The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. The federation was formally established in December 1971. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) occupies an area of 83,600 square kilometres along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar lies to the west, Saudi Arabia to the south and west and Oman to the north and east. The capital and the largest city of the federation, Abu Dhabi, is located in the emirate of the same name.