About the United Arab Emirates: A Journey Through Time
On December 2nd 1971, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was promulgated as an independent, sovereign and federal state. The UAE comprises 7 emirates; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman Umm al Qaiwain and Fujairah. The UAE federal authorities consist of the UAE Supreme Council, the UAE President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, the National Federal Council and the Federal Judiciary
Capital of UAE : Abu Dhabi
National Day : December 2nd
National Currency : AED / DHS
National Language : Arabic
Religion : Islam
Official Working Days/Hours: :
Time Zone : (UTC+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat
National Flag: Three equal horizontal lines with green at the top, white in the middle and black at the base. There is also a wider vertical red ribbon in the direction of the flagpole.
Location: The UAE is located in the South East of the Arab Peninsula and covers an area that looks like a triangle. Its shores are considered as the Southern and South Eastern edges of the Arabian Gulf and part of the Western shore of the Gulf of Oman. The UAE occupies a strategic location through the Western entrances of the Strait of Hormuz.
Area: Nearly 82,880 km2, with Abu Dhabi accounting for 87 per cent of the UAE total area.
UAE Shores: The UAE shores stretch for 1,318 km before the launch of new urban projects such as Nakheel’s artificial islands – The Palms and The World. The man-made islands have undoubtedly contributed to lengthening the coastal line whose current length has not been defined yet.
Climate: The UAE is located in the tropical dry area that extends across Asia and North Africa. However, it is affected by the Ocean as it overlooks both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which is connected to the Red Sea via the Strait of Bab Al-Mandab. The climate has some characteristics that render the UAE different from neighbouring countries in the same region.
During summer, it is hot and humid as the temperature ranges between 35°C and 41°C, and humidity between 60 and 100 per cent. The very high temperature in summer is related to a high degree of humidity. There are great climatic differences between the coastal areas and inner desert areas and highlands that form the UAE relief. The winter, however, is a very mild and cool as the temperature ranges between 18°C and 25°C and the humidity is extremely low. The annual average rainfall is less than 100 mm and it increases in the Eastern range of mountains which is generally a cooler region.
Population: The UAE boasts of a local population that is tolerant and endearing, who are strongly committed to their age-old customs and traditions, deeply rooted in their minds. Its people enjoy a decent living provided by an advanced educational system and the state-of-the-art health services. The UAE exerts diligent efforts to develop its human resources, enhance the status of women enabling them to occupy a pioneering position in the society, and provide social care for all those who need support. According to 2013 statistics, the UAE population has reached 9.4 million people.
Historical Events: The UAE has been called “Al Ghabraa” and then the Coast of Oman as it is connected to Oman. It has been inhabited by several tribes such as Bani Yas, a tribe that is said to belong to Al Yas Bin Amir and to be composed of a tribal alliance; a policy which was adopted by Arabs to face hazards. Descendants of Bani Yas include the families of Al Nahyan, Al Maktoum – Rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and Al Qawassim, Rulers of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.
- February 18th 1968: Al Samha meeting.
- July 18, 1971: The interim constitution of the UAE was issued.
- December 2, 1971: The UAE was promulgated and the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, then ruler of Abu Dhabi, was elected as the President. The late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, then ruler of Dubai, was elected as the Vice-President. The late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum was appointed as the Prime Minister.
- December 6, 1971: The UAE joined the League of Arab States.
- December 23, 1971: Ras Al Khaimah sent a message to the Supreme Council to join the federation.
- February 12, 1975: The National Federal Council was established.
- December 13, 1972: The first session of the National Federal Council was held.
- May 1981: The UAE hosted the first Gulf summit.
Official Holidays:
- New Hijri Year (one day)
- The Prophet’s Birthday (one day)
- Ramadan 29th (one day)
- Eid Al-Fitr (three days)
- Arafa Day (one day)
- Eid Al-Adha (three days)
- Commemoration Day (one day)
- The National Day (two days)
- New Year (one day)
Source: protocol.dubai.ae