COUNTRY PROFILE: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

Country Formal Name: United Arab Emirates (Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah)

The seven emirates, in order of size, are: Abu Dhabi (Abu Zaby) Dubai (Dubayy) ,Sharjah
(Ash Shariqah) Umm al Qaywayn Fajayrah ,and Ras al Khaymah.

Short Form: UAE.

Term for Citizen(s): Emirati(s). ‫امراتى‬

Capital: Abu Dhabi City.

National animal: The Arabian oryx is the national animal of Jordan, Oman, the United Arab
Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Electoral System: The UAE does not have a system of popular elections; the Federal Supreme
Council elects the country’s rulers.
National bird: Falcon is the national bird of UAE and is a symbol of force and courage,
recognizing the importance of falconry in Arab tradition and culture.

National flower: Tribulus Omanense is the national flower of the UAE. It's yellow in color.

National game: The Game of Camel racing is the Official “National sport of the United Arab
Emirates” respectively.

National foods: While meat, fish, and rice are the Dubai national foods, Al Machboos and
Khuzi are the traditional cuisines of the country.

Major Cities: Al Ayn, capital of the Eastern Region, and Madinat Zayid, capital of the Western
Region, are located in Abu Dhabi Emirate, the largest and most populous emirate. Dubai City is

Located in Dubai Emirate, the second largest emirate. Sharjah City and Khawr Fakkan are the

Major cities of the third largest emirate—Sharjah.

Independence: The United Kingdom announced in 1968 and reaffirmed in 1971 that it would

End its treaty relationships with the seven Trucial Coast states, which had been under British

Protection since 1892. Following the termination of all existing treaties with Britain, on

December 2, 1971, six of the seven sheikhdoms formed the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The

Seventh sheikhdom, Ras al Khaymah, joined the UAE in 1972.

Public holidays: Public holidays other than New Year’s Day and UAE National Day are

Dependent on the Islamic calendar and vary from year to year. For 2007, the holidays are: New

Year’s Day (January 1); Muharram, Islamic New Year (January 20); Mouloud, Birth of

Muhammad (March 31); Accession of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi—observed only in Abu Dhabi

(August 6); Leilat al Meiraj, Ascension of Muhammad (August 10); first day of Ramadan

(September 13); Eid al Fitr, end of Ramadan (October 13); UAE National Day (December 2);

Eid al Adha, Feast of the Sacrifice (December 20); and Christmas Day (December 25).

Flag: The UAE flag has three equal horizontal bands of green (on top),

White, and black, with a wider vertical red band on the hoist side.

GEOGRAPHY

Location: The UAE is situated on the Arabian Peninsula between Oman and Saudi Arabia and
bordering the Gulf of Oman and The Persian Gulf.

Size: The UAE government estimates the total area of the UAE to be 83,600 square kilometers;
excluding the three islands in the Strait Of Hormuz, the area is 77,700 square kilometers (slightly
smaller than the state of Maine).Strai Dhabi has an area of 67,350 square kilometers

Principal Rivers: The UAE has no permanent rivers, but the desert area of Abu Dhabi includes
Two important oases with adequate underground water for permanent settlements and
cultivation.

The extensive Al Liwa Oasis is in the south near the undefined border with Saudi Arabia.

Approximately 200 kilometers to the northeast of the Al Liwa Oasis is the Al Buraymi Oasis,

Which extends on both sides of the Abu Dhabi–Oman border.

Climate: The climate of the UAE is generally hot and dry. The summer months (July and

August) are the hottest, with temperatures exceeding 40º C, coupled with very high humidity.

The average temperature in the winter months, January and February, is 17º C–20º C. In the Al

Hajar al Gharbi Mountains, temperatures are much cooler as a result of the increased elevation.

The average annual rainfall in the coastal area is very low—between 100 millimeters and 200

Millimeters—but in some mountainous areas annual rainfall reaches 350 millimeters. Rain in the

Coastal region falls in short, torrential bursts during the summer months.

Natural Resources: Oil and natural gas are the primary natural resources in the UAE, and

Petroleum production is the most important industry.

Environmental Factors: The UAE is subject to frequent sand and dust storms, which can

Severely reduce visibility. The smaller islands in the Persian Gulf, as well as many coral reefs

And shifting sandbars, are a menace to navigation. Strong tides and occasional windstorms

Further complicate ship movements near the shore. Desalinization plants compensate for the lack

Of freshwater resources, but desertification (land degradation caused by aridity) and beach

Pollution from oil spills are serious problems.

Time Zone: The UAE is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing:

Dates remain the UAE’s major crop in terms of area cultivated, but the
Production of vegetables has increased dramatically, particularly in Abu Dhabi, and currently

Generates the most revenue. Other major products are eggs, dairy products, and poultry.

Fishing and pearl diving traditionally were an important part of the economy, but the pearl

Industry collapsed with the development of cultured pearls. Fishing is done almost exclusively

For domestic consumption. There is no fish-processing industry in the UAE to provide a market

For the 20,000 or more tons of fish caught each year that exceed local demand, and the surplus is

Either exported or returned to the sea.

Mining and Minerals: The UAE’s economy is dominated by the oil and gas sector, which

Accounts for more than 30 percent of total gross domestic product. The Supreme Petroleum

Council, headed by the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, has ultimate control over energy policy in

The UAE. Despite the crown prince’s commitment to diversifying the economy by reducing

Dependency on oil, the UAE government is investing billions of dollars to increase crude oil

Capacity from approximately 2.7 million barrels per day in 2006 to 4 million barrels per day by

2010.
Tourism: The primary source of the UAE’s rapidly growing tourism sector is the Dubai

Emirate, which hosts the world’s tallest hotel. According to the UAE government, Dubai’s

Tourism revenue exceeds its oil revenue. The emirate’s 302 hotels hosted 6.4 million visitors

From India, Pakistan, Iran, Lebanon, the Philippines, Europe, Australia, and South Africa in

2006.

Foreign Relations: In 1981, mainly in response to the threat to regional security posed by the

Iran–Iraq War (1980–88), the UAE joined with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman

To form the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, now the Gulf Cooperation

Council (GCC). The GCC works to foster greater political, social, and economic integration

Among Gulf countries and increasingly has focused on improving member states’ defense
Capabilities. The UAE is a member of the United Nations (UN) and the Arab League and has

Established diplomatic relations with almost 150 countries, including the United States, Japan,

China, and most West European countries.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Overview: The UAE is a federation of seven self-governing emirates. The constitution, which

Was made permanent in 1996, specifies that all powers not specifically allocated to federal

Institutions remain the prerogative of the individual emirates. In November 2004, Sheikh Zayid

Ibn Sultan Al Nuhayyan, president of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi since the UAE declared

Its independence from Britain in 1971, died. In a smooth transition of power, his son, Sheikh

Khalifa ibn Zayid Al Nuhayyan, who had been the crown prince of Abu Dhabi for more than 30

Years, was named his successor.

INTERESTING FACTS:

1. 50 years ago Dubai was just a little town in the middle of the desert.
The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is known for extravagant, newly built landmarks
like the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Mall.

In just over two decades, the city has transformed from a desert backwater port to a thriving
metropolis with the third-most skyscrapers in the world.

Before oil was discovered in Dubai it was a little more than a port city in the desert. Dubai has
now grown to a mega city full of sky scrapers and luxury boutiques.

2. Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – there are seven emirates
UAE’s seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah
and Fujairah.

Abu Dhabi is about an hour away from Dubai and is the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates and is the capital city of the Emirate of Dubai.
Dubai is located along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, at the southwest corner of the
Arabian Gulf.
 3. The population of Dubai is over 2.5 million people and the most populated city in the
UAE
Dubai itinerary

In terms of population, Dubai has an estimated population of 2,504,000 in 2016. This makes it
the most populated emirate in the UAE, surpassing Abu Dhabi which, despite having a larger
area, has the third largest population in the UAE that is estimated at just over 1.1 million.

4. Arabic is the national language but English is widely spoken

When I visited Dubai I had no problems getting around the city and asking for directions or
talking to my taxi driver in English.

It is widely spoken throughout the city and the signs are also in English.

5. Wealth is abundant in Dubai

Oil was discovered in Dubai just over 50 years ago, but only accounts for one percent of its
earnings. So, what makes the city of Dubai so rich?

Dubai began shipping oil in 1969 and before gaining independence from Great Britain in 1971,
when it became one of the UAE’s seven emirates.

In 1958, the ruler of Dubai, started investing in infrastructure and completed its first airport in
1960 from loans amounting to tens of billions of dollars.

The move away from oil led to a boost in tourism, and the little oil Dubai eventually discovered
in 1966 went towards building the city full of sky scrapers that we know today.

Some credit the business strategy of a tax free zone as the reason for the popularity of Dubai and
why businesses flock to the city.

The UAE is the third richest country in the world after Qatar and Luxembourg.

6. Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building in the world.

Dubai facts Burg Khalifa tallest building in the world

The Burj Khalifa height is a staggering 828 meters (2716.5 feet) tall, soaring over Dubai. It’s
three times as tall as the Eiffel Tower and nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building

Besides the world record for the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa holds six other
world records.

 The Burj Khalifa is also the tallest freestanding structure in the world,
 The Burj Khalifa has the highest number of stories in the world,
 The Burj Khalifa has the highest occupied floor in the world,
 The Burj Khalifa has the highest outdoor observation deck in the world,
 The Burj Khalifa has the elevator with longest travel distance in the world, and
  The Burj Khalifa has the tallest service elevator in the world.
Did you know that the Burj Khalifa is also a sustainable building? Every year they collect 15
million gallons of water which is used for landscaping and the water fountains outside.

You can also have high tea at the top of the Burj Khalifa which is an amazing experience.

7. Dubai has the longest automated metro in the world at 75 km long

Dubai has the longest driverless metro line in the world and holds a Guiness World Record for it.

The longest driverless metro line is the Dubai Metro Red Line which is 52.1 km (32.37 mi) in
length and is located in Dubai, UAE, as of 23 May 2011. Dubai Metro’s second line, Green line
is 22.5 km (13.98 mi) which when combined with the Red Line will make it longer than the
Vancouver Skytrain.

8. Burj Al Arab is a seven star hotel and the interior is covered in 24 carat gold leaf
Burj Al Arab facts about Dubai

At 321 meters (1,053 feet) it is the third tallest hotel in the world (not including buildings with
mixed use); however, 39% of its total height is made up of non-occupiable space.

Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 meters (920 feet) from Jumeirah beach and is
connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge.

Dubai facts

The shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship.

The Burj Al Arab is one of the most luxurious hotels to stay in. It has been called “The World’s
Only 7 Star Hotel”.

Approximately 1,790 square meters (19,270 square feet) of 24-carat gold leaf was used to
embellish the interior. Only the finest materials were used in crafting the building.

9. Dubai Palm is an artificial island that used 94 million cubic metres of sand – the largest
man made island
Construction on the Palms started in 2001. The Palms are made up of three artificial islands
called Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island and Palm Jebel Ali all off the coast of Dubai.

This is where you will find the Atlantis at the Palm which can be seen from the coast of Dubai.
You can spend the day there at their water parks and their famous water slide which goes
through a shark tank.
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, jump out of a plane as it cruises over the Palm Jumeirah.
Skydive Dubai offers tandem skydives at the premium Palm Drop zone!

10. Dubai’s police force use super cars such as the Ferrari FF and Lamborghini
Aventador as police cars
Dubai’s police force has the fastest cars in the world worth up to $8.5 million. From Bugattis to
Lamborghinis and everything in between.

Can you imagine being pulled over by a Lamborghini?

11. Emiratis in Dubai make up the minority and they are out numbered by expats.
Only 15% of the population is Emiratis. Most of the workers in Dubai come from India, Pakistan
and Bangladesh.

There is a large expat community in Dubai so if you are thinking of moving there you will more
than likely find a group of people from your country.

12. There is no income tax in Dubai

There is currently no income tax in Dubai and you can potentially earn your salary 100% free of
tax in Dubai if you are tax resident in the UAE.

That does not mean you are exempt from any other obligation to any other state for the payment
of tax on foreign earned. This is especially true for Americans who still need to file taxes in the
US.

There are lots of other taxes in the UAE and you will find things such as food a lot more
expensive in Dubai.

13. It is hot in Dubai and the sun shines most days of the year
May is the sunniest month of the year with over 300 hours of sunshine in Dubai. Its also the
month where it starts heating up in Dubai.

Dubai is a dry, desert climate with two distinct seasons – summer and winter.

The temperature in Dubai regularly climbs over 38 degrees Celcius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

14. Home to the Largest shopping mall in the world

The largest shopping mall in the world is the Dubai Mall. It is equivalent to 50 football fields!
Wow, this place is massive! I should know I spent four hours walking around here.

There are 1200 stores in the mall. You will find all of your high street stores, cafes and also the
exclusive luxury brands as well.
Inside the mall you will find the Dubai Aquarium. You can see part of the Aquarium and a large
tank on the ground floor. It is worth going inside the aquarium to see the huge tanks.

There is a cool waterfall inside the mall! I loved watching this.

Dubai Mall Fountain

This is also an ice skating ring in the mall. I kid you not this place is huge!

15. Islam is the official religion of the UAE

Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates and you will see mosques through out
the city. Religion is an important part of the culture in Dubai.

16. Largest flower garden in the world

Dubai Miracle Garden is the largest flower garden in the world. This park is absolutely beautiful
to visit and an Instagrammer’s dream!

Miracle Garden Dubai Facts

The power of flower power – this garden has over 4 kilometres of walkways around the park. It
is said to have 60 million flowers on display.

17. Vending machines that dispense gold bars

Yes that’s right. You can visit a vending machine or an ATM and it will give you a gold bar
instead of cash! This is crazy to me!

18. The weekend in Friday to Saturday in Dubai and Sunday is the first day of the
working week
Friday is a holy day in the Islamic faith so the weekend is on Friday and Saturday and the work
wee is Sunday to Thursday.

19. No zip codes.

Until 2015 Dubai had grown so quickly that they had never implemented a proper postal system.
This all changed recently as they have implemented a system of addresses and zip codes.

20. It only rains once or twice a year

There are no potholes or drains in Dubai because it only rains once or twice a year!

When it does rain though be prepared for the flash floods.

21. You will only find alcohol in major hotels and restaurants. Only non-Muslims are
allowed to consume alcohol
Alcohol is forbidden in the Islamic faith so only non Muslims can drink alcohol. Places need a
special license for alcohol and you will find it in most hotels.

22. Everywhere is air conditioned

Even the bus stops and trains stops are air conditioned in Dubai. It really does get that hot!!!!

23. The currency is the UAE Dirham

The United Arab Emirates dirham, also known as simply the Emirati dirham, is the currency of
the United Arab Emirates

There are about 3 dirhams to one US dollar.

24. One of the fastest growing economies – oil and gas and construction
Dubai has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. You can thank oil, tourism and
construction for that. At one point Dubai had 50% of the world’s cranes in the city for building
all of the sky scrapers. It amazing to see how far it has come.

25. Kissing in public is illegal

Decency laws do not allow public displays of affection in Dubai. Kissing is illegal and you may
end up in jail.

26. City of Gold

I have mentioned all of the gold in the Al Burj and the fact that there are gold ATMs in Dubai
but they also have hundreds of gold jewelry shops in the city.

Gold bangles and watches are plentiful in the city if you are looking for a souvenir.

27. National Holidays Eid al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and December 2 nd is National
Day
There are two major public holidays in Dubai. Eid al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the
date changes every year.

The other is National Day which is on the 2nd of December each year.

28. You can snow ski inside the Mall of the Emirates
After visiting the Dubai Mall I decided to go to a smaller mall (not really) called the Mall of the
Emirates.

This mall has a ski slope for indoor skiing and snowboarding. The snow park is a winter
wonderland inside a mall. Crazy!