United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates
In 1971 the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm-al-Quwain formally established the constitutional federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Though each emirate maintains a degree of independence, the UAE is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers made up of the seven Emirs from each emirate. This Supreme Council appoints the prime minister and the cabinet.
Nestled along the south-eastern portion of the Arabian Peninsula (see map) the UAE is 83,000 sq km and shares borders with Oman to the north and east, Qatar to the west and Saudi Arabia to the south and west. The capital is Abu Dhabi.
The UAE is largely desert with rocky mountains, oasis and some fertile plains. The UAE is also one of the world’s fastest growing holiday destinations. Tourist attractions include sun, sea, sand, sports, world class shopping, top-notch hotels and restaurants and traditional culture.
Dubai is the most populous and second largest emirate after Abu Dhabi. The majority of Dubai’s revenues come from the Jebel Ali Free Zone and tourism. Interestingly less than 10% of the Gross Domestic Product is from Oil.
Due to the very large scale construction and development boom Dubai has attracted world attention in its real estate project. Dubai also hosts the rich horse race and boat race, conferences and shopping festivals.
The population is largely expatriates and the UAE nationals (Emiratis) are actually the minority. Within the Expatriate population the largest group is from the Indian sub continent, the rest comprises of people from all corners of the world.
The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and used in day to day business activities.