General Information about the Country

Being literally crime-free is not the only thing that makes the United Arab Emirates one of the most attractive places to live in. It's amazing amalgamation of the traditional values of the East and the modern technologies of the West, it's status as a melting pot of various nationalities and cultures living together and working in harmony , and a standard of living that is comparable to the world's most advanced nations, makes it one of 20th century's success stories.

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates or states, each with its own unique character and personality but yet united by a common goal and destiny. 

The seven emirates are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm-al-Quwain.

2/12/1971 - The New Constellation Rises in the Middle East. The National Day or the day of formation of the Federation of the United Arab Emirates is 2nd December 1971 and is celebrated every year.  National holidays are declared on 2nd, 3rd & 4th December, the major cities of the emirates are all brightly lit-up and decorated with lights.  Celebrations take place with great joy and pride.

Language
The official language of the UAE is Arabic. Other languages spoken are English, Hindi, and Farsi.  A large number of the expatriate population is from the sub-continent, Philippines, Iran etc.  So you will find Tagalog, Malayalam, Russian etc.      

Currency
The United Arab Emirates currency is called the Dirham.  Arab Emirate Dirham (=Dhs. or AED) 100 Fils = 1 Dirhams

Denominations:
Dirhams – Notes 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000
Coins – 1 Dirham
Fils – 25, 50.
Exchange Rate Dh.3.671 = US$ 1.00

Population
Though an Islamic Arab country, you will find the UAE to be one of the most liberal societies amongst all the other Arab nations. Archaeological evidence shows that the United Arab Emirates has played host to numerous cultures since 3000 BC. You will find people from all over -- the Arab world, Asia , Europe , Africa and the America all converging here.
 
The Population of the United Arab Emirates according to 1998 figures was 2.8 million.

The official religion of the United Arab Emirates is Islam. But other faiths are tolerated and freedom to worship privately is given. Churches are common in some emirates and in Dubai you will even find a Hindu Temple.  

Geographical Location.
The UAE has capitalized on its convenient location on the trade routes between Asia and Europe by building a fine tradition of being a good host and trade partner since time immemorial.
 
Its oil wealth and the hard work of its people headed by the wise (Late) H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (PBUH), has turned it into a bustling advanced nation with one of the world's highest per capita income within 25 years of its formation.

An area of immense wealth, the United Arab Emirates stretches to a geographical area of 83,600 sq.km (including 200 islands - approximately).

The UAE within Bounds
The United Arab Emirates is situated in the Eastern side/region of the Arab World.  It overlooks the Gulf of Oman to the East and the Arabian Gulf to the North.  The Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman are linked by the Hormuz Strait.  The UAE is thus positioned at an important spot in the world of trade.

North  - Arabian Gulf
East    - Gulf of Oman & Sultanate of Oman
South  - Sultanate of Oman & Saudi Arabia
West   - Qatar & Saudi Arabia

UAE on the Globe, You can find the UAE at 
Latitudes       22° - 26.5° North  
Longitudes     51° - 56.5° East 
 
Physical Features
A Peaceful haven in the Arabian peninsula by the Arabian Sea . A Tourist paradise. Trader's delight….the United Arab Emirates is indeed a unique package. Even the desert, which occupies most of the area of the country, has a pristine beauty of its own.

The Interiors: are , surprisingly, also covered with a range of mountains and a number of valleys like the Siji and Ham and fertile plains such as the Thaid and Digdagga plains.
  
The Desert: lies next to the interior plains. As you head towards the Arabian Gulf , you find the long Western Coastal Plain with its Dubai and Maqta creeks and salt flats like the Salina of Mutti. It is longer and wider than the Eastern Coastal Plains that lies overlooking the Gulf of Oman .

The Coast: of UAE consists of many islands. The waters of the gulf flow tranquilly on the shores of the UAE, and hardly will you find rough waves, making the UAE an ideal hotspot for water sports.

Climate
The sun shines all the year round in the UAE and makes it an ideal summer resort.

Moderate climate is found between October and March , and days are Sunny and Pleasant (Average Temperature - 26*C).  Nights are Cool (Average Temperature - 15*C)

Summer is between April and September with temperatures peaking at 50*C and high humidity levels.  The Southerly and Northerly winds blow over the UAE bringing occasional sand storms.

The Rulers

Membership and Alliance
UAE has been a key player among the Arab countries and has won admiration and kudos for its handling of regional and international matters. The UAE's keynote has always been unity among all the Arab nations.  It has diplomatic relations with 143 countries and is an active member of the following:

The Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC)
The Arab League
The Organization of Islamic Conference
The Non-Aligned Movement

Economic Statistics
UAE is a major player in the global oil industry. The emirate of Abu Dhabi alone contains 10% of the world's oil reserves (98 billion barrels).
 
Trade too is booming with each emirate establishing a Free Zone with no taxes to encourage companies to set up their manufacturing and export units here.