United Arab Emirates tourist information

The United Arab Emirates (also the UAE or the Emirates) is a Middle Eastern country situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, comprising seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Before 1971, they were known as the Trucial States or Trucial Oman, in reference of a nineteenth-century truce between the British and some Arab Sheikhs. It borders Oman and Saudi Arabia. The country is rich in oil.

Places to go in United Arab Emirates ...

Abu Dhabi Ajman Al Ain Al Aqah Al Jazira Dubai Green Community Hatta Jebel Ali Jebel Dhanna Ras Al Khaimah Sharjah

The UAE lies in Southwest Asia, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia. It is a flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; with mountains in the east. Desert land covers over 90% of the country. Its strategic location along southern approaches to the Strait of Hormuz makes it a vital transit point for world crude oil. The UAE is considered to be one of the fifteen states that comprise the so-called "Cradle of Humanity".

The border demarcation treaties of 1974 and 1977 between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia were never made public. Therefore the exact border of the two countries is only known to their governments.

Lonely Planet City and Country Guides^{(external sources)}

Culture ^*Rooted in Islamic culture, the UAE has strong ties with the rest of the Arab world. The government is committed to preserving traditional forms of art and culture, primarily through the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. Change is very apparent in social life however - attitudes toward women are shifting, and new sports are becoming popular alongside traditional camel racing, including golf, with two European Tour events in the country (the Dubai Desert Classic and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship) and the world's richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup, held annually in March. Due to the predominant Muslim religious beliefs, pork and alcohol are not commonly served in the area.

Transportation

Going on a trip? Why not browse some of the luggage at eBags.com ^{(external source)}

Your vacation. A time to lose yourself. And sometimes your luggage, too. Need Travel Insurance? Why not try Travel Guard ^{(external source)}

History The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region.

Terrain Flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east.

Lonely Planet Maps ^{(external source)}

View map

Languages Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Lonely Planet Language Guides ^{(external source)}

Ethnic Groups Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982) note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)

Weather Desert; cooler in eastern mountains.

Religion Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%

Currency Emirati Dirham (AED)

More countries in Middle East ...

Bahrain Cyprus Israel Jordan Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Syria Turkey United Arab Emirates Yemen

* This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the Source wikipedia.