United Arab Emirates
In this United Arab Emirates Investor Immigration Permit guide, learn about:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates, is situated in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia, with maritime boundaries in the Persian Gulf.
Established on 2 December 1971, the UAE comprises Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Abu Dhabi is the capital and the largest emirate, while Dubai is recognized for its global city status and robust economy. The country spans approximately 83,600 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest nations in the Middle East.
The UAE is governed as a federal absolute monarchy, with each emirate having a significant degree of autonomy. The President of the UAE is traditionally the ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Prime Minister is the ruler of Dubai. The country's legal system is a mix of Islamic Sharia law and aspects of civil law traditions tailored to the international nature of the country's economic and social systems.
With a diverse population of over 9 million people, the UAE is a melting pot of cultures, primarily due to its expatriate majority. Emiratis, the indigenous population, constitute a smaller percentage of the population.
The UAE's economy is among the most diversified in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with oil and gas contributing a significant portion of the GDP, particularly in Abu Dhabi. Dubai has developed a global reputation for trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services. The currency of the UAE is the Dirham (AED).
The cost of living in the UAE can be high, particularly in the major cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, the country offers a high standard of living, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a tax-free environment, making it an attractive destination for international workers and businesses.
Culturally, the UAE is deeply rooted in Arabian traditions, with Islam playing a central role in daily life and law. Despite this, the UAE is noted for its tolerance and welcomes a diverse expatriate community worldwide. This multicultural environment influences the UAE's food, festivals, and lifestyle.
Tourism is a significant sector, with attractions ranging from the stunning skyscrapers of Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building), to the cultural sites of Abu Dhabi, like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The country is also known for its luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and vibrant nightlife scenes. In addition, the UAE hosts several international events, including the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the Dubai Expo 2020.
The UAE is strategically positioned at the crossroads of major international trade and travel routes between Europe, Asia, and Africa. This geographical advantage has been effectively leveraged to establish the country as a significant global hub for air travel and logistics.
The country operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+4). The UAE does not observe daylight saving time. With its visionary leadership, the UAE continues to grow as a global center for finance, innovation, and tourism while preserving its cultural heritage and promoting sustainability.
The number of points attributed to the country is the sum of the
weight of Visa Requirements required to enter a country or territory multiplied
by the weight of the country’s “attractiveness” (this is based on four tiers
to assess the quality of life - 1, ¾, ½ or ⅓ depending on the country).
The number of points attributed to the country is the sum of the
weight of Visa Requirements required to enter a country or territory multiplied
by the weight of the country’s “attractiveness” (this is based on four tiers
to assess the quality of life - 1, ¾, ½ or ⅓ depending on the country).
