Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi is the largest of the Emirates, occupying about 80% of the landmass. The city of Abu Dhabi is both the capital city and the federal capital of the UAE. It is also the most populated of the emirates. It was the first emirate to export oil and remains the richest of the emirates. Despite the presence of the modern city of Abu Dhabi, the country retains much of its ancient heritage. The old building yards demonstrate craftsmen’s skills which remain unchanged.

Dubai Dubai’s dynamic skyline gives the impression of an international city. Although it encompasses only 5% of the UAE’s landmass, it is the second wealthiest emirate, and its income is mainly derived from trade. The discovery of oil eased the transition into an international trading port. Dubai’s government promotes the emirate as a trading centre, a business centre, and a tourist destination. The Duty Free shopping at the international airport is world renowned for bargains. The Dubai Cup is an international horse race, and the Dubai Desert Classic is part of the European PGA tour.

With over 400 international hotels that serve alcoholic beverages to expatriates, Dubai is fast becoming a sophisticated, cosmopolitan destination.

Sharjah Sharjah is the third largest of the emirates. It has some of the most interesting architecture in the country, blending old and new styles. It offers shopping to rival Dubai. It is thought of as the cultural capital of the UAE. It is a major venue for One Day Internationals in cricket.

Ajman Ajman is the smallest of the emirates, basically a stretch of coast between Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain.

Umm-al-Qaiwain Umm-al-Qaiwain is the least populated of the emirates. It serves as a tourist destination by depicting what life was like for a Bedouin tribe. It is also home to "Dreamland", the world’s largest water park.

Ras al-Khaimah Ras al-Khaimah, the northernmost emirate, has a history that extends back into antiquity. Archaeological excavations reveal that a settlement with an advanced civilization conducted trade with the Indian subcontinent from this region. Due to irrigation and desalination projects, it is the most fertile of the emirates and supplies vegetables, milk, and poultry to the rest of the country.

Fujairah Fujairah is the only emirate that lies on the eastern side of the UAE, along the Gulf of Oman. The Hajar Mountains keep Fujairah physically separated from the rest of the country. It receives most of its revenues from its cargo port. It has clean beaches and offers water sports such as swimming, yachting, surfing, and deep-sea fishing to attract tourists.

United Arab Emirate's National AnthemWindows Media audio file archived on Encarta