United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (formerly the Trucial States), situated in the south-east of the Arabian pensinsula[?] is comprised of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujirah[?], Ras al-Khaimah[?], Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain[?]. It neighbours Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

History

In 1971, six of the Trucial States came together to form an independent state, ending their ties with the United Kingdom government. They were joined in 1972 by Ras al-Khaimah.

Politics

The Supreme Council consists of the rulers of the seven emirates. The President and Vice-President are elected by the Supreme Council every five years. The Supreme Council also elects the Council of Ministers, while a 40-member Federal National Council, drawn from all the emirates, reviews proposed laws. There is a federal court system; all emirates except Dubayy (Dubai) and Ra's al Khaymah have joined the federal system; all emirates have secular and Islamic law for civil, criminal, and high courts.

Geography

The UAE lies in the Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia. It is a flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; with mountains in the east. Its strategic location along southern approaches to the Strait of Hormuz makes it a vital transit point for world crude oil.

Economy

The UAE's wealth is largely based on oil and gas output, some 33% of GDP. It is the third largest oil producer in the Gulf after Saudi Arabia and Iran. Since 1973, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living.

Demographics

The UAE's population of almost 2.4 million contains some 1.6 million non-nationals - indeed 50% of the population is South Asian[?]. The population growth rate is low compared to its neighbours. Religious beliefs are almost exclusively Muslim. Around 80% of the population can read and write.

Culture

Rooted in Islamic culture[?], the UAE has strong ties with the rest of the Arab world. The government are committed to preserving traditional forms of art and culture, including via the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation[?]. Change is apparent in social life however - attitudes towards women are shifting, and new sports are becoming popular alongside traditional camel racing.

Miscellaneous topics

• Communications in the United Arab Emirates
• Transportation in the United Arab Emirates
• Military of the United Arab Emirates
• Foreign relations of the United Arab Emirates

External links