The UAE is a modern country with ancient traditions and incredible landscapes. From its mars-like deserts to cutting-edge cities and Bedouin heritage, the UAE is full of surprises.
This small but powerful country has transformed significantly over the last 50 years. Once a hub for pearl diving and fishing villages, it is now one of the world’s top destinations for tourism.
Whether you’re drawn by the skyscrapers, its rich Emirati culture, or natural gems like Jebel Jais, the country’s highest peak, there’s so much to discover in the UAE.
Here are some of the most fun and interesting facts about the emirates. From its history and traditions to record-breaking achievements that make it unique.
Jebel Jais stands at 1934 metres above sea and is the tallest mountain in the country. Featuring jagged rock and spectacular views, it is one of the natural wonders of the region.
Part of the Hajar Mountains range, locals and tourists alike often appreciate the cooler temperatures the elevation offers from the desert heat at sea level.
Aside from the natural beauty of Jebel Jais, it is also home to incredible attractions such as the Jebel Jais Flight, the world's longest zipline. Check out the zipline here.
Soaring between peaks at 150 kms an hour, it attracts adventure enthusiasts and thrill seekers alike. Jebel Jais is also a fantastic spot for hiking, mountain biking and scenic drives. Check out offerings at Jebel Jais.
Long before the modern cities of the UAE, Ras Al Khamiah was a thriving hub for trade and seafaring. There is evidence of ancient settlements at Al Jazirha Al Hamra amongst other locations. These archaeological discoveries go back over 7000 years.
The emirates geographical location on the Arabian Gulf made it an ideal position for connecting Africa, India and other countries in the Middle East.
You can still visit the ancient village of Al Hamra where you can see the coral built structures dating back centuries. It’s a wonderful place to get lost wandering through what feels like times gone by.
In 1971 a newspaper advertised for flag design submissions. At the time 19 year old Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah decided to take part and went on to win. He used the colours symbolic of Arab unity.
Red, green, white, and black represent peace, and courage. The flag was first raised the day the seven emirates came together to make one country in December 1971. It continues to fly high as a symbol of national pride.
Dubai is well known as home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. It is also the highest observation deck, and the longest travel elevator. The spiralling structure dominates Dubai’s skyline at 828 metres tall.
The design was inspired by the Hymenocallis desert flower. On a clear day, you can see as far as Iran from the top.
The UAE Holds hundreds of Guinness World Records. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is home to the world's largest hand-woven carpet. In Dubai, the deepest swimming pool in the world is like a whole other city underwater.
Ras Al Khaimah’s New Year’s Eve fireworks have set records for the largest aerial shell and longest straight-line fireworks display. Pushing the boundaries is part of the country's spirit!
Guests are always welcomed with Arabic coffee. It has a very distinct taste of cardamon. It;s served from beautiful dallah jugs in small cups and always comes with dates!
For Emiratis, this ritual symbolises generosity and respect. This hospitality gesture is present everywhere, from hotels to hospitals, and camps to homes.
The UAE consistently shows up on international polls and listings as one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are incredibly low which makes community trust strong.
This sense of safety extends to destinations like Ras Al Khaimah, where families explore mountain trails and beaches with ease, reflecting the UAE’s focus on wellbeing and quality of life.
The UAE is leading the way with innovative sustainability. The country is home to Masdar City, one of the world’s first planned eco-cities powered largely by renewable energy.
Initiatives like the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy, and projects such as Expo City Dubai, are helping the nation transition towards a greener future.
Even mountain destinations like Jebel Jais are being developed with sustainability in mind balancing adventure tourism with respect for the natural environment.
It doesn’t take long to reach the golden dunes from any of the major cities in the country. It might be surprising to know the desert is not only home to camels. The local ecosystem is also teeming with migratory birds, gazelles and sand foxes.
The desert is part of Emirati identity. From falconry to camel racing it is part of the country's DNA. In places like Wadi Shawka and the Hajar Mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, visitors can experience nature firsthand.
Geographically, Ras Al Khaimah is at the northerly tip of the country where the Hajr Mountains meets the Arabian Gulf. The name translates to the headland of the tent.
Until recently, the UAE’s weekend looked different from much of the world. For decades, the country observed a Friday and Saturday weekend, with Friday reserved for prayer and family gatherings.
In January 2022, the UAE became the first country in the region to officially adopt a Monday to Friday workweek, aligning with global business. Prayer time on a Friday is honoured with many private sector businesses giving a half day of work.
The falcon holds a special place in Emirati heritage. For centuries, Bedouins relied on falcons to hunt for food in the harsh desert, and today, falconry remains a source of pride across the UAE.
The tradition is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s first dedicated falcon hospital.
It’s a state-of-the-art facility treating over 11,000 birds each year. Falcons even receive their own passports for air travel!
AI has reshaped the world recently. However the UAE has been ahead of the curve for some time.
In 2017 Omar Sultan Al Olama became the world's first AI Minister. The ministry’s goal is to integrate AI into everyday life, from transport and healthcare to education and sustainability, positioning the UAE as a global leader in shaping the cities of the future.
The Palm Jumeirah is iconic around the world and was one of the most ambitious construction projects of all time. The giant man-made island is visible from space and required over 120 millions cubic metres of sand to construct.
Today, the island is lined with luxury hotels, private villas, and beach clubs. It attracts millions of visitors each year..
There are no permanent rivers in the UAE, however there are wadis. Wadis or river beds come to life after rainfall. The natural valleys, carved through the mountains over thousands of years, are popular with hikers and adventurers.
In Ras Al Khaimah, Wadi Shawka and Wadi Ghalilah are among the most scenic offering pools and rugged landscapes.
Before oil, dates were one of the UAE’s most valuable resources. The fruit provided vital nourishment for Bedouins, while the date palm’s trunk and leaves were used for building shelters and crafting tools.
Today, the UAE grows over 40 million date trees and produces hundreds of varieties, from Lulu to Khalas. Date trees line almost every street and you can even find a date palm oasis in Al Ain.
Dates hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, especially during Ramadan when they’re traditionally eaten to break the fast.
The UAE made history in 2020 with the launch of the Hope Probe (Al Amal), the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission. The spacecraft successfully entered Mars’ orbit in February 2021, marking the UAE as the fifth nation to reach the Red Planet.
The mission aims to study Mars’ atmosphere and climate, but it’s also a symbol of national ambition, once again the UAE pushing boundaries.
Long before SUVs roamed the desert highways, camels were the UAE’s main mode of transportation and, surprisingly, some even had license plates to identify their owners.
Camels are still a part of Emirati culture with racing and beauty pageants still taking place in some regions. However camels racing is now performed with robot jockeys.
Camels are so treasured there is even a state of the art camel hospital in Dubai.
19. There is a salt lake in the desert
Just 40 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi the Al Wathba Salt Lake and is something of a phenomenon. It has become an instagram highlight for tourists and locals alike. The lake is long and thin with crusting salt bergs visible under the water.
The water is aqua blue, it almost does not look real! Some say it was discovered during earthworks in the area and has since become an attraction. The sand in the area has a high salt content which may explain this natural beauty.
20. The UAE is home to people from over 200 nationalities
The United Arab Emirates may have a population of just around 10 million people, but it’s one of the most diverse countries in the world.
Emiratis make up roughly 11–12% of the total population, while the rest are expatriates from more than 200 different nationalities including large communities from India, Pakistan, the Philippines and the UK.
From record-breaking skyscrapers to ancient mountain settlements, the UAE is full of surprises at every turn.
Each emirate adds its own story, from Ras Al Khaimah’s 7,000-year-old history and mountain adventures, to Dubai’s futuristic skyline and Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks.
Together, these fun facts reveal a nation that honours its roots while embracing the future with ambition and creativity.