The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The federation was formally established on December 2nd 1971 with Ras al-Khaimah joining at a later date.

HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected by the Supreme Council of Rulers (Federal Supreme Council) as President of the United Arab Emirates on November 3rd 2004, to succeed his father, the late HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had been UAE President from the foundation of the Federation in 1971. Sheikh Khalifa is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, having succeeded to that position on his father's passing away on November 2nd 2004.

Its language is Arabic and its religion is Islam. The country has strong relations and a common vision with the other Arab states.

The UAE is situated at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf and borders the Sultanate of Oman in the east and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west. The UAE covers an area of 77,700 square kilometers. Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, the UAE is warm and sunny in winter and hot and humid during the summer months.