Have you ever known that the UAE is home to a tower that leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa? It also has a population of more than 200 nationalities and doesn’t have any rivers. In fact, from a population of just over half a million people in 1975 to nearly 10 million in 2020, the development of the UAE is very rapid. This Middle Eastern country is just over 50 years old but has already achieved a lot. If you are planning to visit UAE, or want to know more about the country, here are some UAE facts that surely you will find very interesting!
1. UAE Population Gathers More than 200 Nationalities
UAE has a population of 9.89 million. However, more than 80% of residents in the nation are foreigners, coming from more than 200 countries around the world. Among them, citizens from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines make up the most significant percentage of ex-pats in the UAE.
2. There is No River in the UAE
Surprisingly, the UAE doesn’t have any permanent rivers. Yet, plenty of wadis fill up with water during the rainy months.
3. UAE is the First Country in the World to Appoint a Minister for Artificial Intelligence
Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama has served as the Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications since the agency was created in 2017.
4. Abu Dhabi’s Capital Gate Building Leans More than the Leaning Tower of Pisa
In 2010, Guinness World Records certified the Capital Gate hotel and office building as “the world’s largest inclined man-made tower”. In specific, the Capital Gate building is tilted 18 degrees, more than 4 times that of the famous Italian leaning tower of Pisa.
5. The UAE is About to Celebrate Its 51st Birthday
On December 2, 1971, the UAE was officially established through the union of the six emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. Then, Ras Al Khaimah, the seventh emirate, joined on 10 February 1972.
6. The Arabian Oryx is the National Animal of the UAE
An antelope endemic to the Arabian desert, the Arabian Oryx is also the national animal of Oman, Bahrain and Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
Arabian Oryx was the top target for hunting for meat, hides, and horns. As a result, by 1972, there were almost no individuals left in the wild. Fortunately, thanks to conservation and breeding efforts, by 1980, some individuals in captivity were released back into the wild. In 2011, the status of this declared-extinct animal changed from “endangered” to “vulnerable”.
The Arabian Oryx is the first species in the world to have such a positive change. Previously, they were considered extinct in the wild.
7. The World’s Six Tallest Hotels are Located in the UAE
The 6 tallest hotels in the world are all in Dubai, UAE. Leading the way with a height of 356 m is the 4-star Gevora hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, one meter higher than the JW Marriott Marquis (355 m).
Besides that, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, Burj Al Arab, and the Jumeirah Emirates Towers are also among the top 10 tallest hotels in the world.
8. There are 10 Airports for Commercial Services Across the UAE
The United Arab Emirates’ largest airport is Dubai International, which ranks as the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passenger traffic. Especially, Dubai International Airport has held this title for six consecutive years.
9. This is the Safest City in the World
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has been ranked as the safest city globally for four years by the global data website Numbeo. In 2020, both Sharjah and Dubai also made the top 10, at 5th and 7th place respectively.
10. The Literacy Rate is Very High
The UAE has one of the most impressive literacy rates in the world, with a literacy rate of 93%. Even, for women, the figure is higher, at 95.8%. In particular, 77% of UAE women are enrolled in university. In fact, 70% of university graduates in the country are women.
11. The Place with the Most Luxurious Police Cars in the World
Dubai police fleet includes supercars, luxury cars from brands Bugatti, Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, Camaro, Mercedes, and many other cars. Perhaps this is a reason why the UAE, or Abu Dhabi in particular, is one of the safest places in the world. Imagine those supercars chasing the criminal, I’m not sure if they can escape.
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