The landscape of the United Arab Emirates, located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula, tells a fascinating story of timeless tradition and rapid advancement. Comprising seven unique emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, each under the rule of its own Ruler, the UAE presents a harmonious blend of old and new. The UAE boasts a population of around 10.2 million, predominantly expatriates, united under the flag of Islam, the official religion, while Arabic remains the principal language.

The economic foundation of the UAE is its impressive natural resources – namely, the world's sixth-largest oil reserves and seventh-largest natural gas reserves. However, it has successfully diversified its interests, becoming an international hub for tourism and business, making it a thriving modern metropolis. The legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE's first president, is evident in the country's robust infrastructure, advanced healthcare, and promising education system.

Despite the shiny facade, it is important to be aware of the criticisms levelled at UAE regarding its human rights record, particularly regarding the treatment of government critics and family harassment by state security. Nevertheless, the UAE continuously strives to improve its international standing in all aspects, broadening its role in various international organisations including the United Nations, Arab League, OPEC, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Tracing back its roots, you'll find the UAE's history steeped in incredible epochs of human settlement dating back to 130,000 years, with trading routes seamlessly merging the region with civilizations in Mesopotamia, Iran, and the Indus Valley. European colonial forces too have made their mark with the British playing a significant role in shaping the region. The transformation of the UAE was truly ignited in the 20th-century by the discovery of oil, turning emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi into global economic powerhouses.