When people hear the name United Arab Emirates, Dubai is often the first place that comes to mind. But Dubai is only one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The federation was established in December 1971, with Ras Al Khaimah joining in February 1972.
Each emirate has its own personality, landscape, attractions and local government. From the futuristic skyline of Dubai to the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah and the east-coast beaches of Fujairah, there is much more to the UAE than its most famous city.
1. Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest of the seven emirates by area. The emirate covers approximately 67,340 square kilometres and includes the city of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Al Dhafrah region. It also has a coastline of around 700 kilometres and more than 200 natural islands.
Abu Dhabi is known for its grand architecture, cultural attractions, beaches, islands and luxury experiences. It is also an important centre for government, energy, finance and tourism.
Places to visit in Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Qasr Al Watan
- Yas Island
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
- Saadiyat Island
- Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Al Ain Oasis
- Jebel Hafeet
Abu Dhabi is ideal for travellers who enjoy culture, architecture, luxury and family-friendly attractions.
2. Dubai
Dubai is probably the most internationally recognised of the seven emirates. It is the second-largest emirate and is famous for its futuristic skyline, luxury hotels, shopping malls, entertainment and ambitious architectural projects.
Dubai combines modern attractions with traditional neighbourhoods, souks and Emirati heritage.
Places to visit in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Mall
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Marina
- Museum of the Future
- Dubai Creek
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Jumeirah Mosque
- Dubai Frame
- Global Village
Dubai is perfect if you want shopping, luxury, nightlife, architecture, entertainment and a fast-paced city experience.
3. Sharjah
Sharjah is the third-largest emirate and is particularly known for its cultural and heritage attractions. It has invested heavily in museums, arts and cultural institutions, making it an interesting destination for travellers who want to understand more about the UAE beyond its modern skyline.
Sharjah also has an interesting geographical feature: parts of the emirate extend towards the UAE’s east coast, including areas such as Khor Fakkan and Kalba.
Places to visit in Sharjah
- Heart of Sharjah
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
- Al Noor Island
- Sharjah Art Museum
- Al Qasba
- Khor Fakkan
- Al Majaz Waterfront
- Sharjah Desert Park
Sharjah is a great choice for culture, museums, heritage, art and family experiences.
4. Ajman
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates, covering around 260 square kilometres. It lies along the Arabian Gulf between Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Despite being small, it has a mix of beaches, modern developments and traditional character.
Ajman is often quieter than Dubai, making it an appealing option for travellers looking for a more relaxed coastal experience.
Places to visit in Ajman
- Ajman Museum
- Ajman Corniche
- Ajman Beach
- Al Zorah Nature Reserve
- Masfout
- Masfout Castle
- Al Zorah Mangroves
Ajman is best suited to travellers looking for beaches, relaxation and a slower UAE experience.
5. Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain, often abbreviated as UAQ, is the second-smallest and least-populated of the seven emirates according to the UAE government’s overview. Fishing has traditionally been an important part of its economy.
It offers a much quieter experience than Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with beaches, mangroves, islands and historical attractions.
Places to visit in Umm Al Quwain
- Umm Al Quwain Fort and Museum
- UAQ Old Town
- Al Sinniyah Island
- Mangroves
- Beaches
- Dreamland Aqua Park
If you want to see a quieter and less commercial side of the UAE, Umm Al Quwain is worth exploring.
6. Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah, commonly called RAK, is the fourth-largest emirate. It is particularly interesting because of its varied geography. The emirate has mountains, desert landscapes and around 64 kilometres of beaches.
The Hajar Mountains make Ras Al Khaimah one of the best emirates for outdoor adventures.
Places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah
- Jebel Jais
- Jais Flight
- Dhayah Fort
- Al Jazirah Al Hamra
- Al Marjan Island
- RAK beaches
- Khatt Springs
- Wadi Shawka
Ras Al Khaimah is ideal for adventure, mountains, desert experiences, beaches and nature.
The emirate also has a fascinating history. The UAE government notes that the region’s history goes back around 7,000 years and that the ancient settlement of Julfar became an important trading centre in the Arabian Gulf.
7. Fujairah
Fujairah is the only one of the seven emirates located entirely on the UAE’s eastern coast, along the Gulf of Oman. Its coastline stretches for around 70 kilometres.
This makes Fujairah quite different from the other emirates. Instead of looking towards the Arabian Gulf, its eastern coastline faces the Gulf of Oman.
The Hajar Mountains also run through the region, giving Fujairah a dramatic landscape.
Places to visit in Fujairah
- Fujairah Fort
- Al Bidyah Mosque
- Fujairah beaches
- Snoopy Island
- Al Aqah
- Wadi Wurayah
- Fujairah Museum
- Hajar Mountains
Fujairah is particularly good for beaches, diving, snorkelling, mountains and nature.
The 7 Emirates at a Glance
| Emirate | Known For | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Culture, luxury, islands | Families & culture |
| Dubai | Skyscrapers, shopping, entertainment | First-time visitors |
| Sharjah | Museums, art, heritage | Culture lovers |
| Ajman | Beaches, relaxed atmosphere | Short getaways |
| Umm Al Quwain | Nature, mangroves, heritage | Offbeat travel |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Mountains, beaches, adventure | Adventure lovers |
| Fujairah | Gulf of Oman, mountains, beaches | Nature & water activities |
Is Dubai a Country?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the UAE.
Dubai is an emirate within the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is another emirate and is also the federal capital of the country. The UAE is the country, while Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are its seven constituent emirates.
Similarly, Abu Dhabi is both the name of an emirate and the name of its capital city, which can sometimes cause confusion.
How Does the UAE Government Work?
The UAE is a constitutional federation. It has a federal government alongside the local governments of its seven emirates. The Constitution divides responsibilities between the federal authorities and the individual emirates.
Each emirate has its own ruler and local government. The rulers of the seven emirates together form the Federal Supreme Council, which is the UAE’s highest constitutional authority.
This structure allows the emirates to operate with their own local governments while being part of one federation.
Can You Visit All 7 Emirates on One Trip?
Yes, and it can make for a fascinating UAE road trip.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are usually the easiest starting points for international travellers. From there, you can explore Sharjah and Ajman before continuing north towards Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah. Fujairah lies on the opposite side of the Hajar Mountains and can be added as a separate stop.
The distances between many of the emirates are manageable, making it possible to experience several of them during one trip. Official tourism information also notes that travellers can move freely between the emirates.
Which Emirate Should You Visit?
If this is your first trip to the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the obvious starting points.
If you want culture and heritage, add Sharjah.
If you want mountains and adventure, choose Ras Al Khaimah.
If you want beaches and water activities, consider Fujairah.
If you want peace and a quieter coastal experience, explore Ajman or Umm Al Quwain.
And if you have enough time, do not limit yourself to Dubai. One of the best ways to understand the UAE is to experience the different personalities of all seven emirates.
The seven emirates of the UAE may belong to one country, but each has its own identity.
Abu Dhabi brings culture and grandeur, Dubai brings futuristic energy, Sharjah brings art and heritage, Ajman offers a relaxed coastal experience, Umm Al Quwain provides a quieter escape, Ras Al Khaimah combines mountains and adventure, while Fujairah offers beaches and the landscapes of the Hajar Mountains.
Together, these seven emirates form the United Arab Emirates, a country where modern cities, desert landscapes, mountains, beaches and centuries-old traditions exist surprisingly close to one another.
