The United Arab Emirates is a country located in the Persian Gulf, composed of seven emirates. Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest emirate by area, while Dubai is the most populous city. The UAE has a population of over 8 million, with Arabic as the official language. The country gained independence from Britain in 1971 and has a high-income economy focused on oil exports and tourism. Traditional Emirati architecture and dress reflect Islamic influences and adaptation to the hot, dry climate, while the culture also features poetry and holidays.