View source for Geography of the United Arab Emirates

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{{Country geography
|name                    = United Arab Emirates
|map                     = Satellite_image_of_United_Arab_Emirates_in_October.jpg
|map size                = 250
|continent               = [[Asia]]
|region                  = [[Middle East]]
|coordinates             = {{Coord|24|N|54|E}}
|area ranking            = 114th
|km area                 = 83,600
|percent land            = 100
|percent water           = 0
|km coastline            = 1,318
|borders                 = total: {{convert|867|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
|highest point           = [[Jebel Jais]] <br> {{convert|1,892|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite book|editor-first=John A.|editor-last=Burt|year=2023|last=Feulner|first=Gary R.|chapter=The Mountain Regions of the United Arab Emirates: An Ecosystem Perspective|page=161|title=A Natural History of the Emirates|isbn=9783031373978}}</ref>
|lowest point            = [[Persian Gulf]] <br> 0&nbsp;m
|longest river           = None
|largest lake            = [[Lake Zakher]]
|climate                 = arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
|terrain                 = mountainous and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel
|natural resources       = petroleum, natural gas, marine resources
|natural hazards         = haze, dust storms, sandstorms common
|environmental issues    = limited natural freshwater resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities
|exclusive economic zone = {{convert|58,218|km2|mi2|0|abbr=on}}
}}

The [[United Arab Emirates]] is situated in the [[Middle East]] and [[West Asia]], bordering the [[Gulf of Oman]] and the [[Persian Gulf]], between [[Oman]] and [[Saudi Arabia]]; it is at a strategic location along the northern approaches to the [[Strait of Hormuz]], a vital transit point for world [[Petroleum|crude oil]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=August 23, 2021|title=United Arab Emirates|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-arab-emirates/|access-date=September 1, 2021|website=The World Factbook|publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]]}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> The UAE lies between 22°50′ and 26° north latitude and between 51° and 56°25′ east longitude.<ref name=":0">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Persian Gulf states: country studies|publisher=[[Federal Research Division]], [[Library of Congress]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/93046476/|last1=Hooglund|first1=Eric|date=1994|editor-last=Metz |editor-first=Helen Chapin |editor-link=Helen Chapin Metz |edition=3rd|pages=204–208|isbn=0-8444-0793-3|oclc=29548413|postscript=. {{PD-notice}}|last2=Toth|first2=Anthony|entry=United Arab Emirates: Geography}}</ref> It shares a {{convert|19|km|abbr=on}} border with [[Qatar]] on the northwest, a {{convert|530|km|abbr=on}} border with Saudi Arabia on the west, south, and southeast, and a {{convert|450|km|abbr=on}} border with Oman on the southeast and northeast.<ref name=":0" />

The land border with Qatar in the [[Khor Al Adaid]] area is a source of long-running dispute<ref name=":0" /> (in fact, whether it even shares a land border with Qatar is [[Saudi Arabia – United Arab Emirates border dispute|in dispute]]). The total area of the UAE is approximately {{convert|83,600|km2|mi2|abbr=off}}.<ref name=":1" /> The country's exact size is unknown because of disputed claims to several islands in the Persian Gulf, because of the lack of precise information on the size of many of these islands, and because most of its land boundaries, especially with Saudi Arabia, remain undemarcated.<ref name=":0" /> The largest emirate, [[Emirate of Abu Dhabi|Abu Dhabi]], accounts for 87 percent of the UAE's total area ({{cvt|72,732|km²}}).<ref name=":0" /> The smallest emirate, [[Emirate of Ajman|Ajman]], encompasses only {{cvt|259|km²}}.<ref name=":0" />

==Boundaries==
[[File:United Arab Emirates Topography.png|thumb|Topography of the UAE]]

The UAE stretches for more than {{convert|650|km|mile|abbr=on}} along the southern shore of the Persian Gulf.<ref name=":0" /> Most of the coast consists of [[Salt pan (geology)|salt pans]] that extend far inland.<ref name=":0" /> A recent global remote sensing analysis suggested that there were 637 km<sup>2</sup> of tidal flats in the United Arab Emirates, making it the 40th ranked country in terms of tidal flat extent.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Murray |first1=N.J. |last2=Phinn |first2=S.R. |last3=DeWitt |first3=M. |last4=Ferrari |first4=R. |last5=Johnston |first5=R. |last6=Lyons |first6=M.B. |last7=Clinton |first7=N. |last8=Thau |first8=D. |last9=Fuller |first9=R.A. |title=The global distribution and trajectory of tidal flats |journal=Nature |date=2019 |volume=565 |issue=7738 |pages=222–225 |doi=10.1038/s41586-018-0805-8 |pmid=30568300 |s2cid=56481043 |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0805-8|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The largest natural harbor is at [[Dubai]], although other ports have been dredged at [[Abu Dhabi]], [[Sharjah]], and elsewhere.<ref name=":0" /> Numerous islands are found in the Persian Gulf, and the ownership of some of them has been the subject of international disputes with both Iran and Qatar.<ref name=":0" /> The smaller islands, as well as many [[coral reef]]s and shifting [[sandbar]]s, are a menace to navigation.<ref name=":0" /> Strong [[tide]]s and occasional windstorms further complicate ship movements near the shore.<ref name=":0" />

These northern emirates on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are part of the Gulf of Oman desert and semi-desert [[ecoregion]].<ref>{{WWF ecoregion|id=at1306|name=Gulf of Oman desert and semi-desert}}</ref>

South and west of [[Abu Dhabi]], vast, rolling sand [[dune]]s merge into the [[Rub' al Khali]] (Empty Quarter) of [[Saudi Arabia]].<ref name=":0" /> The desert area of Abu Dhabi includes two important [[oasis|oases]] with adequate underground water for permanent settlements and cultivation.<ref name=":0" /> The extensive [[Liwa Oasis]] is in the south near the undefined border with Saudi Arabia, and about {{convert|200|km|mile|abbr=on}} to the northeast is [[Al Buraymi Oasis]], which extends on both sides of the Abu Dhabi-Oman border.<ref name=":0" />

Prior to withdrawing from the area in 1971, [[United Kingdom|Britain]] delineated the internal borders among the seven emirates in order to pre-empt territorial disputes that might hamper formation of the federation.<ref name=":0" /> In general, the rulers of the emirates accepted the British intervention, but in the case of boundary disputes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and also between Dubai and Sharjah, conflicting claims were not resolved until after the UAE became independent.<ref name=":0" /> The most complicated borders were in the Western Mountains, where five of the emirates contested jurisdiction over more than a dozen [[enclave]]s.<ref name=":0" />

<gallery mode="packed">
Abu Dhabi. 27 January 2019. European Space Agency. Copernicus. Sentinel-2.jpg|The coast of [[Abu Dhabi]]
Dunebashing_group_Dubai.jpg|An organised dune-bashing safari in the [[Emirate of Dubai]]
</gallery>

===Mountains===
{{main|List of mountains in the United Arab Emirates}}

The UAE also extends for about {{convert|90|km|mile|abbr=on}} along the [[Gulf of Oman]], an area known as [[Al Batinah Region|Al-Batinah]] coast.<ref name=":0" /> The [[Western Hajar Mountains]] (''Jibāl Al-Ḥajar Al-Gharbī''), rising in places to {{convert|2,500|m|ft|abbr=on}}, separate Al-Batinah coast from the rest of the UAE.<ref name=":0" /> Beginning at the UAE-Oman border on the Persian Gulf coast of the ''[[Ras Musandam]]'' (Musandam Peninsula), the Western Mountains extend southeastward for about {{convert|150|km|mile|abbr=on}} to the southernmost UAE-Oman frontier on the Gulf of Oman.<ref name=":0" /> The range continues as the [[Eastern Hajar Mountains]] (''Jibāl Al-Ḥajar Ash-Sharqī'') for more than {{convert|500|km|mile|abbr=on}} into Oman.<ref name=":0" /> The steep mountain slopes run directly to the shore in many places.<ref name=":0" /> Nevertheless, there are small harbors at [[Dibba Al-Hisn]], [[Kalba]], and [[Khor Fakkan]] on the Gulf of Oman.<ref name=":0" /> In the vicinity of [[Fujairah]], where the mountains do not approach the coast, there are sandy [[beach]]es.<ref name=":0" />

<gallery mode="packed">
Jabal_hafeet_shahin.jpg|[[Jebel Hafeet]] near [[Al Ain]] in the [[Emirate of Abu Dhabi]]
Dubai-mw1.jpg|The mountainous region of Al-[[Hajar Mountains]] near [[Hatta, United Arab Emirates|Hatta]] in northern UAE
Jabal ar Raḩraḩ - 1676 m.jpg|[[Jabal ar Rahrah]] (1,691 m), [[Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah]]
View of the ravine formed by the upper course of the Wadi Madnan.jpg|[[Jabal Yibir]] (1,527 m), [[Emirate of Fujairah]]
</gallery>

==Climate==
{{See also|United Arab Emirates#Climate|l1=Climate}}
[[File:Water_Stress,_Top_Countries_(2020).svg|thumb|United Arab Emirates is the second most water stressed country in the world.]]
The [[climate]] of the UAE generally is very hot and sunny.<ref name=":0" /> The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum temperatures reach above {{convert|48|°C|°F|1|lk=on}} on the coastal plain.<ref name=":0" /> In the Western Hajar Mountains, temperatures are considerably cooler, a result of increased altitude.<ref name=":0" /> Average minimum temperatures in January and February are between {{convert|10|and|14|°C|°F|1}}.<ref name=":0" /> During the late summer months, a humid southeastern wind known as the [[sharqi (wind)|sharqi]] makes the coastal region especially unpleasant.<ref name=":0" /> The average annual rainfall in the coastal area is less than {{convert|120|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, but in some mountainous areas annual rainfall often reaches {{convert|350|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":0" /> Rain in the coastal region falls in short, torrential bursts during the summer months, sometimes resulting in floods in ordinarily dry [[wadi]] beds.<ref name=":0" /> The region is prone to occasional, violent [[dust storm]]s, which can severely reduce visibility.<ref name=":0" /> The Jebel Jais mountain cluster in [[Ras Al Khaimah]] has experienced snow only four times (2004, 2009, 2017 and 2020) since records began.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/General/10278477.html|title=Heavy snowfall on Ras Al Khaimah's Jebel Jais mountain cluster|author=Nasouh Nazzal|newspaper=[[Gulf News]]|date=2009-01-24|access-date=2009-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202050725/http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/General/10278477.html|archive-date=2009-02-02|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/temperature-hits--1-degree-celsius-in-uae|title=Watch: Snowfall in UAE, temperature hits -2.2 degree|website=[[Khaleej Times]]|date=2017-02-04|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-date=2024-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714013846/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/temperature-hits--1-degree-celsius-in-uae|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|width = auto
| location = Dubai (1977–2015 normals)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| collapsed = Yes 
| Jan record high C = 31.8
| Feb record high C = 37.5
| Mar record high C = 41.3
| Apr record high C = 43.5
| May record high C = 47.0
| Jun record high C = 47.9
| Jul record high C = 48.5
| Aug record high C = 48.8
| Sep record high C = 45.1
| Oct record high C = 42.4
| Nov record high C = 38.0
| Dec record high C = 33.2
| Jan high C = 23.9
| Feb high C = 25.4
| Mar high C = 28.9
| Apr high C = 33.3
| May high C = 37.7
| Jun high C = 39.8
| Jul high C = 40.9
| Aug high C = 41.3
| Sep high C = 38.9
| Oct high C = 35.4
| Nov high C = 30.6
| Dec high C = 26.2
| Jan mean C = 19.1
| Feb mean C = 20.5
| Mar mean C = 23.6
| Apr mean C = 27.5
| May mean C = 31.4
| Jun mean C = 33.4
| Jul mean C = 35.5
| Aug mean C = 35.9
| Sep mean C = 33.3
| Oct mean C = 29.8
| Nov mean C = 25.4
| Dec mean C = 21.2
| Jan low C = 14.3
| Feb low C = 15.5
| Mar low C = 18.3
| Apr low C = 21.7
| May low C = 25.1
| Jun low C = 27.3
| Jul low C = 30.0
| Aug low C = 30.4
| Sep low C = 27.7
| Oct low C = 24.1
| Nov low C = 20.1
| Dec low C = 16.3
| Jan record low C = 7.7
| Feb record low C = 7.4
| Mar record low C = 11.0
| Apr record low C = 13.7
| May record low C = 15.7
| Jun record low C = 21.3
| Jul record low C = 24.1
| Aug record low C = 24.0
| Sep record low C = 22.0
| Oct record low C = 15.0
| Nov record low C = 10.8
| Dec record low C = 8.2
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 18.8
| Feb precipitation mm = 25.0
| Mar precipitation mm = 22.1
| Apr precipitation mm = 7.2
| May precipitation mm = 0.4
| Jun precipitation mm = 0.0
| Jul precipitation mm = 0.8
| Aug precipitation mm = 0.0
| Sep precipitation mm = 0.0
| Oct precipitation mm = 1.1
| Nov precipitation mm = 2.7
| Dec precipitation mm = 16.2
| Jan precipitation days = 5.5
| Feb precipitation days = 4.7
| Mar precipitation days = 5.8
| Apr precipitation days = 2.6
| May precipitation days = 0.3
| Jun precipitation days = 0.0
| Jul precipitation days = 0.5
| Aug precipitation days = 0.5
| Sep precipitation days = 0.1
| Oct precipitation days = 0.2
| Nov precipitation days = 1.3
| Dec precipitation days = 3.8
| Jan sun = 251
| Feb sun = 241
| Mar sun = 270
| Apr sun = 306
| May sun = 350
| Jun sun = 345
| Jul sun = 332
| Aug sun = 326
| Sep sun = 309
| Oct sun = 307
| Nov sun = 279
| Dec sun = 254
| Jand sun = 8.1
| Febd sun = 8.6
| Mard sun = 8.7
| Aprd sun = 10.2
| Mayd sun = 11.3
| Jund sun = 11.5
| Juld sun = 10.7
| Augd sun = 10.5
| Sepd sun = 10.3
| Octd sun = 9.9
| Novd sun = 9.3
| Decd sun = 8.2
| source 1 = Dubai Meteorological Office<ref name="weather Dubai">{{cite web
| url = https://services.dubaiairports.ae/dubaimet/MET/Climate.aspx
| title = Climate (Average Temperatures:1977–2015;Precipitation:1967-2009)
| access-date = 14 February 2019 | publisher = Dubai Meteorological Office
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131004223556/https://services.dubaiairports.ae/dubaimet/MET/Climate.aspx
| archive-date = 4 October 2013 | url-status=dead
| df = dmy-all
}}</ref>
| source 2 = UAE National Center of Meteorology<ref name="UAE NCM Climate Dubai">{{cite web
| url = http://www.ncm.ae/en/climate-reports-yearly.html?id=8803
| title = Climate Yearly Report 2003–2018
| access-date = 14 February 2019 | publisher = UAE National Center of Meteorology NCM
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050649/http://www.ncm.ae/en/climate-reports-yearly.html?id=8803
| archive-date = 15 February 2019 | url-status=live
| df = dmy-all
}}</ref>
| source = 
}}

{{Weather box
|width = auto 
| location = Abu Dhabi
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| collapsed = Yes 
| Jan record high C = 33.7
| Feb record high C = 38.1
| Mar record high C = 43.0
| Apr record high C = 44.7
| May record high C = 46.9
| Jun record high C = 48.8
| Jul record high C = 52.7
| Aug record high C = 49.2
| Sep record high C = 47.7
| Oct record high C = 43.0
| Nov record high C = 38.0
| Dec record high C = 33.4
| Jan high C = 24.1
| Feb high C = 26.0
| Mar high C = 29.5
| Apr high C = 34.5
| May high C = 39.3
| Jun high C = 40.8
| Jul high C = 42.1
| Aug high C = 42.7
| Sep high C = 40.4
| Oct high C = 36.5
| Nov high C = 31.1
| Dec high C = 26.3
| Jan mean C = 18.8
| Feb mean C = 19.6
| Mar mean C = 22.6
| Apr mean C = 26.4
| May mean C = 31.2
| Jun mean C = 33.0
| Jul mean C = 34.9
| Aug mean C = 35.3
| Sep mean C = 32.7
| Oct mean C = 29.1
| Nov mean C = 24.5
| Dec mean C = 20.8
| Jan low C = 13.2
| Feb low C = 14.6
| Mar low C = 17.5
| Apr low C = 20.8
| May low C = 23.8
| Jun low C = 26.1
| Jul low C = 28.8
| Aug low C = 29.5
| Sep low C = 26.6
| Oct low C = 23.2
| Nov low C = 18.7
| Dec low C = 15.8
| Jan record low C = 8.0
| Feb record low C = 5.0
| Mar record low C = 8.4
| Apr record low C = 11.2
| May record low C = 16.0
| Jun record low C = 19.8
| Jul record low C = 22.2
| Aug record low C = 23.8
| Sep record low C = 19.0
| Oct record low C = 12.0
| Nov record low C = 10.5
| Dec record low C = 7.1
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 7.0
| Feb precipitation mm = 21.2
| Mar precipitation mm = 14.5
| Apr precipitation mm = 6.1
| May precipitation mm = 1.3
| Jun precipitation mm = 0
| Jul precipitation mm = 0
| Aug precipitation mm = 1.5
| Sep precipitation mm = 0
| Oct precipitation mm = 0
| Nov precipitation mm = 0.3
| Dec precipitation mm = 5.2
| unit precipitation days = 0.2&nbsp;mm
| Jan precipitation days = 1.2
| Feb precipitation days = 2.8
| Mar precipitation days = 2.8
| Apr precipitation days = 1.2
| May precipitation days = 0.1
| Jun precipitation days = 0.0
| Jul precipitation days = 0.0
| Aug precipitation days = 0.1
| Sep precipitation days = 0.0
| Oct precipitation days = 0.0
| Nov precipitation days = 0.2
| Dec precipitation days = 1.5
| Jan humidity = 68
| Feb humidity = 67
| Mar humidity = 63
| Apr humidity = 58
| May humidity = 55
| Jun humidity = 60
| Jul humidity = 61
| Aug humidity = 63
| Sep humidity = 64
| Oct humidity = 65
| Nov humidity = 65
| Dec humidity = 68
| Jan dew point C =12
| Feb dew point C =12
| Mar dew point C =12
| Apr dew point C =14
| May dew point C =16
| Jun dew point C =20
| Jul dew point C =22
| Aug dew point C =21
| Sep dew point C =22
| Oct dew point C =19
| Nov dew point C =16
| Dec dew point C =13
| Jan sun = 246.1
| Feb sun = 232.6
| Mar sun = 251.1
| Apr sun = 280.5
| May sun = 342.2
| Jun sun = 336.9
| Jul sun = 314.2
| Aug sun = 307.5
| Sep sun = 302.4
| Oct sun = 304.7
| Nov sun = 286.6
| Dec sun = 257.6
| source 1 = NOAA (1971–1991)<ref name="NOAAAbuDhabi">{{cite web |title=Climate Normals for Abu Dhabi |url=ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/UE/41216.TXT |publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714112525/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/UE/41216.TXT |archive-date=2020-07-14 |url-status=dead | access-date=10 February 2013}}</ref>
| date = February 2012
| source 2 = Climate Yearly Report (2003-2020)<ref name="National Center of Meteorology Abu Dhabi">{{cite web |title=Climate Yearly Report Abu Dhabi International Airport |url=https://www.ncm.ae/en/climate-reports-yearly.html?id=8801 |publisher=[[UAE National Center of Meteorology]] |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009005329/https://www.ncm.ae/en/climate-reports-yearly.html?id=8801 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Source 3: [https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/climate Time and Date] (dewpoints, between 2005-2015)<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/climate
|title = Climate & Weather Averages at Abu Dhabi Bateen Airport weather station (41216)
|publisher = Time and Date
|access-date = 6 February 2022}}</ref>

}}

==Flora and fauna==
{{main|Wildlife of the United Arab Emirates}}
[[Date palms]], as well as [[acacia]] and [[eucalyptus]] trees, are commonly found growing at the region's oases. Within the desert itself, the flora is much more sparse and primarily consists of [[grasses]] and thornbushes.

The region's indigenous fauna had previously come close to extinction due to intensive hunting, which led to a 1970s conservation program on the [[Bani Yas]] island by [[Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan]]; this resulted in the survival of [[Arabian oryx]]es and [[leopard]]s, among others.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ebrahimi |first1=Soraya |title=Scientists ensure survival of Arabian oryx |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/2022/03/15/scientists-ensure-survival-of-arabian-oryx/ |website=The National News |access-date=28 October 2022}}</ref> The region's [[coastal fish]] consist mainly of [[mackerel]], [[perch]] and [[tuna]], as well as [[shark]]s and [[whale]]s.

<gallery mode="packed">
1501200713074_Acacia_tortilis.jpg|Acacia tortilis in Sharm-Dabna, [[Fujairah]] Emirate
Oryx.jpeg|[[Arabian oryx]]
</gallery>

==Area and land boundaries==
[[File:Rolling Sand Dunes of Abu Dhabi.jpg|thumb|Sand Dunes on the outskirts of [[Liwa Oasis]] in the [[Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi|western region]] of the [[Emirate of Abu Dhabi]]]]

Area:
*Total: {{cvt|83,600|km²}}<ref name=":1" />
*Land: {{cvt|83,600|km²}}<ref name=":1" />
*Water: 0 km<sup>2<ref name=":1" /></sup>

Land boundaries:
*Total: {{convert|1066|km|mile|abbr=on}}<ref name=":1" />
*Border countries: [[Oman]] {{convert|609|km|mile|abbr=on}}; [[Saudi Arabia]] {{convert|457|km|mile|abbr=on}}<ref name=":1" />

Coastline: {{convert|1,318|km|mile|abbr=on}}<ref name=":1" />

Maritime claims:
*Contiguous zone: {{convert|24|nmi|mi km|1|abbr=on|lk=on}}<ref name=":1" />
*Continental shelf: {{convert|200|nmi|mi km|1|abbr=on}} or to the edge of the continental margin<ref name=":1" />
*[[Exclusive economic zone]]: {{convert|200|nmi|mi km|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=":1" />
*Territorial sea: {{convert|12|nmi|mi km|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=":1" />

Elevation extremes:
*Lowest point: [[Persian Gulf]] 0 m<ref name=":1" />
*Highest point: [[Jebel Jais]] {{convert|1,934|m|ft|abbr=on}}{{efn|[[Jebel Jais]] is the highest mountain in the UAE with a height of {{convert|1,934|m|ft|abbr=on}}, but because its peak is in Oman, Jebel Yibir or Mebrah has the highest peak<ref name="Dangerous Roads, Jabal Yibir">{{cite web |publisher=Dangerousroads.org |title=Jabal Yibir |url=https://www.dangerousroads.org/asia/united-arab-emirates/5426-jabal-yibir.html |access-date=2019-02-12 |archive-date=2019-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213005608/https://www.dangerousroads.org/asia/united-arab-emirates/5426-jabal-yibir.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="WorldAtlas">{{Cite web |url=http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/uae/aeland.htm |title=Geography of United Arab Emirates, Landforms - World Atlas |website=www.worldatlas.com |language=en |access-date=2017-03-27}}</ref>}}<ref name=":1" />

==Resources and land use==
*Natural resources: [[petroleum]], [[natural gas]]<ref name=":1" />
*Land use:<ref name=":1" /> 
**Arable land: 0.5%
**Permanent crops: 0.5%
**Permanent pasture: 3.6%
**Forest: 4.5%<ref>{{cite web |title=Forest area (% of land area) - United Arab Emirates |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.LND.FRST.ZS?locations=AE |website=worldbank.org |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref>
**Other: 91.6% (2018)
**Irrigated land: {{cvt|923|km²}} (2012)
*Total renewable water resources: {{Convert|150000000|m3}}<ref name=":1" />

==Environmental concerns==
{{main|Environmental issues in the United Arab Emirates}}
*Natural hazards: frequent sand and dust storms<ref name=":1" />
*Environment - current issues: air pollution; rapid population growth and high energy demand contribute to [[water scarcity]]; lack of natural freshwater resources being overcome by [[desalination]] plants; [[desertification]]; beach pollution from oil spills<ref name=":1" />
*Environment - international agreements: party to:  
**[[Biodiversity]], [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change|Climate Change]], Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, [[Desertification]], [[Endangered Species]], [[Hazardous Wastes]], [[Marine Dumping]], [[Ozone Layer Protection]], Ship Pollution,{{Clarify|date=September 2021}} Wetlands{{Clarify|date=September 2021}}<ref name=":1" />
**Signed, but not ratified: [[Law of the Sea]]<ref name=":1" />

==See also==
*[[List of United Arab Emirates-related topics]]
**[[Geography of Dubai]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{United Arab Emirates topics}}
{{Geography of Asia}}
{{Middle East topic| Climate of | state = expanded }}
{{Asia topic|Climate of}}
{{Climate change regions}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Geography of the United Arab Emirates| ]]