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United Arab Emirates – Asia or Africa? Geographic location

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TwoContinents

Bartosz Jaglarz

22 January 2026

Fujairah United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has been a very popular holiday destination in recent years. The beaches and skyscrapers of Dubai, the monuments of Abu Dhabi and the nature of Ras Al Khaimah attract millions of tourists from all over the world. Before travelling, one question may arise: is the UAE located in Asia or Africa? Let us answer this question by discussing the geographical location of Dubai.

Where are the United Arab Emirates located?

United Arab Emirates Asia or Africa – it's time to dispel any doubts and answer this question. Not everyone is familiar with geography and world maps, so before travelling to such an exotic place as the UAE, questions about its location on the map may arise. Is Dubai in Asia? Is Abu Dhabi in Africa? You may have heard that the United Arab Emirates is located in the Middle East, but that is not an accurate answer to the question. Which continent does the UAE belong to?

The United Arab Emirates is located in the south-western part of Asia. When it comes to the question of the Emirates and Asia, Dubai, like the entire United Arab Emirates, is one of the countries in the geographical region known as the Middle East, which also includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Palestine, Yemen, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria and part of Turkey. The Arabian Peninsula region includes fewer countries: Saudi Arabia (occupying the largest part), Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, and partly also Iraq and Jordan. Find out the exact location of Dubai.

Geography of the United Arab Emirates – location and climate

Now that we know the location of the Arab Emirates on the map and that the United Arab Emirates is located on the Asian continent, in the Middle East, specifically on the Arabian Peninsula. The continental division of the world has a huge impact on the weather, climate and culture of the UAE. As part of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is inextricably linked to Bedouin culture and desert traditions. Read more about the history of the Bedouins in the United Arab Emirates. UAE continent geography – find answers to additional questions:

  • Which countries border the UAE? The United Arab Emirates borders Oman and Saudi Arabia, and through territorial waters also Iran and Qatar.
  • Is the UAE located by the sea? Yes, the United Arab Emirates is located on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, but the waters on the beaches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are part of the Persian Gulf, which is part of the Arabian Sea. You can learn more about the sea in Dubai in our article Which sea is Dubai located on and what is the water temperature there?

Dubai

Where are Dubai and Abu Dhabi located on the map? The location of Dubai and Abu Dhabi is as follows: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are located in the United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East, on the Arabian Peninsula, on the Persian Gulf. They are about 140 km apart, with Dubai located northeast of Abu Dhabi, which is the country's capital. They are located in the south-eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula and both cities are important centres in the region.

What do the Persian Gulf and the UAE look like on the map, i.e. where are the borders of the United Arab Emirates? The UAE's neighbouring countries are Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman to the east and south-east, creating a country shape resembling a curved crescent cutting into the waters of the gulf.

Holidays in the UAE – attractions and accommodation

Do you dream of a fairytale holiday in the fairytale Middle East? Do you want to experience unforgettable moments in the desert, at the tallest building in the world or admire the landscape of hundreds of skyscrapers? Book your trip to Dubai and make your dreams come true! The package includes attractions, accommodation, insurance and tour guide assistance throughout the trip. You can also purchase separately any attractions in Dubai that interest you or accommodation in Dubai in a private apartment with a magnificent view of the city.

Dubai

Questions and answers (FAQ)

  • Are the United Arab Emirates located in Asia or Africa?

The United Arab Emirates are located in Asia, in the Middle East, in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman. Although climatic and cultural similarities may lead to associations with North Africa, geographically and politically, the UAE is an Asian country, serving as an important bridge between Asia and Africa.

  • What is the geographical location of the United Arab Emirates?

The United Arab Emirates is located in the Middle East, at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula, on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman by land and Iran by territorial waters, and is located in a tropical climate zone with a landscape dominated by deserts.

  • On which continent are the United Arab Emirates located?

The United Arab Emirates are located on the Asian continent, specifically in the region of Asia known as the Middle East. The UAE are located on the Arabian Peninsula.