Page last updated on December 17, 2013

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Dhabi, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its high oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region. For more than three decades, oil and global finance drove the UAE's economy. However, in 2008-09, the confluence of falling oil prices, collapsing real estate prices, and the international banking crisis hit the UAE especially hard. The UAE has essentially avoided the "Arab Spring" unrest seen elsewhere in the Middle East, though in March 2011, political activists and intellectuals signed a petition calling for greater public participation in governance that was widely circulated on the Internet. In an effort to stem potential further unrest, the government announced a multi-year, $1.6-billion infrastructure investment plan for the poorer northern Emirates.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
24 00 N, 54 00 E
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Middle East
Area:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 83,600 sq km
country comparison to the world: 115
land: 83,600 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
slightly smaller than Maine
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 867 km
border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1,318 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
desert; cooler in eastern mountains
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
petroleum, natural gas
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 0.61%
permanent crops: 0.5%
other: 98.9% (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
920 sq km (2010)
Total renewable water resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.15 cu km (2011)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 3.99 cu km/yr (15%/2%/83%)
per capita: 739.5 cu m/yr (2005)
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
frequent sand and dust storms
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills
Environment - international agreements:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Emirati(s)
adjective: Emirati
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)
note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Muslim (Islam - official) 96% (Shia 16%), other (includes Christian, Hindu) 4%
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5,473,972 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 115
note: estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census that included a significantly higher estimate of net immigration of non-citizens than previous estimates
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 20.6% (male 577,599/female 551,346)
15-24 years: 13.8% (male 449,258/female 306,410)
25-54 years: 61.5% (male 2,570,054/female 798,070)
55-64 years: 3.1% (male 127,569/female 40,996)
65 years and over: 1% (male 33,481/female 19,189) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Dependency ratios:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total dependency ratio: 18.6 %
youth dependency ratio: 18.1 %
elderly dependency ratio: 0.5 %
potential support ratio: 201.7 (2013)
Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 30.3 years
male: 32 years
female: 25 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.87% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 14
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
15.65 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 129
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.01 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 225
Net migration rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
15.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 6
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 84.4% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization: 2.52% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas - population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
ABU DHABI (capital) 666,000 (2009)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.46 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 3.23 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 3.19 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.77 male(s)/female
total population: 2.19 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Maternal mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
country comparison to the world: 147
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 11.25 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 134
male: 13.12 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 76.91 years
country comparison to the world: 71
male: 74.31 years
female: 79.63 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.37 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 91
Contraceptive prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
27.5% (1995)
Health expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.3% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 178
Physicians density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.93 physicians/1,000 population (2007)
Hospital bed density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.9 beds/1,000 population (2008)
Drinking water source:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
Sanitation facility access:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.2% (2001 est.)
country comparison to the world: 93
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
32.7% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 22
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.1% of GDP (2004)
country comparison to the world: 171
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90%
male: 89.5%
female: 91.5% (2005 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2009)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 12.1%
country comparison to the world: 97
male: 7.9%
female: 21.8% (2008)
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: United Arab Emirates
conventional short form: none
local long form: Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah
local short form: none
former: Trucial Oman, Trucial States
abbreviation: UAE
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: Abu Dhabi
geographic coordinates: 24 28 N, 54 22 E
time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2 December 1971 (from the UK)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Independence Day, 2 December (1971)
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
previous 1971 (provisional); latest drafted in 1979, became permanent May 1996; amended 2009 (2012)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
mixed legal system of Islamic law and civil law
International law organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
limited; note - rulers of the seven Emirates each select a proportion of voters for the Federal National Council (FNC) that together account for about 12 percent of the native Emirati population
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: President KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 3 November 2004), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) (since 4 November 2004); Vice President and Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN RASHID Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister and Vice President MUHAMMAD BIN RASHID Al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers SAIF bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 11 May 2009) and MANSUR bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 11 May 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the seven emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions federal legislation; meets four times a year; Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power
elections: president and vice president elected by the FSC for five-year terms (no term limits) from among the seven FSC members; election last held 3 November 2004 upon the death of the UAE's Founding Father and first President ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan (next election NA); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president
election results: KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan elected president by a unanimous vote of the FSC; MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Maktum unanimously affirmed vice president after the 2006 death of his brother Sheikh MAKTUM bin Rashid Al-Maktum
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
unicameral Federal National Council (FNC) or Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; 20 members appointed by the rulers of the constituent states, 20 members elected to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 24 September 2011 (next to be held in 2015); note - the electoral college was expanded from 6,689 voters in the December 2006 election to 129,274 in the September 2011 election; elections for candidates rather than party lists; 469 candidates including 85 women ran for 20 contested FNC seats
election results: elected seats by emirate - Abu Dhabi 4, Dubai 4, Sharjah 3, Ras al-Khaimah 3, Ajman 2, Fujairah 2, Umm al-Quwain 2; note - number of appointed seats for each emirate are same as elected seats
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest court(s): Federal Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 4 judges)
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the federal president following approval by the Federal Supreme Council, which includes the rulers of the 7 emirates; judge term NA
subordinate courts: Federal Court of Cassation (determines the constitutionality of laws promulgated at the federal and local (emirate) levels; federal level courts of first instance and appeals courts; each emirate has its own court system
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none; political parties are not allowed
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OIF (observer), OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of mission: Ambassador Yusif bin Mani bin Said al-UTAYBA (since 25 July 2008)
chancery: 3522 International Court NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 243-2400
FAX: [1] (202) 243-2432
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael H. CORBIN (since 25 July 2011)
embassy: Embassies District, Plot 38 Sector W59-02, Street No. 4, Abu Dhabi
mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi
telephone: [971] (2) 414-2200
FAX: [971] (2) 414-2603
consulate(s) general: Dubai
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a wider vertical red band on the hoist side; the flag incorporates all four Pan-Arab colors, which in this case represent fertility (green), neutrality (white), petroleum resources (black), and unity (red); red was the traditional color incorporated into all flags of the emirates before their unification
National symbol(s):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
golden falcon
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: "Nashid al-watani al-imarati" (National Anthem of the UAE)
lyrics/music: AREF Al Sheikh Abdullah Al Hassan/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB
note: music adopted 1971, lyrics adopted 1996; Mohamad Abdel WAHAB also composed the music for the anthem of Tunisia
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP based on oil and gas output to 25%. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE more than 30 years ago, the country has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up utilities to greater private sector involvement. In April 2004, the UAE signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with Washington and in November 2004 agreed to undertake negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement with the US; however, those talks have not moved forward. The country's Free Trade Zones - offering 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes - are helping to attract foreign investors. The global financial crisis, tight international credit, and deflated asset prices constricted the economy in 2009. UAE authorities tried to blunt the crisis by increasing spending and boosting liquidity in the banking sector. The crisis hit Dubai hardest, as it was heavily exposed to depressed real estate prices. Dubai lacked sufficient cash to meet its debt obligations, prompting global concern about its solvency. The UAE Central Bank and Abu Dhabi-based banks bought the largest shares. In December 2009 Dubai received an additional $10 billion loan from the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Dependence on oil, a large expatriate workforce, and growing inflation pressures are significant long-term challenges. The UAE's strategic plan for the next few years focuses on diversification and creating more opportunities for nationals through improved education and increased private sector employment.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$255.8 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 51
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$378.6 billion (2012 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.4% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 79
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$29,200 (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 49
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
Gross national saving:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
40% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 12
GDP - composition, by end use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
household consumption: 49.8%
government consumption: 6.9%
investment in fixed capital: 21.9%
investment in inventories: 0.7%
exports of goods and services: 95.2%
imports of goods and services: -74.5%
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 0.7%
industry: 60.5%
services: 38.8% (2012 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs, dairy products; fish
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.2% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 69
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.337 million
country comparison to the world: 87
note: expatriates account for about 85% of the work force (2012 est.)
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 7%
industry: 15%
services: 78% (2000 est.)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.4% (2001)
country comparison to the world: 16
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
19.5% (2003)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $136.6 billion
expenditures: $109.4 billion (2012 est.)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
36.1% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 62
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7.2% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 8
Public debt:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
42.6% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 80
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
calendar year
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.7% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 11
Central bank discount rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Stock of narrow money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$81.46 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41
Stock of broad money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$234.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 36
Stock of domestic credit:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$293.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35
Market value of publicly traded shares:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$93.77 billion (31 December 2011)
country comparison to the world: 41
Current account balance:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$66.56 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 8
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$350.1 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 17
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, dates
Exports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Japan 15.4%, India 13.4%, Iran 10.7%, Thailand 5.5%, Singapore 5.5%, South Korea 5.3% (2012)
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$221.9 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 24
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food
Imports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
India 17%, China 13.7%, US 10.5%, Germany 5.1%, Japan 4.2% (2012)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$47.04 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 40
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$162.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 34
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$92.96 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 42
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$58.46 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Emirati dirhams (AED) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
102.7 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 34
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
85.17 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 34
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 154
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 154
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
23.25 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
100% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 43
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 152
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 147
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.213 million bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 7
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.142 million bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 6
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 148
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
97.8 billion bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 7
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
371,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 39
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
572,100 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
382,300 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
351,400 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
52.31 billion cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
60.54 billion cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 13
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.18 billion cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 36
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
17.44 billion cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 22
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6.089 trillion cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 7
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
245.4 million Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.967 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 59
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
13.775 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 61
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of mobile-cellular telephones; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubai
domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber optic and coaxial cable
international: country code - 971; linked to the international submarine cable FLAG (Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe); landing point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia (2011)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
except for the many organizations now operating in Dubai's Media Free Zone, most TV and radio stations remain government-owned; widespread use of satellite dishes provides access to pan-Arab and other international broadcasts (2007)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.ae
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
337,804 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 61
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.449 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 61
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
43 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 100
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 25
over 3,047 m: 12
2,438 to 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 5
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 2 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 18
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 6
under 914 m:
Heliports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5 (2013)
Pipelines:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
condensate 533 km; gas 3,277 km; liquid petroleum gas 300 km; oil 3,287 km; oil/gas/water 24 km; refined products 218 km; water 99 km (2013)
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 4,080 km
country comparison to the world: 157
paved: 4,080 km (includes 253 km of expressways) (2008)
Merchant marine:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 61
country comparison to the world: 65
by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 13, chemical tanker 8, container 7, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 24, roll on/roll off 4
foreign-owned: 13 (Greece 3, Kuwait 10)
registered in other countries: 253 (Bahamas 23, Barbados 1, Belize 3, Cambodia 2, Comoros 8, Cyprus 3, Georgia 2, Gibraltar 5, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 1, India 4, Iran 2, Jordan 2, Liberia 37, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 12, Mexico 1, Netherlands 4, North Korea 2, Panama 83, Papua New Guinea 6, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 8, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Saudi Arabia 6, Sierra Leone 1, Singapore 10, Tanzania 3, Togo 1, UK 8, Vanuatu 1, unknown 8) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Al Fujayrah, Mina' Jabal 'Ali (Dubai), Khor Fakkan (Khawr Fakkan), Mubarraz Island, Mina' Rashid (Dubai), Mina' Saqr (Ra's al Khaymah)
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
United Arab Emirates Armed Forces: Critical Infrastructure Coastal Patrol Agency (CNIA), Land Forces, Navy, Air Force and Air Defense, Border and Coast Guard Directorate (BCGD) (2012)
Military service age and obligation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age for voluntary military service; 18 years of age for officers and women; no conscription; 16-22 years of age for candidates for the UAE Naval College (2012)
Manpower available for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 2,676,928 (includes non-nationals)
females age 16-49: 981,649 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 2,229,366
females age 16-49: 842,759 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 27,439
female: 24,419 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6.4% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 9
Transnational Issues:
Disputes - international:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
boundary agreement was signed and ratified with Oman in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah enclaves, but contents of the agreement and detailed maps showing the alignment have not been published; Iran and UAE dispute Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island, which Iran occupies