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United Arab Emirates

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The United Arab Emirates, or the UAE, is a federal semi-constitutional monarchy in West Asia.

Satellite image of United Arab Emirates in October
Satellite image of United Arab Emirates in October

It is located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. The country is a federation of seven distinct emirates. These are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah. Abu Dhabi serves as the national capital. The nation shares land borders with Oman to the east and northeast. It also borders Saudi Arabia to the southwest.

Persian Gulf 1507-1750
Persian Gulf 1507-1750

The UAE has maritime borders with Qatar and Iran in the Persian Gulf. It also borders Oman in the Gulf of Oman.

Governance in the UAE is managed through the Federal Supreme Council. This council consists of the seven ruling emirs. The council is the highest state authority in the country. They work together to appoint one member as the federal president. The president then appoints a prime minister. This prime minister leads the cabinet.

Palacio Presidencial de los Emiratos, sede del Poder Ejecutivo Nacional.
Palacio Presidencial de los Emiratos, sede del Poder Ejecutivo Nacional.

While the state is considered authoritarian, it is often viewed as more liberal than its regional neighbors. The UAE ranks high in social indicators like healthcare and education. It holds the highest ranking in the region for the Human Development Index. However, human rights organizations have noted concerns. They report that freedoms of assembly, press, and expression are severely repressed. Reports have also mentioned the imprisonment of critics and cases of forced disappearances.

Human history in this region stretches back tens of thousands of years.

Cántaro (26738115330)
Cántaro (26738115330)

Stone tools found on the Arabian coast suggest habitation as far back as 130,000 years ago. Ancient civilizations developed lively trading links with Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Around 3,000 BCE, trade in copper from the Hajar Mountains likely motivated this contact.

View from Jebel Jais - panoramio
View from Jebel Jais - panoramio

Sumerian sources mention a civilization called Magan. Many historians identify Magan as encompassing the modern UAE and Oman. The region saw several distinct cultural periods before the rise of Islam. These include the Hafit, Umm Al Nar, and Wadi Suq cultures. Later, the development of the falaj irrigation system supported extensive farming and fortified settlements.

Islam arrived in the northeastern Arabian Peninsula around 630 CE. This followed a letter from the prophet Muhammad to the rulers of Oman. This event led to local rulers converting to Islam. This period also saw the Ridda Wars, which included the Battle of Dibba. This battle resulted in an estimated 10,000 lost lives.

UAE Folk Dance- Khaliji
UAE Folk Dance- Khaliji

In the 16th century, European colonial powers arrived in the region. The Portuguese established bases to wage wars against the Persians. By the 17th century, the Dutch gained control of the straits. In the 19th century, the British intervened due to rampant piracy. This led to the creation of the Trucial States. This was a British protectorate that lasted until the UAE gained independence in 1971.

Flag-hoisting at the Union Declaration
Flag-hoisting at the Union Declaration

For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the economy relied on pearling. This industry provided essential income and jobs. However, the industry collapsed due to several factors. The First World War caused disruption, and the invention of cultured pearls hit the market. Economic depressions in the 1920s and 1930s also caused extreme hardship. This changed forever with the discovery of oil.

ADNOC Refining Ruwais Site-187
ADNOC Refining Ruwais Site-187

The UAE now possesses the world's seventh-largest oil reserves. It also holds the seventh-largest natural gas reserves. Following independence, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the first president. He used oil revenues to rapidly develop healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

The modern UAE economy is one of the most diverse in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Dubai Marina Skyline
Dubai Marina Skyline

While oil is important, the country has focused heavily on tourism and commerce. Dubai has become a massive international hub for finance and travel.

Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building) and the Dubai skyline (25781049892)
Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building) and the Dubai skyline (25781049892)

The nation is a member of many global organizations. These include the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and BRICS. The country also participates in the Arab League and OPEC. This global connectivity helps maintain its status as a middle power in international affairs.

The UAE is a very diverse nation in terms of its people. In 2024, the estimated population was over 11 million.

5018 Dubai Metro in Dubai UAE
5018 Dubai Metro in Dubai UAE

Interestingly, only 11% of the population are native Emiratis. The vast majority of inhabitants are expatriates and migrant workers. Many of these workers come from South Asia.

Dubai workers angsana burj
Dubai workers angsana burj

Arabic is the official language of the state. However, English is the most spoken language and is used widely in business. This mix of cultures and languages helps drive the country's modern economy.

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🖼️ Images & Media (35)
UAE national anthem.ogg
File:Cántaro (26738115330).jpg
Cántaro (26738115330).jpg
File:Forte de doba.jpg
Forte de doba.jpg
File:Persian Gulf 1507-1750.gif
Persian Gulf 1507-1750.gif
File:Ras Al Khaimah under attack, 1809 01.jpg
Ras Al Khaimah under attack, 1809 01.jpg
File:Dhayah Fort showing hilltop location.jpg
Dhayah Fort showing hilltop location.jpg
File:Mid-20th century Dubai.JPG
Mid-20th century Dubai.JPG
File:Flag-hoisting at the Union Declaration.jpg
Flag-hoisting at the Union Declaration.jpg
File:Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building) and the Dubai skyline (25781049892).jpg
Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building)...
File:President Joe Biden stands with leaders of the GCC countries, Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan.jpg
President Joe Biden stands with leaders...
File:Satellite image of United Arab Emirates in October.jpg
Satellite image of United Arab Emirates...
File:View from Jebel Jais - panoramio.jpg
View from Jebel Jais - panoramio.jpg

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