Information about UAE
Video on the history of UAE and Abu Dhabi
“He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn.”
–Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Nahyan-Visionary Man and Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates (the UAE) is a Federation of States at the Southeastern end of the Arabian Gulf. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the West and Oman to the north and south-east.
The UAE is a Federation of seven emirates:
Abu Dhabi(includes Al Ain), Dubai, Sharjah Ajman, Umm al Qwain Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Prior to its independence on 2nd December, 1971, the UAE was collectively known as the Trucial States, derived from a 19th century true between local Sheikhs and the United Kingdom.
Islam is the official religion. UAE is known for its religious tolerance.
Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken, followed by Hindi and Urdu.
According to ‘Abu Dhabi 2011-The Oil & Gas year’, the UAE Possesses the fifth largest oil reserves in the world. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi accounts for the majority of the UAE’s hydrocarbon reserves.
Although often ranked as an emerging economy, the UAE is generally accepted to have one of the most developed economies in the MENA region.
According to the CIA World Fact book in 2011 the UAE had an estimated GDP at purchasing power parity of US$ 262.1 billion, ranking 50th globally.
GDP per capita was estimated to be US$ 48,500, equivalent to a ranking of 12 the globally.
UAE COUNTRY FACTS:
Location
Middle East
Geographic Coordinates
Between the latitudes of 220 and 260 30′ North and longitude of 510 and 560 30′ East
Total Area
83.6 thousand sq.kms (approximate)
Boundaries of UAE
Oman 410 Kms; Saudi Arabia 457 Kms
Climate of UAE
Desert; cooler in eastern mountains.
Population of UAE
According to UAE National Bureau of Statistics, the population has recently been estimated at 8.26 million (comprises local population and expatriates from South Asia, Far East, Middle East, Europe, Australia and USA); [ local population 0.95 million whereas expatriate population is 7.31 million].
Government Type in UAE
Federation, with specific powers delegated to the UAE Federal Government , with other powers exercised by the Rulers of the various emirates. The Federal National Council has a defined legislative role.
Capital of UAE
Abu Dhabi
Legal System of UAE
Combination of Sharia (Islamic Law) and Civil Legislative Law
Currency of UAE
The UAE Dirham (Arab Emirates Dirham-AED). One Dirham equals 100 fils.
Inflation Rate in UAE
The UAE National Bureau of Statistics estimated that inflation was 0.9% in 2011 for the country as a whole. It is projected at 1.5% in 2012 by the IMF.
For Abu Dhabi specifically, SCAD (Statistics Center-Abu Dhabi) recently reported that inflation ws 1.3% over the first seven months of 2012, year-on-year.
Market Exchange Rate
Fixed at US$1.00=AED 3.67
Major Trading Partners of UAE
India, China, USA, Germany, Japan, South Korea
Major Export Products from UAE
Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Re-Exports, Aluminium, Dried Fish, Dates.
Major Import Products of UAE
Manufactured goods, Machinery, Foodstuffs, Transportation equipment.
Taxation in UAE
No corporate, personal, or withholding taxation. Tourism taxes apply
Customs Duty in UAE
5% Import Duty (on General Products)
The United Arab Emirates (the UAE) is a Federation of States at the Southeastern end of the Arabian Gulf. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the West and Oman to the north and south-east.
The UAE is a Federation of Seven emirates: Abu Dhabi(including Al Ain), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Qwain Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Prior to its independence on 2nd December, 1971, the UAE was collectively known as the Trucial States, derived from a 19th century true between local Sheikhs and the United Kingdom.
Islam is the official religion. UAE is known for its religious tolerance.
Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken, followed by Hindi and Urdu.
According to ‘Abu Dhabi 2011-The Oil & Gas year’, the UAE Possesses the fifth largest oil reserves in the world. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi accounts for the majority of the UAE’s hydrocarbon reserves.
Although often ranked as an emerging economy, the UAE is generally accepted to have one of the most developed economies in the MENA region.
According to the CIA World Fact book in 2011 the UAE had an estimated GDP at purchasing power parity of US$ 262.1 billion, ranking 50th globally.
GDP per capital was estimated to be US$ 48,500, equivalent to a ranking of 12 the globally.
Source: Morrison Menon