United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia. It is bordered by Oman to the east and southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and shares maritime borders with Iran to the north across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
History
- Pre-Islamic Era: The region now known as the UAE was historically part of various Ancient Arabian kingdoms, including the Dilmun civilization and later the Magan civilization.
- Islamic Era: The area came under the influence of Islam in the 7th century, becoming part of the Rashidun Caliphate.
- Portuguese Influence: During the 16th century, Portuguese explorers established a presence in the region, controlling some of the coastal areas.
- British Protection: In the 19th century, the United Kingdom signed treaties with the local sheikhs, creating the Trucial States to protect their interests against the Ottoman Empire and Qawasim pirates.
- Formation of UAE: On December 2, 1971, six of the Trucial States formed the UAE, with Ras al-Khaimah joining later in 1972. This federation was established after the British announced their withdrawal from the Gulf.
Geography
The UAE comprises seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. Each emirate is ruled by an emir, and together they form the Federal Supreme Council, which elects the President of the UAE.
Economy
The UAE has one of the most developed economies in the Middle East, largely due to its vast reserves of oil and natural gas. It has:
Culture
Emirati culture is deeply rooted in Arab-Islamic culture but has been influenced by globalization and expatriate communities:
Politics
The political system of the UAE is a federation of absolute monarchies, with each emirate having its own ruler:
- The Federal Supreme Council is the highest constitutional authority, selecting the President and Vice President.
- The UAE Constitution was drafted in 1971 and has been amended several times.
Sources
Related Topics