The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven sheikhdoms located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Bordered by the Sultanate of Oman and the Gulf of Oman to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and by the Arabian Gulf to the north, the total land area, including 20 islands, is 83,000 sq km (32,278 sq mi). The seven emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The capital and the largest city of the federation, Abu Dhabi, is located in the emirate of the same name.
The estimated population of the UAE was 5.6 million in 2007. Arabic is the official language and Islam is the state religion. The currency is the Arab Emirates Dirham ($1 US is equivalent to around 3.6 dirhams).
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and later UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, took the initiative to form a federation among the Trucial sheikhdoms. Qatar and Bahrain originally intended to join the seven emirates in the new federation, but in the end they opted for separate statehood. On December 2, 1971 the flag of the UAE was raised for the first time, marking the beginning of a new era.
Each emirate has its own local government too, consisting of municipalities and departments, so that each one retains a good deal of political and financial autonomy, a fact that has contributed greatly to the remarkable success of the federation.
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 modernized state. Upon Sheikh Zayed's death in November 2004, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Recently, oil is the major source of income for the UAE with Abu Dhabi leading the emirates in oil production. The country's proven oil reserves make up about one-tenth of the world's total. In addition to petroleum and petroleum products, other industries have grown in importance, including aluminum production; food processing; and paint and clothes manufacturing. Export crops include seafood, strawberries and vegetables. In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the number of tourists who visit the UAE. Visitors are attracted by award winning hotels, sports facilities, extensive beaches and a mild winter climate.
Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate, 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.
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 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.
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. Sharjah is the cultural and educational centre of the UAE and takes pride in preserving the country's cultural heritage as well as promoting Arab culture and traditions.
Ajman is the smallest emirate, comprising only 260 square kilometres. It is ruled by the Al Nuami family. Ajman also possesses the small enclaves of Manama and Musfut in the Hajar Mountains. Along the creek dhow building was the specialised trade. Fishing and date-trees provided the local population with their primary means of sustenance. Ajman benefited greatly from the union of the emirates, a fact that is reflected today in their stately buildings and infrastructure. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuami has been the ruler since 1981.
Umm Al Qaiwain is ruled by the Al Mualla family. It is the second smallest emirate, with a total area of around 770 square kilometres. Positioned between Sharjah and Ajman to the south and Ras Al Khaimah to the north. Umm Al Qaiwain has the smallest population. After the union of the emirates in 1971 Umm Al Qaiwain developed into a modern state, and continues to progress under its present ruler, Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla.
Ras Al Khaimah, the most northerly emirate, is ruled by another branch of the Al Qasimi family. It covers an area of 1,700 square kilometres. It has a unique abundance of flora, so it is no surprise that agriculture is important to the local economy. The emirate also benefits from its stone quarries, and fishing, which is plentiful in the rich waters of the Gulf. Ras Al Khaimah has a rich history. It was renowned for its prosperous port and for its exquisite pearls, which were famous as being the whitest and roundest available anywhere. Ras Al Khaimah's current ruler is Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
Fujairah, the only emirate without a coastline on the Arabian Gulf, which is ruled by the Al Sharqi family. It is situated along the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Fujairah covers about 1,300 square kilometres. Fujairah's economy is based on fishing and agriculture. The land in Fujairah is irrigated by rainwater from the Hajar Mountains, making it ideal for farming. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi is the present ruler.
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http://www.emirates.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Arab_Emirates
