what race is sauron

Sauron was a Maia, a divine being of great power and knowledge, and a member of the ancient race of beings known as the Ainur. He was originally an apprentice of Aulë, who became skilled at crafting and making. Sauron took on different appearances throughout his existence, including a beautiful appearance at the end of the First Age to charm Eönwë, near the beginning of the Second Age when appearing as Annatar to the Elves, and again near the end of the Second Age to corrupt the men of Númenor. He appeared then "as a man, or one in mans shape, but greater than any even of the race of Númenor in stature ... And it seemed to men that Sauron was great, though they feared the light of his eyes. To many he appeared fair, to others terrible".