The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. It has coastlines on the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, with Saudi Arabia to the west and southwest, and Oman to the southeast and also on the eastern tip of the Musandam Peninsula as well as an Omani enclave within its borders. It is a country rich in history and culture and an easy starting point for travels in the Middle East.
Regions
The seven emirates (imarat, singular - imarah) that make up the UAE are:
The largest and wealthiest of these is Abu Dhabi, while probably the most well known is Dubai.
Cities
Understand
The United Arab Emirates is a modern and dynamic country. It is an advanced and clean country for its supporters or a tourist "Disneyland" that lost its Arab roots for its detractors, or perhaps a bit of both.
The UAE is more conservative than most Western societies, though not as conservative as some of its neighbors. Travelers should be aware and respect the more traditional outlook in the UAE, as there are behaviors typical in the West (for example, making "rude and insulting gestures") that will result in arrest in the UAE. On the other hand, Western travelers will find most of the UAE quite comfortable.
Although women are not required to wear a burka, most revealing fashions such as tank tops and shorts should be avoided. Below-the-knee skirts are somewhat more acceptable, although you will still incur stares. However, there are quite a few tourist or expatriate-dominated zones where even "provocative" dress is accepted. These include many areas of the Emirate of Dubai and, for example, beach resorts in Ajman or Fujairah. Public nudity anywhere is strictly forbidden and will be punished. Sharjah is the most conservative of the Emirates with public decency statutes (i.e., forbidding overly revealing clothing or certain kinds of beach wear), but few of them are enforced (although that varies).
For most Western tourists, the UAE offers an environment that is extremely familiar. The malls are extraordinarily modern, filled with virtually any product available in the West (save sexually explicit material; movies are censored, as are, to some extent, magazines). Alcohol is widely available at many restaurants and bars in Dubai and in the tourist hotels of every other emirate save Sharjah. However, you must obtain a liquor license (US$50) in order to buy a full bottle at a liquor store. The liquor license is proof that the bearer is a non-Muslim. A passport will not suffice. However, you can purchase liquor duty-free at the airport to bring into the UAE.
The roads and other public facilities are modern if, at times, extremely crowded. Supermarkets offer a vast assortment of products from the U.S. and Europe, mainly from the U.K., along with, of course, local and regional items. Major international chains (nearly all from the U.S.) such as McDonald's or KFC operate widely. On the other hand, there are still crowded traditional souks filled with products from around the world, rug stores, or other traditional areas. These can be hard to find for the average traveler, as the malls tend to gain an overwhelming amount of attention. (Please note that contrary to what is printed in guidebooks, the souks in Abu Dhabi were torn down in 2006 and no longer exist. The souks in Dubai are still wonderful to explore, though).
For the visitor, the UAE has one of the most spectacular ranges of tourist accommodations in the world. There are staggeringly beautiful, modern hotels, which can be staggeringly expensive, along with more modest housing. Low-cost accommodations are available but, as anywhere, vary alarmingly as to their condition. Virtually any cuisine is available, and by Western standards most restaurants are quite affordable although it is easy to find extremely expensive food, too. Transportation can be something of a problem, as there is only rudimentary public transportation. This is changing in Dubai, which is planning an extensive monorail and train system, but the other emirates offer very little public transportation. In cities such as Abu Dhabi, though, taxis are widely available and cheap. A ride to anywhere within the city of Abu Dhabi will cost approximately US$2, as they charge solely by distance traveled. A night surcharge of US$3 may be added after 10pm, depending on your driver.
The main focus of tourist life is the beach. The waters of the UAE, although definitely more cloudy in recent years due to heavy coastal construction, are still, for those from less torrid climes, remarkably warm, clean, and beautiful. There are long stretches of white-sand beaches, ranging from completely undeveloped to highly touristed (even in cities like Dubai). The snorkeling and diving can be magnificent, especially along the eastern (Indian Ocean) coast. Vast swaths of desert stretch to the south of the major urban areas, offering dramatic views and terrifying rides in fast-driven safaris. The mountains are dramatic, steep rocky crags, and a visit to them (for example, the town of Hatta) is well rewarded with amazing views. Women wearing bathing suits will draw unwanted attention at the public beaches; it is advisable to pay for a one-day entry pass to a private beach at a hotel.
The country is extraordinarily dry, getting only a few days of rain a year. Despite that, Emiratis use water at an alarming rate: there are broad swaths of grass in the major public parks, for example, and landscaping can be extensive in the resorts or other public places. A visitor is not restricted in water use in any way. The weather from late October through mid-March is quite pleasant, with high temperatures ranging from the upper-20s C (mid-80s F) to lows in the mid-teens C (low 60s F). It is almost always sunny. In the summer, the temperatures soar. (It is widely suspected that the officially reported temperatures are "tweaked" to cut off the true summer highs, which can reach 50 C, or around 120 F, or higher).
The population is incredibly diverse. Only some 20% of the population of the Emirates is from the Emirates; the rest come from the Subcontinent, Indian or Pakistan or Bangladesh, (some 50%); the rest of Asia, particularly the Philippines or Malaysia (another perhaps 15%); and British, European, Australians or Americans (5-6%), with the remainder from everywhere else. On any given day in, say, Dubai or Sharjah, you can see people from every continent and every social class. With this diversity, one of the few unifying factors is language, and consequently nearly everyone speaks some version of English. Nearly all road or other information signs are in English, and the language is widely spoken, particularly in the hospitality industry. On the other hand, there are elements that would be jarring for overseas travelers, such as fully veiled women.
Renting a car or driving in the UAE requires an international driver's license, which is simply a translation of your standard license and can be acquired at an AAA office. If you have UAE residency status, you must obtain a local driver's license. This can be a simple process that must be completed at their version of the Department of Motor Vehicles and can be done in 20 minutes, but only if you are from a specific list of countries (predominantly Western). If you are from an Asian country, you currently have to undergo 40 classes at a local driving school and get through a pretty tough license exam. This is changing, though, and it may apply to all nationalities soon. Car rentals are slightly cheaper than in the U.S. There is a flat fee per day for renting a car, which is based upon the car's size. Renting a VW Golf/Rabbit in November 2006 cost US$50 per day. Mileage is not charged. Petrol (gasoline) is, by the standards of both the U.S. and Europe, inexpensive. The road system is based along British or European standards, with a plethora of roundabouts and highly channelized traffic. But the signs are readily understandable and are, in most places, clear and coherent. Drivers in the UAE, particularly in the urban areas, tend to be highly aggressive and often use tactics that range from the stupid to the disastrous. This may perhaps stem from the traffic, which can be extremely congested in the urban areas, or from other factors.
The Emirates are not gay-friendly, and any flagrant same-sex behavior will be punished. However, discretion is the key: like many things in Emirati society, what happens behind closed doors is - well - what happens. On the other hand, it is not uncommon for Emirati men or women to show physical affection, such as, for example holding each other's hands. Such behavior by outsiders, though, (particularly men) would probably draw unwelcome attention. Men often hold hands with other men to indicate friendship. It is considered rude for men and women to hold hands.
The weekend in the the U.A.E. for government and many public services the weekend starts on Friday and ends with Saturday; for many, Thursday may be a half day. Many companies, especially those doing business with the rest of the world, have a Friday, Saturday weekend. In nearly every city, commercial activity will be muted on Friday mornings, but by Friday afternoon most businesses have opened and Friday evenings can be crowded.
The Emirates is a federation, and as a result an Emir (a Sheik or Prince) can radically affect the way of life in his respective Emirate. For example, the Emir of Dubai is very modern, so Dubai is forward-thinking and modern. The emirs of Ajman and Sharjah are more conservative, thus the rules are more strict concerning religion, alcohol, drugs and general living conditions.
Emiratis are a proud but welcoming people, and when not in their cars are generally extremely civil and friendly. Like most peoples of the world, they welcome visitors who are willing to show some amount of respect and can be extremely generous. (Some westerners do not understand that, say, too-revealing clothing can be quite offensive to some peoples.) Their culture is unique and can be highly traditional, but overall they are quite attuned to the ways, customs, events, media, and manners of the outside world.
Get in
Visas and Documentation
Citizens from different countries will have different requirements for entry into the UAE via Dubai.
If you are a citizen of one of these countries listed below, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance of travel - a visit visa is stamped directly in your passport by Immigration officials at the port of entry, and is valid for 60 days.
Countries eligible for visa on arrival:
Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and the Vatican.
Holders of British overseas passports issued in Hong Kong or China can obtain a visa on arrival at Dubai Airport.
GCC(Gulf Corporation Council) residents can also visit Dubai without applying in advance for a visa.
Israeli citizens are banned by the UAE government from entering the country.
Please note, that there has been reported cases of Racial Discrimination against European Union citizens when entering Abu Dhabi and Dubai airport by Immigration officials in 2005.
If you experience any forms of discrimination you are advised to contact your Embassy as soon as possible. If you are a European Citizen, it would also be advised when returning from the United Arab Emirates to your home nation, to report any cases of discrimination that you suffered to both your local Member of Parliament and European Member of Parliament.
By plane
The main hub for air transport in the United Arab Emirates is Dubai, which is served by several major airlines, most notably Dubai-based Emirates. Direct flights connect Dubai to Johannesburg, London, Sydney,Melbourne,Karachi,Tehran,Riyadh, Bombay, Hong Kong, Paris, Zurich, Frankfurt, New York City and most major cities in Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa. Etihad Airlines now offers direct flights from New York City (JFK) to Abu Dhabi. British Airways also offers direct flights from London (Heathrow) to Abu Dhabi.
By car
There is road access to the United Arab Emirates from Saudi Arabia in the south and Oman in the east. All highways in the UAE are in excellent condition.
By boat
There is a large network of Dhows which transport goods throughout the Gulf region and as far away as Tanzania and India. It may be possible to buy passage on one of these boats. They call at all coastal cities in the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
There are also ferry services between Iran and the UAE, notably between Bandar Abbas and Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
Get around
Distances in the UAE are relatively short and no rail service exists for the moment, so getting around by road is the only way to go. The roads are safe and in good condition; however, signage is poor in some emirates (namely Sharjah).
There are now some good local city maps, particularly for Dubai (the Explorer series of books). Sharjah remains poorly mapped; however, recently a web site (http://www.ae.map24.com/) offered the first decent online maps of the UAE. Google Earth does offer solid satellite pictures but at a level of detail good mainly for reference purposes.
The lack of good map or signage makes the use of a compass or GPS sometimes useful if you want to get off the highway. People in the UAE drive extremely fast and some are completely reckless: overtaking by the right is the rule, speed limits are ignored by all - including heavy trucks. Last-second line change seems to be a national sport.
However, compared to other countries of the region, UAE drivers are exemplary. Just be careful when you spot a tinted-window SUV at night: due to the black windows, the driver won't see you if he decides to change lanes. Theoretically forbidden, the practice of tinting windows over 30% is widespread among young Arabs, and is generally associated with poor driving skills (the local license test is a joke) and fast driving.
Desert Safari's are good attraction in the vicinity of Dubai, but great care to be taken while choosing a hired vehicle, it should be a 4WD. And desert safari's are also generally pre-designed with travel agents and can give you good deal as well on quantity.
Talk
The official language is Arabic, but it is safe to say that the majority of the population doesn't speak it (Iranian, Indian, Asian and Western expatriates are more numerous than Arabs in Dubai, and usually have very limited knowledge of Arabic). English is the lingua franca.
Other languages widely spoken in the UAE include: English, Farsi (Persian), Hindi/Urdu (Hindustani), Malayalam, Tagalog (Filipino). Most people possess at least a basic command of English, though it is not uncommon to meet people whose English is limited.
In Dubai, most shops, hotels, and commercial businesses conduct business in English. Generally speaking, Arabic is spoken by government departments and the police, however in the Northern Emirates Arabic is much more widely spoken.
Buy
The currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED, local abbreviation dhs). Conversion rates are 3.68 AED for 1 USD, 4.5 AED for 1 EUR and 6.8 AED for 1 GBP. The Dirham is pegged on the USD, so rate variations with this currency are unlikely.
Notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 dirhams. There is a one dirham coin with sub-units of 25 and 50 fils coins (100 fils = 1 dirham). There are 5 fils and 10 fils coins but these are rarely seen (and provide an excuse for traders to 'short change').
Cash and travellers cheques can be changed at exchanges located at the airports or in all the major shopping malls. ATMs are numerous and generously distributed. They accept all the major chain cards: Visa, Cirrus, Maestro etc. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Costs
Basic commodities tend to be cheaper than in most western countries. However, hotels rates are not, and basically all things touristic tend to align themselves with western tariffs. Rents in Dubai are starting to compete with cities like Paris or London, and other prices tend to follow. Some places even shared accommodations are available and are quite reasonable.
Shopping
One of the things UAE is most famous for is shopping. There are no sales taxes in the UAE, but it is very difficult to find any real bargains anymore as inflation is skyrocketing. If you are interested in shopping, you can't leave UAE without visiting Dubai. Dubai boasts the best places for shopping in the whole of the Middle East, if not the world, especially during the annual shopping festival, from mid-January to mid-February.
Eat
Dubai and, to a lesser extent, Abu Dhabi offer a vast spread of food from most of the world's major cuisines. Traditional Shawarma and other Arabic cuisines are readily available and are quite cheap and delicious with medium spicy flavour, with controlled calories. Grilled chickens are available at most of the hotels on the road which can be relished with other accompaniments like Khubz (Arabic Bread), hummus, etc,.
Skiing
Ski Dubai in Dubai Emirates Mall started in December 2005 is the world's third largest indoor ski slope, measuring 400 meters and using 6000 tons of snow. Ski Dubai resort is the first Dubai indoor ski slope to open. www.skidubai.com. No equipment is needed - skis/snowboards, snowsuits, boots and socks are all included in the price (the socks are disposable). You may want to buy a cheap pair of glove liners and a hat from their souvenir store.
The Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open an indoor ski slope as well in 2007 - 2008.
Drink
Alcohol is available in liquor stores, hotel restaurants and bars in all emirates except Sharjah where you can only drink in your home, or in an expat hangout called the Sharjah Wanderers. As a tourist you are permitted to buy alcohol in bars and restaurants to drink there. If you are a resident, you're supposed to have a liquor licence (never asked for in bars) which also allows you to buy alcohol at liquor stores (they do check). There are some variations in the degree of tolerance of alcohol in the different emirates. For example, during Ramadan no alcohol is served in bars and restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Dubai still serves alcohol but bands stop playing, background music is off or quiet, no dancing is allowed and nightclubs are usually closed. In Ras Al Khaimah there's no noticeable change.
Sleep
The UAE has a full range of accommodations. There are several hostels, quite a few midrange hotels, and a remarkable number of pleasant beach resorts. (However, hotels in Dubai can be gathering grounds for prostitutes, and a bit of research should be done before purchase.) There is an impressive number of super-luxury hotels, most notably; the Burj al-Arab (Tower of Arabia)(It is popular as the world's first 7 star hotel, but actually is certified as a 5 star deluxe property; boasting of 7 star standards for its unique architecture and service standards). It is also rated as one of the most luxurious hotel of the world, with award winning restaurants. Significant discounts can be obtained if the booking is made through a local corporation.
Stay safe
The crime rate is extremely low in the United Arab Emirates, just be vigilant. A couple of things you should be aware of are to do with drug laws in the UAE.
Some common painkillers in western countries are illegal narcotics in the UAE, for example codeine. Don't bring any with you. People have received jail sentences for making this mistake. In contrast, antibiotics are freely available over the counter at pharmacies.
Another trap for the unwary is that if you are suspected of being under the influence of drugs, a blood test can be taken and if it shows evidence of illegal substances (in the UAE) then you will probably end up in jail. Even if the substances were ingested in another country.
Stay healthy
The water is safe to drink in the UAE and hospitals in the major centers are well-equipped to deal with any medical emergencies. There is an ambulance system in all major population centres, however coverage can be patchy in the more remote areas. The country is free of malaria and prophylaxis is not needed.
The food is clean and in most restaurants is served to Western standards, particularly in tourist areas, however hygeine can be an issue in some establishments outside, particularly roadside stalls.
The heat in summer can reach 50 degrees C, so avoid outdoors activity at the height of the day and watch for signs of heat stroke. If travelling off road (most of the country is desert), ensure you carry sufficient water to allow you to walk to the road should vehicles become bogged.
Although the UAE is somewhat more accommodating to handicapped travellers than other countries in the Mideast, it would nonetheless be a difficult country to navigate in a wheelchair. Curbs are high and there are few, if any, ramps or other accommodations. This includes a complete lack of handicapped-friendly bathrooms.
Contact
The country code is 971. The mobile phone network uses the GSM technology (as in Europe and Africa) and use is widespread. There are internet cafes in the major towns. The format for dialing is: +971-#-### ####, where the first "#" designates the area code. Key area codes include Dubai (4), Sharjah (6) and Abu Dhabi (2). Calls to mobile phones use the operator's area codes: (50) for Etisalat and (55) for Du. Like other countries, when dialing locally, "00" is used to access an international number (and followed by the country code) and "0" is used to access a national number (followed by the area code).
The United Arab Emirates (also the UAE or the Emirates) is a Middle Eastern country situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, comprising seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajmān, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Before 1971, they 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 has also been used in reference to the area's emirates in the 18th to early 20th century. It borders Oman and Saudi Arabia. The country is rich in oil and, although it lacks other natural resources, it expects recent additional economic diversification to draw more financial and banking firms. The United Arab Emirates, a desert-and-coastal nation, has become a highly prosperous country after gaining foreign direct investment funding in the 1970s. The country has a relatively high Human Development Index, or HDI, for the Asian continent.
History
The United Arab Emirates was formed from the group of tribally organized Arabian Peninsula sheikhdoms along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf and the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Oman.
This area was converted to Islam in the 7th century; for centuries it was embroiled in dynastic disputes. It became known as the Pirate Coast as raiders based there harassed foreign shipping, although both European and Arab navies patrolled the area from the 17th century into the 19th century. Early British expeditions to protect the India trade from raiders at Ras al-Khaimah led to campaigns against that headquarters and other harbors along the coast in 1819. The next year, a general peace treaty was signed to which all the principal 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.
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 shaikhs 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 out in case of land attack.
In 1955, the United Kingdom sided with Abu Dhabi in the latter's dispute with Saudi Arabia over the Buraimi Oasis and other territory to the south. 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 recognized by the Saudi Government. The border with Oman also remains officially unsettled, but the two governments agreed to delineate the border in May 1999.
In 1968, the UK 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 unable to agree on terms of union, even though the termination date of the British treaty relationship was the end of 1971. 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. On December 2, 1971, six of them entered into a union called the United Arab Emirates. The seventh, Ras al-Khaimah, joined in early 1972.
The UAE sent forces to liberate Kuwait during the 1990–91 Persian Gulf War.
On November 2, 2004, the UAE’s first and only president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, died. His eldest son Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan succeeded him as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. In accordance with the Constitution, the UAE’s Supreme Council of Rulers elected Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as UAE Federal President. Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan succeeded Khalifa as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Administrative divisions
The United Arab Emirates is a federation which consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain, largest of which is the emirate of Abu Dhabi which contains the nation's capital city Abu Dhabi.
Five emirates have one or more exclaves, in addition to the main territory:
In addition there are two areas under joint control. One is jointly controlled by Oman and Ajman, the other by Fujairah and Sharjah.
Exclaves and enclaves
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 1969. 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. 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 .
Politics
The Presidency and Premiership of the United Arab Emirates is hereditary to the Al Nahyan clan of Abu Dhabi and the Al Maktoum clan of Dubai respectively. The Supreme Council, consisting of the rulers of the seven emirates, also elects the Council of Ministers, while an appointed forty-member Federal National Council, drawn from all the emirates, reviews proposed laws. There is a federal court system; all emirates except Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah have joined the federal system; all emirates have both secular and Islamic law for civil, criminal, and high courts.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the union's president from the nation's founding until his death on 2 November 2004. The Federal Supreme Council elected his son, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan, president the next day.
Demographics
The UAE population has an unnatural sex distribution consisting of more than twice the number of males than females. The 15-65 age group has a male(s)/female sex ratio of 2.743. UAE's gender imbalance is the highest among any nation in the world followed by Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia - all of which together comprise the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC states are also what most South and Southeast Asians refer to as the Gulf especially in context of emigration.
UAE has one of the most diverse populations in the Middle East. Since the mid-1980s, people from all across South Asia have settled in the UAE. In fact, an estimated 85 percent of the population is comprised of non-citizens, one of the world's highest percentages of foreign-born in any nation. The UAE's better living standards and economic opportunities than almost anywhere else in the Middle East and South Asia have made it an attractive destination for Indians and Pakistanis, along with tens of thousands from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In 2006, there were approximately 1.2 million Indian nationals and 700,000 Pakistani nationals in the UAE, making them the largest expatriate community in the oil-rich nation. Persons from over twenty Arab nationalities, including thousands of Palestinians who came as either political refugees or migrant workers, live in the UAE.
The most populated city is Dubai, with approximately 1.5 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. The remaining live in tiny towns scattered throughout the country or many of the desert oilfield camps.
There are also residents from other parts of the Middle East, Baluchistan, Africa, Europe, Post-Soviet states, and North America. The UAE has developed a small number, but very affluent group of expatriates (Americans, British, Canadians, Japanese and Australians) from developed countries, attracted to a very warm climate, scenic views (beaches, golf courses, man-made islands and lucrative housing tracts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai), the nation's comparably low-cost of living (but in 2006, thousands of real estate properties are valued over millions of dollars) and tax-free incentives for their business or residency in the UAE. They make up under 5 percent of the UAE population, mainly English-speaking as well as learning Arabic, mainly non-Muslim but adhere to the law and customs of their adopted country.
Culture and religion
Rooted in Islamic culture, the UAE has strong ties with the rest of the Arab and Islamic world. The government is committed to preserving traditional forms of art and culture, primarily through the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation.
Nearly all citizens are Muslims, approximately 85 percent of whom are Sunni and the remaining 15 percent are Shi'a. Although no official figures are available, local observers estimate that approximately 55 percent of the foreign population is Muslim, 25 percent is Hindu, 10 percent is Christian, 5 percent is Buddhist, and 5 percent (most of whom reside in Dubai and Abu Dhabi) belong to other religions, including Parsi, Baha'i, and Sikh.
Dubai is the only emirate of the UAE with a Hindu Temple and a Sikh Gurudwara. Churches are also present in the country. There are a variety of Asian-influenced schools, restaurants and cultural centers. There also exist a growing number of European centers, schools, and restaurants. The first known manuscript in UAE is Al jawaher wal la'li.
Economy
The United Arab Emirates has a highly industrialized economy that makes the country one of the most developed in the world, based on various socioeconomic indicators such as GDP per capita, energy consumption per capita, and the HDI.
At $168 billion in 2006, 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). 1
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 per cent 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. 2
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. 3
Education
The education system up to the secondary level is monitored by the Ministry of Education. It consists of primary schools, middle schools and secondary schools. The public schools are government-funded and the curricula 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 internationally accredited. Public schools in the country are free for Emirati (UAE's National). The fees for private schools vary.
The higher education system is monitored by the Ministry of Higher Education. The Ministry also is responsible for admitting students to its undergraduate institutes; including the main four institutes : United Arab Emirates University, Zayed University, Gulf Medical College and Higher Colleges of Technology. There are also many private universities and colleges in the country. Some world-renowned universities have established campuses in the United Arab Emirates.
The country has shown interest to improve education and research. Recent interest includes establishing CERT Research Centers and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
Sports
New sports are becoming popular alongside traditional camel racing. Examples of these new sports include golf, with two European Tour events in the country (the Dubai Desert Classic and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship) and the world's richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup, held annually in March .
Aside from the international circuit events, the UAE has a healthy indigenous sporting environment with the local community participating in a wide variety of clubs and establishments. The seven emirates regularly compete in national leagues and cups in a multiplicity of sports that are controlled by specialized governing bodies. Top sporting venues (both indoor and outdoor) and an all-year-round good climate ensure that the activities continue throughout the winter season.
Football (soccer)
Like most other sporting nations, the UAE has a huge interest in football. The UAE FA was first established in 1971 and since then has dedicated its time and effort to promoting the game, organising youth programmes 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. The UAE team narrowly won the Kirin Cup with a sixty-eighth minute goal against hosts Japan, but campaigns in the Asian Cup Finals, They have on the Gulf Cup with the lead of Ismail Matar who was the best striker in it Matar also was the best youth player in the Youth World Cup 2003. A new manager, Dick Advocat, joined the UAE team in July in time for a four-team friendly in Switzerland, in which they beat both Qatar and Kuwait but lost 5–4 on penalties in the final against Egypt. Despite the disappointment of the national team, football in the UAE has had a successful year. All tournaments for senior and junior teams were completed, and sponsorship deals with Dubai Holding and Emirates airline have been signed. In April, Dubai Holding agreed to provide the national team with Dh20 million
(US$5.45 million) sponsorship money over the next four years. The fund will also go towards developing the sport.The UAE also recently won the Gulf Cup soccer championship held in Abu Dhabi January 2007.
Tennis
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (part of the ATP Tour World Series at the Aviation Club, Dubai) was bigger than ever in 2005 with no less than six of the top-seeded women’s players taking centre court, a first time appearance by tennis’ golden boy, Andre Agassi, and the return of the celebrated Roger Federer,who was seeking his third title crown, resulting in some dramatic court action. In an unprecedented move, Dubai Duty Free, organisers of the championship,decided to switch the men’s tournament to the first week of the competition so that it ran from 21 to 27 February and the women’s was played from 28 February
to 5 March.
Camel Racing
The inhabitants of the Gulf states have enjoyed a long and productive relationship with the camel, which is held in great admiration and respect. Formalizing camel racing was one way of maintaining its central role in UAE life. In the past, UAE had a reputation for exploiting South Asian children as jockeys. Robot jockeys are now used. The UAE now has no less than 15 race tracks across the seven emirates. Nad Al Sheba, 10 kilometers outside of Dubai, Al Wathba, 30 kilometers south-east of Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain track, which is 20 kilometers west of Al Ain, are all large, well-equipped camel tracks with high-tech facilities. Two smaller tracks are located in Sharjah, one in Ra’s al-Khaimah and one in Umm al-Qaiwain. Others are spread throughout the desert areas
Cricket
Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium in Sharjah has hosted 4 international Test matches so far. Sheikh Zayed Stadium and Al Jazira Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi also hosts international cricket. Dubai also has two cricket stadiums (Dubai Cricket Ground No.1 and No.2) and is now home to the International Cricket Council.
F1
In February 2007 it was announced that Bernie Ecclestone had signed a seven year deal with Abu Dhabi, to host a Formula 1 race there from the 2009 season. The 5.6 km circuit is to be set on Yas Island and it will include street and marina sections similar to Monaco's course.
Rugby Sevens
U.A.E. hosts Dubai Sevens round of the IRB Sevens World Series at Dubai Exiles Rugby Ground.
Human rights
Although the UAE government has made some advances in the protection of human rights, the U.S. Department of State notes in its annual report on human rights practices that numerous fundamental practices and policies exist to the contrary. Specifically, the UAE does not have democratically elected institutions (citizens do not have the right to change their government) or political parties; free assembly and association are restricted; and the rights of workers are limited.
Transportation
Dubai has a public transport system called the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This authority is responsible for the bus network currently in operation. Recently, the RTA purchased 300 busses from Germany's MAN AG in an effort to reduce the city's growing traffic problem. RTA is also developing the Dubai Metro system. The first line (Red Line) is expected to complete by September 2009.
Airline history
The national airline of Abu Dhabi was formerly Gulf Air, operated jointly with Bahrain and Oman. On September 132005, Abu Dhabi announced that they were withdrawing from Gulf Air to concentrate on Etihad Airways, designated as the new national carrier of the UAE, established in November 2003.
In 1985, Dubai established its airline Emirates, which is now one of the fastest growing airlines in the world .
Technology, media and telecommunications
Media
Media is one of the first industries that the emirate of Dubai has sought to develop through a number of micro-cities,Dubai Media City has helped to make Dubai the media hub for the region, encompassing both the creation of media, from print through television and new media, and the advertising and marketing industry.
A number of international news organizations, including Reuters, Associated Press, Agence France Press, Bloomberg, Dow Jones Newswires, CNN and the BBC, all have a presence in Dubai Media City, and enjoy complete freedom to report on local and regional events.
The leading English-language newspapers based in the UAE are:
From late 2007, the international editions of The Times of London and its sister paper The Sunday Times will be printed in Dubai for local distribution.
Internet
Internet access is strictly filtered over the local proxy server of the telecommunication company Etisalat . However some facilities such as educational facilities and free zones have unlimited internet access.VOIP is blocked, prompting discussion concerning the freedom of speech and making the country less attractive for international companies. Officials have never released a clear statement concerning the reason for the VOIP block. The only statement released was that the UAE has no regulation for VOIP and only the local telecommunication companies are allowed to use this technology . It is argued by some that the government's ownership of the local telecommunication companies is the reason for this block. Etisalat's revenue by the end of 2006 was $2.48 billion
See also
External links
Government
General information
