What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?

Is Dubai the capital of the UAE?

There are several distinctive countries in the world whose capitals are often confused. Istanbul is called the capital of Turkey, but it is Ankara; Sydney is called the capital of Australia, but it is Canberra; and the capital of the United Arab Emirates... What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and why is it not Dubai? Dubai is the largest city in the UAE, but it has never been the country's capital. The city has focused on modern development and the inflow of foreign capital, cosmopolitan character and modern technologies, leaving the function of the traditional foundations of the Emirates to another city. Dubai is the most popular city in the UAE, which is why people most often choose trips to Dubai and spend their entire vacation in the United Arab Emirates here (for example, by booking accommodation in Dubai in private apartments). So what is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?

What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?

Where is the capital of the UAE? The capital of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. It is a city and the largest emirate (the largest administrative unit) in the country. The name “Abu Dhabi” means “Father of the Gazelle,” referring to the presence of these animals in the region. What role does Abu Dhabi play in the United Arab Emirates? Abu Dhabi is the most important city on the political map of the UAE. The Emir of Abu Dhabi is always elected as the president of the United Arab Emirates, and it is here that most of the important state institutions are located, including the Presidential Palace Qasr Al Watan and the parliament, as well as most of the cultural and traditional attractions and institutions. Abu Dhabi is a great place to spend your vacation, but also an opportunity to get to know Emirati culture and spirit. Life here is calmer than in Dubai, there are plenty of interesting free attractions, and you can experience the real life of UAE citizens, not just the expats who make up the majority in Dubai.

Why is Abu Dhabi the capital, not Dubai?

The seat of the UAE government is located in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai, because historically and politically, Abu Dhabi was the most powerful of the seven emirates, which led the creation of the United Arab Emirates federation in 1971, and its ruler, Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al Nahajjan, became the first president of the UAE, establishing the city as the capital of the state, even though Dubai gained significant economic importance in the following years. Abu Dhabi's dominance in terms of land area and possession of the largest amount of oil determined the country's subsequent political arrangement. Similar questions arise when choosing a vacation destination. What to choose for your vacation – Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Read Abu Dhabi vs Dubai – differences, what to choose? and decide for yourself what suits you best!

Dubai vs Abu Dhabi differences

In a country like the United Arab Emirates, the capital is not the most visited place. This may be surprising, because in most of the world, the pattern is that the most visited place is the capital, even if other places are more interesting. How does Abu Dhabi and its surroundings differ from Dubai, which affects the number of tourist visits? What are the characteristics of these two places and why is it worth seeing both?

• Atmosphere and pace of life: Dubai is a dynamic, vibrant metropolis that “never sleeps” and is focused on fast pace, energy, and modern business. Abu Dhabi is much quieter, offering a more relaxing pace of life and a family atmosphere, focusing on elegance and a balance between development and tradition.
• Nature of attractions: Tourism in Dubai focuses on modernity, entertainment, and records, such as the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and the artificial islands of Palm Jumeirah. Abu Dhabi focuses on culture and history, offering access to sites such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum.
• Shopping and luxury: Dubai is a global shopping leader with huge malls (e.g., Dubai Mall) and traditional markets such as the Gold and Spice Souks. While both cities offer luxury, Dubai does so in a more spectacular and prestigious way, while Abu Dhabi maintains a subdued elegance.
• Entertainment: Dubai offers a very intense entertainment scene, including a rich nightlife, clubs, and world-class events. Entertainment in Abu Dhabi is more subdued, focusing on sunbathing, museum visits, and luxury spas, although it also has theme parks such as Ferrari World.
• Beaches: Both emirates have access to the sea, but their beaches differ in character. Dubai's beaches are more urban, surrounded by luxury skyscrapers and resorts, while Abu Dhabi offers more natural beaches with beautiful views of the Persian Gulf.
• Business travel: Dubai is seen as a global business center, ideal for those attending international conferences and trade shows. Abu Dhabi also hosts business events, but in a more subdued and less hectic environment.

Attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

One thing that must be emphasized is that although these cities have different characters, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer tourists many compelling attractions that are not to be missed. A yacht cruise in Dubai, a visit to the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, a trip to the Burj Khalifa or a desert safari – you can book all the most important attractions in the United Arab Emirates at Two Continents. Discover what Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates, has to offer and whether the capital of the UAE should be as popular as Dubai. You can organize your trip more easily with the Dubai Guide with a sightseeing plan.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• Is Dubai the capital of the UAE?

No, Dubai is not the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The capital of the country is Abu Dhabi, although Dubai is the largest and most famous city and the capital of the emirate of the same name, which is part of the federation of seven emirates that make up the UAE. Abu Dhabi is the capital, the largest emirate in terms of area, and the political center of the state.

• Is Abu Dhabi bigger than Dubai?

Yes, Abu Dhabi is much larger than Dubai in terms of the area of the entire emirate, accounting for 86-87% of the UAE's area, while the city of Abu Dhabi is the second largest in terms of population (after Dubai). Dubai, on the other hand, is a more populous and well-known tourist and business center.

• What is the history of the UAE?

The history of the United Arab Emirates is a process of uniting several emirates under British protectorate, which accelerated after the UK announced the withdrawal of its troops in 1968, leading to the formal establishment of the federation on December 2, 1971. You can learn more about the establishment of the UAE from the history of Dubai.