The Emirates of the UAE – Convergence of unique and distinguished emirates

The largest emirate geographically, also home to more than 2 million people (the largest population in the UAE), Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, especially concerning culture and governance. The city is crammed with bureaucratic offices – with regards to the culture; the Emirate boasts art venues, museums and other attractions such as the Corniche, Marina Mall and the monumental Sheikh Zayed Mosque. On the other hand – in reference to being tourist friendly, the city features decadent hotels such as Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas and many other luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi. The most populous region of the UAE that has an obscene amount of wealth in its coppers thanks to its oil reserves.

The smallest emirate in terms of geographical measures, Ajman is no more than 260 square kilometres – the population is 240,000, give or take. The region became a part of the federation in 1971. Like all the other emirates, Ajman is visited by lots of tourists for its pristine sandy beaches, the souk, Al Nuaimia Mosque and water sports such as snorkelling, fishing and diving. Most people visit Ajman during the winter season in search of its abundant sunlight.

This is the most glamorous of it all and the main drawcard for tourists. Located on the Persian Gulf, the emirate of Dubai shares borders with Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and the country Oman. The emir of Dubai is Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who has been in power since 2006. He's also the prime minister of the UAE. Dubai is loved by many all over the world and is visited by thousands each year. The main highlights include the tallest building in the world Burl Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Mosque and its white sandy beaches.

Unlike other emirates, the coastline of the emirate of Fujairah lies solely on the Gulf of Oman. Fujairah city is the capital of the emirate. The fifth largest in the UAE, Fujairah is home to over 225,000 residents. The region enjoys a higher rainfall when compared to other emirates. Though in summer, the temperature can reach as high as 40 degrees. Non-nationals neither can buy nor own property in Fujairah. In the case of health care, medicals services are available freely to locals while foreigners have to pay for treatments. Attractions such as Ain Al Madhab Garden, Fujairah Fort, the museum and activities like city tours are the main reason why many visit Fujairah.

The capital is RAK city – when translated, Ras Al Khaimah gives the meaning 'headland of the tent'. It has a total land area of 960 square miles and is residence to over 345,000 people – of which, according to surveys done in 2015, about 70% is constituted by expats. This region has the desert climate you would usually find in the middle east – it's sweltering hot, especially during summer and it tends to simmer down a little during winter. In terms of economy, the region supports many sectors of the economy including tourism, real estate, high-tech industry and service sector – husbandry makes up a small percentage.

Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi has been the ruler since his accession in 1972. The land area covers about 2,500 square meters providing a home to as many as 1,400,000. Sharjah was bestowed the title Arab Capital of Culture by UNESCO due to the strong cultural presence in the region. Sharjah boasts museums, art venues and maintains a favourable attitude towards sports.

With a population as small as (when compared to other emirates) 70,000, give or take, Umm Al Quwain is the least populous. Like most other regions in the middle east, the climate is hot and humid, and the rainfall is quite scant. You can witness the bearing of Islam all over the region especially in music, architecture, cuisine and their garments.