	98.8%	Estimated for 2024
Total Petroleum Production	4.146 million bbl/day	As of 2023
Military Expenditure	4% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption per Capita	450.432 million Btu/person	For 2023