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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Arabic: دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة, transliteration: Dawlat al-Imārāt al-
‘Arabīyah al-Muttaḥidah) is a federation of seven states situated in the southeast of the
Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia. The seven
states, termed emirates, are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-
Quwain.

The UAE, rich in oil and natural gas, has become highly prosperous after gaining foreign direct
investment funding in the 1970s. The country has a relatively high Human Development Index for the
Asian continent, ranking 39th globally, and had a GDP purchasing power parity of $164.4 billion in 2007
according to the CIA.

UAE Economy

The United Arab Emirates has a rapidly growing economy with a high GDP per capita and energy
consumption per capita.

The GDP per capita is currently the 14th in the world and 3rd in the Middle East after Qatar and Kuwait as
measured by the CIA World Factbook, or the 17th in the world as measured by the International Monetary
Fund; while at $168 billion in 2006, with a small population of 4 million, the GDP of the UAE
ranks second in the CCASG (after Saudi Arabia), third in the Middle East — North Africa (MENA) region
(after Saudi Arabia and Iran), and 38th in the world (ahead of Malaysia).

There are various deviating estimates regarding the actual growth rate of the nation’s GDP. However, all
available statistics indicate that the UAE currently has one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
According to a recent report by the Ministry of Finance and Industry, real GDP rose by 35 percent in
2006 to $175 billion, compared with $130 billion in 2005. These figures would suggest that the UAE had
the fastest growing real GDP in the world, between 2005 and 2006.

Although the United Arab Emirates is becoming less dependent on natural resources as a source of
revenue, petroleum and natural gas exports still play an important role in the economy, especially in Abu
Dhabi. A massive construction boom, an expanding manufacturing base, and a thriving services sector
are helping the UAE diversify its economy. Nationwide, there is currently $350 billion worth of active
construction projects.[15] Such projects include the Burj Dubai, which is slated to become the world's
tallest building, Dubai World Central International Airport which, when completed, will be the most
expensive airport ever built, and the three Palm Islands, the largest artificial islands in the world. Other
projects include the Dubai Mall which will become the world's largest shopping mall when completed,
and a man-made archipelago called The World which seeks to increase Dubai's rapidly growing tourism
industry. Also in the entertainment sector is the construction of Dubailand, which is expected to be twice
the size of Disney World, and of Dubai Sports City which will not only provide homes for local sports
teams but may be part of future Olympic bids.


The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Emirati Dirham.


Culture of the United Arab Emirates
With a boosting growth of its architectural techniques in magnificent buildings, the United Emirates is
rising as a tourist site around the world. Fascinatingly adorned with revolutionary skyscrapers and vast
shopping malls such as the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, Abu Dhabi attracts many tourists
worldwide. The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, built with classical Islamic architecture, is one of the
places tourists have to go during their stay at Abu Dhabi. With detailed courtyards and intricately crafted
doorways, the agora has theaters and an exhibition room that hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and crafts
workshops. The Cultural Foundation is using Qasr al-Hosn Palace, which was built in 1793, as a
researching center. It attracts many tourists because of its superb historical museum full of artifacts.

Situated in Bur Dubai, the Dubai Museum has a vast display of weapons, traditional garments, and
musical instruments. Also with recently added underground division, the museum presents realistic
Arabic-style households, schools, and marketplaces called souqs. The Heritage and Diving Village,
which is located in Al Shindagha, renovated its nautical history along with Dubai’s past of pearling. The
village also offers camel and donkey rides from time to time and great seafood restaurants for tourists to
enjoy after the sightseeing. To experience more of Dubai’s maritime past, tourists may also go to the
Dubai Creek located between Deira and Bur Dubai and hop onto an abra, which is a little boat, and float
across the creek.


Dubai at NightIn addition, tourists should visit the Ajman Museum, which was opened in 1981, to witness
more historical artifacts and aged weaponry. Another tourist attraction is Dhow Yard, which is one of the
most leading yards of building boats done with traditional tools and techniques left behind only through
the word of mouth. Next is a region in Fujairah called Ain Al Madhab Gardens that attracts tourist around
the world with its mineral spa and wide-ranging park that has displays of traditional clothing, cooking
ware, and pottery. It not only has a spa and a park but also a theater in which many festivals take place
during the holidays.

Ras Al-Khaimah also has a museum, the National Musem of Ras Al-Khaimah, that many tourists visit to
learn more about the tools and techniques ancient people used. First opened as a souq in 1987, the
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization which is located in Sharjah, was modernized into what it is today.
Intricately adorned with Islamic designs, the museum intrigues its people and tourists with delicate
artifacts along with weapons and jewelry from all around the Islamic world. For tourists with children, the
Discovery Center is a perfect place to learn and have fun. The center has many different educational
exhibits where children can learn about the human anatomy, be a captain of a boat, drive a car, and even
fly.

In the emirate of Umm Al-Quiwain, the Sinaiyan Island and Khor Al-Beidah is a remarkable tourist
site that should not be unnoticed. With gazelles thriving, the island has incredibly sundry and rich marine
life including the black-tipped reef sharks and turtles, but because the islands have an uninterrupted
atmosphere, travelers are not allowed to get off the boats and stroll.

Food
The United Arab Emirates have adopted most of their foods from the surrounding countries of Iran, Saudi
Arabia, and Oman. Meat, fish, and rice are the staple foods for the Emirian cuisine. Lamb and mutton are
the more favored meats, then goat and finally beef. These meats are mostly grilled by placing them on a
skewer over a fire in a form called Kebab. Fish are widely consumed because most of the populated
cities are along the coast of the Persian Gulf which contains a large abundance of fish. When rice is
available, it can be served with almost every dish of the Emirian Cuisine. Many years ago and even
recently, rice has become more of a luxury due to the shortage of it.

Spices are also essential to the Emirian Cuisine. Using spices allows the chef to produce a unique taste
in every meal depending on when and how he uses it. The most popular spices used are coriander,
cardamom, saffron, and turmeric.


Middle-eastern TeaThe most popular dish is the Shawarma. It is sold in many street vendors and
restaurants, especially in Dubai. It is shaved meat rolled up in a pita bread with vegatables and
condiments such as hummus. During the fasting period called Ramadan, a food called Harees is
served. Harees is the result of taking shredded meat, wheat, and water and mixing them until it has a
smooth consistency.

Some desserts include al-halwa, Kul Wiskut, and al-Jibeet. All of these desserts consist of lots of sugar
and therefore are very sweet. Al-halwa consists of sugar, eggs, starch, water, and oil; Kul Wiskut is a mix
of peanuts and sugar; and finally, al-Jibeet is made from date syrup and sesame seeds.

Lastly, the most popular beverages are coffee and tea which can be supplemented with cardamom,
saffron, or mint to give it a distinct flavor.

Because of the diversity of Emirian culture, foods from all over the world can be found. Although
the quality of food from other countries may not be the best, they are improving as the United Arab
Emirates becomes more populated. Specifically in Dubai, where there is a vast amount of growth, top
chefs from all over the world are immigrating and bringing the best of their culture's cuisines.

Education in UAE
The education system through secondary level is monitored by the Ministry of Education. It consists of
primary schools, middle schools and secondary schools. The public schools are government-
funded and the curriculum is created to match the United Arab Emirates development's goals and
values. The medium of instruction in the public school is Arabic with emphasis on English as a second
language. There are also many private schools which are internationally accredited. Public schools in the
country are free for citizens of the UAE, while the fees for private schools vary.

The higher education system is monitored by the Ministry of Higher Education to serve and protect
children's education. The Ministry also is responsible for admitting students to its undergraduate
institutions, including the five largest centers of higher education: United Arab Emirates University, Zayed
University, Gulf Medical College and Higher Colleges of Technology. There are also many other private
universities and colleges in the country, including the University of Sharjah, American University of
Sharjah, Institute of Management Technology Dubai, S.P Jain Center of Management in Dubai, Al Ain
University of Science and Technology, the American University of Dubai, Abu Dhabi University and Ras Al
Khamiah University for medical and health sciences. Finally, other universities based in foreign countries
have established campuses in the United Arab Emirates. For instance, there is a Paris-Sorbonne
campus in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE has shown a strong interest in improving education and research. Enterprises include the
establishment of the CERT Research Centers and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

People
The people of the United Arab Emirates are a diverse group. They come to the seven states that make up
the United Arab Emirates from many countries “Bangladesh, India, Pakistan. Afghanistan, and
Philippines” (Harb). Also, as stated in the U.S Department of State website, there are sprinkles of
Yemenis, Omanis, Jordanians, Egyptians, and western Europeans.

The demographics of the people if the United Arab Emirates shows how wide-ranging the people
living in the seven states are. The population as a whole is estimated by the U.S State Department to be
at 4.4 million people while 15-20% of the people are citizens. The population growth is “4%” (U.S) each
year. The religion of the people of the United Arab Emirates is estimated to be “96% Muslim” (U.S).
Behind the main religion of Muslim, Hindu and Christian follow in minority as stated by the U.S State
Department. In the same background done on the United Arab Emirates the official language is Arabic,
but English, Hindi, Urdu and Persian are found among the different peoples. The U.S State Department
estimates the people of the U.A.E to have a life expectation of seventy-six years. Which seems to show
they live a healthy and fulfilling life among the seven states.


Gas FieldsThe people venture to the U.A.E for two main reasons. States in Imad Harb’s article, people
come to the seven states to work in the oil and construction industries as well as commerce. Thus, Harb
continues on to explain that the oil fields provide much of the income the United Arab Emirates need for
building apartment buildings, hospitals, schools and roads. Education is the second reason people land
here. The U.S State Department estimates the literacy rate to be at 80% for citizens. There are
Universities sprinkles among the states. It is stated “The UAE University in Al Ain had roughly 17,000
students in 2004” (U.S). In the same background it is said that in 2007 4,500 students enrolled in the
American University Sharhja. There is also a Zayed University for men and women to educated both
sexes. Thus, the people of the United Arab Emirates are a diverse people who come to these states for
different reasons.
Source: Wikipedia
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