United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates located on the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Its capital is Abu Dhabi, while Dubai is its largest city and commercial hub. The country has a population of approximately ten million and operates as a federal absolute monarchy, with each emirate governed by its own hereditary ruler. The seven constituent emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The UAE has one of the most diversified economies in the Gulf region, historically built on oil and gas exports but increasingly focused on tourism, aviation, real estate and financial services. Its currency is the UAE dirham, which is pegged to the US dollar. The country is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League and the United Nations. The UAE has positioned itself as a major global investment hub, with sovereign wealth funds actively deploying capital in infrastructure, technology and natural resources worldwide. Since its formation in 1971 from the Trucial States, the UAE has emerged as a significant player in regional and international trade, logistics and finance.
United Arab Emirates Updates
Questions raised over frequent-flyer Mabuyane’s latest trip as the EC economy remains grounded
By: Reza Creamer 3rd June 2026 Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s latest overseas investment mission to Italy and Greece raises serious questions about why the province is paying for... →
The UAE’s Role in the Deployment of Colombian Fighters and Other Backing to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan
26th May 2026 In October 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one of the parties to Sudan’s conflict, took over El Fasher, the capital of the North Darfur... →
Economic hardship drives Kenyans onto Russia’s brutal frontline
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 21st May 2026 High youth unemployment exposes young Kenyans, like thousands across Africa, to exploitation and false promises of lucrative jobs abroad. Kenya has... →
How the Iran war could derail Somalia’s fragile recovery
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 14th May 2026 Somalia faces more than spillover effects – these shocks are pushing the country’s long-term recovery further out of reach. The United... →
Iran war to cast a shadow on BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Delhi
By: Reuters 13th May 2026 The US-Israeli war on Iran is set to cast a shadow over a two-day meeting of the foreign ministers of the BRICS grouping that kicks off in New... →
Goldman says global oil stocks approaching eight-year low, depletion speed a concern
By: Reuters 5th May 2026 Global oil stocks are approaching their lowest level in eight years, Goldman Sachs said on Monday, warning that the speed of depletion was becoming... →
Brent oil rises 7% on report US considering military options to break Iran deadlock
By: Reuters 30th April 2026 Brent oil prices rose as much as 7% on Thursday on a report the US is considering potential military action against Iran to break the deadlock in... →
Anti-gender & anti-climate politics: exploring converging agendas in Global Majority countries
24th April 2026 Politics today is marked by accelerating global backlash against both gender equality and action on the climate crisis. This new working paper... →
Daily Podcast – April 23, 2026
By: Lynne Davies 23rd April 2026 Making headlines: SACP tells members to ignore ANC dual membership ultimatum; South Africa ramps up fuel imports from US as war jolts trade; And,... →
South Africa ramps up fuel imports from US as war jolts trade
By: Reuters 23rd April 2026 South Africa is boosting oil-product imports from the US to help replace lost supplies from the Middle East, in another example of how the conflict... →
