The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsular on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia. The seven states, termed emirates, are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain.

The UAE, rich in oil and natural gas, has become highly prosperous after gaining foreign direct investment funding in the 1970s. The country has the 5th highest GDP per capita in the world.

A massive construction boom, an expanding manufacturing base, and a thriving services sector are helping the UAE diversify its economy. There are currently in excess of $350 billion worth of active construction projects underway, including the Burj Dubai, which is slated to become the world's tallest building,  Dubai World Central International airport which, when completed, will be the most expensive airport ever built, and the three Palm Island, the largest artificial islands in the world. Other projects include the Dubail Mall which will become the world's largest shopping mall when completed, and a man-made archipelago called The World which seeks to increase Dubai's rapidly growing tourism industry. Also in the entertainment sector is the construction of Dubailand, which is expected to be twice the size of  Disney World, and of  Dubai City which will not only provide homes for local sports teams but may be part of future Olympic bids.

The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Emirati Dirham.