United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates الامارات العربية المتحدة Dawlat al-Imārāt al-‘Arabīyah al-Muttaḥidah
Motto: "Allah, Nation, President"
Anthem: Ishy Bilady
Capital		Abu Dhabi 1) 22°47′N 54°37′E / 22.783°N 54.617°E / 22.783; 54.617
Largest city		Dubai
Official languages		Arabic
Recognised regional languages		English, Urdu, Hindi, and Persian[1]
Ethnic groups		34% Arab (19% Emirati and 15% other Arabs), 8% Iranian, 50% South Asian, 8% other expats (inc. Westerners & East Asians)[2]
Demonym		Emirati
Government		Federal constitutional monarchy
-	President	Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
-	Prime Minister	Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
-	First Crown Prince	Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
-	Second Crown Prince	Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Legislature		Federal National Assembly
Independence
-	From the United Kingdom	December 2, 1971
Area
-	Total	83,600 1 km2 (116th) 32,278 sq mi
-	Water (%)	negligible
Population
-	2009 estimate	4,798,491 (120th)
-	2000 census	2,938,000
-	Density	64/km2 (150th) 139/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2008 estimate
-	Total	$184.984 billion[3]
-	Per capita	$38,830[3] (14th)
GDP (nominal)		2008 estimate
-	Total	$260.141 billion[3]
-	Per capita	$54,606[3] (8th)
Gini (2008)		36
HDI (2008)		▲ 0.910 (high) (31st)
Currency		UAE dirham (AED)
Time zone		GMT+4 (UTC+4)
-	Summer (DST)	not observed (UTC+4)
Date formats		d/mm/yyyy (CE)
Drives on the		right
Internet TLD		.ae
Calling code		+971
United Arab Emirates portal
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.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Arabic: دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة‎, Dawlat al-Imārāt al-‘Arabīyah al-Muttaḥidah) is a federation of seven emirates situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia. The UAE consists of seven states, termed emirates, which are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The capital and second largest city of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. It is also the country's center of political, industrial and cultural activities.^[4]

Before 1971, the UAE were known as the Trucial States or Trucial Oman, in reference to a nineteenth-century truce between Britain and several Arab Sheikhs. The name Pirate Coast was also used in reference to the area's emirates in the 18th to early 20th century.^[5]

The political system of the United Arab Emirates, based on the 1971 Constitution, comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. Islam is the official religion and Arabic is the official language.^[6]

The United Arab Emirates has the world's sixth largest oil reserves^[7]and possesses one of the most developed economies in the Middle East. It is currently the thirty-sixth largest economy by nominal GDP, and is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product, with a nominal per capita GDP of $54,607 as per the IMF^[8]. The country is fourteenth largest in purchasing power per capita and has a relatively high Human Development Index for the Asian continent, ranking 31st globally.^[9] The United Arab Emirates is classified as a high income developing economy by the IMF.

The United Arab Emirates is a founding member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and the a member state of the Arab League. It is also a member of the United Nations, Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the OPEC, and the World Trade Organization.

History

Origins

An eighteenth century watchtower in Hatta

The earliest known human habitation in the United Arab Emirates dated from the Neolithic period, 5500 BCE. At this early stage, there is proof of interaction with the outside world, particularly with civilisations to the north. These contacts persisted and became wide-ranging, probably motivated by trade in copper from the Hajar Mountains which commenced around 3000 BCE. ^[10] Foreign trade, the recurring motif in the history of this strategic region, flourished also in later periods, facilitated by the domestication of the camel at the end of the second millennium BCE.^[11]

By the first century CE overland caravan traffic between Syria and cities in southern Iraq began, followed by seaborne travel to the important port of Omana (perhaps present-day Umm al-Qaiwain) and thence to India was an alternative to the Red Sea route used by the Romans.^[12] Pearls had been exploited in the area for millennia but at this time the trade reached new heights. Seafaring was also a mainstay and major fairs were held at Dibba, bringing in merchants from as far as China.^[13]

Portuguese control

Portuguese expansion into the Indian Ocean in the early sixteenth century following Vasco da Gama's route of exploration saw them battle the Ottomans up the coast of the Persian Gulf. The Portuguese controlled the area for 150 years in which they conquered the inhabitants of the Arabian peninsula.^[14] Vasco da Gama was helped by Ibn Majid, an Arab from Julphar (now known as Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE emirates), to find the route of spices.^[15][16]

British and Ottoman rule

Then, portions of the nation came under the direct influence of the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century.^[17] Thereafter the region was known to the British as the "Pirate Coast", as raiders based there harassed the shipping industry despite both European and Arab navies patrolling the area from the 17th century into the 19th century^[18]. British expeditions to protect the Indian trade from raiders at Ras al-Khaimah led to campaigns against that headquarters and other harbours along the coast in 1819. The next year, a peace treaty was signed to which all the sheikhs of the coast adhered. Raids continued intermittently until 1835, when the sheikhs agreed not to engage in hostilities at sea. In 1853, they signed a treaty with the United Kingdom, under which the sheikhs (the "Trucial Sheikhdoms") agreed to a "perpetual maritime truce." It was enforced by the United Kingdom, and disputes among sheikhs were referred to the British for settlement.^[19]

Flag of the Trucial Coast

Primarily in reaction to the ambitions of other European countries, the United Kingdom and the Trucial Sheikhdoms established closer bonds in an 1892 treaty, similar to treaties entered into by the UK with other Persian Gulf principalities. The sheikhs agreed not to dispose of any territory except to the United Kingdom and not to enter into relationships with any foreign government other than the United Kingdom without its consent. In return, the British promised to protect the Trucial Coast from all aggression by sea and to help in case of land attack.^[20]

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the pearling industry thrived providing both income and employment to the people of the Arabian Gulf. It began to become a good economic resource for the local people. However The First World War impacted severely on the pearl fishery, but it was the economic depression of the late 1920s and early 1930s, coupled with the Japanese invention of the cultured pearl, that damaged it. The industry eventually faded away shortly after the Second World War, when the newly independent Government of India imposed heavy taxation on pearls imported from the Gulf.^[21] This was a very difficult era for the people, with little opportunity to build roads, and hospitals.

At the beginning of the 1930s, the first oil company teams carried out preliminary surveys and the first cargo of crude was exported from Abu Dhabi in 1962. As oil revenues increased, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, undertook a massive construction programme, building schools, housing, hospitals and roads. When Dubai’s oil exports commenced in 1969, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Maktoum, ruler of Dubai was also able to use oil revenues to improve the quality of life of his people .^[22]

In 1955, the United Kingdom sided with Abu Dhabi in the latter's dispute with Oman over the Buraimi Oasis another territory to the south^[23]. A 1974 agreement between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia would have settled the Abu Dhabi-Saudi border dispute; however, the agreement has yet to be ratified by the UAE government and is not recognised by the Saudi government. The border with Oman also remains officially unsettled, but the two governments agreed to delineate the border in May 1999.^[24]

Sheikh Zayed and the Union

Al Fahdi Fort in Dubai in th late 1950's.

In the early 1960s, oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi, an event that led to quick unification calls made by UAE sheikdoms. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and the British started losing their oil investments and contracts to U.S. oil companies.^[25]

The British had earlier started a development office that helped in some small developments in the Emirates. The sheikhs of the Emirates then decided to form a council to coordinate matters between them and took over the development office. They formed the Trucial States Council,^[26] and appointed Adi Bitar, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's legal advisor, as Secretary General and Legal Advisor to the Council. The Council was terminated once the United Arab Emirates was formed.^[27]

Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

In 1968, the United Kingdom announced its decision, reaffirmed in March 1971, to end the treaty relationships with the seven Trucial Sheikhdoms which had been, together with Bahrain and Qatar, under British protection. The nine attempted to form a union of Arab Emirates, but by mid-1971 they were still unable to agree on terms of union, even though the British treaty relationship was to expire in December of that year.^[28]

Bahrain became independent in August, and Qatar in September 1971. When the British-Trucial Shaikhdoms treaty expired on December 1, 1971, they became fully independent.^[29]

The rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai decided to form a union between their two emirates independently, prepare a constitution, then call the rulers of the other five emirates to a meeting and offer them the opportunity to join. It was also agreed between the two that the constitution be written by December 2, 1971.^[30]

On that date, at the Dubai Guesthouse Palace, four other emirates agreed to enter into a union called the United Arab Emirates. Ras al-Khaimah joined later, in early 1972.^{[31] [32]} The UAE sent forces into Kuwait during the 1990–91 Persian Gulf War and the US also.

The country signed a military defense agreement with the U.S. in 1994 and one with France in 1995.

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States the UAE was identified as a major financial center used by Al-Qaeda in transferring money to the hijackers (two of the 9/11 hijackers were UAE citizens). The nation immediately cooperated with the U.S, freezing accounts tied to suspected terrorists and strongly clamping down on money laundering.

The UAE supports military operations from the United States and other Coalition nations that are engaged in the liberation of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003) as well as operations supporting the Global War on Terrorism for the Horn of Africa at the Al Dhafra Air Base located outside of Abu Dhabi. The air base also supported Allied operations during the 1991 Persian Gulf War and Operation Northern Watch.

On November 2, 2004, the UAE's first president, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, died. His eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, succeeded as ruler of Abu Dhabi. In accordance with the constitution, the UAE's Supreme Council of Rulers elected Khalifa as president. Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan succeeded Khalifa as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.^[33] In January 2006, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime minister of the UAE and the emir of Dubai, died, and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assumed both roles.

Government and politics

National Symbols of the UAE[34]
Flag	Flag of United Arab Emirates
Anthem	Ishy Bilady
Animal	Arabian Horse
Bird	Peregrine Falcon
Flower	Tribulus Omanense
Tree	Ghaf trees
Juice	Camel Milk
Sport	Camel racing
Dress	Khandura

Politics of the United Arab Emirates takes place in a framework of a federal presidential elected monarchy, a federation of seven absolute monarchies, the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain. The ruler of Abu Dhabi is President of the United Arab Emirates, the head of state, and the ruler of Dubai is the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, the head of government.^[35]

The Presidency and Premiership of the United Arab Emirates is de facto hereditary to the Al Nahyan clan of Abu Dhabi and the Al Maktoum clan of Dubai. The President of the United Arab Emirates and the head of state is the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, is the ruler of Dubai and the head of government. The political influences and financial obligations of the Emirates are reflected by respective positions in the Federal government. While each Emirate still retains autonomy over own territory, a percentage of its revenue is allocated to the UAE’s central budget.^[36]

The federal system includes the executive branch which consists of the President, Vice President, the Federal Supreme Council (composed of the Emirates’ seven rulers), and a Cabinet, or Council of

Current President of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Ministers. The legislative branch consists of a parliamentary body, the Federal National Council. A constitutionally independent judiciary includes the Federal Supreme Court.^[37]

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the union's president from the nation's founding until his death on November 2, 2004. The Federal Supreme Council elected his son, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president the next day. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the heir apparent. ^[38]

The Supreme Council elects the Council of Ministers, while an appointed/elected forty-member Federal National Council, drawn from all the emirates, reviews proposed laws. The UAE’s parliamentary body represents the Emirates, and is half appointed by the rulers of the constituent states and the other half elected indirectly to serve two-year terms. The council carries out the country’s main consultative duties and has both a legislative and supervisory role provided by the Constitution. ^[39]

There is a federal court system; all emirates except Ras al-Khaimah have joined the federal system; all emirates have both secular and Islamic law for civil, criminal, and high courts.^[40]

The UAE took its first steps towards indirect elections for the country’s parliament on National Day, December 2, 2005 upon the official announcement by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan which followed the formation of an Electoral College. A National Electoral Committee was created and the UAE’s first election occurred during mid-December 2006. The election and appointment of nine women (comprising 22.5 per cent of the Council) strongly signified advancement and political participation of women in the United Arab Emirates. The long-term objective is for the FNC to be wholly-elected.^[41]

Law

United Arab Emirates

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of the United Arab Emirates

Constitution Constitution of the United Arab Emirates Executive President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Legislative Federal National Council Rulers Elections 2006 election

Emirates Foreign relations Human rights

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When contrasted with other Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, for instance, the UAE has comparatively very liberal laws. the country is a civil law jurisdiction. However, Shari'a or Islamic law is applied to aspects of family law, inheritance and certain criminal acts. Women can drive in the UAE and there is a strong emphasis in equality and human rights brought by the UAE's National Human Rights Committee.

A federal court system applies to all Emirates except Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, which are not fully integrated into the federal judicial system. All Emirates have secular courts to rule about criminal, civil, and commercial matters, and Islamic courts to review family and religious disputes.

The country has undergone a period of liberalization and modernisation during the reign of the past, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who came to power in 1971. The laws of the UAE tolerate alcohol to a certain extent. However, public bars and nightclubs in the UAE operate mainly in expensive hotels and clubs, much like in Qatar. However some do operate independently.

In the UAE the establishment of the Civil and Criminal Courts resulted in diminishing the role of the Sharia Courts. Nevertheless, the competence of the Sharia Courts in some Emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi, was substantially expanded later on to include, in addition to matters of personal status, all types of civil and commercial disputes as well as serious criminal offences. Therefore, in addition to the Civil Courts, each of the seven Emirates maintains a parallel system of Sharia Courts which are organised and supervised locally.

In common with other Persian Gulf Arab countries, sponsorship laws exist in the UAE. These laws have been widely described as akin to modern-day slavery.^[42] The Sponsorship system (Kafeel or Kafala) exists throughout the GCC and means that a worker (not a tourist) may not enter the country without having a kafeel, cannot leave without the kafeel's permission (an Exit Permit must first be awarded by the sponsor, or kafeel), and the sponsor has the right to ban the employee from entering the UAE within 2–5 years of his first departure. Many sponsors do not allow the transfer of one employee to another sponsor.

Civil cases may also be tried under Sharia courts with one exception: Shia may try such cases in their own courts. Other civil proceedings, including those involving claims against the Government and enforcement of foreign judgments

Human rights

Migrants, mostly of South Asian origin, constitute for 42.5% of the UAE’s workforce^[43] and are subject to a range of human rights abuses. Workers typically arrive in debt to recruitment agents from home countries and upon arrival are often made to sign a new contract in English or Arabic which pays them less than had originally been agreed.^[44] Visa and travel costs are typically added on to the original debt, and thus within hours of their arrival, workers often find that their debt-repayment time has increased significantly, possibly by years.

Confiscation of passports is officially illegal, but in reality employers have been known to retain the passports of their semi or unskilled employees. All of the workers interviewed by Human Rights Watch in a 2006 report had had their passports confiscated.^[45] The kafala system of employment, which ties an employee to one employer and prevents him or her from seeking alternative employment without the expressed approval of the original employer, operates in the UAE. Workers are therefore dependent on their employer for housing, wages and healthcare. The lack of proper enforcement mechanisms of the country’s labour laws means that in practice employers may break laws with little fear of prosecution. Accordingly, non-payment of wages, cramped and unsanitary living conditions, poor safety practices, physical and mental abuse are widespread. Local government representatives of South-Asian governments, such as Indian, Pakistani, Sri-Lankan and Bangladeshi consulates have also been of little help in providing representation for their nationals in such cases.

The issue of sexual abuse among female domestic servants is an area of concern, particularly given that domestic servants are not covered by the UAE Labour Law of 1980 or the Draft Labour Law of 2007, which was heavily criticised by Human Rights Watch.^[46] In 2007 the falling dollar meant workers were unable to service debts and the incidence of suicides among Indian workers had reportedly been on the increase.^[47] Worker protests have been heavily cracked down on with reports of collective expulsion and imprisonment.^[48] The government has ignored international pressure to introduce trade unions despite repeated promises to do so going back to 2004.^[49]

From the perspective of international human rights law, the UAE is in violation of its obligations under the terms of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, in particular where its treatment of non-citizens is concerned. It is in violation of its obligations under the terms of the International Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, particularly where its treatment of domestic workers is concerned. Recent initiatives to stamp out the practice of child labor have headed off criticism that it violates its obligations under the terms of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. There is also an argument that the UAE is in violation of its obligation to stamp out the debt bondage and furthermore that the state is itself involved in it and profits from that debt bondage.^[50]

Even though the UAE government has made some advances in the protection of human rights, the U.S. Department of State notes in its annual^[specify] report on human rights practices that numerous fundamentalist practices and policies exist to the contrary.

As Sharia prohibits 'sodomy', homosexual relationships are not commonly disclosed.^[51][52] Homosexual behavior in public may result in imprisonment and/or deportation.^[53]

The UAE also does not allow individuals past retirement age to stay within the country without a job. Upon retirement, residents must return to their country of origin. People with TB, Hepatitis C and AIDS are also at a disadvantage as any non-citizen found with these illnesses may be deported.^[54][55]

Discrimination in the workplace has also been reported; prospective employers will specify religion, nationality (and even regional origin in some cases) and also specify the sex of required candidates within job advertisements. However, this is often a necessity due to modesty considerations in traditional societies as well as language requirements in a country where much of the population does not speak the national language. Different pay scales may also occur depending on nationality and sex in order to reduce an overwhelming reliance on foreign labour. Policies are in place in certain instances where state employers are required to fill in vacancies with UAE nationals, a process called Emiratisation.^[56]

Foreign policy and military

United Arab Emirates F-16 Block 60

The UAE’s liberal climate towards foreign cooperation, investment and modernization has prompted extensive diplomatic and commercial relations with other countries. It plays a significant role in OPEC, the UN and is one of the founding members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Regionally, the UAE has a very close relationship with other GCC members as well as most of the Arab countries. The Emirates have long maintained close relations with Egypt and remain the highest investors in the country from among the rest of the Arab world^[57]. Pakistan has also been a major recipient of economic aid and relations have been extremely close since the founding of the federation. Pakistan had been first to formally recognize the UAE upon its formation and continues to be one of its major economic and trading partners with about 400,000 expatriates receiving employment in the UAE^{[58] [59]}. India’s large expat community in the UAE also has for centuries evolved into current close political, economic and cultural ties. The largest demographic presence in the Emirates is Indian^[60]. Like most countries in the region, the UAE and Iran dispute rights to a number of islands in the Persian Gulf but this has not significantly impacted relations due to the large Iranian community presence and strong economic ties. ^[61]

Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan wih former president Vladimir Putin

Following the 1990 Iraq invasion of Kuwait, the UAE has maintained extensive relations with its Western allies for security and cooperation towards increasing interoperability of its defense forces and for liberating Kuwait, France and the USA have played the most strategically significant roles with defense cooperation agreements and military material provision^[62]. Most recently, these relations culminated in a joint nuclear deal for the US to supply the UAE with nuclear technology, expertise and fuel. Commercially, the UK and Germany are the UAE’s largest export markets and bi-lateral relations have long been close as a large number of their nationals reside in the UAE.^{[63] [64]}

Diplomatic relations between UAE and Japan were established as early as UAE's independence in December 1971.^[65] The two countries had always enjoyed friendly ties and trade between each other, exports from UAE to Japan include crude oil and natural gas and imports from Japan to UAE include Cars and Electric items.^[65]

Foreign Aid

The UAE has continuously been a major contributor of emergency relief to regions affected by conflict and natural disasters in the developing world.^[66] The main UAE governmental agency for foreign aid is the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) which was established in 1971. Since its establishment, the ADFD has provided over Dh12.6 billion (US$3.45 billion) in soft loans and grants to countries mainly in Africa. ^[67] Since 1971, these have accounted for a further Dh10 billion (US$2.72 billion), bringing the total amount of the loans, grants and investments provided by the fund or the Abu Dhabi government, and managed by the fund, to around Dh24 billion (US$6.54 billion), covering 258 different projects in a total of 52 countries.^[68]

In November 2008, the Abu Dhabi Fund announced a long term loan of around US$278 million for rehabilitation of agricultural land in the state of Uzbekistan.^[69] Between 1994 to mid-2008, for example, around Dh15.4 billion (US$4.2 billion) has been provided for the Palestinians, including, most recently, US$300 million pledged at a donor conference in Paris and an annual commitment of US$43 million to support the Palestine National Authority.^[70]

The UAE has also used the Red Crescent authority and charities such as Dubai Cares and Noor Dubai to donate aid to foreign countries as well.

Geography

The landscape of Sir Bani Yas Island.

The United Arab Emirates is situated in Southwest Asia, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia; it is in a strategic location along southern approaches to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil^[71]. The UAE lies between 22°50′ and 26° north latitude and between 51° and 56°25′ east longitude. It shares a 530-kilometer border with Saudi

A view of the desert landscape on the outskirts of Dubai

The mountainous region in the North

Arabia on the west, south, and southeast, and a 450-kilometer border with Oman on the southeast and northeast. The land border with Qatar in the Khawr al Udayd area is about nineteen kilometers in the northwest, however it is a source of ongoing dispute^[72] . The total area of the UAE is approximately 77,700 square kilometers. 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. The largest emirate, Abu Dhabi, accounts for 87 percent of the UAE's total area (67,340 square kilometers). The smallest emirate, Ajman, encompasses only 259 square kilometers (see figure).

undemarcated^[73]. Additionally, island disputes with Iran and Qatar remain unresolved ^[74].

The UAE stretches for more than 650 kilometers along the southern shore of the Persian Gulf. Most of the coast consists of salt pans that extend far inland. The largest natural harbor is at Dubai, although other ports have been dredged at Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and elsewhere. Numerous islands are found in the gulf, and the ownership of some of them has been the subject of international disputes with both Iran and Qatar. The smaller islands, as well as many coral reefs and shifting sandbars, are a menace to navigation. Strong tides and occasional windstorms further complicate ship movements near the shore.

South and west of Abu Dhabi, vast, rolling sand dunes merge into the Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter) of Saudi Arabia. The desert area of Abu Dhabi includes two important oases with adequate underground water for permanent settlements and cultivation. The extensive Al Liwa Oasis is in the south near the undefined border with Saudi Arabia. About 100 kilometers to the northeast of the Al Liwa Oasis is the Al Buraymi Oasis, which extends on both sides of the Abu Dhabi-Oman border.

Prior to withdrawing from the area in 1971, Britain delineated the internal borders among the seven amirates in order to preempt territorial disputes that might hamper formation of the federation. 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. The most complicated borders were in the Al Hajar al Gharbi Mountains, where five of the emirates contested jurisdiction over more than a dozen enclaves.

Climate

The climate of the UAE generally is hot and dry. The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum temperatures reach above 48° C (118° F) on the coastal plain. In the Al Hajar al Gharbi Mountains, temperatures are considerably cooler, a result of increased altitude^[75]. Average minimum temperatures in January and February are between 10°C (50°F) and 14°C (57°F)^[76]. During the late summer months, a humid southeastern wind known as the sharqi makes the coastal region especially unpleasant. The average annual rainfall in the coastal area is fewer than 120 mm (5 in), but in some mountainous areas annual rainfall often reaches 350 mm (14 in). Rain in the coastal region falls in short, torrential bursts during the summer months, sometimes resulting in floods in ordinarily dry wadi beds^[77]. The region is prone to occasional, violent dust storms, which can severely reduce visibility. The Jebel Jais mountain cluster in Ras al Khaimah has experienced snow only twice since records began.^[78]

States and territories

The United Arab Emirates is divided into seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi the largest of all seven emirates with an area of 67,340 square kilometers, equivalent to 86.7 per cent of the country’s total area, excluding the islands. It has a coastline extending for more than 400 kilometers and is divided for administrative purposes into three major regions. The Emirate of Dubai extends along the Arabian Gulf coast of the UAE for approximately 72 kilometers. Dubai has an area of c. 3,885 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 5 per cent of the country’s total area, excluding the islands. The Emirate of Sharjah extends along approximately 16 kilometers of the UAE’s Gulf coastline and for more than 80 kilometers into the interior. The Northern emirates which include Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm al-Quwain all have a total area of 3,881 square kilometers, which is 5% of the total countries area. There are two areas under joint control. One is jointly controlled by Oman and Ajman, the other by Fujairah and Sharjah.

There is an Omani enclave surrounded by UAE territory, known as Wadi Madha. It is located halfway between the Musandam peninsula and the rest of Oman, on the Dubai-Hatta road in the Emirate of Sharjah. It covers approximately 75 square kilometres (29 sq mi) and the boundary was settled in 1589. The north-east corner of Madha is closest to the Khor Fakkan-Fujairah road, barely 10 metres (33 ft) away. Within the enclave is a UAE exclave called Nahwa, also belonging to the Emirate of Sharjah (formerly known as Bhubi Dhubhi). It is about 8 kilometres (5 mi) on a dirt track west of the town of New Madha. It consists of about forty houses with its own clinic and telephone exchange.

Demographics

In 2009, UAE's population stood at about 4.8 million^[83] of which approximately 21.9% were nationals and the rest were foreigners.^[84] As a consequence, UAE nationals form a minority of those who reside in the country. UAE has one of the most diverse populations in the Middle East.^[85] 19% of the country's population is Emirati, 23% are other Arabs or Persians while the majority of the population, about 50%, is from South Asia.^[86] The UAE's high standard of living and economic opportunities have attracted workers from developing countries like India, Philippines, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In 2007, there were approximately 1.4 million Indian nationals residing in the UAE, making them the single largest expatriate community in the oil-rich nation.^[87] Thousands of Palestinians, who came as either political refugees or temporary employment, also live in the United Arab Emirates. There is also a sizable population of people from Egypt, Somalia and Sudan who migrated to the UAE before its formation. The UAE has also attracted a small number of expatriates from developed countries in the West.

The population of the UAE has an unnatural sex distribution consisting of more than twice as many males as females. The 15-65 age group has a male/female sex ratio of 2.743. The UAE's gender imbalance is only surpassed by other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf region.^[88]

The most populated city is Dubai, with approximately 1.6 million people. Other major cities include Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, and Fujairah. About 88% of the population of the United Arab Emirates is urban.^[89] The remaining inhabitants live in tiny towns scattered throughout the country or in one of the many desert oilfield camps in the nation.

The average life expectantcy 78.24 years, higher than any other Arab country. ^[90]

Education

The education system through secondary level is monitored by the Ministry of Education. It consists of primary schools, middle schools and high schools. The public schools are government-funded and the curriculum is created to match the United Arab Emirates development's goals and values. The medium of instruction in the public school is Arabic with emphasis on English as a second language. There are also many private schools which are internationally

The American University of Sharjah

accredited. Public schools in the country are free for citizens of the UAE, while the fees for private schools vary.^[93]

The higher education system is monitored by the Ministry of Higher Education to serve and protect children's education. The Ministry also is responsible for admitting students to its undergraduate institutions.^[94]

A recent survey showed that the illiteracy rate is on the decline in the UAE, and is now in the region of 7 per cent. This is mainly due to programmes that combat illiteracy amongst the adult population. Currently there are thousands of nationals pursuing formal learning at 86 adult education centres spread across the country.^[95]

The Government has launched many programs and initiatives to improve the quality of education at schools across the country.

The UAE has shown a strong interest in improving education and research. Enterprises include the establishment of the CERT Research Centers and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and institute for enterprise development^[96].

Health

Dubai Healthcare City is a city a specifically designated city for clinical and wellness services, medical education and research launched by the government to attract global companies to the city

Standards of healthcare are considered to be generally high in the United Arab Emirates, resulting from increased government spending during strong economic years. According to the UAE government, total expenditures on healthcare from 1996 to 2003 was US$436 million. According to the World Health Organization, in 2004 total expenditures on health care constituted 2.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), and the per capita expenditure for health care was US$497. Health care currently is free only for UAE citizens. The number of doctors per 100,000 (annual average, 1990–99) is 181 and life expectancy at birth in the UAE, is at 78.5 years^[97]. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, the UAE is ranked forty-fourth in the world in terms of health care.

In February 2008, the MoH unveiled a five-year health strategy for the public health sector in the northern emirates, which fall under its purview and which, unlike Abu Dhabi and Dubai, do not have separate healthcare authorities. The strategy focuses on unifying healthcare policy and improving access to healthcare services at reasonable cost, at the same time reducing dependence on overseas treatment. The ministry plans to add three hospitals to the current 14, and 29 primary healthcare centres to the current 86. Nine were scheduled to open in 2008.^[98]

The introduction of mandatory health insurance in Abu Dhabi for expatriates and their dependents over two years ago was a major driver in reform of healthcare policy. Abu Dhabi nationals were brought under the scheme from 1 June 2008 and Dubai followed for its government employees. Eventually, under federal law, every Emirati and expatriate in the country will be covered by compulsory health insurance under a unified mandatory scheme.^[99]

Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of death in the UAE, constituting 28 percent of total deaths; other major causes are accidents and injuries, malignancies, and congenital anomalies. ^[100] Diabetes, Smoking, and also Cancer, are also the main causes of death in the country.

Leading population centers
Rank	Core city	Emirate	Population	Metro area rank		Dubai Abu Dhabi
1	Dubai	Dubai	1,770,533	1
2	Abu Dhabi	Abu Dhabi	896,751	2
3	Sharjah	Sharjah	845,617	3
4	Al Ain	Abu Dhabi	651,904	2
5	Ajman	Ajman	372,923	5
6	Ras Al Khaimah	Ras al Khaimah	171,903	6
7	Fujairah	Fujairah	107,940	7
8	Um Al Quwain	Um Al Quwain	69,936	8
9	Khor Fakkan	Fujairah	49 635	7
2008 Calculation

Religion

Islam is by far the largest religion in the United Arab Emirates and is practiced by approximately 96% of the country's populace. Of these, 80% practice Sunni Islam, while 16% practice Shia Islam.^[102]

The rest of the population primarily practices Christianity and Hinduism.^[103] Most of the Christians in the country are from Philippines, Lebanon and India while almost all Hindus in the country are of Indian origin.

Though Islam is the UAE's state religion, the government follows a policy of tolerance towards other religions and rarely interferes in the activities of non-Muslims.^[104] However, it is illegal in the UAE to spread the ideas of any religion apart from Islam through any form of media as it is a form of proselytizing. There are approximately 31 churches throughout the country and one Hindu temple in the region of Bur Dubai^[105].

Islam

Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the largest mosque in the UAE and the sixth largest mosque in the world.^[106]

More than 80% of the population of the United Arab Emirates are non-citizens. Most of the country's citizens are Muslims; approximately 85% are Sunni and the remaining 15% are Shi'a. Foreigners are predominantly from South and Southeast Asia, although there are substantial numbers from the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, the former Commonwealth of Independent States, and North America. According to a ministry report, which collected census data, 76 percent of the total population is Muslim, 9 percent is Christian, and 15 percent is "other". Unofficial figures estimate that at least 15 percent of the population is Hindu, 5 percent is Buddhist, and 5 percent belong to other religious groups, including Parsi, Bahá'í, and Sikh. These estimates differ from census figures because census figures do not count "temporary" visitors and workers, and Bahá'ís and Druze are counted as Muslim.^[107][108]

Other Religions

The official religion in the UAE is Islam, however because of the presence of foreign cultures, other religions are also practiced in the country. Since the union of the seven emirates in 1971, immigration from many countries, mainly from the subcontinent, and the Middle East, have resulted in a considerable growth in Sikhism, Christianity, and Hinduism in the United Arab Emirates. Zoroastrians, Buddhists, Bahai Faith, and other religious backgrounds can also be found. Residents who profess a different faith are allowed to perform their religious duties such as attending worship services or mass in churches or temples. The government, however, disallows overt religious activities that may interfere with Islam such as handing out evangelical leaflets near a mosque or in other designated public places.

Economy

The Atlantis resort at Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Dubai has one of the largest tourism and real estate based economies in the Middle East.

The main commercial area of Abu Dhabi with the headquarters of ADMA-OPCO at the center.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most developed countries in the world, based on various socioeconomic indicators such as GDP per capita, energy consumption per capita, and the HDI.

The GDP per capita is currently the 14th in the world and 3rd in the Middle East after Qatar and Kuwait as measured by the CIA World Factbook, or the 17th in the world as measured by the International Monetary Fund; while at $168 billion in 2006, with a small population of 4 million, the GDP of the UAE ranks second in the CCASG (after Saudi Arabia), third in the Middle East — North Africa (MENA) region (after Saudi Arabia and Iran), and 38th in the world (ahead of Malaysia).^[112]

There are various deviating estimates regarding the actual growth rate of the nation’s GDP. However, all available statistics indicate that the UAE currently has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. According to a recent report by the Ministry of Finance and Industry, real GDP rose by 35% in 2006 to $175 billion, compared with $130 billion in 2005. These figures would suggest that the UAE had the fastest growing real GDP in the world, between 2005 and 2006.^[113]

Although the United Arab Emirates is becoming less dependent on natural resources as a source of revenue, petroleum and natural gas exports still play an important role in the economy, especially in Abu Dhabi. A massive construction boom, an expanding manufacturing base, and a thriving services sector are helping the UAE diversify its economy. Nationwide, there is currently $350 billion worth of active construction projects.^[114] Such projects include the Burj Dubai, which is slated to become the world's tallest building, Dubai World Central International Airport which, when completed, will be the most expensive airport ever built, and the three Palm Islands, the largest artificial islands in the world. Other projects include the Dubai Mall which is the world's largest shopping mall, and a man-made archipelago called The World which seeks to increase Dubai's rapidly growing tourism industry. Also in the entertainment sector is the construction of Dubailand, which is expected to be twice the size of Disney World, and of Dubai Sports City which will not only provide homes for local sports teams but may be part of future Olympic bids.

Major increases in imports occurred in manufactured goods, machinery, and transportation equipment, which together accounted for 80% of total imports. Another important foreign exchange earner, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority--which controls the investments of Abu Dhabi, the wealthiest emirate--manages an estimated $360 billion in overseas investments & an estimated $900 billion in assets.

More than 200 factories operate at the Jebel Ali complex in Dubai, which includes a deep-water port and a free trade zone for manufacturing and distribution in which all goods for re-export or transshipment enjoy a 100% duty exemption. A major power plant with associated water desalination units, an aluminium smelter, and a steel fabrication unit are prominent facilities in the complex. The complex is currently undergoing expansion, with sections of land set aside for different sectors of industry. A large international passenger and cargo airport, Dubai World Central International Airport, with associated logistics, manufacturing and hospitality industries, is also planned here.

Emirati exports in 2006

Except in the free trade zone, the UAE requires at least 51% local citizen ownership in all businesses operating in the country as part of its attempt to place Emiratis into leadership positions. However, this law is under review and the majority ownership clause will very likely be scrapped, to bring the country into line with World Trade Organisation regulations.

As a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the UAE participates in the wide range of GCC activities that focus on economic issues. These include regular consultations and development of common policies covering trade, investment, banking and finance, transportation, telecommunications, and other technical areas, including protection of intellectual property rights.

The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Emirati Dirham.

Footnotes

1. ^ The unemployment rate may be much higher as many people have become unemployed due to the global economic crisis taking a heavy toll on property values, construction and employment.

^[115]

^[116]

Infrastructure

A highway interchange in Dubai.

The UAE has been spending billions of dollars on infrastructure and is the biggest projects market in the region, accounting for 37 percent of total project value within the construction, oil and gas, petrochemicals, power and water and waste sectors. Many huge investments have been poured into realestate, tourism and leisure, with developments such as Masdar City and Saadiyat Island, bringing Abu Dhabi’s status as an emerging market. These developments are particularly evident in the larger emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In Dubai development projects such as, The Palm trilogy, The World, Dubai Waterfront and the Arabian Canal all being developed by Nakheel which will create a home for over three million people. Dubai World Central a 140-square kilometre multi-phase development under construction near Jebel Ali will create 900,000 jobs, and will include Al Maktoum International Airport which will be the largest airport in the world by 2020. Property developer Emaar’s Burj Dubai is a Dh3.67 billion (US$1billion) tower that is destined to be the world's tallest skyscraper. Dubailand was also launched with a massive Dh235 billion (US$64 billion), 279 million square metres complex, will be a major player in the tourism sector. However, governments in the northern emirates are rapidly following suit, providing major incentives for developers of residential and commercial property^[117]. In addition, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has allocated Dh16 billion (US$4.4 billion) for

Jebel Ali Port is the largest port in the Middle East, and the seventh busiest in the world

infrastructure projects in the northern emirates The allocation will be used to fund the construction of road networks, new housing communities, drainage networks and other projects, providing integrated solutions to some infrastructure deficits in these areas^[118].

The United Arab Emirates has an extensive road network that connects all major cities and towns. Although a recent consensus has not been produced, the most recent from 1998, suggests that the entire expressway network is 1,088 kilometres, and later connects with the GCC wide road network in Saudi Arabia.

Roads in the Western and southern region, are still relatively undeveloped. Those are highly dangerous roads passing through desert regions and many are still unsealed, gravel roads. This has resulted in the continued use of airplanes as the main or alternative mode of transportation for the residents^[119].

There are seaports throughout the country. The major ports are Port Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Port Khalid, Port Saeed, Port Khor Fakkan, and Port Zayed^[120].

Terminal 3 at DXB is the single largest building in the world by floor space^[121] and has increased the total capacity of the airport to 60 million

Airports are also found throughout the country. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main airport of the country. In 2008, the airport was the 20th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and 11th busiest by cargo traffic. The airport also was the 6th busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic.^[122] Other important airports include Abu Dhabi International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, and Al Ain International Airport. There are also airports in smaller towns, as well as small domestic airstrips in the rural Western region. There are daily flight services between West and East UAE, which is the only convenient option for passengers travelling between the two parts of the country to places such as Sir Bani Yas^[123]. The UAE is home to the largest airline in the Middle East, Emirates Airline. It has DXB as its hub, and flies to over 100 destinations across six continents. The airline was the eighth-largest airline in the world in terms of international passengers carried,^[124] and fifth-largest^[125] in the world in terms of scheduled international passenger-kilometres flown in 2008. Etihad Airways, from Abu Dhabi, is also growing, with over 200 aircraft on order.

The Dh15.5 billion (US$4.2 billion) Dubai Metro project includes a 52-kilometre Red Line viaduct, which stretches the length of Sheikh Zayed Road between Al Rashidiya and Jebel Ali, was completed in August 2008 after round-the-clock work for three years. Laying out of track and fitting out of stations is under way to meet the 9 September 2009 deadline. The Red Line will carry an estimated 27,000 passengers per hour in each direction on 42 trains^[126]. Work also Green Line, which will link Al Qusais to Dubai Healthcare City, in 2006 and is scheduled for completion in March 2010. In Abu Dhabi, plans are underway for all a metro system, and also a country wide national railway which will connect all the major cities, and later connect to the GCC wide network^[127].

The Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) is the body responsible for overseeing federal utilities, whilst authorities in individual emirates, including Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea), Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (Dewa)

Etisalat Tower 2, on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Etisalat held a virtual monopoly over telecommunications in Dubai prior to 2006.^[128]

and Sharjah Water and Electricity Authority (Sewa), oversee power and water generation in their individual emirates. The UAE plans to build 68 rechargeable dams in the coming five years to augment the 114 dams in existence, all but two of which are rechargeable to help with the growing population. The UAE is also planning develop a peaceful nuclear energy programme to generate electricity. So far, the UAE has signed peaceful nuclear agreement with France, United States, and South Korea, and a MOU with the United Kingdom^[129].

The UAE is presently serviced by two telecommunications operators, Etisalat and du. Etisalat operated a monopoly until du launched mobile services in February 2007. However, Etisalat, with over 80 per cent of the market, remains the UAE's biggest telecom provider and is expanding dramatically internationally and is now the sixteenth largest telecommunications firm in the world^[130]. Du is targeting a 30 per cent market share by 2010. Between 2002 and 2007, the number of mobile phone subscribers in the UAE grew by an annual average of 25.6 per cent, almost four times its population growth. Forecasts indicate that the UAE mobile market will increase from 7.7 million subscribers in 2007 to 9.2 million in 2008 and to 11.9 million by 2012^[131].

Current UAE internet penetration figures assume 2.4 users per subscription. TRA projections indicate that over the next few years growth in both users and subscriptions will be coupled with a fall in the number of users per subscription: the number of subscribers are expected to increase from 0.904 million in 2007 to 1.15 million in 2008, 1.44 million in 2009 and 2.66 million in 2012^[132]. Internet use is extensive; by 2007 there were 1.7 million users (InternetWorldStats.com). According to Reporters Without Borders, the authorities filter websites for religious, political and sexual content^[133].

Culture

Life in the UAE
Cuisine Culture Communications Cinema Demography Education Geography Human rights Military Media Politics Music Transportation Religion Sport Tourism
edit box

A traditional souk in Deira, Dubai

The United Arab Emirates has a diverse and multicultural society.^[134] The countries cultural imprint as a small, ethnically homogenous pearling community was changed with the arrival of other ethnic groups and nationals — first by the Iranians in the early 1900s, and later by Indians and Pakistanis in the 1960s. Dubai has been criticized for perpetuating a class-based society, where migrant workers are in the lower classes.^[135] Despite the diversity of the population, only minor and infrequent episodes of ethnic tensions, primarily between expatriates, have been reported in the city. Major holidays in Dubai include Eid al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and National Day (2 December), which marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates^[136].

Emarati culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam and traditional Arab, and Bedouin culture. Being a highly cosmopolitan society, the UAE has a diverse and vibrant culture. The influence of Islamic and Arab culture on its architecture, music, attire, cuisine and lifestyle are very prominent as well. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country^[137]. The weekend begins on Friday due to Friday being the holiest day for Muslims. All Muslim countries have a Friday-Saturday or Thursday-Friday weekend^[138].

This unique socioeconomic development in the Persian Gulf has meant that the UAE is generally more liberal than its neighbours. While Islam is the main religion, Emaratis have been known for their tolerance, and Churches, Hindu temples, Sikh Gurdwara and a Jewish synagogue can be found alongside mosques. The country is home to several communities that have faced persecution elsewhere. Cosmopolitan atmosphere is gradually growing. As a result you will find there a variety of Asian-influenced schools, cultural centers and themed restaurants. Increasing number of European centers, schools, and restaurants are also can be seen in today's UAE.

Architecture

Wind Towers in Dubai

The United Arab Emirates's architecture is largely inspired by Islamic architecture. UAE reflected the traditional lifestyles and customs of the people. Building materials were simple but were superbly adapted to the demands of lifestyle and climate. Easily portable tents provided shelter during tribal wanderings in the winter season. Inland more permanent houses were built of stone guss and were roofed with palm trees leaves. Fossilized coral, cut in blocks, bonded with sarooj, or a lime mixture derived from seashells, and plastered with chalk and water paste, was used extensively in coastal regions. Privacy and ventilation were important influences in the layout of the houses.

Dress

While the Islamic dress code is not compulsory, unlike neighboring Saudi Arabia, many of the older and young Emarati men prefer wearing thawb or a dishdash, an ankle-length white shirt woven from wool or cotton while the minority of women wear abaya, black over-garment covering most parts of the body^[139]. This attire is particularly well-suited for the UAE's hot and dry climate. Western-style clothing is also fairly popular, especially among the youth.

Etiquette is an important aspect of UAE Culture and Tradition. The visitors here are expected to show manners and etiquette. Recently many expatriates have not been respecting the laws, and have been arrested, for not wearing enough clothing at beaches, some even being completely nude^[140].

Before the discovery of oil, pearling formed a crucial part of UAE's economy. Pearl fishery, known as ghaus, suffered decline after the advent of Japanese pearl farming. However, the UAE pearl industry laid the foundation of its rich maritime history. Dhows, large wooden ships made from teak wood imported from India, became an indistinct part of the countries maritime fleet and dhow building is still practiced in this Persian Gulf state and perform an important role of trade between countries like Iran, India, and Eastern Africa^[141].

Food

Traditional Emarati Tea

Seafood has been the mainstay of the Emarati diet for centuries. Muslims are prohibited from eating pork so it is not included in Arab menus. The United Arab Emirates have adopted most of their foods from the surrounding countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Meat, fish, and rice are the staple foods for the Emirian cuisine. Lamb and mutton are the more favored meats, then goat and finally beef. Popular beverages are coffee and tea which can be supplemented with cardamom, saffron, or mint to give it a distinct flavor^[142].

Hotels frequently have substitutes such as beef sausages and veal rashers on their breakfast menus. If pork is available, it is clearly labelled as such.

Alcohol is generally only served in hotel restaurants and bars (but not in Sharjah). All nightclubs, and golf clubs are permitted to sell alcohol. Specific supermarkets may sell alcohol, and pork, but are sold in separate sections^[143].

Dishes forming part of the Emarati cuisine:^[144]

Literature and poetry

The main themes in Emarati poetry for Arab Poets range from satire, chivalry, self-praise, patriotism, religion, family and love, and could range from descriptive to narrative.

The style and form of ancient poetry in the UAE was strongly influenced by the eighth century Gulf Arab scholar, Al Khalil bin Ahmed, which followed sixteen metres. This form underwent slight modification (Al Muwashahat) during the period of Islamic civilization in Andalucia (Spain), where “the line or bait adhered to the two hemistitches form, each with an equal number of feet, all the second hemistitches ending in the same rhyming letter and sound throughout the poem.”1 The indigenous Arabic poetry form, however, was not spared from western influence; sometime in the 20th century prose poetry started to make their way into the local literary scene.

The earliest known poet in the UAE is Ibn Majid, who was born between 1432 and 1437 in Ras Al Khaimah. Coming from a family of successful sailors, Ibn Majid has a total of 40 surviving compositions, 39 of which are verses. Another poet gained the respect of his peers in the 17th century, Ibn Daher, who also hailed from Ras Al Khaimah. Ibn Daher utilized nabati poetry (also known as the people’s poetry or Bedouin poetry), using the everyday vernacular dialect, as opposed to poetry in classical Arabic.

The greatest luminaries in the UAE literary realm during the 20th century, particularly for Classical Arabic poetry, were Mubarak Al Oqaili (1880-1954), Salem bin Ali al Owais (1887-1959) and Ahmed bin Sulayem (1905 -1976). Three other poets from Sharjah, known as the Hirah group, also thrived during the 20th century including Khalfan Musabah (1923-1946), Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi (1925-1993), an ex-ruler of Sharjah, and Sultan bin Ali al Owais (1925-2000). The Hirah group’s works are observed to have been heavily influenced by the Apollo and romantic poets.

Music and dance

The United Arab Emirates is a part of the Persian Gulf khaleeji tradition, and is also known for Bedouin folk music. Liwa is a type of music and dance performed mainly in communities which contain descendants of East Africans^[145]. During celebrations singing and dancing also took place and many of the songs and dances, handed down from generation to generation, have survived to the present time. Young girls would dance by swinging their long black hair and swaying their bodies in time to the strong beat of the music. Men would re-enact battles fought or successful hunting expeditions, often symbolically using sticks, swords or rifles. Hollywood and Bollywood movies are popular in Dubai. The UAE has an active music scene, with musicians Amr Diab, Diana Haddad, Tarkan, Aerosmith, Santana, Mark Knopfler, Elton John, Pink, Shakira, Celine Dion, Coldplay, and Phil Collins having performed in the city. Kylie Minogue was paid 4.4 million dollars to perform at the opening of the Atlantis resort on November 20, 2008. The Dubai Desert Rock Festival is also another major festival consisting of Heavy metal and rock artists.

Sports

Dubai Tennis Championships 2006

Football is the Popular National Sport of the United Arab Emirates. Emarati Soccer clubs Al-Ain, Al-Wasl, Al-Shabbab ACD, Al-Sharjah, Al-Wahda, and Al-Ahli clubs are the most popular teams and enjoy the reputation of long-time regional champions^[146]. The great rivalries keep the streets of the UAE energized as people fill the streets when their favorite team wins. The United Arab Emirates Football Association was first established in 1971 and since then has dedicated its time and effort to promoting the game, organizing youth programs and improving the abilities of not only its players, but of the officials and coaches involved with its regional teams. The U.A.E. football team qualified for the World Cup in 1990 - with Egypt it was the third consecutive World Cup with two Arab nations qualifying after Kuwait and Algeria in 1982 and Iraq and Algeria again in 1986^[147]. The UAE also recently won the Gulf Cup soccer championship held in Abu Dhabi January 2007^[148].

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the UAE, largely due to the expatriate population from the Indian subcontinent. Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium in Sharjah has hosted 4 international Test matches so far^[149]. Sheikh Zayed Stadium and Al Jazira Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi also host international cricket. Dubai has two cricket stadiums (Dubai Cricket Ground No.1 and No.2) with a third, 'S3' currently under construction as part of Dubai Sports City. Dubai is also home to the International Cricket Council.^[150] The United Arab Emirates national cricket team qualified for the 1996 Cricket World Cup and narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.^[151]

Other popular sports include camel racing, Falconry, Endurance riding, and Tennis.^[152]

See also

United Arab Emirates portal

• List of companies in the United Arab Emirates

References

External links

Find more about United Arab Emirates on Wikipedia's sister projects: Definitions from Wiktionary

Textbooks from Wikibooks
Quotations from Wikiquote
Source texts from Wikisource
Images and media from Commons
News stories from Wikinews

Learning resources from Wikiversity

• Government of United Arab Emirates
• Chief of State and Cabinet Members
• United Arab Emirates Events guide
• United Arab Emirates entry at The World Factbook
• United Arab Emirates at UCB Libraries GovPubs
• United Arab Emirates at the Open Directory Project
• Wikimedia Atlas of United Arab Emirates
• United Arab Emirates travel guide from Wikitravel
• World Intellectual Property Handbook: United Arab Emirates
• Mostovski, M.B. & Brothers, D.J. 2008. 'ARTHROPOD FAUNA OF THE UAE. Volume 1.' Editor Antonius van Harten. African Invertebrates 49 (1): 159-160.
• Mafiwasta - An Organisation for Workers' Rights in the UAE
• Business contacts in the UAE
• Address the issue of obesity in the UAE
• Dubainetwork.com The Complete guide to UAE

Media

• WAM: Emirates News Agency
• TopNews Arab Emirates
• Arabian Business
• Gulf News
• Khaleej Times

Geographic locale v • d • e Countries and territories of the Middle East and Greater Middle East Middle East Bahrain · Egypt · Gaza Strip · Iraq · Iran · Israel · Jordan · Kuwait · Lebanon · Oman · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · Syria · United Arab Emirates · West Bank · Yemen Greater Middle East Afghanistan · Algeria · Cyprus · Djibouti · Eritrea · Libya · Morocco · Northern Cyprus1 · Pakistan · Somalia · Sudan · Tunisia · Turkey · Western Sahara (SADR) 1 Only recognized by Turkey; see Cyprus dispute. v • d • e Countries of Southwest Asia Armenia · Azerbaijan1 · Bahrain · Cyprus · Georgia1 · Iran · Iraq · Israel · Jordan · Kuwait · Lebanon · Oman · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · Syria · Turkey1 · United Arab Emirates · Yemen 1 Has part of its territory in Europe.  v • d • e Countries of Asia Afghanistan · Armenia · Azerbaijan1 · Bahrain · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Brunei · Burma · Cambodia · People's Republic of China · Republic of China (Taiwan)2 · Cyprus · Egypt3 · Georgia1 · India · Indonesia4 · Iran · Iraq · Israel · Japan · Jordan · Kazakhstan1 · North Korea · South Korea · Kuwait · Kyrgyzstan · Laos · Lebanon · Malaysia · Maldives · Mongolia · Nepal · Oman · Pakistan · Philippines · Qatar · Russia1 · Saudi Arabia · Singapore · Sri Lanka · Syria · Tajikistan · Thailand · East Timor (Timor-Leste)4 · Turkey1 · Turkmenistan · United Arab Emirates · Uzbekistan · Vietnam · Yemen3 For dependent and other territories, see Dependent territory. 1 Partly or significantly in Europe.  2 The Republic of China (Taiwan) is not officially recognized by the United Nations; see Political status of Taiwan. 3 Partly or significantly in Africa.  4 Partly or wholly reckoned in Oceania. v • d • e Countries bordering the Persian Gulf      Bahrain  Iran  Iraq  Kuwait  Oman  Qatar  Saudi Arabia  United Arab Emirates v • d • e Countries and territories bordering the Indian Ocean Africa Comoros · Djibouti · Eritrea · Kenya · Madagascar · Mauritius · Mayotte · Mozambique · Réunion · Seychelles · Somalia · South Africa · Sudan · Tanzania Asia Bahrain · Bangladesh · Burma · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands · India · Indonesia · Iran · Iraq · Kuwait · Malaysia · Maldives · Oman · Pakistan · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · Sri Lanka · Thailand · United Arab Emirates · Yemen Oceania Australia · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands Islands Bahrain · British Indian Ocean Territory · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands · Comoros · Madagascar · Maldives · Mauritius · Mayotte · Réunion · Seychelles · Sri Lanka

International membership v • d • e Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the (Persian) Gulf (CCASG) Bahrain · Kuwait · Oman · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · United Arab Emirates v • d • e Members of the Arab League Members Algeria · Bahrain · Comoros · Djibouti · Egypt · Iraq · Jordan · Kuwait · Lebanon · Libya · Mauritania · Morocco · Oman · Palestine · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · Somalia · Sudan · Syria · Tunisia · United Arab Emirates · Yemen Observers Brazil · Eritrea · India · Venezuela Diplomacy Arab Peace Initiative v • d • e Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Members Afghanistan · Albania · Algeria · Azerbaijan · Bahrain · Bangladesh · Benin · Burkina Faso · Brunei · Cameroon · Chad · Comoros · Côte d'Ivoire · Djibouti · Egypt · Gabon · Gambia · Guinea · Guinea-Bissau · Guyana · Indonesia · Iran · Iraq · Jordan · Kuwait · Kazakhstan · Kyrgyzstan · Lebanon · Libya · Maldives · Malaysia · Mali · Mauritania · Morocco · Mozambique · Niger · Nigeria · Oman · Pakistan · Palestine · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · Senegal · Sierra Leone · Somalia · Sudan · Suriname · Syria · Tajikistan · Turkey · Tunisia · Togo · Turkmenistan · Uganda · Uzbekistan · United Arab Emirates · Yemen Observers Countries and territories Bosnia and Herzegovina · Central African Republic · Russia · Thailand · Northern Cyprus (as Turkish Cypriot State) Muslim communities Moro National Liberation Front International organizations Economic Cooperation Organization · African Union · Arab League · Non-Aligned Movement · United Nations v • d • e Monarchies List of current monarchs Geography Africa · Americas · Europe · Oceania Absolute Brunei · Saudi Arabia · Swaziland · Vatican City Constitutional Antigua and Barbuda · Australia · Andorra · Bahamas · Bahrain · Barbados · Belize · Belgium · Bhutan · Cambodia · Canada · Denmark · Grenada · Jamaica · Japan1 · Jordan · Kuwait · Liechtenstein · Lesotho · Luxembourg · Malaysia · Monaco · Morocco · Netherlands · New Zealand · Norway · Oman2 · Papua New Guinea · Qatar2 · Spain · Saint Kitts and Nevis · Saint Lucia · Saint Vincent and the Grenadines · Solomon Islands · Sweden · Thailand · Tonga · Tuvalu · United Arab Emirates3 · United Kingdom Elective Andorra · Cambodia · Kuwait · Malaysia · Swaziland · United Arab Emirates3 · Vatican City Subnational Ghana Ashanti · Dagbon Malaysia Johor · Kedah · Kelantan · Negeri Sembilan · Pahang · Perak · Perlis · Selangor · Terengganu Nigeria Ibadan · Nri · Kano · Sokoto Caliphate · Lagos Uganda Ankole · Buganda · Bunyoro · Busoga · Toro United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi · Ajman · Dubai · Fujairah · Ras al-Khaimah · Sharjah · Umm al-Qaiwain Wallis and Futuna Alo · Sigave · Uvea Others Māori (New Zealand) · Yogyakarta (Indonesia) · Zululand (South Africa) · Barotseland (Zambia) Italics indicate Commonwealth realms, which each share the same monarch as head of state. 1 Monarch debatable as Head of State.   2 Technically constitutional, but effectively absolute.   3 Uses the title President. v • d • e Semitic-speaking nations Arabic / Maltese  Algeria  Jordan  Mauritania  Saudi Arabia   W. Sahara  Bahrain  Kuwait  Morocco  Sudan