Asia · Western Asia

United Arab Emirates

Capital: Abu Dhabi
Population: 9,890,400
Region: Asia
Languages: Arabic

Fun fact

The United Arab Emirates is home to one of the world's most advanced atmospheric research programs, utilizing specialized aircraft to perform cloud seeding operations that enhance rainfall in the arid climate. In addition to technological innovation, the nation maintains a dedicated Ministry of State for Happiness and Wellbeing to oversee government programs related to social satisfaction. The country also hosts the world's first university dedicated solely to artificial intelligence, reflecting its goal to become a global hub for future technologies. Visitors can even witness a blend of tradition and high-tech in the popular sport of robot camel racing, where small remote-controlled jockeys have replaced human riders.

Currency

The official currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham, denoted by the ISO code AED. Introduced in 1973 to replace the Qatar and Dubai riyal and the Bahraini dinar, the dirham has been officially pegged to the United States dollar since 1997.

Flag symbolism

The flag features the Pan-Arab colors of red, green, white, and black, which symbolize the historical unity of the Arab people. The vertical red band represents courage and bravery, while also serving as a tribute to the historical red banners used by the various emirates. The horizontal green stripe stands for hope, joy, and the fertility of the land, while the white stripe signifies peace and honesty. The bottom black stripe represents the strength of mind and the successful defeat of enemies, completing a design that was adopted in 1971 to mark the federation's independence.

Emblem history

The national emblem of the United Arab Emirates features a golden falcon, known as the 'Falcon of Quraish,' which has deep roots as a symbol of nobility and heritage throughout the Arabian Peninsula. At the center of the falcon is a circular shield depicting the national flag surrounded by seven stars, which represent the unity of the seven individual emirates. In its talons, the falcon holds a red parchment scroll with the country's name written in Kufic script. This current version was officially adopted in 2008, updating a previous design that had featured a dhow sailing ship in place of the national flag on the central shield.