a former name (until 1971) of the United Arab Emirates. Also called: Trucial Sheikhdoms, Trucial Oman, Trucial Coast
United Arab Emirates in British English
plural noun
a group of seven emirates in SW Asia, on the Persian Gulf: consists of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Qaiwain, Ras el Khaimah, and Fujairah; a former British protectorate; became fully independent in 1971; consists mostly of flat desert, with mountains in the east; rich petroleum resources. Official language: Arabic. Official religion: Muslim. Currency: dirham. Capital: Abu Dhabi. Pop: 9 400 145 (2017 est). Area: 83 600 sq km (32 300 sq miles)
Former name (until 1971): Trucial States. Abbreviation: UAE