United Arab Emirates (UAE). population of the United Arab Emirates. What peoples inhabit the Emirates
Decided to organize a vacation in the United Arab Emirates? Looking for the best UAE hotels, last minute tours in the UAE, UAE resorts and last minute deals? Are you interested in the weather in the UAE, prices in the UAE, the cost of a trip to the UAE, do you need a visa in the UAE and is a detailed map of the UAE useful? Would you like to see what the UAE looks like in photos and videos? What are the excursions and attractions in the UAE? What are the stars and reviews of UAE hotels?
UAE United Arab Emirates- a state located in Southwest Asia in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula. Most of the territory of the UAE is occupied by salt marshes and sandy deserts, there are oases with date palms, acacia and tamarisk, sandy and rocky deserts are located in the west, the Hajar Mountains are in the east and northeast (the highest point is the city of Adan, 1127 m). The highest point in the country is Mount Jabal Yibir (1527 m). To the east of El Udayd Bay, located at the base of the Qatar Peninsula, are moving sand dunes. The shores are mostly low, the coast is indented by small bays, framed by islets and coral reefs.
Weather in the UAE
The climate in the UAE is dry, transitional from tropical to subtropical. Summers are hot, with the exception of mountainous areas, in winter the weather becomes cooler. 100 mm of precipitation falls annually, in the mountains 300-400 mm per year. Sometimes there are heavy showers.
Average air temperature in Abu Dhabi
Airports in the UAE: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah
Visa to the UAE
The UAE is a visa country (the so-called simplified visa regime, when neither a questionnaire nor a tourist's passport is required to open a visa, a copy of its first page is enough, the official required validity period of the RFP is 3 months from the start of the trip). The visa is issued at the immigration office of the city of Dubai. The registration procedure takes only three business days (weekends in the UAE are Thursday and Friday).
The cost of a visa is $50 (it takes at least 6 working days in the UAE, not including Thursday and Friday), an urgent visa (less than 6 working days, not including Thursday and Friday) is $80. If the child is entered in the parents' passport, the cost of opening a visa is $30, if the child has a separate passport, the full cost of the visa is paid.
Original visas are no longer issued, a new on-line visa system has been introduced at Dubai Airport. Now, a copy of the visa is enough to pass the UAE border - all other information is in the border computer.
Customs restrictions
You are allowed to import up to 1000 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 1 kg of tobacco, but in most cases in the UAE all these goods are cheaper. Non-Muslims may bring 2 liters of spirits and 2 liters of wine for personal consumption. Video cassettes may be requested for verification. The illegal import of drugs and firearms is severely punished. There are no restrictions on the import and export of currency.
Attractions
Abu Dhabi- the capital city is spread among the lifeless sands and dry rivers on the shores of the Persian Gulf. This is the largest and richest of the emirates that make up the UAE: 87% of the territory of the confederation and 95% of oil reserves. The emirate consists of the city of Abu Dhabi itself and the oasis cities of Al Ain (140 km from Abu Dhabi) and Liwa (245 km). Abu Dhabi is called the Manhattan of the Middle East. A feature that distinguishes Abu Dhabi from any other modern city and that reflects its Muslim character is the large number of mosques in and around the city. From anywhere in the city, you can see several intricately decorated minarets at once.
Ajman- the smallest of all emirates, located 30 minutes from Dubai Airport. Like most cities in the northern emirates, Ajman is built on the shores of the bay, extending inland in the shape of the letter "U". Once upon a time, Ajman was widely known as a center for pearl mining and boat building. The best rest in Ajman will be found for those who are already tired of the city noise, and want to communicate with nature in silence, enjoy the leisurely course of life, reminiscent of this country many centuries ago. Well, for lovers of the exotic - the famous camel racing, arranged in the deserts of this emirate.
Dubai- the center of tourism and trade. Most tourists who decide to spend their holidays in the UAE choose this particular emirate and this city. Dubai has been famous as a "city of merchants" since ancient times. Here, on the shores of a deep-sea lagoon that divides today's settlement into two parts - Deira and Bur Dubai, there were brave men who maintained trade relations between Mesopotamia and the civilizations of the Indus Valley. Already 150 years ago, Dubai was considered the most important port of the Persian Gulf. It was here that the largest markets in the region, referred to in Arabic as "suk", were located. Dubai is known as a venue for international conferences and exhibitions, symposiums.
Ras Al Khaimah located in the northern part of the UAE, next to the Strait of Hormuz. The ancient city of Ras al Khaimah is considered one of the oldest. Several important islands are part of the emirate. The most famous of them are Bigger Tunub and Smoller Tunub. The nature of Ras Al Khaimah is characterized by lush vegetation and significant water resources. The emirate is also famous for its natural hot springs. It was water that made it possible for the emirate to develop agriculture, become famous for the huge variety of grown fruits and vegetables. The convenient location of the city has made it an important trading center since ancient times.
fujairah- the youngest of the emirates, it was once part of Sharjah and became independent only in 1953. It is located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, while all other emirates are located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The main advantage of the emirate is its amazing nature: the beautiful Hojar Mountains, the cleanest sea, magnificent beaches and a lot of greenery that other emirates cannot boast of. If you prefer solitude to the noise of big cities, if you truly love nature, then your vacation in the UAE should undoubtedly take place in Fujairah, where valleys among the mountains smoothly descend to the sea and reveal ancient buildings.
Um Al Quwain- the name of this city is translated from Arabic as a source of strength. For a long time it has become famous as the center of fishing in the region. A characteristic feature of Um Al Quwain is its relative territorial isolation, which allows the emirate to maintain traditions and way of life for many years. The central part of the city is located in the depths of the embankment, which runs along the entire peninsula. Um Al Quwain is famous for the Marine Research Center, which is built of coral stones and is one of the earliest architectural achievements. There is also a fort and watchtowers in the city, as well as a mosque of the 19th century.
Sharjah- a city no less interesting than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is located 10 minutes from Dubai on a multi-lane, modern highway. You can drive a car along this highway and miss the moment when you get to one city from another, but there is a natural border that separates them - this is Al Khan Bay. In the old days, there was a strong current in the bay, at high tide the water flooded large areas, disrupting communication between the two cities. There were two villages between Sharjah and Dubai. Abu Hail, which is now part of the Deira region, and Al-Khan - it has survived to this day and is located at the base of the bay.
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 foreign policy issues have placed the UAE in a vital position 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 the 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 Supreme Court regulates relations between the emirates, members of the 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 of which is 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.
federal supreme court is the highest body of the judiciary. As in any modern civilized state, in the UAE the judiciary is separated from the executive.
The Federal Supreme Court is composed of five judges appointed by the Supreme Council. Judges determine the constitutionality of federal laws and arbitrate disputes between the emirates and disputes between the federal government and the emirates.
Such a system of government may seem authoritarian, but it is natural for the Emiratis, has developed as a result of the history of the country.
Story
Even 8,000 years ago, an ancient civilization arose on the territory of the modern UAE - the culture of Umm an-Nar. The climate then was much milder, which allowed the full development of agriculture. Over time, desertification occurred, and the ancient culture died out.
Until the 12th century, there were no large settlements here, the area was inhabited by nomads, fishermen from the coast and a few inhabitants of the oases. In 632, on the territory of the modern emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, one of the most important battles of the “War against the Apostates” took place - the Battle of Daba.
Since the 12th century, port cities have been flourishing, the emirates have been participating in the developed trade network of the Indian Ocean, cultural and commodity exchange is flourishing. In the 16th century, the Portuguese came to the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, capturing part of the ports.
In the 17th century, Portugal loses its power, the Dutch take control of the Persian Gulf. In the 18th century they were replaced by the British. For a long time, the emirates fall under British influence and partial control.
Read a detailed story in our large and interesting article “”.
Who lives in the UAE
Now (note: the article was written in 2017), only 10% of the population are indigenous Arabs (citizens). The rest are temporary workers from India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Iran, Egypt and other countries.
Their relationships are complex, which we wrote about in detail in the article “”.
Laws
The UAE has a very complex legal system, but also very interesting, it is a unique fusion of Islamic and Anglo-Saxon legal traditions.
Each emirate chooses for itself whether to have its own judicial system or join the federal one. At the moment (note: the article was written in 2017), only Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have their own judicial system.
Sharia does not have the status of law in the UAE, but the country's legislation is largely based on Sharia law. There are Sharia courts in the country that deal with cases of divorce, guardianship, and family disputes. Secular courts handle criminal and administrative cases.
The UAE uses Islamic forms of punishment. For example, lashing is used, several dozen people a year receive similar sentences. Throwing stones as a form of the death penalty has been legalized, although it is now almost never used.
Much that we are already accustomed to is prohibited and punishable in the UAE:
Verbal abuse with sexual overtones can be punished with imprisonment or 80 lashes;
Abortions are punishable, up to 1 year in prison and up to AED 10,000 fine;
Apostasy from Islam is punishable by death;
Homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment - up to 12 years in prison;
You can go to jail for drunk driving or even drinking in a public place, which we talked about in the article "".
An interesting fact is that crime in the UAE is very “young”. According to statistics in 2015, about 40% of all offenses were committed by minors (persons under 18).
