Established on 2nd December 1971, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a Federation of Seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

Comprising an area of 83,600 square kilometres (including an archipelago which extends over approximately 5900 square kilometres), the country lies between latitudes 22°-26°N and longitudes 51°-56.5°E. It is bordered to the north by the Arabian Gulf, to the east by the Gulf of Oman and Sultanate of Oman, to the south by the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia, and to the west by Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The UAE has some 700 kilometres of coastline, including 100 kilometres on the Gulf of Oman. Along the Arabian Gulf coast are offshore islands, coral reefs and salt marshes, whilst stretches of gravel plain and barren desert characterise the inland region. To the east lie the Hajar mountains which reach north into the Musandam peninsula at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf. The western interior of the federation, most of which is Abu Dhabi territory, consists mainly of desert interspersed with oases. One of the largest oases is Al Liwa, beyond which is the vast Rub al-Khali desert, or Empty Quarter.

Population:
2,445,989
note: includes 1,576,472 non-nationals (July 2002 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 27.7% (male 345,077; female 331,545)
15-64 years: 69.7% (male 1,069,443; female 635,275)
65 years and over: 2.6% (male 45,989; female 18,660) (2002 est.)

Population growth rate:
1.58% (2002 est.)
Birth rate:
18.3 births/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Death rate:
3.9 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Net migration rate:
1.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.68 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 2.46 male(s)/female
total population: 1.48 male(s)/female (2002 est.)

Infant mortality rate:
16.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 74.52 years
female: 77.1 years (2002 est.)
male: 72.06 years

Total fertility rate:
3.16 children born/woman (2002 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Emirati(s)
adjective: Emirati

Ethnic groups:
Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)
note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)

Religions:
Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%

Languages:
Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 79.2%
male: 78.9%
female: 79.8% (1995 est.)

 
 

SEVEN EMIRATES

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates with an area of 67,340 square kilometres, equivalent to 86.7 percent of the country's total area excluding the islands. It has a coastline extending for more than 400 kilometres and is divided for administrative purposes into three major regions.

The first region encompasses the city of Abu Dhabi which is both the capital of the emirate and the federal capital. Sheikh Zayed, President of the UAE, resides hrere. In addition, the parliament buildings in which the Federal Cabinet meets, as well as most of the federal ministries and institutions, foreign embassies and state broadcasting facilities are located here, together with most of the oil companies.

Major infrastructural facilities include Mina (Port) Zayed and Abu Dhabi International Airport. The city also has extensive cultural, sport and leisure facilities, and the wonderfully engineered Abu Dhabi Corniche which offers many kilometres of risk-free walking, cycling, jogging and roller-blading along the shores of Abu Dhabi island. Architecturally speaking the city is also a fascinating place where older buildings such as small mosques have been preserved and sit comfortably in the shade of futuristic modern skyscrapers. 

Abu Dhabi's second region, known as the Eastern Region, has as its capital Al Ain city. The fertile area is rich in greenery, with plenty of farms, public parks and important archaeological sites. It is also blessed by substantial groundwater resources, which feed into numerous artesian wells. Points of particular interest in this region are Ain Al Faydah Park, Jabel Hafit, the leisure park at Hili, Al Ain Zoo and Al Ain Museum. This is also a cultural and educational centre, site of the UAE's first university which includes among its many faculties a vibrant medical school. Internal transport is facilitated by a superb road network and Al Ain is connected to the outside world through Al Ain International Airport.

The Western Region, the emirate's third administrative sector, comprises 52 villages and has as its capital Bida Zayed (Zayed City). It encompasses the Liwa Oasis, and, to the south of that, the edge of the Rub al-Khali or 'Empty Quarter'. Extensive afforestation, including the planting of more than 20 million evergreens, covers at least 100,000 hectares. The country's main onshore oil fields are located here, as is the country's largest oil refinery at Ruwais.

In addition to the three mainland regions of Abu Dhabi there are a number of important islands within the emirate, including Das, Mubarraz and Zirku, near where the main offshore oil fields are located. Closer inshore are the islands of Dalma, Sir Bani Yas, Marawah, Abu al-Abyadh, and Saadiyat, and many others.
 

Dubai

The Emirate of Dubai extends along the Arabian Gulf coast of the UAE for approximately 72 kilometres. Dubai has an area of c. 3885 square kilometres, equivalent to 5 per cent of the country's total area excluding the islands. Dubai city is built along the ege of a narrow 10-kilometre-long, winding creek that divides the southern section of Bur Dubai, the city's traditional heart, from the northern area of Deira. The Ruler's office, as well as many head offices of major companies. Port Rashid, the Dubai World Trade Centre, customs, broadcasting stations and the postal authority are all situated in Bur Dubai. Deira is a thriving commercial centre, containing a huge range of retail outlets, markets, hotels and Dubai International Airport. Bur Dubai and Deira are linked by Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud bridges, as well as Al Shindagha tunnel which passes under the creek.

Close to Dubai city, Jumeirah Beach is a major tourism are with a number of spectacular award winning hotels and sports facilities. Jebel Ali, home of a huge man-made port and the largest free-trade zone in Arabia, is also located near the city.

Inland is the attractive mountain resort town of Hatta which provides a perfect base for exploring the nearby wadis and mountains extending into Omani territory.
 

Sharjah

The Emirate of Sharjah lies along approximately 16 kilometres of the UAE's Gulf coastline, and extends for more than 80 kilometres into the interior. In addition there are three enclaves belonging to Sharjah situated on the East Coast, bordering the Gulf of Oman. These are Kalba, Khor Fakkan and Dibba al-Husn. The emirate has an area of 2590 square kilometres, equivalent to 3.3 per cent of the country's total area excluding the islands.

The city of Sharjah contains athe main administrative and commercial centres, together with an especially impressive collection of cultural and traditional projects, including several museums. Distinctive landmarks are two major covered suqs reflecting Islamic design, a number of recreational areas and public parks such as Al Jazeirah Fun Park and Al Buheira corniche. The city is also notable for its numerous elegant mosques. Links with the outside world are provided by Sharjah International Airport and Port Khalid. Sharjah encompasses some important oasis areas, the most famous of which is Dhaid where a wide range of vegetables and fruits are cultivated on rich and fertile soil. Khor Fakkan provides Sharjah with a major East Coast port. Two offshore islands belong to Sharjah:- Abu Musa, which has been under military occupational by Iran since 1997, and Sir Abu Nu'air.
 

Ajman

Ajman, located a short distance north-east of Sharjah's capital city, has a beautiful 16-kilometre stretch of white sand beach. It is a small emirate in terms of its physical size, covering about 259 square kilometres, equivalent to 0.3 per cent of the country's total area excluding the islands.

The capital city, Ajman, has an historic fort at its centre. This has been recently renovated and now houses a fascinating museum. In addition to the Ruler's office, various companies, banks and commercial centres, the emirate is blessed with a natural harbour in which the Port of Ajman is situated.

Masfut is an agricultural village located in the mountains 110 kilometres to the south-east of the city, whilst the Manama area lies approximately 60 kilometres to the east.
 

Umm al-Qaiwain

The Emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain, with a coastline stretching to 24 kilometres, is located on the Arabian Gulf coast, between Sharjah to the south-west and Ras al-Khaimah to the north-east. Its inland border lies about 32 kilometres from the main coastline. The total area of the emirate is about 777 square kilometres, equivalent to 1 per cent of the country's total mainland area.

Umm al-Qaiwain city, capital of the emirate, is situated on a narrow peninsula encircling a large creek 1 kilometre wide by 5 kilometres long. The Ruler's office, administrative and commercial centres, the main port and a mariculture rsearch centre are located here. The city also boasts the preserved remains of an old fort, its main gate flanked by defensive cannons. 

Falaj al-Mu'alla, an attractive natural oasis, is located 50 kilometres south-east of Umm al-Qaiwain city. Sinayah island, lying a short distance offshore, has important mangrove areas as well as a breeding colony of endangered Socotra cormorants.
 

Ras al-Khaimah

Ras al-Khaimah, the most northerly emirate on the UAE's west coast, has a coastline of approximately 64 kilometres on the Arabian Gulf, backed by a fertile hinterland, with a separte enclave in the heart of the Hajar mountains to the south-east. Both parts of the emirate share borders with the Sultanate of Oman. In addition to its mainland territory, Ras al-Khaimah possesses a number of islands including those of Greater and Lesser Tunb, occupied by Iran since 1971. The are of the emirate is 168 square kilometres, equivalent to 2.2 per cent of the country's total area excluding the islands.

Khor Ras al-Khaimah divides the city of Ras al-Khaimah into two distinct areas connected by a large bridge: a western section, Old Ras al-Khaimah, which contains Ras al-Khaimah National Museum and a number of the government departments and an eastern part, Al Nakheel, which houses the Ruler's office, several government departments and commercial companies.

Khor al-Khuwair, an industrial region situated approximately 25 kilometres to the north of Ras al-Khaimah city containing major cement, gravel and marble enterprises, is also the location of Port Saqr, the main export port for the emirate, and the traditional fishing district of Rams. Ras al-Khaimah Airport is located in Al Hamraniyah, which, along with Digdagga district, is also a major agricultural area. Other areas of interest are Khatt, a tourist resort renowned for its thermal springs and Masafi, well known for its natural springs and orchards, whilst Wadi al-Qawr is an attractive valley in the southern mountains.
 

Fujairah

With the exception of some small enclaves belongint to Sharjah, Fujairah, with a coastline of more than 90 kilometres, is the only emirate situated along the Gulf of Oman. This strategic location has played a key role in its development. The area of the emirate is 1165 square kilometres, equivalent to 1.5 per cent of the country's total area excluding the islands.

Fujairah city, the capital of the emirate, is a rapidly developing centre containing the Ruler's office, government departments, many commercial companies and a number of hotels, as well as an airport and the Port of Fujairah, one of the world's top oil bunkering ports.

Fujairah is a place of considerable natural beauty where the jagged Hajar mountains border the settled fertile coastal plain. There are some excellent beaches and diving sites along the coast, whilst the hinterland features many cultural and historic sites.

The historic town of Dibba al-Fujairah, at the northern end of the emirate, is an important centre for both agriculture and fishing, while the village of Bidya has a unique four-domed mosque that is the oldest in the country.
 
 

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
 

The UAE lies in the arid tropical zone extending across Asia and North Africa. Climatic cnditions in the area are strongly influenced by the Indian Ocean. Since the country borders both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This explains why high temperatures in summer are always accompanied by high humidity along the coast. There are noticeable variations in climate between the coastal regions, the deserts of the interior, and mountainous areas.

From November to March daytime temperatures average a very pleasant 26°C. Night-time temperatures are slightly cooler, averaging 15°C.

Prevailing winds, which are influenced by the monsoons, vary between south or south-east, to west or north to north-west, depending upon the season and location.

Average rainfall is low at less than 6.5 centimetres annually, more than half of which falls in December and January.
 

EDUCATION
 

Although the UAE has achieved much in the field of education, there is a real awareness that constant updating of policy and continual investment in infrastructure is required to ensure that graduates are properly equipped to enter the work force and assist in the country’s development. To this end, the Ministry of Education has produced a policy document outlining a strategy for further educational development in the UAE up to the year 2020, based on several five-year plans. www.education.gov.ae

Breakdown of the education system

Primary and secondary education is provided for all UAE citizens. The existing educational structure, which was established in the early 1970s, is a four-tier system covering 14 years of education.

Kindergarten
Age level from: 4 to: 5 years old

Primary
Length of programme in years: 6
Age level from: 6 to: 12

Preparatory
Length of programme in years: 3
Age level from: 12 to: 15

Secondary
Length of programme in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Secondary School Leaving Certificate

Technical Secondary School
Length of programme in years: 6
Age level from: 12 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Technical Secondary Diploma

Primary school education is compulsory for all UAE citizens. Government policy is to provide staff/student ratios of 1:20 at kindergarten and primary levels; and 1:15 at intermediate and secondary levels. The existing staff/student ratios are well within this proposed range.

Children with special needs

Handicapped centres supervised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs cater to those with hearing and physical disabilities, the visually impaired and others with special needs. The Ministry is constantly improving its facilities, at the same time emphasising the role of the family in caring for the disabled. The percentage of disabled people in the UAE is similar to the worldwide average, i.e. 8–10 per cent of the population.

Some major new developments are under way, including a large centre in Abu Dhabi with 70 classrooms and 20 training workshops and the Al Thikka Club which opened in Sharjah. The Ministry of Education and Youth, together with the Red Crescent Society, also opened a centre for autistic children in Abu Dhabi, the first in a number of such centres planned by the Ministry.

Higher Education

Higher Colleges of Technology were established in 1988. Located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah, these colleges prepare nationals for professional and technological careers in both government and private sectors. Since their foundation, the colleges have grown significantly, with staff and students increasing by about 30 per cent each year.

The UAE University located in Al Ain, has eight faculties and was established in 1976. In the last 24 years, it has become a leading institution in education, research and community service. The University is also proving to be the most popular destination for students seeking higher education in the UAE with over 15,000 students currently studying at their facilities.

The Centre for Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) runs a countrywide continuing education programmeme for all nationalities. The programmeme has been designed for professional development and personal enrichment for people with an eye for continuing education. Initial projects include 100 face-to-face instructor-led courses.