The Emirates are bordered to the north by the Gulf and the Musandam Peninsula, to the east by Oman, to the south and west by Saudi Arabia and to the northwest by Qatar. The land is mountainous and mostly desert. Abu Dhabi is flat and sandy, and within its boundaries is the Buraimi Oasis. Dubai has a 16km- (10 mile-) deep-water creek, giving it the popular name of ‘Pearl of the Gulf’. A predominantly modern city, Abu Dhabi nevertheless retains some of its ancient past. The Diwan Amiri (White Fort) was built in 1793 and still survives. There are many mosques, from the huge blue mosque on the corner of the Corniche to the smaller one in the centre of Khalifa Street Roundabout, surrounded by trees. Dubai has outstanding sporting and conference facilities. Bur Dubai, the original town, has old buildings, atmospheric alleyways and markets.

Middle East.

GMT + 4.

77,700 sq km (30,000 sq miles).

4.3 million (official estimate 2004).

55.3 per sq km.

Abu Dhabi. Population: 1.7 million (2004 figure for entire Emirate).

The Emirates are bordered to the north by the Gulf and the Musandam Peninsula, to the east by Oman, to the south and west by Saudi Arabia and to the northwest by Qatar. They comprise a federation of seven small former sheikhdoms. Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate, and the remainder (Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Qaiwain) are known collectively as the Northern States. The land is mountainous and mostly desert. Abu Dhabi is flat and sandy, and within its boundaries is the Buraimi Oasis. Dubai has a 16km (10 mile) deep-water creek, giving it the popular name of ‘Pearl of the Gulf’. Sharjah has a deep-water port on the Batinah coast at Khor Fakkan, facing the Indian Ocean. Ras al-Khaimah is the fourth emirate in size. Fujairah, one of the three smaller sheikhdoms located on the Batinah coast, has agricultural potential, while Ajman and Umm al Qaiwain were once small coastal fishing villages.

Federation of seven autonomous Emirates. The highest federal authority is the Supreme Council of Rulers comprising the absolute rulers of the seven Emirates. Decisions reached by the Council must have the agreement of at least five members, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the two largest members. The council appoints a President to act as Head of State. There are no political parties. Head of State: President Sheikh Khalifa since 2004. Head of Government: Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum since January 2006. Recent history: Following the sudden death of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who had been Prime Minister and Emir of Dubai since 1990, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his brother, succeeded him in January 2006. Sheikh Mohammed had been the UAE Defence Minister since 1971 and heir apparent to the throne of Dubai since 1995.

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and used as a second language in commerce.

Mostly Muslim, of which 16 per cent are Shiite and the remainder Sunni.

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are widespread.

Muslim religious laws should be observed. Women are expected to dress modestly and men should dress formally for most occasions. Alcohol is tolerated, with non-Muslims allowed to drink alcohol in the city's bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels. Smoking is the same as in Europe and in most cases it is obvious where not to smoke, except during Ramadan when it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public.