United Arab Emirates is a sovereign country in Middle East, with a total land area of approximately 83,600 sq km. 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 and aggressively pursued advocates of political reform.
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How big is United Arab Emirates compared to China? See an in-depth size comparison.
FAQs
The UAE maintains an embassy in Beijing and a consulate-general in Hong Kong while China has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate-general in Dubai. The UAE and China have been strong international allies, with significant cooperation across economic, political and cultural aspects.
What is the relationship between the UAE and China? ›
The UAE maintains an embassy in Beijing and a consulate-general in Hong Kong while China has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate-general in Dubai. The UAE and China have been strong international allies, with significant cooperation across economic, political and cultural aspects.
Where does UAE rank in the world? ›
OVERALL PROSPERITY. United Arab Emirates is 44th in the overall Prosperity Index rankings.
Is United Arab Emirates a high income country? ›
The United Arab Emirates is a high-income developing market economy. The UAE's economy is the 3rd largest in the Middle East (after Turkey and Saudi Arabia), with a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$415 billion (AED 1.83 trillion) in 2021-2023. $509.18 billion (nominal; 2023 est.) $895.17 billion (PPP; 2023 est.)
How rich is UAE compared to other countries? ›
World's Richest Countries 2024
| Rank | Country/Territory | GDP-PPP per capita ($) |
|---|
| 7 | 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates | 88,962 |
| 8 | 🇸🇲San Marino | 84,135 |
| 9 | 🇳🇴Norway | 82,655 |
| 10 | 🇺🇸United States | 80,412 |
109 more rowsJan 30, 2024
Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh said that the UAE and China enjoy a profound and strong relationship and fruitful cooperation in various fields, support each other on multilateral occasions, and maintain close communication and coordination on international and regional issues.
Why are there so many Chinese people in Dubai? ›
Many Chinese expatriates hail from the Wenzhou region; they are mostly businessmen and merchants who run hundreds of commodity shops through the Emirates. Chinese culture in the Emirates has a sizeable presence; there are many Chinese restaurants in Dubai.
Is UAE a good country to live in? ›
Dubai is considered one of the best locations to work and live in. UAE as a country is highly invested on its innovation, great infrastructure and quality of life creating it an attractive destination for professionals as well as for job seekers. Most of the population in the UAE is consist of expats.
Is the UAE a first or third world country? ›
Definition of First World
Many of the countries made rich by extracting oil reserves since the end of the Cold War, like Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others are now also considered economically developed First World countries.
What is the quality of life in the UAE? ›
The UAE scores another top 10 ranking in the Quality of Life Index (5th). Expats are particularly happy with the Leisure Options (3rd): most expats appreciate the culinary variety and dining options (86% vs. 77% globally), as well as the culture and nightlife (81% vs.
The reasons are obvious: zero taxation rates; highly developed infrastructure; low levels of street crime; a great deal of sun; affordable apartments aplenty; and increasingly cultural attractions such as the Louvre in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai International Book Festival that boasts some of the world's top-selling ...
Why are Arab Emirates so rich? ›
The UAE is the third-richest country in the world, below Luxembourg at number two and Qatar at number one, with a GDP per capita of $57,744. The bulk of its money comes from the production of goods and provision of services related to petroleum, petrochemicals, aluminium and cement.
How many millionaires are in United Arab Emirates? ›
In 2022, the UAE outperformed global expectations by attracting 5,200 high-net-worth individuals. It is estimated Dubai already has approximately 67,000 millionaires.
What is the wealthiest country in the world? ›
Using the first metric, Switzerland is the richest country in the world at an average per-capita wealth of around $685,000, followed by Luxembourg and the United States.
Is China richer than the US? ›
The US has pulled further ahead of China in the race for world's biggest economy, thanks in part to a vibrant American consumer. US gross domestic product rose 6.3% in nominal terms — that is, unadjusted for inflation — last year, outpacing China's 4.6% gain.
Which country is no 1 richest country? ›
The United States of America
The United States upholds its status as the major global economy and richest country, steadfastly preserving its pinnacle position from 1960 to 2023. Its economy boasts remarkable diversity, propelled by important sectors, including services, manufacturing, finance, and technology.
What is China's relationship with the Arab countries? ›
Sino-Arab Cooperation Forum
No matter how the international situation changes, China has always been the sincere friend of the Arab world." The Sino-Arab Cooperation Forum was formally established during CCP general secretary Hu Jintao's visit to the League's headquarters in January 2004.
Who are the allies of the UAE? ›
UAE has joined the United Nations and the Arab League and has established diplomatic relations with more than 60 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, Russia, India, Nepal, United States, and most Western European countries.
What countries are allies with UAE? ›
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, and Morocco have formed an alliance to counter the challenges that Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood pose.
What is the trade agreement between UAE and China? ›
The Central Bank of the UAE and the People's Bank of China renewed the $4.9 billion agreement for five years with the purpose of facilitating financial and trade cooperation.
