ABOUT UAE AND DUBAI
The UAE's rich history is rooted in trade and tied to Islam, which came to the region in AD 630. Its location between Europe and the Far East attracted merchants from India and China and was prized by Europeans, in particular the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. While Europeans sought control of the coasts, inland, the ancestors of the Bedouin made the sandy deserts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai their home. The town of Abu Dhabi became an important centre.
In the beginning of 1968, when the British announced their intention to withdraw from the Arabian Gulf, Sheikh Zayed acted rapidly to establish closer ties with the emirates. Agreement was reached between the rulers of six of the Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman), and the Federation to be known as the United Arab Emirates was formally established on December 2, 1971. The seventh Emirate, Ra's Al-Khaimah, acceded to the new Federation the following year. The UAE is located in the Middle East along the southern most part of the Arabian Peninsula. The UAE spans 83,600 kilometres and is comprised of seven sheikhdoms. Four-fifths of the UAE is desert but has contrasting landscapes - from the towering red dunes of the Liwa to the rich palm-filled oases of Al Ain, from the precipitous Hajar Mountains to the more fertile stretches of its coastal plains.
The federal capital is Abu Dhabi. A large percentage of the population is foreign. The local population, known as Emiratis, account for approximately 20% of the entire population. Europeans, Arab Nationals, Asians and Americans make up the balance of the population. English is the country's business language and Arabic is the country's o?cial language.
The two main cities in the UAE, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are 160 kilometers apart (100 miles). Abu Dhabi is the country's administrative center and key hub for oil and gas operations. Dubai with its slightly faster pace of life has acquired international acclaim for its trade related achievements, world class shopping, real estate developments and international sporting events. Though small in size (comparable to the state of Maine), the UAE has become an important player in regional and international affairs.
The individual rulers of each of the seven emirates comprise of the Federal Supreme Council (FSC), which is the highest federal authority. Decisions made by the Council must have the agreement of at least five of its members, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The President and Vice-President (Prime Minister) are elected by the Council every five years, but unofficially the President will be a member of the Al Nahyan clan of Abu Dhabi and the Vice-President will be a member of the Al Maktoum clan of Dubai.
The Vice-President, with consultation of the President, chooses the executive arm of the government known as the Council of Ministers. The Federal National Council (FNC), which is considered the parliament, is a 40-member council drawn from each of the seven emirates that governs all federal laws. In August 2006, the UAE National Election Committee (NEC) was established to appoint half of members of the Federal National Council, which will allow women to be members of the FNC. The judicial structure is headed by the FSC, but each emirate has its own local government.
His highness Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is the President of the United Arab Emirates, the Emir of Abu Dhabi and the commander of the Union Defence Force. He succeeded to the position of the Emir of Abu Dhabi on November 2004 after the death of his father Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, thereby becoming the President of the federation next day. Although as Crown Prince, he had effectively been acting president earlier since the late 1990s as his father was in ill health. His highness Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is also chairman of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which manages over $600 billion in assets. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa has brought his long experience at senior levels of leadership to bear in charting the modernisation of the seven-emirate Federation and ensuring its continued relevance within the region and beyond. Sheikh Khalifa's inclusion on the Forbes list of the world's 50 most influential figures underlines the significance of the UAE on the global stage and the success of Sheikh Khalifa's personal efforts in consolidating the achievements of his father.
His highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates in 2006, and is responsible for Dubai's transformation into a lavish business destination. In his mission to help transform Dubai into a lush and desired business location, he helped develop the Palm Islands, the Burj Al-Arab hotel, the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the Dubai World Cup and the Godolphin Stables. The year 2007 witnessed unique achievements both locally and regionally, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, which aims to bolster Dubai's leading position in the region and boost its role as an international economic and financial hub. The strategy will be used as a road map for development over the coming years.
Globalized and Open
In less than four decades, the nation has transformed from a tribal culture reliant on agriculture and fishing to an entrepreneurial success story with world-class infrastructure. The leadership has improved education (effectively eliminating illiteracy), advanced health care and embraced change as the UAE modernizes, consistent with its history and cultural values.
The UAE is also strengthening institutions of government to ensure a transparent legal system with full regard for the quality of life of all citizens and residents. Four members of the Federal Cabinet are women. Today the UAE is a strong, vibrant and modern nation that is open to the world. Dubai has emerged as a global city and business hub of the Middle East and South Asia. It is also a major transport hub for passengers and cargo. It has changed dramatically in the last Fifty Years.
UAE AND ITS SEVEN EMIRATES
The United Arab Emirates is comprised of seven emirates, which occupy the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Each emirate, unique and rich in tradition, is an essential component necessary for making up the whole.
ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and is the largest Emirate in the UAE is ruled by the Al Nahyan family. It occupies 67,340 square kilometers or 86.7% of the total area of the country. The emirate is primarily a vast desert area with about two dozen islands in the coastal waters, including the island where the city of Abu Dhabi is located, plus six sizeable islands further out in the Arabian Gulf. The population of the emirate is concentrated in three areas: the capital city, Abu Dhabi; Al Ain, an oasis city located near the Hajar Mountains; and the villages of the Liwa oases.
Traditionally, the population along the coast relied on fishing and pearling for their livelihood, whilst those in the hinterland relied on date plantations and camel herding. Through remarkable leadership and personal commitment, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan developed Abu Dhabi into an influential, fully modernised state. Upon Sheikh Zayed's death in November 2004, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
DUBAI
Dubai, the second largest of the seven emirates, is ruled by the Al Maktoum family. It occupies an area of approximately 3,900 kilometers, which includes a small enclave called Hatta, situated close to Oman, amongst the Hajar Mountains. Dubai, the capital city, is located along the creek, a natural harbour, which traditionally provided the basis of the trading industry. Pearling and fishing were the main sources of income for the people of Dubai. Under the wise leadership of its rulers, Dubai's focus on trade and industry transformed it into the leading trading port along the southern Gulf. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the current ruler of Dubai.
Dubai has built a reputation for being open to new ideas and ways of doing things. This has enabled Dubai to become a global center for innovation, tourism and business. In line with Islam's tradition of tolerance and openness, freedom of faith and practice is a reality in Dubai. This has allowed other belief systems to flourish in Dubai, a demonstration of Dubai's respect for diversity.
With over 150 nationalities, Dubai is a rich melting pot that provides opportunities for people to meet, discuss ideas, innovate and forge new business relationships. Dubai's streets and shopping malls are alive with numerous languages, customs and cultures. Dubai has always played a pioneering role in encouraging its people to excel in an environment where the impossible is possible. The wisdom and perseverance of Dubai's leadership and people have transformed what was once a small fishing community into a world-class commercial capital at the heart of the Arabian Gulf.
SHARJAH
Sharjah, which shares its southern border with Dubai, is ruled by the Al Qasimi family. It is approximately 2,600 square kilometers and is the only emirate to have coastlines on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. In the nineteenth century the town of Sharjah was the leading port in the lower Gulf. Produce from the interior of Oman, India and Persia...
