United Arab Emirates area area. The very best in the Emirates. Holidays in the Arab Emirates

Tatyana Solomatina

Country UAE: luxury in the desert

If you are going to visit the country for the first time, you just need to know the initial information, so I recommend that you read the article to the end.

UAE stands for United Arab Emirates. The name speaks for itself, the state consists of seven emirates. Abu Dhabi is the largest of them, its emir is the president of this country, and the city of Abu Dhabi is the capital of the state. The country of the UAE has good oil reserves, which is the main source of income for the country.

UAE is located in the east Arabian Peninsula, partially washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. The main part of the country is occupied by big desert Rub al Khale. The northern and eastern regions are dominated by mountainous terrain.

The government of the country has developed a special program for the creation of green oases, which is being successfully implemented. In large cities, there is a lot of green vegetation brought here from municipal parks.

Climate

It is very hot in the UAE, there are often sandstorms. In summer, the air temperature is about +45 degrees, in winter +20 - +22 degrees. Precipitation is rare, mostly in winter. At night, the temperature drops slightly.

Population and religion

The UAE is a Muslim country with a population of 9 million people, while the indigenous population is only 11%. The rest of the residents are immigrants from Pakistan, India, Nepal and other countries who came here to work. Most of the people living here are not citizens of the state.

Language and currency

The official language of the UAE country is Arabic. However, many residents communicate in Hindi, Farsi and English. Due to the abundance of Russian tourists, the employees of some shops and hotels know a little Russian.

Since 1973, the official currency has been the dirham (Dh).

Visa

In order to enter the country, a visa is required and it is expensive. Moreover, the price directly depends on the time of stay in the country. Plain tourist visa for a trip up to 30 days will cost 8000 rubles. The transit card is valid for 96 hours and costs 5,500 rubles.

Get the coveted stamp at the UAE Embassy (website http://www.uae-embassy.ru/rco01.htm), is possible only for holders of a diplomatic passport. Ordinary citizens draw up documents through visa centers, special services of airlines or use the help of a travel operator.

When processing documents, it should be borne in mind that single girls under 30 years old, unaccompanied by male relatives, will not be given permission to enter the country.

Important addition!

From February 1, 2017 to citizens Russian Federation planning tourist trips to the United Arab Emirates do not need to apply for visas in advance.

Upon arrival at any airport in the UAE, citizens of the Russian Federation issue a visa on arrival for a period of 30 days free of charge. A visa can be extended once for 30 days by contacting the immigration department in the UAE in advance, for an additional fee.

The state structure of the United Arab Emirates is a unique combination of republican and monarchical systems. The UAE is a federal state, consisting of seven emirates - absolute monarchies. The state is headed by the Emir of Abu Dhabi, the government is headed by the Emir of Dubai.

The coast of the Federation of Arab Principalities of the Persian Gulf was granted to Great Britain by treaty in the 19th century to control defenses and to assist in foreign affairs. In 1971, six of the seven emirates of "Treaty Oman" - Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai and Umm al-Quwain - announced the creation of a federation called the United Arab Emirates. The seventh emirate, Ras al-Khaimah, joined it in 1972. In terms of GDP per capita, the UAE is next to the leading Western European countries. Huge financial resources from oil revenues and a moderate approach to issues foreign policy allowed the UAE to take a vital place in the affairs of the region. The largest emirate - Abu Dhabi - occupies 85% of the territory, one third of the population of the UAE lives here.

All emirates are absolute monarchies, only in Abu Dhabi there are advisory bodies - the Cabinet and the National Advisory Council, which brings this emirate closer to a constitutional monarchy. Each emirate has its own government and administrative bodies.

The rulers of the emirates make up the legislative body - the Supreme Council, which elects the president and vice-president of the federation for a period of two years. The president appoints the prime minister and members of the cabinet. The Federal Council of Ministers, headed by the President, is accountable to the Supreme Council. The Federal National Council consists of 40 representatives from each emirate and is an advisory body. Since the founding of the UAE in 1971, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who has ruled Abu Dhabi since 1966, has been the head of state and president. On November 3, 2004, after the death of his father Khalifa ibn Zayed Al Nahyan, he became the second president of the United Arab Emirates.

The official name of the country: United Arab Emirates

Common country name: Emirates

Official name in country language: al-Imarat al-Arabiya al-Muttahid

Common name in country language: No

Former name: Oman Negotiated

Abbreviation: UAE

Administrative-territorial division of the UAE

The UAE consists of 7 emirates:

• Abu Dhabi
• Ajman
• Dubai
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Umm Al Quwain
• fujairah
• Sharjah

The capital of the UAE is the city of Abu Dhabi.

UAE Constitution: adopted December 2, 1971; operating on a permanent basis since 1996

UAE legal system: based on a dual system - Sharia courts and civil courts; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage in the UAE: No

Executive branch in the UAE: head of state - President, ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi; Vice President and Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister. Cabinet: Council of Ministers - appointed by the president. In addition - the Supreme Council of the Union, consisting of the seven rulers of the emirates; The Supreme Council of the Union is the highest constitutional body in the UAE, determines the general policy and sanctions of federal legislation, and the Council of Ministers is responsible to the Supreme Council for the implementation of these policies; meets four times a year; the rulers of the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have veto power.

Elections: The post of President of the United Arab Emirates is combined with the post of Emir of the capital emirate of Abu Dhabi. Since the emirate itself is an absolute monarchy, power in it, and therefore in the entire state, is inherited. The President of the UAE is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council. The head of state signs decrees and resolutions, confirmed by the Supreme Council, normative acts adopted by the Council of Ministers. In addition, the president appoints members of the diplomatic corps, senior civil and military officials, declares an amnesty or confirms death sentences. The Vice-President is appointed by the Supreme Council of the Union for a 5-year term. The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are appointed by the President.

Legislative branch in the UAE: The legislative power in the UAE is represented by the Federal National Council (Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani), which consists of representatives from each emirate, the number of which is enshrined in the constitution and is determined depending on the population, political and economic situation in a particular emirate. Each emirate is free to choose its own method of electing representatives to National Council. Currently, the Council consists of 40 deputies (8 each from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, 6 each from Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah, and 4 each from Fujairah, Quwain and Ajman).

The National Council is not a legislative body in the full sense of the word, since it does not have legislative initiative. Its powers include only the discussion of laws proposed by the Council of Ministers and to make amendments and additions at its discretion. The Council also has the power to veto any bill. However, in this case, the President has the right to pass the law after approval by the Supreme Council of the Union.

Judiciary in the UAE: The judiciary in the UAE is represented by the Supreme Union Court, which is the supreme federal court of the United Arab Emirates. It consists of a chairman and 4 independent judges (judges are appointed by the president). The High Court governs relations between the emirates, members Supreme Union, federal and local authorities.

Coat of arms of the United Arab Emirates

The emblem of the United Arab Emirates depicts a yellow falcon - a symbol of autocracy in the country, most occupied by the desert. The tail unit symbolizes the seven emirates - seven feathers.

If earlier falconry was a way of subsistence for the inhabitants of the coast, now it has been preserved as an elite entertainment, accessible only to the most affluent people. Now in the UAE such hunting is prohibited (in order to preserve the number of desert animals), and fans of this sport have to fly to other desert countries, for example, to Turkmenistan. By the way, in Dubai there is a special hospital for falcons with anesthesia equipment, cardiac pacemakers and x-ray machines.

On the chest of a falcon in a red circle (a symbol of courage and independence in the struggle for freedom), a wooden schooner "dhow" smoothly glides along the blue sea waves. It was on such ships that Arab divers went to sea for pearls. And not only they - warlike pirates plowed the sea. Trade and maritime affairs have long been the main occupations of the inhabitants of the coast. From the West and the East, jewelers, pearl and jewelry merchants came to the ports of the Arabian Peninsula.

UAE flag

The flag is made in pan-Arab colors: red, green, white and black, symbolizing overall Arab unity. Separately, each of the colors has its own meaning: green - fertility; white - neutrality; black - "black gold". UAE merchant ships often use a red flag with the national flag on the upper left side as their flag.

The content of the article

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)(Arabic Al-Amirat al-Arabiya al-Muttakhida), a federal state in Southwest Asia, in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, on the coast of the Persian and Oman gulfs. It borders Qatar to the north, Saudi Arabia to the south and southwest, and Oman to the northeast and southeast. In the north it is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, in the east by the Gulf of Oman. The total length of the border is 867 km, the coastline is 1318 km. The UAE includes the emirates: Abu Dhabi (Abu Zabi; an area of ​​67,350 sq. km, or 87% of the country), Dubai (Dibai; 3,900 sq. km, or 5%), Sharjah (2,600 sq. km, or 3.3%), Ajman (259 sq. km, or 0.3%), Ras al-Khaimah (1,700 sq. km, or 2.2%), Umm al-Qaiwain (750 sq. km, or 1%), Al-Fujairah (1150 sq. km, or 1.5%). Land borders run through deserts and are not clearly defined. Total area - approx. 83,600 sq. km (including the islands of Abu Musa, Big and Small Tomb). Population - about 3.13 million people, incl. 2.05 million non-citizens (2002). The capital is Abu Dhabi (420 thousand).

NATURE

Relief.

Most of the territory of the UAE is occupied by salt marshes and sandy deserts, in the west there are sandy and rocky deserts, in the east and northeast - the Hajar Mountains (the highest point is the city of Adan, 1127 m). The most high point countries - Mount Jabal Yibir (1527 m). To the east of the Gulf of El Udayd, located at the base of the Qatar Peninsula, moving sand dunes extend, along the coast there are flat, barren salt marshes. The shores are mostly low, the coast is indented by small bays, framed by islets and coral reefs protruding above the surface of shallow waters.

The main minerals are oil and natural gas. Oil reserves are estimated at 12,330 million tons (about 10% of world reserves). The main oil fields in Abu Dhabi are Asab, Beb, Bu Khasa, Al-Zakum, in Dubai - Fallah, Fateh, South-West Fateh, Margham, in Sharjah - Mubarak. Natural gas reserves amount to 5794 billion cubic meters. m. In terms of natural gas reserves, the UAE ranks 4th in the world after Russia, Iran and Qatar. There are also deposits of uranium, chromium and nickel ores and bauxites.

Climate

dry, transitional from tropical to subtropical. Air temperature from November to May ranges from 18 to 25°C, from June to August - from 30 to 35°C (maximum up to 50°C), average monthly temperatures range from 20° to 35°C. Summer, except for mountainous areas , very hot, in winter the weather becomes cooler. Precipitation falls approx. 100 mm, in the mountains 300–400 mm per year (maximum in winter). Occasionally there are heavy downpours that cause great damage, washing away roads and interrupting communications. There are no permanent rivers, temporary streams flow through the valleys, most of the year they are dry channels - wadis. Sources fresh water along the flat coast of the Persian Gulf are very few. There is no agriculture west of Abu Dhabi. Intensive water intake from underground sources has led to a significant decrease in the level of groundwater and its salinization.

Vegetation and fauna.

On the western slopes of the mountains there are large oases with vineyards, date palm, acacia, tamarisk; cereals, mangoes, bananas, lemons, and tobacco are also cultivated. In the mountains - savanna type vegetation. Hares, jerboas, gazelles, one-humped Arabian camels, some species of lizards and snakes are found in desert areas. The coastal waters of the Persian Gulf are rich in fish (sardines, herring, etc.) and pearls.

POPULATION

Demography.

From 1968 to 2003, the country's population increased 20 times, primarily due to the influx of foreign labor. In 2003, the total population of the UAE was 3.75 million people, incl. Abu Dhabi (1,186 thousand people, or 39% of the population, in 2000), Dubai (913 thousand inhabitants, or 28%), Sharjah (520 thousand), Ajman (174 thousand), Ras al- Khaimah (171 thousand), Umm al-Qaiwain (46 thousand), Al-Fujairah (98 thousand). As a result of immigration, there are serious disproportions in the sex structure of the population. Women now make up approximately 33% of the population as many workers choose to come to the UAE without their families. In the 1990s, the natural movement of the population was characterized by high births and low deaths. The average annual population growth in 1990-1995 was 5.3%, in 2003 - 1.57% (with a birth rate of 18.48, a death rate of 4.02 per 1000 people). Average life expectancy is 74 years (72 years for men, 77 years for women).

ethnic groups.

About 80% of the population are from other countries. In 2000, ethnic Arabs made up 48.1% of the total population (of which UAE Arabs - 12.2%, Bedouins - 9.4%, Egyptian Arabs - 6.2%, Omani Arabs - 4.1%, Saudi Arabs - 4% ), South Asians - 35.7%, Iranians - 5%, Filipinos - 3.4%, Europeans - 2.4%, others - 5.4%. The number of UAE citizens, according to various estimates, has not exceeded 25% of the population in recent decades. At the same time, the most numerous ethnic groups are (as of 2003) people from India (about 30%, or 1.2 million) and Pakistan (about 20%).

Work force.

The economically active population is 1.6 million people. (2000), of which 73.9% is foreign labor (2002). About 78% are employed in the service sector, 15% in industry, and 7% in agriculture (2000). In general, since the late 1990s, there has been a trend towards a reduction in the number of people employed in industry and agriculture. The most significant role in the local economy is played by foreign workers from India and Pakistan. Since 2002, the government has been taking measures to “emiratize personnel” (it should be noted that a very small number of local residents work in the industrial sector). As part of the personnel reforms, it is envisaged that up to 90% of government institutions, 80% of economic and financial institutions, 60% - justice bodies. At the same time, the struggle to limit the influx of foreign labor is intensifying. In 1996, as part of an amnesty declared for illegal immigrants and foreign citizens with expired visas and documents, 150 thousand people left the country; during the amnesty in 2003, another approx. 80 thousand people Unemployment in 1996 reached 2.6%.

Urbanization.

Most of the population is concentrated on the coast and in oases. Citizens make up 84% of the country's population (1996). In the interior desert regions there is a very rare nomadic, semi-nomadic and settled indigenous Arab population (Emirati Arabs, Bedouins), which retains tribal division. The largest tribes among nomads and semi-nomads are the beni-kitab, among the settled population - avamir, beni hajir, beni mura, beniyaz, davasir, kavasim, menasir, naim, us, shamis. Largest cities: Dubai (710 thousand), Abu Dhabi (928 thousand), Sharjah (325 thousand), Al Ain (240 thousand), Ajman (120 thousand), Ras Al Khaimah (80 thousand .). Average density - 38 people / sq. km (2003); the average density in the emirates is: in Abu Dhabi - 12.7 people / sq. km, Umm al-Qaywaine - 45.1 people / sq. km, El Fujairah - 58.7 people / sq. km, Ras al-Khaimah - 84.9 people / sq. km, Sharjah - 154 people / sq. km, Dubai - 172.8 people / sq. km, Ajman - 456.9 people / sq. km (as of 1996).

Language.

The official language is Arabic (native only for 40% of the population). The dialect of the locals is as close as possible to classical Arabic, with small inclusions of Bedouin words and expressions. The most spoken languages ​​in immigrant communities are Hindi and Urdu, as well as Malay (13%), Balochi (8%), Pashto (6%), Farsi (5%), Telugu (5%), Somali (4%), Bengali (3%). Most residents speak spoken English.

Religion.

The state religion is Islam, mostly Sunni. Muslims make up 96% of believers (approx. 16% of the population are Shiites, living mainly in Dubai); Christians, Hindus, etc. - approx. 4% (1995). According to the laws, the spread of other religions and the conversion of Muslims to another faith is prohibited, which is punishable by a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years. Muslim (lunar Hijra) and Gregorian calendars are used.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

Federal authorities.

The UAE is a federal state. Each of the emirates included in the federation is an absolute monarchy and retains significant independence. The federal authorities consist of: the Federal Supreme Council, the head of state and his deputy, the Council of Ministers, the Federal National Assembly, the Supreme Federal Court.

According to the 1971 constitution (as amended in 1976; provisional until 1996), supreme body the state power is the Federal Supreme Council (FSC), consisting of the rulers of the seven emirates. The Council meets 4 times a year and has broad powers. In its exclusive jurisdiction, the ratification of international treaties and agreements; introduction and lifting of a state of emergency; declaration of war; appointment of the chairman and members of the Supreme Federal Court. Along with this, the Supreme Council determines the general federal policy and exercises supreme control over the affairs of the federation; approves federal legislation; appointment of the President, Vice President, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Chairman of the Supreme Court and its members and accepting the resignation of each of them. For all decisions made, except for procedural matters, a majority of 5 votes is required in the Supreme Council, subject to the consent of the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, who have the right of veto.

Every 5 years, from among its members, the Supreme Council elects the head of the federation and his deputy - the president and vice president. The constitution gives the head of state broad legislative and executive powers. While exercising executive power through the ministers, the president at the same time presides over meetings of the FVS and has the right to veto any of its decisions. He can issue decrees and acts on any issues other than those within the exclusive competence of the FVS; appoint and remove the prime minister, his deputy and the cabinet of ministers. The head of state has the right (with the consent of the Supreme Council) to dissolve the national assembly. It issues federal laws and supervises the implementation by the Council of Ministers and individual ministers of federal laws, decrees and acts; approves death sentences and also has the power to pardon and commute sentences.

The permanent president of the UAE (since 1971) is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the vice president (since October 8, 1990) is the Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum ibn Rashid Al Maktoum (last elections were held on December 2, 2001).

executive power belongs to the Council of Ministers (consists of 21 ministers and one vice-premier), appointed by the head of state. The Council of Ministers directly manages all internal and external affairs of the federation under the supervision of the head of state and the Federal Supreme Assembly. The Council of Ministers may legislate in all areas of ordinary jurisdiction, except in matters relating to the ratification of international treaties and agreements, the imposition or repeal of martial law, the declaration of war, and the like.

Since 1990, the post of prime minister has been occupied by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the first deputy prime minister is Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Role deliberative body belongs to the unicameral Federal National Assembly (FNC, Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani). It consists of 40 representatives appointed by the rulers of the emirates for 2 years: 8 deputies each from Abu Dhabi and Dubai (with the right of veto), 6 from Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, 4 from Ajman, Umm El Qaiwain and Fujairah. There is no electoral legislation, each emirate independently determines the method of electing deputies to parliament. From among its members, the Federal Tax Service elects the presidium and the chairman of the National Assembly. Al-Haj Abdullah Al Mohairabi from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is currently the Chairman of the Federal Tax Service.

The National Assembly has neither legislative power nor even legislative initiative. The Federal Tax Service has the right only to consider draft laws prepared by the Council of Ministers, propose amendments to them and even reject them, but the decisions of the meeting have no legal force. It has the right to discuss any issue, provided that the Council of Ministers does not consider the discussion of this issue contrary to the highest interests of the federal state. In addition, the National Assembly may make recommendations, which are also non-binding and may be rejected by the Council of Ministers.

The constitution guarantees independence judiciary. The federal judiciary has been in existence since 1971; all emirates joined it, with the exception of Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah. All emirates have secular and Islamic (Sharia) laws for civil, criminal and higher courts. The supreme body of the judiciary is the Federal Supreme Court(consisting of 6 members), whose judges are appointed by the president.

Local authorities.

In parallel with the federal institutions, each of the emirates has its own governing bodies.

The emirates are led by hereditary monarchs (sheikhs or emirs). Power usually passes through the male line to the eldest son of the ruler, but the ruler may appoint another senior relative from this dynasty as heir. Each ruler has the highest legislative and executive power and directly conducts all internal and external affairs that are not within the competence of the federal authorities.

The largest and most populous emirate, Abu Dhabi, has its own government, which is formed on the same principle as the federal government, and is headed by Crown Prince Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Advisory functions belong to the National Advisory Council, which has the same powers as the Federal National Assembly. It consists of 60 members representing the main tribes and influential families of the emirate.

Various administrative functions in all emirates, many local departments (police and security, public works, health care, education, water and electricity, finance, customs, etc.). Some of the departments are subordinate to federal ministries. The broadest administrative system has been created in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It covers almost all spheres of life in these emirates.

There is no official administrative-territorial division in the emirates. Only Abu Dhabi is administratively divided into three districts. Along with this, in Abu Dhabi there is a system of representatives of the ruler. At present, there are five such representatives: in the Eastern and Western regions, on Das Island, where an important oil terminal is located, and others.

Currently, all the capitals of the emirates, as well as the cities of Al Ain (Abu Dhabi), For Fakkan and Kalba (Sharjah), have municipalities. All municipalities are headed by members of the ruling dynasties. In the capitals of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah, municipal councils have been established under the municipalities, including various departments. Their members are also appointed by the rulers. The functions of municipalities include issues of local government (organization of water and electricity supply, improvement of streets, etc.).

In small and remote settlements, the ruler and the government of each emirate may appoint a local representative, emir or wali, through whom the inhabitants can address the government with their own requests. In most cases, local tribal leaders are appointed as local representatives of the emir.

Political parties.

There is no organized opposition, the activities of political parties and trade unions are prohibited. The majority of the non-Emirati Arab population has neither civil nor political rights. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch are trying to convince the government of the need for legislative reform.

Foreign policy.

The UAE is a member of the UN, the League of Arab States, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, etc. Since its formation, the UAE has officially joined the group of non-aligned countries and acted in it from the position of "absolute neutrality", which allowed them to maintain "equidistance" from the West and the East . In matters of a Middle East settlement, the UAE advocates the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from all occupied Arab territories. They also demand that all legitimate rights of the Arab people of Palestine be secured, incl. his right to establish his own state. With regard to the Iran-Iraq war, the UAE supported Iraq, providing it with material and moral assistance, and at the same time maintained economic ties with Iran. Importance is attached to participation in the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), in which the UAE sees an effective mechanism for ensuring regional stability and cooperation.

Territorial disputes.

In 1999, a border agreement was signed with Oman, but the final definition of the border between the two countries was postponed until 2002. Separate sections of the border between the emirates of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, including the Musandam peninsula, remain undefined. The status of the UAE border with Saudi Arabia has not been finally established (details of the 1974 and 1977 agreements have not been made public). The conflict with Iran continues over the islands of Abu Musa, Big and Small Tomb, occupied by Iranian troops in November 1971. In 2000, Tehran declared the islands an integral part of its territory, and the issue of them was closed.

Armed forces.

The united armed forces of the UAE were created in 1976, but in 1978 the armed forces of Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah left their structure (the latter subsequently returned back). Dubai still retains significant independence in the military field.

The national armed forces consist of the ground forces, the air force and the navy. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the head of state, the direct command of the armed forces is carried out by the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. The Ministry of Defense is located in Dubai, the General Staff is in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Minister of Defense of the United Arab Emirates.

Total population armed forces is approx. 65 thousand people (2000). The ground forces (59 thousand people, including 12-15 thousand of the Emirate of Dubai) have 2 armored, 2 motorized infantry, 2 infantry, artillery brigades, 2 combined brigades (Dubai) and a royal guard brigade. It is armed with 487 tanks, 620 armored personnel carriers, 615 infantry fighting vehicles, as well as rockets and artillery mounts. The Air Force (4 thousand people) includes 10 air squadrons, is armed with 108 combat aircraft, 42 helicopters and up to 80 military transport aircraft and helicopters. The Navy (2.4 thousand people, including 200 officers) consists of units of combat and auxiliary ships. They are armed with 27 ships. The main naval bases are Dalma, Mina Zayed (Abu Dhabi), Mina Khalid, Khor Fakan, Towella (Sharjah). Manning is carried out on the principle of voluntary recruitment, while the number of foreign volunteers reaches 30% of the total number of armed forces.

In addition to the regular armed forces, there is also a coast guard and a maritime police - 1200 people. (including 110 officers). Ensuring internal security and police functions are carried out by the Federal Police Forces (about 6 thousand people) and the National Guard (about 4 thousand people). Each emirate has its own National Guard.

The UAE buys the most modern weapons, mostly Western-made; in the 1990s, a number of major contracts were also signed with Russia. In March 2000, one of the largest arms deals in world history took place: the UAE purchased 80 F-16 jet fighters from Lockheed Martin for $8 million. Defense spending by the UAE remains among the highest in the Gulf region. All R. In the 1990s, they reached 2 billion dollars, in 1999 - 3.8 billion, in 2000 - 3.9 billion, in 2002 - St. 4 billion

ECONOMY

The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a significant annual surplus. Since 1973, the UAE has evolved from the poorest region of small desert principalities into a modern state with a high standard of living. The largest of the emirates, Abu Dhabi, provides 90% of oil and gas production and 60% of the GDP of the UAE. Due to the smaller oil and gas reserves, Dubai has become a trade, commercial and transport center. The main focus of Sharjah is on light industry and the development of port communications. The rest of the emirates (known as the northern emirates) are considered to be poorer than the others and together account for only 6.6% of GDP (1996). In 2002, the UAE's GDP reached $53 billion. The average annual per capita income increased from $9,635 (1996) to $22,000 (2002).

The plans of the UAE leadership include further diversification of the economy, which today is mainly focused on oil. Analysis of the data shows that the share of non-oil industries in GDP increased from 36.73% in 1980 to 77.64% in 1998, while the share of the manufacturing sector increased from 3.76% in 1980 to 12.4% in 1998. Yet the share of oil in the country's GDP remains quite high.

Oil and gas.

The UAE has huge oil reserves (97.8 billion barrels, or 10% of world reserves). At the current level of production, oil and gas reserves should last until the beginning of the 22nd century. The wealth of the country is based on the export of oil and gas (approx. 33% of GDP) and depends on fluctuations in the prices of these products. Oil production on the shelf off the coast of Abu Dhabi has been carried out since 1962, on the mainland of Abu Dhabi - since 1963. In 1995, the UAE produced an average of 290 thousand tons per day, while Abu Dhabi accounted for 83%, Dubai - 15%, Sharjah - 2%. Abu Dhabi ranks third in terms of oil production in the Middle East (after Saudi Arabia and Iran). In Dubai, main business center UAE, oil-based economic boom started before it even started (1969). A small amount of oil is also produced in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. UAE oil production quotas are set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), but the UAE has not always adhered to these limits. For example, in 1990, during Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, oil production in the country doubled the quota. The UAE also has rich natural gas deposits. Its reserves are approx. 5.3 billion cubic meters m (3.8% of world reserves), according to this indicator, the UAE ranks third in the Middle East.

Industry.

Other important sectors of the economy, in addition to oil and gas production, are manufacturing, oil refining, shipbuilding and ship repair. In addition to petroleum products, the country produces steel, aluminum, fertilizers, cement, plastics, machinery and clothing, and handicrafts. Large gas processing facilities are located in Ruweis, Jebel Ali, Das Island, Sharjah. The building materials industry is developing. 9 cement plants produce approx. 5 million tons of cement per year. There is an aluminum plant with a capacity of 240 thousand tons per year.

The number of enterprises with more than 10 employees has almost tripled in 10 years (from 1990 to 1999): from 705 to 1859. Further study of statistical data shows that industrial production is concentrated in cities: Dubai (678 out of 1859 enterprises ), Sharjah (581), Ajman and Abu Dhabi. The largest plants and factories in the country operate in the capital.

Traditional handicrafts are developed - the manufacture of carpets, woolen fabrics, chasing gold and silver products, pearl and coral mining.

The industry accounts for approx. 46% of GDP (2000). In 2000, industrial production grew by 4%.

Agriculture.

The UAE is a semi-arid country with little rainfall. Agriculture provides only 3% of GDP and employs 7% of the working population (2000). The main branches of agriculture are fishing, farming and nomadic cattle breeding. The total area of ​​cultivated land is 54.5 thousand hectares (1994). The main areas for the development of agriculture are the eastern part of Ras al-Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, the northeast of Sharjah, part of the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Dates and vegetables are mainly grown. Efforts are being made to achieve self-sufficiency in grain, but this is hampered by the lack of fresh water. Poultry and cattle are bred. Nomads breed sheep, goats and camels. Basic food needs are met through imports.

Transport.

The transport network has been significantly improved due to large oil export revenues. There are no railways in the UAE, domestic transportation is mainly provided by road. All emirates are interconnected by four-lane highways. The main highway runs from Ash Sham through all the major coastal cities to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Total length highways 2,000 km incl. 1,800 km built since 1993. Dubai is the main regional and international center sea ​​and air communications. Most of the overseas traffic is carried out by sea. Own maritime transport is poorly developed. The merchant fleet includes 56 ships (2002). A significant amount of cargo is transported on foreign ships. The most important ports of the UAE are Jabel Api (since 1988) and Port Rashid (in Dubai), Zayed (in Abu Dhabi), El Fujairah. The emirate of Dubai has the world's largest dry dock, designed to repair tankers with a displacement of up to 1 million tons. There are 6 international airports - in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, El Fujairah. Services international airport About 11 million people used Dubai in 1999. In total, there are 40 airports for various purposes in the country (1999). The length of oil pipelines is 830 km, gas pipelines - 870 km.

Free economic zones.

In order to attract foreign capital in 1985 in the Emirate of Dubai in the area of ​​the port of Jebel Ali, a free economic zone (FEZ) was created, in which 2,300 companies operate, 1/4 of which are small and medium-sized industrial companies. Main specialization: trading operations (74%), industry (22%), services (4%). The successful experiment at Jebel Ali prompted the UAE governments to create new free economic zones. Currently, there are nine SEZs in the UAE, more than in any other Arab country. According to available data, the percentage of industrial projects to total number sold in the SEZ is: in Sharjah - 17.7%, Fujairah - 39.8%, Ajman - 41.3%, Umm al-Qaiwain - 100%.

Trade.

The export of the UAE is represented mainly by oil and oil products (45%). The total volume of exports increased from $22.6 billion (1993) to $44.9 billion (2002). In addition to oil, important export items are liquefied gas, aluminum, fertilizers, cement, fresh and dried fish, dates, pearls. Main exporting countries: Japan (29.1%), South Korea(10.2%), India (5.4%), Oman (3.7%), Singapore (3.1%), Iran (2.2%) (as of 2001). The UAE imports machinery and equipment, vehicles, electronic equipment and household appliances, finished products, foodstuffs, chemicals, synthetic materials, metal products. The volume of imports in 1999 was 27.5 billion dollars, in 2002 - 30.8 billion dollars. Main trading partners: USA (6.7%), Germany (6.6%), Japan (6.5%) , France (6.3%), China (6.1%), UK (5.9%), South Korea (5.5%) (as of 2001). Trading firms in the UAE, especially in the emirate of Dubai, are widely involved in the re-export trade.

National monetary unit - dirham (AED) = 100 fils (since May 1973).

SOCIETY

Health and welfare.

The creation of the healthcare system dates back to 1943, when the first hospital was opened in Dubai. In 1971 a network of medical institutions existed in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Dibba. Since the formation of the UAE, the health care system has been characterized by rapid growth but lack of coordination. By the early 1990s, cooperation between the emirates in the field of health has intensified, but oil companies and the armed forces still have their own medical facilities. The health system offers free care to all citizens; in 1982, in connection with the reduction of income from oil exports, the government introduced paid services for non-citizens, except in emergency cases. In 1995, 15,361 employees were employed in the health care system, incl. OK. 3 thousand citizens of the UAE; doctors - 3803, incl. 1839 in the private sector. In 1995, there were 1227 people for every doctor and 454 people for every nurse. In 1986 there were 40 hospitals (with 3,900 beds) and 119 clinics in the country, in 1995 there were 51 hospitals (with 6,357 beds). During the health care reforms, infant mortality dropped from 145 per 1,000 births in 1960 to 15.58 in 2000. In 1985, health workers attended 96% of births. Life expectancy increased from 53 years in 1960 to 74.75 years in 2003. The top causes of death reported in Abu Dhabi in 1989 per 100,000 population were: accidents and poisonings, 43.7%; cardiovascular diseases– 34.3%; cancer - 13.7%; respiratory diseases - 8.1%. As of December 1990, there were 8 cases of HIV infection.

The country has an extensive social protection network, which includes family centers aimed at solving domestic problems and teaching women about housekeeping skills. There is psychological assistance for disadvantaged youth; providing assistance to victims of epidemics and disasters. Widows, orphans, the elderly, the disabled and others who are unable to support themselves receive social benefits. In 1975, almost 24,000 citizens received 87.7 million dirhams as part of social assistance; in 1982 about 121,000 people received 275 million dirhams. Other social benefits provided to the citizens of the UAE: free housing and subsidies for the arrangement of an apartment. However, the Department of Public Works and Housing reported in 1992 that 70% of the government's 15,000 low-income homes were found to be uninhabitable.

Education.

The first private schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah were opened in the early 1900s. In sheikhs and sultanates, small study groups functioned at mosques. In the 1920s and 1930s, as a result of the economic crisis, most schools were closed. Secular elementary schools began to appear in the 1950s. The first British school with teachers from Arab countries was opened in Sharjah in 1953 with 450 boys aged 6 to 17. Soon the first elementary school for girls was founded in Sharjah. The British government opened schools in Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah and Hawr Fakkan, founded an agricultural school in Ras al-Khaimah in 1955 and a technical school in Sharjah in 1958. Since 1958, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Egypt have allocated large funds for the construction of schools and the salaries of teachers. The first own education system was created in Abu Dhabi in the early 1960s. By the 1964-1965 academic year, there were 6 schools, where 390 boys and 138 girls studied. In other emirates, 31 schools worked, incl. 12 schools for girls.

After the creation of the UAE, the problems of education became one of the priorities in government programs. In the period 1971–1978, spending on education was second in the federal budget after defense. The law provides for compulsory secondary education for UAE nationals. The education system includes: pre-schools for children aged 4 to 6, primary schools (6 years of education), lower secondary schools (3 years of education) and high schools (3 years of education). Education is separate, in some primary schools co-education is carried out. In rural areas, education in primary schools lasts no more than 2-3 years. In the 1973–1974 academic year, there were about 140 schools with about 50,000 students, incl. 32,000 in elementary schools, 14,000 in junior high schools, 3,000 in high schools. In the 1990-1991 academic year, there were about 760 schools with about 338,000 students, incl. 49 thousand in preschools, 227 thousand in elementary schools and 111 thousand in secondary schools. In the 1995–1996 academic year, there were 1,132 schools in the country with 422,000 students (1994–1995). A third of the students attended private or religious schools.

Vocational training is provided at commercial and agricultural schools, as well as at oil industry training centers in Abu Dhabi. In the 1996-1997 academic year, 1925 people studied in 7 vocational schools and centers.

Higher education, both primary and secondary, is free for all citizens of the UAE. The main institutions of higher education are: Al Ain University of the United Arab Emirates (founded in 1977; over 15,000 students); Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi (founded in 1988), Al Ain (founded in 1988), Dubai (founded in 1989) and Ras Al Khaimah (founded in 1989); Etisalat College of Engineering in Sharjah; Ajman University of Science and Technology (founded in 1988); University of Sharjah (founded in 1997); American University of Sharjah (founded in 1997); Al Bayan University (founded in 1997; first private university in Abu Dhabi); Dubai Aviation College (founded in 1991-1992). Many citizens of the UAE receive higher education in the USA, Great Britain, and other Arab countries.

In addition to educational institutions for children and adolescents, there is a network of educational institutions for adults who have not received the appropriate education. The number of adult education centers grew from 54 (in 1972) to 139 (in 1996-1997) with 18,000 students. In 1993, the number of illiterates fell to 16.8% compared to 79% in 1968. According to the UN, the literate population in 2003 was 77.9% (76.1% men, 81.7% women).

Press, radio, television, internet.

The media operating in the country, subject to loyalty to the ruling dynasties and the government, enjoy relative freedom. There are 5 daily newspapers published in Arabic in the country: Akhbar Dubai (since 1965), Al-Bayan (Dubai, since 1980, circulation 35,000), Al-Wahda (Abu Dhabi, since 1973, circulation 15,000), Al-Ittihad (Abu Dhabi, since 1972, circulation 58,000), Al-Khalij (in the Principality of Sharjah, since 1970, circulation 58,000); 4 newspapers in English: Gulf News (Abu Dhabi, circulation 24.5 thousand), Ricorder (Abu Dhabi and Sharjah), Trade and Industry (Abu Dhabi, since 1975, circulation 9 thousand) , Emirates News (Abu Dhabi). Abu Dhabi is home to the United Arab Emirates News Agency (UAE, founded in 1976). The government radio and television service is based in Dubai. Broadcasting from ser. 1960s, currently operating 22 radio stations (1998). Television since 1968, there are 15 television stations (1997). There is only one Internet Provider, Etisalat company. The number of Internet users is more than 300 thousand (as of 2002).

STORY

From ancient times to the beginning of modern times.

According to the latest archaeological finds, the first traces of human presence in this region date back to 7 thousand BC. In 5 thousand BC. among the peoples inhabiting these areas, agriculture became widespread. In 4 thousand BC. the coast of the bay becomes an important trading point on the route of sea vessels between the Sumerian civilization of Mesopotamia and ancient India. In 3 thousand BC. in the east of the Arabian Peninsula, the ancient state of Dilmun arose, which existed until 2000–1000 BC. The creation of the first settlements and trading posts of the Phoenicians on the coast, which contributed to the development of navigation, the formation of trading centers and colonies, belongs to the same period. In the 6th c. BC. the territory of modern UAE fell under the rule of the Persian Achaemenid dynasty. In the 4th c. BC. As a result of the conquests of Alexander the Great, Greek trading colonies arose here. Starting from the 3rd c. BC. the territory of the southeastern coast was in the sphere of influence of the Parthian kingdom. This period also includes the migration of Arab tribes from the south and from the center of the Arabian Peninsula to the Persian Gulf region. After the fall of the Parthian kingdom in the 3rd-6th centuries. AD the peoples inhabiting the coast became part of the Sassanid state; Persian agricultural colonies were created in the country, Judaism and Christianity became widespread among the local population; there were Christian churches and monasteries. In the 7th century this territory was included in the Arab Caliphate; such big cities like Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah; Islam became the dominant religion. In con. 7th c. the bay area became part of the Umayyad Caliphate. In the middle of the 8th c. the population of the country (in particular, the principalities of Sharjah and Dubai) participated in the uprising of the tribes of Oman against the governor of the Umayyad caliph; as a result, in the middle of the 8th–9th centuries. Principalities (emirates) were ruled by virtually independent rulers. At the end of the 9th c. they turned into tributaries of the Baghdat Caliphate. In the 10th century separate principalities became part of the state of the Karmatians, the Muslim Shiite sect of the Ismailis, which existed until the end of the 11th century. In the beginning. 13th c. most of the local rulers (in particular, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah) became vassals of the Hormuz state.

From the beginning of the 16th century to the middle of the 19th century.

After the opening of the sea route to India (1498), the Persian Gulf region became the most important point of European influence in the region. From the beginning of the 16th century and until the middle of the 17th century. part of the coast of the Persian and Gulf of Hormuz was under the rule of the Portuguese, who established a monopoly on all trade between Far East, India and Southeast Asia. The main rival of Portugal was the Ottoman Empire, which incited the Arab tribes to revolt against the Portuguese invaders. However, soon the Persian Gulf became the object of the struggle between England, France, the Netherlands, Persia and Oman. After the displacement of the Portuguese in the middle. 17th century on the territory of modern UAE and Oman, the state of Yaruba was founded, extending its influence to the northeast and West Coast Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.

In the 2nd floor. 18th century control over southeast coast The Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz were captured by the tribal confederation of al-qawasim; their power extended to the sheikhdoms of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, the Musandam peninsula, as well as the southwestern coast of Iran and some islands in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. With a fairly strong fleet, the al-qawasim established complete maritime control over navigation.

In the 2nd half of the 18th century. Oman, especially its coastal regions, became the object of struggle first between Great Britain (represented by the East India Company) and France, and then between the Wahhabi rulers of Central Arabia. In 1798, an agreement was signed between representatives of the East India Company and the Sultan of Muscat, who also sought to establish control over this part of Arabia, which marked the beginning of British expansion. British ships under the slogan of "free navigation" tried to monopolize the flow of goods between the ports of the Persian Gulf and deprive the locals of their main source of livelihood. This led to conflicts between the East India Company and the local Arab population (the British called it pirates, in connection with which the entire area received the name "Pirate Coast"). The main opponent of the East India Company was al-qawasim, who at that moment fell under the influence of Wahhabism. England used al-qawasim's attacks on individual military and merchant ships as a pretext for starting a war.

In 1801, under the slogan of combating piracy and the slave trade, warships of the East India Company blockaded the coast of the Persian Gulf and attacked Arab merchant ships. In 1800-1803 and in 1805-1806, the British and their ally, the Sultan of Muscat, led with varying success fighting against the tribes of the Pirate Coast.

In 1806, the East India Company imposed a treaty on the sheikhs al-qawasim, according to which the latter were obliged to respect the flag and property of the company. However, the agreement was not actually respected.

In 1809, the military forces of the East India Company resumed hostilities, destroying a significant part of the Wahhabi fleet (more than 100 ships) and shelling the fortress of Ras al-Khaimah from the sea. However, already in 1814, the Wahhabis again seized control of by sea and the next two years blocked the approaches to the Persian Gulf.

Taking advantage of the defeat of the Wahhabis on land, the British sent in 1818 a new squadron to the "Pirate Coast" with the goal of putting an end to piracy once and for all. On December 9, 1819, they stormed the fortress of Ras al-Khaimah. All Arab-owned ships, including fishing boats, were burned. The defeat forced the emirs and sheikhs of 9 Arab principalities to sign the so-called. "General Treaty of Peace" (January 8 - March 15, 1820), proclaiming "freedom of navigation" in the Persian Gulf and obliging to stop pirate attacks on English ships, as well as the practice of slavery and the slave trade. England received the right of unlimited dominance in the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs; it was recognized the right to supervise navigation and control the courts of local rulers. In fact, this agreement marked the beginning of the establishment of British control over this territory and the final dismemberment of Oman into 3 parts - the Imamate of Oman, the Sultanate of Muscat and the "Pirate Coast".

In 1821, the fleets of England and Muscat inflicted another defeat on the sheikhs of the Persian Gulf, who had not joined the General Peace Treaty.

Despite the agreement, the attacks of the sheikhs on each other continued. In an effort to control dynastic and tribal strife, the British forced a new agreement on the coastal tribes. In 1835, between representatives of the East India Company and local rulers, the so-called. First maritime agreement about a truce for six months (subsequently, this agreement was annually extended) for the season of pearl fishing, which was then the main source of income for the sheikhs.

In 1838, after several unsuccessful attempts to end the slave trade in the area, the British decided to take full control of the Pirate's Coast, Oman, Muscat, Bahrain and Kuwait, and establish a permanent presence of their warships in the bay. In 1839, an agreement was concluded between Great Britain and Muscat on joint actions against piracy and the slave trade, to which the sheikhs of the "Pirate Coast" were attached in the same year.

In 1843, England imposed a new agreement on the rulers of the Pirate Coast, which extended the validity of the First Naval Agreement (1835) by 10 years. In accordance with it, the sheikhs were obliged to obey any decisions of the representatives of the East India Company acting on behalf of the British authorities. Failure or violation of them was considered as a violation of the "First Maritime Agreement".

In 1847, in addition to the agreement of 1835, an agreement was signed that significantly expanded the prerogatives of Great Britain in the Persian Gulf. This agreement gave the East India Company the right to search merchant ships suspected of piracy and the slave trade. He placed responsibility for violating the prohibition of the slave trade on the sheikhs who signed the treaty, and also granted the right to representatives of the East India Company to act as an arbitrator in conflicts between local rulers. Economically, the treaty gave the UK a number of benefits and the right to exploit the pearly shoals of Bahrain and the "Pirate Coast".

Negotiated Oman.

With the defeat of the Wahhabis, who tried in 1851-1852 to regain control of the Persian Gulf, England imposed a new agreement on the rulers of the emirates. In May 1853, the sheikhs of Ras al-Khaimah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ajman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi signed the Treaty of Permanent maritime world". In accordance with it, the “Pirate Coast” was renamed “Trucial Oman” (Trucial Oman), or “Treaty Coast”. England assumed the responsibility to mediate in the settlement of land disputes, as well as to protect the emirates from attack by a third party. The representative of the East India Company received the official right to punish all violators of the contract, including sheikhs.

Under an 1869 agreement, the sheikhs of Trucial Oman pledged not to independently conclude agreements with third countries, not to grant them any privileges, and not to lease the territories of their emirates without the consent of England.

In 1892, several more agreements were signed, which led to the establishment of a complete English protectorate over Trucial Oman. In 1898, in addition to this agreement, another treaty was signed that prohibited the sheikhs of Treaty Oman from buying or selling weapons. British military bases were established on the territory of the sheikhs (in particular, on the territory of Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi). Political power was exercised by an English liaison officer for the Persian Gulf zone (headquartered in Sharjah), who was subordinate to the political resident, first in Bushehr (Iran), then in Bahrain.

At the beginning of the 20th century the number of sheikhs has changed. In September 1900, Ras al-Khaimah became part of Sharjah (since 1921, again an independent sheikhship), at the same time, in 1902, Al-Fujairah separated from Sharjah (recognized in March 1952) and in 1903 - Kalba (recognized in 1936, in 1952 re-incorporated into Sharjah).

Basic Income Arab population during this period, the pearl trade continued to bring. In 1911, the British entered into an agreement obliging the rulers of the sheikhs not to grant concessions to anyone except England for pearling and sponge fishing in their waters. By the beginning of World War I, under the Anglo-Turkish Convention of 1913, England received the exclusive right to Trucial Oman, and in 1922 the British established their control over the right of sheikhs to grant anyone concessions for exploration and production of oil.

Until the early 1930s, British communications with the coast remained extremely limited. The expansion of the Wahhabi rulers of Najd further undermined the position of Great Britain in this region. In the hinterland, where the power of the British was always nominal, the tribes tended to unite with the Wahhabis of Central Arabia. Only in 1932 did British Airways need the territory of Treaty Oman for the construction of intermediate airports (a rest house for passengers and crew in Sharjah) on the way between London and India.

In the late 1920s, an economic crisis broke out on the coast, caused by the appearance of Japanese cultured pearls on the world market.

The discovery of oil has changed the strategic and economic importance of this remote corner british empire. Fearing that this area might fall into the hands of competitors, the British quickly created the Petroleum Development of Trushill Coast company. In 1937, British oil companies received concessions for the extraction and exploration of oil in Dubai and Sharjah, in 1938 - in Ras al-Khaimah and Kalba, in 1939 - in Abu Dhabi and Ajman.

Taking into account the increased weight of Treaty Oman in the region, London began to develop a plan to unite the sheikhs subject to it into a federal Arab state, which was also to include Iraq, Transjordan and Palestine. The plans of England seriously alarmed the population of the emirates. Anti-feudal and anti-colonial actions became more frequent there. In Sharjah, it came to open clashes, during which the airfield built by the British was destroyed. The tribes on the border with Muscat and Oman, with weapons in their hands, prevented the cartographic survey. Eventually London was forced to abandon the federation plan.

In 1938–1939 there was an unsuccessful attempt at political reform in Dubai. The ruling dynasty founded the Financial Council, consisting of local nobility, which, however, tried to remove it from power. A year later, the Council was dissolved.

During the Second World War, the sheikhs of Trucial Oman adhered to a policy of neutrality, after the war their status was upgraded to emirates (principalities), at the same time, the first steps were taken to integrate the emirates into a federation. In 1945 and 1950-1951, several meetings of the rulers of the emirates took place, at which issues of unification of the police forces, customs administration, and the monetary system were discussed. In 1951, to protect the personnel of oil companies, local armed forces were created, the so-called. "Scouts of Treaty Oman" (number - 1600 people, led by British officers). In 1952, with the creation of two institutions - the Council of the Trucial States, headed by a British political agent in Dubai, and the Fund for the Development of the Trucial States - the foundations of the future federation were laid.

At the same time, internal and external border conflicts continued, often caused by the economic interests of Western monopolies. In 1947-1949 there were clashes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The internal political situation in the 1940s–1950s was complicated by the rivalry between British and American oil companies. Until the mid-1950s, the most acute subject of dispute between ARAMCO, Iraq Petroleum Company and Royal Dutch-Shell was the oil-bearing lands of the oasis of El Buraimi, claims on which since the 19th century. presented by the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Oman. In 1949, search parties of the American oil company ARAMCO appeared here, acting in the interests of Saudi Arabia; in 1952, Saudi forces established their control over al-Buraimi. Only in October 1955, after the failure of negotiations, the armed forces of Oman and Abu Dhabi, supported by the British, again took possession of the oasis.

In 1953 Abu Dhabi granted an oil concession to an Anglo-French consortium. In 1958, large reserves of oil were discovered here, in the place of Bab, located in the desert, and in 1962, its production and export began. Within a few years, the modest emirate has turned into a great oil-producing state in the Middle East. In 1966 oil fields were discovered in Dubai, and in 1973 in Sharjah and other emirates.

The discovery of oil caused an aggravation of the political situation in the country. In 1961-1963, an anti-imperialist movement developed in a number of emirates, supported by some representatives of the ruling circles. In 1962, the ruler of Sharjah gave the concession to an American oil company, which caused dissatisfaction with official London. The ruler of Sharjah was followed by the sheikh of Ras al-Khaimah. In October 1964, bypassing the British authorities, the commission of the League of Arab States (LAS), with the consent of the rulers of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, visited a number of points in Trucial Oman. In response to these moves, the ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saqr III ibn Sultan al Qasimi (1925–1993), was arrested by the British authorities and declared deposed; An assassination attempt was made on the life of the ruler of Ras al-Khaimah, Sheikh Saqr ibn Mohammed al Qasimi. In an effort to prevent further LAS interference in the affairs of Trucial Oman, the British authorities in July 1965 held a meeting in Dubai of 7 sheikh rulers, at which a decision was made to form an Economic Development Council, and 15 major economic projects were considered that were supposed to contribute to the development of these territories. . However, performances continued, capturing even the relatively prosperous Abu Dhabi in 1966. In response to this, on August 6, 1966, a bloodless coup was organized in Abu Dhabi; As a result of the decision of the sheikhs of the Nahyan family, who removed the ruling emir Sheikh Shahbut, Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al Nahyan (the current head of the UAE) came to power.

Until the middle of 1967, attempts continued to create a federation with its subsequent accession to the so-called. "Islamic pact" (a bloc of countries led by Saudi Arabia).

Modern history of the UAE.

In 1968, the British government announced its intention to withdraw its troops from the region before the end of 1971 and transfer power to local rulers. In the face of difficult economic and international problems, most of the sheikhs spoke in favor of creating an independent federation of sheikhs of Eastern and Southeastern Arabia. Formally, the initiators of the association were Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al Nahyan (Abu Dhabi) and Rashid ibn Said Al Maktoum (Dubai), who on February 18, 1968 signed the corresponding agreement. On February 25, 1968, at a meeting in Dubai, the heads of the 9 British Mandatory Emirates (the seven emirates of Trucial Oman, Qatar and Bahrain) discussed for the first time the possibility of creating a single federal state. On March 1, 1968, the creation (from March 30, 1968) of the Federation of the Arab Emirates (FAE) was announced. According to the agreement, which entered into force on March 30, 1968, the Supreme Council, which included the rulers of all 9 emirates, was determined as the supreme authority of the Federation; the latter were to serve in turn as chairman of the Council for a year. The establishment of other bodies was deferred until the next meeting. However, these plans were not implemented due to the contradictions that arose between the rulers about the place and role of their emirates in the federation being created. As a result of the struggle of interests in the new association, two groups were formed, which were also influenced by neighboring states(Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait). One of the groups included the rulers of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ajman and Bahrain. They were opposed by the rulers of Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Qatar. At the same time, the rulers of Qatar and Bahrain, having a more developed economy and surpassing the rest of the emirates in terms of population, refused to recognize the equality of all members of the federation. As a result of disagreements, the FAE actually collapsed by the end of 1969, without having had time to take shape. An attempt to revive the federation project was made in March 1971, when the temporary creation of the Federation of the Arab Emirates (Treaty Oman together with Qatar and Bahrain) was again announced. However, the merger did not take place. After the withdrawal of British troops in September 1971, Bahrain and Qatar declared themselves independent states.

After a meeting in Dubai on July 18, 1971, six of the seven emirates formed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and signed an interim constitution. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, refused to join, citing other emirates' refusal to grant it veto power over national decisions and equal representation in the federal assembly. In addition, Ras al-Khaimah refused to cede to Iran the islands of Big and Small Tomb, rich in oil reserves. Other emirates did not want to be bound by any obligation to Ras al-Khaimah in the event of a conflict with Iran.

Great Britain and a number of other Arab states hastened to recognize the formation of the UAE. However, Iran and Saudi Arabia refused to recognize the new state, having territorial claims to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. For this reason, the official declaration of independence of the UAE, scheduled for August 1971, was delayed. As a result of subsequent negotiations with the participation of London in November 1971, an agreement was reached between Iran and Sharjah, according to which part of the island of Abu Musa passed to Iran; the oil deposits in the coastal waters of the island were also subject to division.

November 30, 1971, two days before the UAE declared independence, Iranian troops landed on the island of Abu Musa (completely annexed in 1992) and strategically occupied important islands Large and Small Tomb, which belonged to Ras al-Khaimah. Iran's actions provoked protest in the Arab world; A number of countries have filed a complaint against Iran with the UN Security Council. Great Britain limited itself to expressing its disagreement with Iran's actions. On December 2, 1971, at a conference of seven emirates held in Dubai, the creation of the United Arab Emirates was proclaimed. The federal state included only six of the seven emirates of Trucial Oman. The ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was elected President of the UAE, and the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Said Al Maktoum, was elected Vice President. The new president signed a treaty of friendship with the UK, which annulled all previous agreements concluded between the UAE member emirates and the British government. Abu Dhabi was chosen as the temporary capital. A few days later, the UAE was admitted to the Arab League and the United Nations. Having failed to achieve international support on the issue of the islands of Big and Small Tomb, on February 11, 1972, Ras al-Khaimah also joined the UAE.

Only Saudi Arabia did not recognize the new state, setting the solution to the issue of Al Buraimi as a condition for its recognition. As a result of a new round of negotiations in August 1974, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia concluded an agreement between themselves, according to which Saudi Arabia recognized the rights of Abu Dhabi and Oman to an oasis, and in turn received the territory of Sabha Bita in the southern part of Abu Dhabi, two small islands and the right to build a road and an oil pipeline through Abu Dhabi to the coast of the Gulf.

Significant oil revenues have financed much of the development programs and set the UAE's conservative and generally pro-Western course, as well as its close ties to Saudi Arabia. However political life in the UAE has not been without controversy. Since the creation of the UAE, Abu Dhabi (which advocated the strengthening of a centralized federal authority) and Dubai (which was a supporter of maintaining significant independence for each of the emirates) has not stopped rivalry for leadership in the federation. In the first cabinet of ministers, formed in 1971, the sons of the Emir of Dubai played a key role, occupying the posts of prime minister, deputy prime minister, minister of defense, economy, finance and industry. At the end of December 1973, in connection with the reorganization of the Council of Ministers, the son of the Emir of Abu Dhabi, Hamid bin Zayed al Nahyan, was announced as Deputy Prime Minister. By the end of the 1970s, integrationists led by the ruler of Abu Dhabi won another important victory, having achieved the unification of the armed forces of the emirates under a single command (1976), transferred police, security, immigration and information to the central government.

Throughout the 1970s, border disputes between the emirates and their neighbors continued. The ruler of Ras al-Khaimah continued to advocate the separation of the emirate from the federation. In 1978, the armed forces of Ras al-Khaimah made an unsuccessful attempt to capture disputed territory belonging to Oman. The fall of the Shah in Iran in 1979, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and the Iran-Iraq war created an additional threat to the stability of the UAE. In May 1981, in response to emerging threats, the UAE became one of the six founding members of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf, which, against the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war, turned into a military-political alliance.

During the Iran-Iraq war, the rulers of individual principalities supported Iraq, while others (Dubai, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain) maintained friendly relations with Iran. The greatest degree of contradiction between the emirates reached in June 1987, when an attempted palace coup took place in Sharjah: Sheikh Sultan ibn Mohammed Al Qasimi was forced to abdicate in favor of his brother, Abdel Aziz Al Qasimi. President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (Abu Dhabi) supported Abdulaziz's claim to power, while Vice President and Prime Minister Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (Dubai) declared his support for the Sultan. The conflict was resolved only after the Supreme Council of Rulers intervened in the dispute, restoring the powers of the Sheikh Sultan and declaring the applicant the crown prince.

In 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait, the UAE participated in the US-led multinational coalition of forces, contributing $6.5 billion and deploying troops. After the end of the war, the US and British navies continued to use the ports of the UAE.

The last decade of the 20th century generally distinguished by internal political and economic stability. The exception was the closure (on suspicion of financial fraud) in July 1991 of the International Trade and Credit Bank (MTCB), owned for the most part by the ruling family of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In December 1993, Abu Dhabi sued the executive management of the MTKB for damages. In June 1994, 11 of the 12 former MTKB executives accused of fraud were convicted in Abu Dhabi to prison terms and ordered to pay compensation. After lengthy negotiations, in 1995, an agreement was reached with depositors and creditors. In June 1996, two MTKB executives were acquitted of fraud charges after an appeal.

Since the Gulf War, the UAE has increased defense spending and expanded its international contacts and diplomatic relations. In 1994, an agreement on military cooperation was signed with the United States, a year later - with France. Along with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the UAE government recognized the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in 1997. In 1998, the UAE restored diplomatic relations with Iraq, interrupted due to the Gulf War (1991). Much attention was paid to the problems of settling the Arab-Israeli conflict.

UAE in the 21st century

In the same period, the country took steps to solve territorial problems. So, in 1999, during the visit of the Sultan of Oman to Abu Dhabi, border issues with Oman were settled. In November 2000, negotiations were held with Qatar on the border. The only exception is the territorial dispute with Iran. At the end of 1992, Sharjah and Iran reached an agreement on the island of Abu Musa, which completely passed into the jurisdiction of Iran; all foreigners living on the islands, including UAE nationals, have been ordered to obtain Iranian visas. In 1996, Iran further strengthened its position by starting the construction of an airport on the island of Abu Musa and a power plant on the island of Greater Tunb. In 1997, the UAE protested against Iranian military activity in the Persian Gulf. In November 1999, the Gulf Cooperation Council reiterated its support for the UAE in their dispute over the three islands. In 1999, a diplomatic conflict broke out between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over Saudi Arabia's desire to normalize relations with Iran.

The topic of constant debate was the question of the degree of integration of the emirates. By the end of the 1990s, due to tactical differences in the political course pursued by Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the full integration of the country's armed forces did not take place. Emirati integration in many areas is hampered by the ongoing rivalry between the leaders of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the UAE government decided to sever diplomatic relations with the Taliban in Afghanistan, the accounts of 62 organizations and individuals suspected by the United States of financing terrorist movements were frozen, and measures were taken to tighten control over cash flows.

During the Iraq War of 2003, the UAE hosted US troops, and the country provided substantial humanitarian assistance to Iraq after the official announcement of the cessation of hostilities.

November 3, 2004 President Zayed ban Sultan died. On November 3, 2004, the Federal Council of the United Arab Emirates elected the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, as the new president of the country. Sheikh Khalifa, 56, has until today chaired the Abu Dhabi Supreme Oil Council and is Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Since December 3, 2001, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed Al Maktoum has been Vice President. On January 5, 2006, at the age of 62, he died during a visit to Australia.

Literature:

Yaqub Yousef Abdallah. United Arab Emirates. History of political and state development (19th century - early 70s of the 20th century). M., 1978
Isaev V.A., Ozoling V.V. Qatar. M., 1984
Bodyansky V.L. Eastern Arabia: history, geography, population, economy. M., 1986
Markaryan R.V., Mikhin V.L. United Arab Emirates.- In the book. recent history Arab countries of Asia. 1917–1985 M., 1988
Egorin A.Z., Isaev V.A. United Arab Emirates. M., 1997

Going to the United Arab Emirates, many tourists do not know which place to prefer. Indeed, every corner of this country is unique. Some of the territories boast an amazing variety of nature, and some resort areas attract bright lights of expensive bars and restaurants where you can taste dishes of national Arab cuisine. However, in any case vacationers will have to choose between the 7 most beautiful emirates of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi

Due to its huge size (67,000 sq. km), this emirate is considered the largest in the UAE . It is a modern center of tourism, trade and sports. Developed infrastructure makes it one of the most popular places among vacationers. Fashionable hotels, cafes and restaurants shining with bright signs, as well as huge shopping centers do not leave anyone indifferent! However, this emirate is characterized not only by the modern benefits of civilization, but also by an abundance of green spaces.. And if young people are more attracted to the presence of entertainment centers, of which Abu Dhabi is in abundance, then natural parks sure to please the older generation.

The legend that tells about the origin of the name of this emirate is very interesting. Literally translated from Arabic, "Abu Dhabi" means "father of the gazelle." It is about this animal that the folk legend is talking about. It is believed that in the 18th century, a hunter killed a gazelle, but this did not bring him happiness. He never returned home, getting lost in the desert and then dying of thirst there. Some time later, not far from the bodies of a person and an animal, a source was found that exists to this day. This key was called "Abu Dhabi", and soon a settlement was already formed around it, which marked the beginning of a huge modern emirate.

Dubai

Dubai is only slightly inferior to Abu Dhabi in size, and therefore is considered the second in the UAE. Even at the time of its foundation, it became famous as a center of trade and even now is considered the heart of business life in the Middle East. However, Dubai is not only an economically developed emirate, but also a well-known resort. There are many attractions in this emirate. You can visit, for example, the famous Jumeirah Mosque, built in medieval style. You will surely like the wonderful example of Arab architecture - the house of Sheikh Said.

Being big tourist center, this place annually receives thousands of tourists from all over the world. Here you can enjoy the amazing harmony of antiquity and the modern world. Next to the most beautiful mosques you will see huge five-star hotels, and this combination will surely appeal to your taste.

Sharjah

Sharjah is one of the most ancient emirates in the East, and therefore it is not surprising that its main attractions are historical monuments. The buildings located here are of particular admiration. No wonder Sharjah is considered the “architectural capital of the UAE”. This place is worth visiting just to get acquainted with the works of ancient Arab masters. In addition, vacationers are amazed not only by historical monuments, but also by modern buildings. Sharjah will surely delight all connoisseurs of oriental culture.

fujairah

This emirate stands out from the rest primarily in that its shores are washed by the waters of the Ottoman Gulf, not the Persian Gulf.. Its size is not at all as large as, for example, Abu Dhabi, so here you will not find a huge number of hotels and restaurants. It is for this reason that young people do not really like to relax on the territory of this emirate. However, nature lovers will certainly not get bored here.. The landscape of Fujairah is very diverse. Mountain ranges, valleys, and sandy beaches, and even green palm groves. In this place you can relax, forgetting about civilization and immersing yourself in the world of untouched wildlife.

Ajaman

The most important advantages of this emirate are its flora and fauna.. Like Fujairah, this place has remained almost intact. The lack of oil on the territory of Ajaman has made it unattractive for foreign investors developing resorts in the UAE. However, this is what helped him to preserve his charm and wildlife. This emirate does not suffer from a lack of tourists at all, and visiting it, you will never regret it.

Ras Al Khaimah

The fertility of the lands of this emirate makes it an important agricultural center of the UAE. There is always enough water here, therefore, arriving at any time of the year, you will find yourself in a green paradise. Lush vegetation and a huge number of healing springs have made this place a developed recreational center. Everyone who wants to improve their health and just relax in the bosom of nature comes here. If you want to take a break from the frantic pace of modern life, come to Ras al-Khaimah.

Umm Al Quwain

The diminutive size of Umm al-Quwain makes it possible to get around it on foot. This emirate occupies only 1% of the entire country, so it is obvious that developed infrastructure you won't find it here. Those foreigners who want to immerse themselves in the culture of the UAE and know it from the inside come here to relax. picturesque nature and locals will make your vacation truly unforgettable!

- a federation consisting of several emirates. Each of them is actually separate country- absolute monarchy. All emirates differ in size, (some can be classified as dwarf states), natural and climatic conditions, the level of tourist popularity and many other factors. Our article will tell you which emirates are part of the UAE, what are their names and features of each of them that are important for.

How many emirates are in the UAE?

When going on vacation to the mysterious eastern country of the UAE, it would be useful to know that there are exactly 7 items on the list of the Arab Emirates, their names are as follows:

On the map below you can see how they are located and what is the approximate distance between the emirates of the UAE. It is noteworthy that administrative center each of the emirates bears the same name as the emirate itself. The Emirates are not regions, not states, not provinces, but full-fledged small countries. Each of them has its own emir. The emirates united into one state relatively recently, in 1972. The head of the United Arab Emirates is the Emir of Abu Dhabi.

In which emirate is better to relax in the UAE, everyone decides for himself. For some, the most important is the quality of a beach holiday, someone likes active entertainment, and others come to the UAE for shopping. Only one thing is for sure: the seven emirates contain all the best that one can wish for:

• – both ultra-modern and ancient, with a touch of oriental exoticism;
• first-class beaches;
• ample opportunities for, and even, surprisingly, ski holidays;
• the world's largest shopping centers and malls.

So, let's figure out what the name of each of the seven emirates that make up the UAE means for tourists.

Abu Dhabi is the main emirate

It is the largest and richest emirate in the country. It occupies 66% of the territory of the UAE, with an area of ​​67,340 sq. km and a population of more than 2 million people. The basis of the local economy is oil production. Description of the main emirate of the UAE:

Dubai is the most popular emirate

This place is mainly for shopping lovers and active entertainment Well, there are plenty of them here. Uninformed tourists sometimes mistakenly call Dubai the capital of the emirates, and it is not surprising: despite its modest size, this emirate of the UAE is the busiest, this can be seen even from the photo. Here's what makes it different from others:

Sharjah is the strictest emirate in the UAE

The third largest emirate of the country, it is the only one that is washed by both the waters of both the Oman and the Persian Gulf. It's very popular tourist place, where they come for impressions of the exotic of the East. The main features of the emirate are:

Fujairah is the most picturesque emirate

Its pride is the golden sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean, where wealthy tourists from the West love to relax. Fujairah differs from other emirates in many ways:

Ajman is the smallest emirate

It occupies about 0.3% of the country's territory. Of all the emirates, only Ajman has no oil deposits. The nature of the emirate is very picturesque: tourists are surrounded by snow-white beaches and tall palm trees. In Ajman, they are engaged in the production of pearls and sea vessels. Basic information about this small and cozy emirate:

Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate

And also the most fertile: lush vegetation strikingly distinguishes it from the desert landscapes of other emirates. The mountains here come close to the shore, which looks very picturesque. So, what is this emirate famous for:

Umm Al Quwain is the poorest emirate in the UAE

This part of the country is underdeveloped and sparsely populated. Here they are mainly engaged in agriculture - they grow dates. This is a quiet and perhaps the least popular emirate: