The total area of the country is approximately 83600 square kilometers, mostly in Abu Dhabi emirate. Dubai, with an area of 3885 square kilometres, is the second largest emirate. Situated on the banks of Dubai Creek, a natural inlet of the gulf that divides the city in Deira district in the north and its Bur Dubai on its south, the city ranks as the UAE 's most important port and commercial centre.



UAE has 700 kilometers of coastline, of which 100 km are in the Gulf of Oman. Along the coast of the Arabian Gulf are off-shore islands, reefs and sabkha, or salt-marshes. Distese gravel, simple and barren desert characterize the inland region.

To the east, a series of mountains is located near the Gulf of Oman and is a backbone through the Mussandam Peninsula. Western interior of the country, most of it in Abu Dhabi, consists mainly of desert interspersed with oases.

Population

According to the Ministry of Planning, the population of the UAE widened in 1994 from 2230000 to 2377453 in 1995. Dubai 's population is 674,101.

Clima

UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rain is infrequent and irregular. It includes, especially in winter, is around 13 centimeters a year. Temperatures ranging from a minimum of about 10 degrees Celsius to a high of 48 degrees Celsius. The average daily maximum is 24 degrees to rise in January to 41 degrees in July.

Government

The UAE Supreme Council, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven Emirates, is the highest federal authority. E 'responsible for general policy issues involving communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and development, and ratification of federal laws. The President, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Vice-President, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also ruler of Dubai, are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.

The Federal Council of Ministers responsible to the Supreme Council, the Executive has the power to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by individual Emirates. The Council monitors and debate government policy, but has no power of veto.

While Abu Dhabi is the center of activity of the federal government, most government departments also maintain offices in Dubai.