United Arab Emirates cities list with latitude and longitude in CSV,SQL,XML,JSON formats
Last update : 10 December 2024.
This is the best list of 342 cities in the United Arab Emirates available in 4 formats ( CSV, Json, SQL, XML ). We have cleaned up the Geoname database to leave only the towns, capitals and villages. All are all associated with regions and sub-regions (where available).
Each file contains the following data: Geoname_ID, City, Alternate_Name, Country_Code, Region, Sub_region, Latitude, Longitude, Elevation, Population, Timezone, Fcode_Name. See the FAQ below for a detailed explanation.
Here is an example of the data from the United Arab Emirates file that you are going to retrieve. The data is displayed here in the form of a table:
Geoname_ID | City | Alternate_Name | Country_Code | Region | Sub_region | Latitude | Longitude | Elevation | Population | Timezone | Fcode_Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
292788 | Al Matāf | Al Mataf,Al Matāf | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.83333 | 55.98333 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290822 | Sharīyah | Shariyah,Sharīyah | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.1 | 56.03333 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
388440 | Al Ḩulaylah | Al Hulaylah,Al Ḩulaylah | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.88556 | 56.05222 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
389286 | Al Mafraq | Al Mafraq | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.32965 | 54.60764 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
8052070 | As Surrah | As Surrah,alsrt,السرة | AE | Imārat Umm al Qaywayn | 25.44573 | 55.63109 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292791 | Al Māriyah al Gharbīyah | Al Mariyah al Gharbiyah,Al Māriyah al Gharbīyah,Al-Mariyya Al-Gharbyya,Al-Māriyya Al-Gharbyya,Western Mariyyah | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.10265 | 53.58185 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291693 | Khawr Khuwayr | Khawr Khuwayr,Khor Khuwair,Khuwair | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.96577 | 56.05471 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290400 | Z̧uwayhir | Dhawaihir,Duwaihir,Zuwayhir,Z̧uwayhir | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.28333 | 53.2 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292744 | Al Wathbah | Al Wathba,Al Wathbah | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.25958 | 54.70781 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291755 | Khabākhib | Khabakhib,Khabākhib,Khubakhib | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.452 | 56.09376 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292730 | Sha‘bīyat Naşlah | Al-Naslah,Al-Naṣlah,An Naslah,An Naşlah,Nasla,Naslah,Naşlah,Nuslah,Sha`biyat Naslah,Sha‘bīyat Naşlah | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 24.86586 | 56.26085 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292932 | Ajman City | Ajman,Ajman City,Al Ajman,QAJ,Ujman,mdynt ʿjman,ʿjman,عجمان,مدينة عجمان | AE | Ajman | 25.40177 | 55.47878 | 490035 | Asia/Dubai | seat of a first-order administrative division | ||
390235 | Yāfūr | Yafur,Yāfūr | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.26954 | 54.61149 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292476 | Bin Aḩmad | Bin Ahmad,Bin Aḩmad | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.48162 | 55.69089 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
412514 | Ar Rā‘fah | Ar Ra`fah,Ar Rafa`ah,Ar Rafā‘ah,Ar Rā‘fah,الراعفة | AE | Imārat Umm al Qaywayn | 25.61633 | 55.7026 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292621 | ‘Ayīm | `Ayim,‘Ayīm | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.43998 | 56.06869 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
8052063 | Al Abraq | Al Abraq,alabrq,الأبرق | AE | Imārat Umm al Qaywayn | 25.50401 | 55.55663 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291517 | Marawwaḩ | Marawah,Marawaḩ,Marawwah,Marawwaḩ,Murawwah,Murawwaḩ | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.29457 | 53.33069 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290523 | Wa‘bayn | Wa’abain,Wa`bayn,Wa‘bayn,Wa’abain | AE | Fujairah | 25.57046 | 56.13536 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291342 | Muraytah | Muraytah | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.40032 | 56.05844 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291926 | Ḩayl | Hayl,Ḩayl | AE | Dubai | 24.7892 | 56.11462 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
394228 | Al Faq‘ | Al Faq`,Al Faq‘ | AE | Dubai | 24.71016 | 55.6218 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290956 | Sā’if | Sa’if,Sā’if | AE | Fujairah | 25.1842 | 56.24205 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292202 | Falaj al Mu‘allā | Falaj Ibn Mu’alla,Falaj Ibn Mu’allá,Falaj al Ali,Falaj al Mu`alla,Falaj al Mu‘allá,Falaj al Mu‘allā,Falj Al `Ali,Falj Āl ‘Alī,Falq Al Ali,Fili Ma`ala,Fili Ma‘ala,فلج المعلا | AE | Imārat Umm al Qaywayn | 25.35401 | 55.85332 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
416468 | Bū Ḩaşā | Bu Hasa,Bū Ḩaşā | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.55386 | 53.31388 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290419 | Zikt | Zikt | AE | Fujairah | 25.51179 | 56.32328 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291040 | Rughaylāt | Righeilat,Righeilāt,Rughaylat,Rughaylāt,Rugheilat | AE | Fujairah | 25.10552 | 56.3563 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291951 | Ḩarrah | Harra,Harrah,Ḩarrah | AE | Sharjah | 24.99039 | 56.21669 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
398760 | Majrá al Ghāf | Majra al Ghaf,Majrá al Ghāf | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.06582 | 51.76114 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
390010 | Ra’s | Ra’s,Ra’s | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.79333 | 56.14833 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290909 | Saqamqam | As Saqamqam,Sakamkam,Saqamqam | AE | Fujairah | 25.17467 | 56.33039 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292808 | Akkamyah | Akkamyah,Al Kubus,Al Kubūs | AE | Fujairah | 25.60151 | 56.3047 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
388444 | Qaf’ah | Qaf’ah,Qaf’ah | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 26.03806 | 56.10861 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292709 | ‘Arādah | `Arada,`Aradah,‘Arāda,‘Arādah | AE | Abu Dhabi | 22.99231 | 53.42892 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291672 | Khulaybīyah | Al Khalabiya,Al Khulaybiyah,Al Khulaybīyah,Khalaibiya,Khalaibiyah,Khalaibīyah,Khulaybiyah,Khulaybīyah | AE | Fujairah | 25.38124 | 56.17358 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
412868 | Bū Rays | Bu Rays,Bū Rays | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.6031 | 53.72849 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
396361 | Athabāt | Athabat,Athabāt | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.76667 | 56.15 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290727 | Suḩaybah | Suhaybah,Suḩaybah | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 24.93877 | 56.15754 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
390005 | Yinainir | Yinainir,Yinenir,Yinēnīr | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.90806 | 56.17 | 880 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | |
291363 | Munay‘ī | Manai,Manai’i,Manai’i,Munay`i,Munay‘ī | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 24.95135 | 56.14997 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291215 | Nuhayy | Nahai,Nuhayy | AE | Sharjah | 25.27074 | 56.36242 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
390011 | Magam | Magam | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.78361 | 56.15056 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
11048855 | Ghantoot | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.85386 | 54.84641 | 0 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291489 | Maşfūţ | Masfut,Maşfūţ | AE | Ajman | 24.81089 | 56.10657 | 8988 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
8308747 | Ras Dibba | Ras Dibba | AE | Fujairah | 25.60549 | 56.305 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292123 | Ghāghah | Gargaha,Ghaghah,Ghāghah | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.76667 | 56.06667 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291146 | Qu‘aysah | Ge’aisa,Ge’aisa,Je`eisah,Je‘eiṣah,Qu`aysah,Qu‘aysah | AE | Abu Dhabi | 22.9941 | 54.22183 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292816 | Al Khīs | Al Khis,Al Khīs | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.00848 | 54.19626 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
400747 | Abū Mūsá | Abu Musa,Abū Mūsá,abw mwsy,ابو موسیٰ | AE | 25.86698 | 55.02363 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | |||
290681 | Ţarīf | Al-Tarif,Al-Tarīf,At Tarif,At Turayf,Aţ Ţarīf,Aţ Ţurayf,Taraif,Tarif,Ţarīf | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.05399 | 53.76347 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
394632 | Mazyad | Mazyad | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.03694 | 55.8425 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
293003 | ‘Abādilah | Al Abadilah,`Abadilah,‘Abādilah | AE | Fujairah | 25.45353 | 56.18991 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291374 | Mukhtaraqah | Mahtarraqah,Muhtarqah,Mukhtaraja,Mukhtaraqah | AE | Fujairah | 25.54092 | 56.13066 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290687 | Ţaraq | Taraq,Tereg,Ţaraq | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.11656 | 53.60697 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291794 | Al Jazīrah al Ḩamrā’ | Al Hamra’,Al Jazirah al Hamra’,Al Jazīrah al Ḩamrā’,Al Ḩamrā’,Hamra | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.7091 | 55.80772 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
8051668 | Al ‘Adhīb | Al `Adhib,Al ‘Adhīb,العذيب | AE | Imārat Umm al Qaywayn | 25.49843 | 55.66801 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292257 | Dhad al Arab | Dhad al Arab | AE | Imārat Umm al Qaywayn | 25.61667 | 55.85 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292888 | Al Faḩlayn | Al Fahlayn,Al Faḩlayn,Fahlain,Fahlayn,Palhain | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.68412 | 55.96749 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292643 | Athabāt | Athaba,Athabat,Athabā,Athabāt | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.16356 | 56.09619 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
8019360 | Jareef | AE | Fujairah | 25.51417 | 56.07194 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | |||
290823 | Sharīyah | Shariyah,Sharīyah | AE | Ajman | 24.81512 | 56.0986 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
394346 | Al Khabb | Al Khabb | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.58969 | 55.74627 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292915 | Al Aţīr | Al Atir,Al Aţīr,Latir,Latīr | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.16261 | 53.73617 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
8051665 | Al Ḩazaywah | Al Hazaywah,Al Ḩazaywah,alhzywt,الحزيوة | AE | Imārat Umm al Qaywayn | 25.52584 | 55.66266 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
6691106 | Al Barsha | Al Barsha,البرشاء | AE | Dubai | 25.08972 | 55.22465 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291035 | Rūl Ḑadnā | Rol Dadnah,Rol Ḍadnah,Rul Dadna,Rul Dadnah,Rul Dhadna,Rūl Ḑadnah,Rūl Ḑadnā | AE | Fujairah | 25.55481 | 56.34546 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290814 | Shawīyah | Shawiyah,Shawīyah | AE | Fujairah | 25.26792 | 56.08149 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292898 | Biţnah | Al Bithnah,Bithna,Bithnah,Bitnah,Biţnah,albthnt,البثنة | AE | Fujairah | 25.18951 | 56.23516 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291270 | Nafīr | Nafir,Nafīr,Nefair | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.10393 | 53.78919 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
388442 | Wayb Ḩawf | Wayb Hawf,Wayb Ḩawf | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 26.02889 | 56.12111 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291708 | Khatt | Al Khatt,Al Khaṭṭ,Khatt | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.61729 | 56.01113 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
8052075 | Ar Rāshidīyah | Ar Rashidiyah,Ar Rāshidīyah,alrashdyt,الراشدية | AE | Imārat Umm al Qaywayn | 25.39017 | 55.84118 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
11783623 | Al ‘Arād | Al `Arad,Al ‘Arād,العراد | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.87208 | 55.55445 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
12042052 | Bani Yas City | Bani Yas,Bani Yas City,mdynt bny yas,مدينة بني ياس | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.30978 | 54.62944 | 80498 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291844 | Ḩuwaytayn | Hiweitein,Huwaitin,Huwaytayn,Ḥiweiṭein,Ḩuwaytayn | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.11904 | 53.92836 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292195 | Fāqī | Faqi,Fāqī | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.40254 | 56.14511 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292833 | Al Jazīrah | Al Jazirah,Al Jazīrah | AE | Sharjah | 25.35 | 55.36667 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291799 | Jayf | Jayf,Yaif | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.15786 | 53.77762 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292825 | Al Khārī | Al Khari,Al Khārī | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.09745 | 56.02625 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292030 | Ḩafīf | Hafif,Ḩafīf | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.1461 | 53.84528 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291242 | Naqrah | Naqrah | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.37645 | 55.56032 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291499 | Māsah | Masah,Māsah | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.30319 | 56.1649 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292854 | Ḩayl | Al Hayl,Al Ḩayl,Hail,Hayl,Hil,Ḥīl,Ḩayl | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.70498 | 55.98701 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292071 | Ghurah | Ghura,Ghurah | AE | Fujairah | 25.21966 | 56.2076 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292822 | Al Khatim | Al Khatim | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.2 | 54.83333 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
8052059 | Ar Ramlah | Ar Ramlah,alrmlt,الرملة | AE | Imārat Umm al Qaywayn | 25.50641 | 55.58095 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290989 | Sabkhah | Sabkha,Sabkhah,Sabukhah | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.12917 | 53.98181 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291471 | Mawşil | Mausal,Mausil,Mawsal,Mawsil,Mawşal,Mawşil,Musil,Mūṣil | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.01353 | 54.15447 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
12276998 | Al Barsha First | AE | Dubai | 25.11062 | 55.19838 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | |||
292263 | Daynah | Daynah | AE | Raʼs al Khaymah | 25.04711 | 56.00895 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292968 | Abu Dhabi | A-pu-that-pi,AEbu Saby,AUH,Aboe Dhabi,Abou Dabi,Abu Dabi,Abu Dabis,Abu Daby,Abu Daibi,Abu Dhabi,Abu Dhabi Island and Internal Islands City,Abu Dhabi emiraat,Abu Zabi,Abu Zaby,Abu Zabye,Abu Zabyo,Abu Ḍabi,Abu Ḑabi,Abu-Dabi,Abu-Dabi khot,Abu-Dabio,Abu-Dzabi,Abú Dabí,Abú Daibí,Abú Zabí,Abû Daby,Abū Dabī,Abū Z̧aby,Abū Z̧abye,Abū Z̧abyo,Abū Z̧abī,Ampou Ntampi,Ebu Dabi,Ebu Dhabi,a bu zha bi,abu dhabi,abu-dabi,abudabi,abudhabi,abw zby,abwzby,aputapi,jzyrt abwzby wjzr dakhlyt akhry,xa bud abi,Â-pu-tha̍t-pí,Äbu Saby,Əbu-Dabi,Άμπου Ντάμπι,Αμπου Νταμπι,Αμπού Ντάμπι,Абу Даби,Абу-Даби,Абу-Даби хот,Абу-Дабі,Әбу-Даби,Աբու Դաբի,אבו דאבי,أبوظبي,ئەبووزەبی,ابو ظبى,ابوظبی,ابوظہبی,جزيرة أبوظبي وجزر داخلية اخرى,अबु धाबी,अबू धाबी,আবুধাবি,ਅਬੂ ਧਾਬੀ,ଆବୁଧାବି,அபுதாபி,ಅಬು ಧಾಬಿ,അബുദാബി,අබුඩාබි,อาบูดาบี,ཨ་པོའུ་དྷ་པེ།,အဘူဒါဘီမြို့,აბუ-დაბი,አቡ ዳቢ,アブダビ,阿布扎比,아부다비 | AE | Abu Dhabi | 24.45118 | 54.39696 | 1807000 | Asia/Dubai | capital of a political entity | ||
291925 | Ḩayl | Al Hayl,Hail,Hayl,Ḩayl | AE | Fujairah | 25.09223 | 56.24418 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
292717 | ‘Aqqah | Adgat,Aqqa,`Aqqah,‘Aqqah | AE | Fujairah | 25.49867 | 56.3583 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291299 | Mu‘tariḑah | Mu`taridah,Mu‘tariḑah | AE | Fujairah | 25.50841 | 56.11046 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
291730 | Khannūr | Khannur,Khannūr | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.10092 | 53.60594 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
8019378 | Thoban | AE | Fujairah | 25.30332 | 56.02792 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | |||
394141 | Qarayţaysah | Bidayarat Margham,Bidāyarat Margham,Qaraytaysah,Qarayţaysah | AE | Dubai | 24.87077 | 55.54905 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
390013 | Şidaqah | Sidakah,Sidaqah,Şidaqah | AE | Fujairah | 25.63587 | 56.16775 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
412875 | Sikkat al Khayl | Sikkat al Khayl | AE | Abu Dhabi | 23.65053 | 53.62049 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place | ||
290710 | Şūr | Sur,Şūr | AE | Sharjah | 25.09407 | 56.34827 | 0 | Asia/Dubai | populated place |
United Arab Emirates: A Geographical Analysis of a Modern Desert Oasis
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a testament to the transformative power of geography, combining vast deserts with cutting-edge urban development. Located on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Oman to the southeast, and the Persian Gulf to the north. With a history steeped in trade, the UAE has evolved from a series of small, desert-based emirates to a modern powerhouse of innovation, culture, and commerce. The country’s unique geography, with its arid climate, coastal access, and strategic location, has shaped its economic activities, population distribution, and infrastructure. By obtaining detailed geographic data about its cities, regions, and natural features, one can better understand how the UAE’s geography has influenced its rapid growth and development.
The Landscape of the United Arab Emirates
The UAE’s landscape is dominated by its desert terrain, but it also includes rugged mountains, fertile oases, and a significant stretch of coastline along the Persian Gulf. The country is largely composed of arid desert land, with the Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter), the largest continuous sand desert in the world, extending into the southern parts of the UAE. The desert, however, is not merely an obstacle; it has been harnessed for innovation, with cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi using the desert as a backdrop for some of the most advanced urban developments in the world.
While the desert forms the heart of the UAE’s geography, the coastlines offer a contrasting and critical geographical feature. The UAE’s coastline is rich in natural harbors and is pivotal for international trade, particularly in oil exports. Ports like Jebel Ali in Dubai, one of the largest man-made harbors in the world, have positioned the UAE as a global trading hub. The coastal regions of the UAE also serve as centers for tourism, leisure, and international business, with cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi using their waterfronts for iconic developments such as the Palm Jumeirah and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Further inland, the Hajar Mountains run through the eastern part of the UAE, creating a stark contrast to the flat expanses of the desert. The mountains have influenced the climate and settlement patterns, with higher elevations offering cooler temperatures and agricultural opportunities. Oases such as Al Ain, located near the border with Oman, have been key settlements in the UAE’s history, providing water in an otherwise dry region and supporting agriculture and trade.
Cities and Regions of the UAE
The UAE is composed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. These emirates are the administrative and geographical divisions of the country, each with its own unique characteristics shaped by geography and history.
Abu Dhabi, the capital, is located on the southwestern edge of the Persian Gulf and is the largest emirate in terms of land area. The city of Abu Dhabi itself is situated on an island off the mainland, connected by bridges, and is a central hub for politics, oil industry, and wealth generation. Its location along the coastline has made it one of the wealthiest cities globally, where modern skyscrapers meet sandy beaches.
Dubai, located just to the north of Abu Dhabi, is the UAE’s most populous city and the center of international trade, tourism, and real estate. Dubai’s geography, with its expansive coastline and proximity to the desert, has allowed it to capitalize on both its natural resources and its position as a global transit point. The city is known for its iconic skyline, which includes the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island. These feats of engineering showcase Dubai’s ability to combine its natural desert environment with cutting-edge urban design.
Sharjah, located just northeast of Dubai, is another key emirate, known for its cultural and educational initiatives. Sharjah’s location along the coast has also made it a vital part of the UAE’s commercial and tourism sectors. The emirate, while less developed than Dubai in terms of high-rise buildings, is renowned for its arts, museums, and cultural festivals, playing a central role in preserving and promoting Arab culture.
Other emirates like Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al-Quwain are more rural and offer a different aspect of the UAE’s geography. Fujairah, on the eastern side of the UAE, borders the Gulf of Oman and is the only emirate to have a coastline on this body of water. It is known for its mountains and natural landscapes, contrasting with the other, more urbanized emirates. Ras Al Khaimah, located in the north, is home to more rugged terrain and offers opportunities for eco-tourism with its coastal and mountainous geography.
The Role of Geographic Data in Planning and Development
Geographic data plays a fundamental role in understanding the spatial organization of the UAE. The country’s rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and resource management rely heavily on geographic data to ensure that growth is sustainable and efficient. Obtaining accurate data on cities, towns, regions, and natural resources helps the UAE optimize infrastructure, public services, and resource distribution.
For example, knowing the exact locations of urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi allows for better planning of transportation networks, such as the Dubai Metro or the road connections between the different emirates. Geographic data also helps optimize land use for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes, making sure that the growing population is served by adequate infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and hospitals.
Furthermore, geographic data is critical for the management of the UAE’s water resources. The country relies on desalination plants to provide potable water for its population and industries. Mapping the locations of these plants, water storage facilities, and natural aquifers is essential for ensuring that water is distributed efficiently and that the country can meet its increasing demand.
Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management
The UAE’s geography also presents significant challenges related to environmental sustainability. The country’s desert environment means that fresh water is scarce, and it relies heavily on technology to provide water through desalination and innovative water conservation methods. Geographic data helps identify potential water sources, track consumption patterns, and design efficient water distribution systems.
Moreover, the UAE’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil are influenced by its geography. The vast deserts of the country provide an opportunity for solar energy production, and the UAE has invested heavily in renewable energy technologies. Geographic data is essential for determining the best locations for solar power plants and other green energy initiatives, ensuring that the country can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels while capitalizing on its sunny, dry climate.
Urban development in the UAE is another area where geographic data is key. The construction of massive developments like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah has dramatically altered the landscape. Geographic data is necessary to assess the environmental impact of such projects and to ensure that they are developed in a way that minimizes harm to the surrounding ecosystems.
The Future of the UAE: Geographic Data for Growth and Innovation
As the UAE continues to grow and evolve, geographic data will remain a vital tool in managing the country’s development. With its ambitious plans for the future, including becoming a global hub for innovation, technology, and sustainable development, the UAE’s reliance on geographic information will help ensure that its cities, industries, and infrastructure are adaptable to future challenges.
By obtaining and utilizing geographic data, the UAE can continue to plan for its future in a way that is sustainable and resilient. The country’s geographical diversity, from deserts to coastal areas to mountains, provides both opportunities and challenges for development. With the right geographic data, the UAE can continue to lead the way in urban innovation, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification, ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens and residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates is a prime example of how geography can shape the destiny of a nation. From its vast deserts to its bustling urban centers along the coast, the UAE’s geography has influenced its culture, economy, and development. The use of geographic data, including information on cities, regions, and natural resources, will continue to play a crucial role in guiding the UAE’s growth and ensuring that its development remains sustainable, efficient, and innovative. The future of the UAE will undoubtedly be shaped by the careful planning and use of geographic data to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
FaQ about United Arab Emirates
- Geoname_ID: This is a unique identifier for each place or geographical name in the Geoname database.
- City: The name of the place, which can be a town, village or any other form of human settlement.
- Alternate_Name: Other names or appellations that the place may have. These alternative names may be in different languages, dialects or even local names.
- Country_Code: This is the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code for the country in which the place is located. For example, "US" for the United States, "FR" for France.
- Region: This represents the first-order administrative division in which the location is situated. For example, this could be a state, province or territory.
- Sub_region: This is a second-order administrative division, such as a county or district, within the region.
- Latitude: The geographical latitude of the location, usually in decimal degrees.
- Longitude: The geographical longitude of the location, also usually in decimal degrees.
- Elevation: The elevation or altitude of the location in relation to sea level, usually measured in metres.
- Population: The estimated number of inhabitants or population of the location.
- Timezone: The time zone in which the location is located, in accordance with global time zone standards.
- Fcode_Name: This is a code that categorises the type of location. For example, "PPL" could mean a populated place, while "PPLC" could be the capital of a political entity.