United Arab Emirates Geographic Map

United Arab Emirates Geographic Map

The United Arab Emirates (Arabic: الإمارات العربية المتحدة‎?, al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabiyya al-Muttaḥida), is an Arab country in the Middle East located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, in Western Asia. This country borders Oman to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the southwest and is bathed by the Persian Gulf to the north. The state is composed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, ʿAjmān, Dubai, Fujairah, Ra’s al-Khaymah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaywayn.
The capital is Abu Dhabi, or more correctly Abū Ẓabī (in Arabic أبو ظبي‎?), which is the capital of the emirate of the same name. Abu Dhabi is located on a T-shaped island that juts out into the Persian Gulf from the central-western coast. In 2014, the city itself had a population of 1.5 million people.
The United Arab Emirates was formed in the 19th century as a federation under the British Empire, the Trucial States, the country gained independence in 1971. The United Arab Emirates is one of the richest countries in the world, strong in its oil industry; the country is multi-ethnic and the relative majority of residents are immigrants from the Indian subcontinent and the rest of the Arab world.

Geography –
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, in the Middle East. They border the Persian Gulf to the north and share land borders with Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman to the east. Their geography is characterized by a mix of deserts, mountains, coastlines, and modern urban areas.
The UAE covers an area of ​​approximately 83,600 km², making it one of the smallest countries in the Middle East, but with considerable geographical diversity.
Much of the UAE is covered by the Rub’ al-Khali Desert (the “Empty Quarter”), which is one of the largest sand deserts in the world.
The region is dominated by sand dunes, which vary in color from yellow to red due to the presence of iron oxides.
Sabkha (saline soil) is common along the coasts, due to high salinity and evaporation.
The eastern part of the country is dominated by the Hajar Mountains, which extend to the border with Oman.
The peaks reach heights of around 1,500–2,000 metres, with the highest point being Jebel Jais (1,934 metres), in the Ras al-Khaimah region.
This area is characterised by wadis (seasonal riverbeds), canyons and rocky landscapes.
The United Arab Emirates has around 650 km of coastline along the Persian Gulf.
The coastal waters are shallow and home to an extensive system of mangroves, coral reefs and artificial islands.
The best-known islands are those built by man, such as the Palm Islands and the World Archipelago, located off the coast of Dubai.
In the heart of the desert are several oases, such as those of Al-Ain and Liwa.
The oases are fed by underground aquifers and are crucial for traditional agriculture, mainly dates and palms.
The main cities are Abu Dhabi (the capital): It is the largest emirate by area and is home to most of the oil reserves. Dubai: Famous for skyscrapers (such as the Burj Khalifa), luxury tourism and trade. Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah: Smaller emirates, each with unique characteristics (such as the mountains and coasts of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman).
The United Arab Emirates are rich in oil and natural gas, concentrated mainly in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The marine resources and coastline contribute to fishing and pearl cultivation, a traditional activity before the oil boom.
The United Arab Emirates are therefore a mix of modernity and nature, with a geography that has allowed them to evolve rapidly while maintaining a link with desert traditions.

Climate –
The United Arab Emirates has a subtropical desert climate, characterized by very high temperatures and low rainfall. Here is an overview of typical weather conditions:
Summer temperatures are extremely high, often between 40°C and 50°C during the day.
Nights can be hot, with temperatures rarely dropping below 30°C.
Relative humidity can be high, especially in coastal areas such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making the heat even more oppressive.
Winters are mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.
Nights are cool, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 10°C, especially in inland or mountainous areas.
The Emirates receive very little rainfall throughout the year, averaging 100-120 mm per year.
Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months (December-March) and occurs in the form of short but intense storms, often accompanied by thunderstorms.
Humidity is very high in coastal areas, with values ​​that can reach 90%, especially at night and in the early morning.
Inland areas, such as the desert, the air is drier.
Dry winds, called Shamal, often occur, which can bring sandstorms, reducing visibility and creating difficult conditions.
A large part of the territory is occupied by the desert, where the temperature range between day and night is marked.
Daytime temperatures are very high, but at night they can drop sharply, especially in the more inland areas.
In mountainous areas, such as Jebel Jais (the highest mountain in the Emirates), temperatures are cooler than in the plains. In winter, they can drop close to 0°C, and occasionally frost or even snowfall occurs.
In general, the climate of the United Arab Emirates is characterized by extreme heat and aridity, but winter offers much more pleasant conditions, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Flora –
The flora of the United Arab Emirates is characterized by a surprising variety of species adapted to an arid and desert environment. Although much of the territory is dominated by desert, there are oases, mountains and coastal areas that are home to unique vegetation. Below is an overview of the main characteristics of the UAE flora:
Desert vegetation is characterized by drought-resistant trees and shrubs, including:
Prosopis cineraria (Al Ghaf): A tree that is the national symbol of the UAE, fundamental for its ecological role. It is able to survive in extremely arid conditions, with roots that reach underground aquifers.
Acacia tortilis: Common in deserts, it provides shade and food for many animals.
Zygophyllum qatarense: A small, salt-resistant shrub that grows in the desert.
Seasonal herbs and plants:
Tribulus terrestris: A herbaceous plant that grows rapidly after rainfall.
Crotalaria persica: Present in sandy areas, it contributes to the cycle of nutrients in the soil.
In the oases the flora changes; the oases, such as those of Al Ain and Liwa, are famous for the cultivation of palms and other cultivated plants:
Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm): One of the most important species from an economic and cultural point of view.
Horticultural plants: Vegetables and aromatic plants are grown thanks to traditional irrigation systems (falaj).
The coastal and saline vegetation is instead characterized by Mangroves, such as:
Avicennia marina (Grey Mangrove): It grows along the coasts and protects the marine ecosystem, offering refuge to numerous species of fauna.
Obviously there are also halophytic plants such as:
Suaeda aegyptiaca and Salsola imbricata that develop in saline soils near the sea or in the sabkha (salt plains).
In the mountainous regions of Jebel Hafeet and Hajar, the relatively cooler climate allows for different vegetation; inside we remember:
Ficus cordata: A wild fig that grows on rocky slopes.
Nerium oleander: A flowering shrub often seen near water sources.
Euphorbia larica: A succulent plant common in rocky areas.
Decorative flora has also been introduced in the United Arab Emirates. In recent decades, urbanization has led to the introduction of ornamental species:
Delonix regia (Fire tree): With showy red flowers, it is planted in cities and parks.
Bougainvillea: A flowering climber very popular for decorating gardens and walls.
Conocarpus lancifolius (Damas): Frequently used to form hedges in urban areas.
Native plants in the UAE have developed extraordinary adaptations, including:
Deep roots to reach underground water.
Small or thick leaves to reduce water loss.
Salt tolerance in coastal soils.
Despite the climate challenges, the UAE government promotes programs to preserve native flora and combat desertification, such as reforestation of indigenous species (e.g. Ghaf) and protection of mangroves. Local flora, in addition to its ecological value, is an important element of the culture and landscape of the Emirates.

Fauna –
The fauna of the United Arab Emirates is uniquely adapted to desert conditions and includes a variety of species that live in the arid, coastal and mountainous environments of the country. Below is an overview of the main categories of fauna found in the Emirates:
Mammals include:
Arabian gazelle (Gazella gazella): The symbol of the region, this species is well adapted to deserts and lives in herds.
Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx): An iconic species, saved from extinction thanks to conservation programs. It is often found in nature reserves such as Sir Bani Yas.
Desert fox (Vulpes vulpes arabica): Known for its large ears, it has adapted well to life in the heat of the desert.
Caracal (Caracal caracal): A rare feline with a reddish coat, living in mountainous areas.
Dromedary: Although domesticated, it is still considered an important part of the desert ecosystem.
The United Arab Emirates is also an important transit point for migratory birds:
Pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus): Common in wetlands such as the Ras Al Khor Reserve in Dubai.
Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata): Found in mountainous areas.
Peregrine falcon and saker falcon: Used in falconry, an ancient local tradition.
Herons and storks: Abundant during the migration season in coastal areas and nature reserves.
Reptiles and amphibians include:
Desert gecko: Nocturnal species that camouflages itself perfectly in the sand.
Sand viper (Cerastes cerastes): Known for its characteristic undulating movements.
Uromastyx lizards (Uromastyx aegyptia): Also known as “dabb”, they are vegetarian and well adapted to the desert.
The desert is also home to a variety of insects that have adapted to the heat:
Scorpions: Including poisonous yellow scorpions and less dangerous scorpions.
Beetles: Such as the black beetle, which moves quickly on the hot sand.
Saharan silver ants: A species particularly resistant to heat.
As for marine fauna, thanks to the long coastline on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the marine fauna is very rich:
Dugongs: Marine mammals that live in coastal waters and feed on algae.
Sea turtles: Such as the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), which nest on the beaches.
Dolphins and whales: Including the bottlenose dolphin and the Indo-Pacific dolphin.
Tropical fish: Present in coral reefs, along with sharks and rays.
The UAE has created several wildlife reserves to protect its fauna:
Sir Bani Yas Island Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife reserve with conservation programs for oryx, gazelles and other mammals.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: A wetland reserve famous for flamingos.
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve: Important for nesting birds.
Despite extreme climate conditions, the UAE’s wildlife is remarkably rich and exemplifies resilience and adaptation. Conservation efforts are playing a crucial role in preserving this fragile ecosystem.

Guido Bissanti