United Arab Emirates

 

Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs                                                
June 2007                                                                     
                                                                       
  Background Note: United Arab Emirates                                       
                                                                       
  Flag of United Arab Emirates is three equal horizontal bands of green at top,
  white, and black with a wider vertical red band on the hoist side.          
                                                                       
  PROFILE                                                                     
                                                                       
  OFFICIAL NAME:                                                              
  United Arab Emirates                                                        
                                                                       
  Geography                                                                   
  Area: 82,880 sq. km. (30,000 sq. mi.); about the size of Maine.             
  Cities (2002 est.): Capital--Abu Dhabi (pop. 1,000,000); Dubai (pop.        
  860,000).                                                                   
  Terrain: Largely desert with some agricultural areas.                       
  Climate: Hot, humid, low annual rainfall.                                   
                                                                       
  People                                                                      
  Nationality: Noun and adjective--U.A.E., Emirati.                           
  Population (2007 est.): 4.4 million.                                        
  Population growth rate (2007 est.): 4.0%.                                   
  Ethnic groups: Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Egyptian, Jordanian, Iranian,
  Filipino, other Arab; (15-20% of residents are U.A.E. citizens).            
  Religions: Muslim (96%), Hindu, Christian.                                  
  Languages: Arabic (official), English, Hindi, Urdu, Persian.                
  Education: Years compulsory--ages 6-12. Literacy (U.A.E. citizens)--about   
  80%.                                                                        
  Health: Life expectancy--about 76 yrs.                                      
  Work force (2006) 2.968 million (93% foreign in 15-64 age group):           
  Agriculture--2.3%; industry--61.9%; services--35.8%.                        
                                                                       
  Government                                                                  
  Type: Federation of emirates.                                               
  Independence: December 2, 1971.                                             
  Provisional constitution: December 2, 1971.                                 
  Branches: Executive--7-member Supreme Council of Rulers, which elects       
  president and vice president. Legislative--40-member Federal National Council
  (consultative only). Judicial--Islamic and secular courts.                  
  Administrative subdivisions: Seven largely self-governing city-states.      
  Political parties: None.                                                    
  Suffrage: State-nominated electors chose half of the Federal National Council
  seats in 2006.                                                              
  Central government budget (2006): $7 billion.                               
                                                                       
  Economy                                                                     
  GDP (2006 est.): $163 billion.                                              
  Annual growth rate (2006 est.): 9.7%.                                       
  Per capita GDP (2006 est.): $37,000.                                        
  Inflation rate (2006 est.): 10-13%.                                         
  Natural resources: Oil and natural gas.                                     
  Agriculture (2005 est., 2.0% of GDP): Products--vegetables, dates, dairy    
  products, poultry, fish.                                                    
  Petroleum (2005 est.): 36%.                                                 
  Manufacturing (2005 est.): 13%.                                             
  Services (44% of 2003 GDP): Trade, government, real estate.                 
  Trade (2006 est.): Exports--$157 billion: petroleum, gas, and petroleum     
  products. Major markets--Japan, South Korea, Thailand, India. Imports--$126.6
  billion: machinery, chemicals, food. Major suppliers--Western Europe, Japan,
  U.S., China, India.                                                         
  Foreign economic aid (2004): In excess of $5.25 billion.                    
                                                                       
  PEOPLE                                                                      
  Only 15-20% of the total population of 4.4 million is U.A.E. citizens. The  
  rest include significant numbers of other Arabs--Palestinians, Egyptians,   
  Jordanians, Yemenis, Omanis--as well as many Indians, Pakistanis,           
  Bangladeshis, Iranians, Afghans, Filipinos, and west Europeans.             
                                                                       
  The majority of U.A.E. citizens are Sunni Muslims with a very small Shi'a   
  minority. Many foreigners also are Muslim, although Hindus and Christians   
  make up a portion of the U.A.E.'s foreign population.                       
                                                                       
  Educational standards among U.A.E. citizens population are rising rapidly.  
  Citizens and temporary residents have taken advantage of facilities         
  throughout the country. The UAE University in Al Ain had roughly 17,000     
  students in 2004. The Higher Colleges of Technology, a network of           
  technical-vocational colleges, opened in 1989 with men's and women's campuses
  in each emirate. Zayed University for women opened in 1998 with campuses in 
  Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Zayed University will establish separate male campuses 
  for the 2007-2008 academic year. American University Sharjah had over 4,500 
  students enrolled in 2007. Many foreign universities, including ones from the
  U.S., U.K., and Australia, also have campuses in the U.A.E.                 
                                                                       
  HISTORY                                                                     
  The U.A.E. was formed from the group of tribally organized Arabian Peninsula
  Sheikhdoms along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf and the northwestern
  coast of the Gulf of Oman. This area was converted to Islam in the Seventh  
  century; for centuries it was embroiled in dynastic disputes. It became known
  as the Pirate Coast as raiders based there harassed foreign shipping,       
  although both European and Arab navies patrolled the area from the 17th     
  century into the 19th century. Early British expeditions to protect the India
  trade from raiders at Ras al-Khaimah led to campaigns against that          
  headquarters and other harbors along the coast in 1819. The next year, a    
  general peace treaty was signed to which all the principal sheikhs of the   
  coast adhered. Raids continued intermittently until 1835, when the sheikhs  
  agreed not to engage in hostilities at sea. In 1853, they signed a treaty   
  with the United Kingdom, under which the sheikhs (the "Trucial Sheikhdoms") 
  agreed to a "perpetual maritime truce." It was enforced by the United       
  Kingdom, and disputes among sheikhs were referred to the British for        
  settlement.                                                                 
                                                                       
  Primarily in reaction to the ambitions of other European countries, the     
  United Kingdom and the Trucial Sheikhdoms established closer bonds in an 1892
  treaty, similar to treaties entered into by the U.K. with other Gulf        
  principalities. The sheikhs agreed not to dispose of any territory except to
  the United Kingdom and not to enter into relationships with any foreign     
  government other than the United Kingdom without its consent. In return, the
  British promised to protect the Trucial Coast from all aggression by sea and
  to help out in case of land attack.                                         
                                                                       
  In 1955, the United Kingdom sided with Abu Dhabi in the latter's dispute with
  Saudi Arabia over the Buraimi Oasis and other territory to the south. A 1974
  agreement between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia would have settled the Abu     
  Dhabi-Saudi border dispute; however, the agreement has yet to be ratified by
  the U.A.E. Government. The border with Oman also remains officially         
  unsettled, but the two governments agreed to delineate the border in May    
  1999. Since that time, the U.A.E. has constructed a border fence along the  
  entire length with both Oman and Saudi Arabia. The new fence and checkpoints
  will likely be finished by 2008-2009.                                       
                                                                       
  In 1968, the U.K. announced its decision, reaffirmed in March 1971, to end  
  the treaty relationships with the seven Trucial Sheikhdoms which had been,  
  together with Bahrain and Qatar, under British protection. The nine attempted
  to form a union of Arab emirates, but by mid-1971 they were unable to agree 
  on terms of union, even though the termination date of the British treaty   
  relationship was the end of 1971. Bahrain became independent in August and  
  Qatar in September 1971. When the British-Trucial Sheikhdoms treaty expired 
  on December 1, 1971, they became fully independent. On December 2, 1971, six
  of them entered into a union called the United Arab Emirates. The seventh,  
  Ras al-Khaimah, joined in early 1972.                                       
                                                                       
  The U.A.E. sent forces to help liberate Kuwait during the 1990-91 Gulf War. 
  U.A.E. troops have also participated in peacekeeping missions to Somalia,   
  Lebanon, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo, and Kuwait.                               
                                                                       
  In 2004, the U.A.E.'s first and only president until that time, Sheikh Zayed
  bin Sultan Al Nahyan, died. His eldest son Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan      
  succeeded him as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. In accordance with the Constitution, the
  U.A.E.'s Supreme Council of Rulers elected Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as   
  U.A.E. Federal President. Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan succeeded Khalifa as 
  Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. In January 2006, Sheikh Makotum bin Rashid Al    
  Maktoum, U.A.E. Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, passed
  away and was replaced by his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum 
  (MbR), Ruler of Dubai and U.A.E. Minister of Defense. On February 9, 2006,  
  the U.A.E. announced a cabinet reshuffle. Several ministries were eliminated
  or renamed, while others were created.                                      
                                                                       
  GOVERNMENT                                                                  
  Administratively, the U.A.E. is a loose federation of seven emirates, each  
  with its own ruler. The pace at which local government in each emirate      
  evolves from traditional to modern is set primarily by the ruler. Under the 
  provisional constitution of 1971, each emirate reserves considerable powers,
  including control over mineral rights (notably oil and gas) and revenues. In
  this milieu, federal powers have developed slowly. The constitution         
  established the positions of President (Chief of State) and Vice President, 
  each serving 5-year terms; a Council of Ministers, led by a Prime Minister  
  (head of government); a supreme council of rulers; and a 40-member Federal  
  National Council (FNC). The FNC is a consultative body with half its members
  appointed by the emirate rulers and half elected.                           
                                                                       
  Principal Government Officials                                              
  President, Ruler of Abu Dhabi--Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan           
  Vice President, Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Ruler of Dubai--Sheikh 
  Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum                                              
  Deputy Prime Minister--Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed al Nahyan                    
  Deputy Prime Minister--Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al Nahyan                    
  Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince--Sheikh
  Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan                                                
  Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development--Abdul Rahman Mohammed 
  Al Owais                                                                    
  Minister of Economy--Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi                                
  Minister of Education--Dr. Hanif Hassan                                     
  Minister of Energy--Mohammed bin Dha'en Al Hamili                           
  Minister of Environment and Water--Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi              
  Minister of Federal National Council Affairs--Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash    
  Minister of Finance and Industry--Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum       
  Minister of Foreign Affairs--Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan            
  Minister of Governmental Sector Development--Sultan Al Mansouri             
  Minister of Health--Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami                               
  Minister of Higher Education--Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan           
  Minister of Interior--Major Gen. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan            
  Minister of Justice--Mohammed Nakhira Al Daheri                             
  Minister of Labor--Dr. Ali bin Abdullah Al Kaabi                            
  Minister of Presidential Affairs--Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan        
  Minister of Public Works--Sheikh amdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan                
  Minister of Social Affairs--Mariam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi                
  Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs--Mohammad Abdullah Gergawi            
  Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs--Dr. Mohammed Khalfan
  Bin Kharbash                                                                
  Minister of State for Foreign Affairs--Mohammed Hussain Al Sha'ali          
                                                                       
  Ambassador to the United States--Saqr Ghobash                               
  Ambassador to the United Nations--Abd al-Aziz Bin Nasir al-Shamsi           
                                                                       
  The U.A.E. maintains an embassy in the United States at 3522 International  
  Court, NW, Washington, DC, 20008 (tel. 202-243-2400). The U.A.E. Mission to 
  the UN is located at 747 3rd Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (tel.   
  212-371-0480).                                                              
                                                                       
  POLITICAL CONDITIONS                                                        
  The relative political and financial influence of each emirate is reflected 
  in the allocation of positions in the federal government. The ruler of Abu  
  Dhabi, whose emirate is the U.A.E.'s major oil producer, is president of the
  U.A.E. The ruler of Dubai, which is the U.A.E.'s commercial center, is vice 
  president and prime minister.                                               
                                                                       
  Since achieving independence in 1971, the U.A.E. has worked to strengthen its
  federal institutions. Nonetheless, each emirate still retains substantial   
  autonomy, and progress toward greater federal integration has slowed in     
  recent years. A basic concept in the U.A.E. Government's development as a   
  federal system is that a significant percentage of each emirate's revenues  
  should be devoted to the U.A.E. central budget.                             
                                                                       
  The U.A.E. has no political parties. The rulers hold power on the basis of  
  their dynastic position and their legitimacy in a system of tribal consensus.
  Rapid modernization, enormous strides in education, and the influx of a large
  foreign population have changed the face of the society. In December 2006,  
  the U.A.E. held its first-ever limited elections to select half the members 
  of the FNC. Ballots were cast by electors selected by the emir of each      
  emirate. One woman was elected to the FNC and seven additional women were   
  appointed to be council members.                                            
                                                                       
  DEFENSE                                                                     
  The Trucial Oman Scouts, long the symbol of public order on the coast and   
  commanded by British officers, were turned over to the U.A.E. as its defense
  forces in 1971. The U.A.E. armed forces, consisting of 48,800 troops, are   
  headquartered in Abu Dhabi and are primarily responsible for the defense of 
  the seven emirates.                                                         
                                                                       
  Although small in number, the U.A.E. armed forces are equipped with some of 
  the most modern weapon systems, purchased from a variety of outside         
  countries. The military has been reducing the number of foreign nationals in
  its ranks, and its officer corps is composed almost entirely of U.A.E.      
  nationals. The U.A.E. air force has about 4,000 personnel. The Air Force has
  advanced U.S. F-16 BLOCK 60 multi-role fighter aircraft. Other equipment    
  includes French Mirage 2000-9 fighters, British Hawk trainer aircraft, 36   
  transport aircraft and U.S. Apache and French Puma helicopters. The Air     
  Defense Force is linked into a joint air defense system with the other six  
  Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations aimed at protecting the airspace of  
  the allied states. The U.A.E. Navy is small--about 2,500 personnel--and     
  maintains 12 well-equipped coastal patrol boats and 8 missile boats. Although
  primarily concerned with coastal defense, the Navy is constructing a six-unit
  class of blue water corvettes in conjunction with French shipbuilder CMN. The
  U.A.E.'s Land Forces are equipped with several hundred French LeClerc tanks 
  and a similar number of Russian BMP-3 armored fighting vehicles. The U.A.E. 
  Special Operations Command (SOC) is a small but effective force centered on 
  the counter-terrorism mission within the country. SOC is well-financed,     
  trained, and equipped and is capable of executing its mission with a level of
  expertise equal to, or above, the rest of the GCC.                          
                                                                       
  The U.A.E. contributes to the continued security and stability of the Gulf  
  and the Straits of Hormuz. It is a leading partner in the campaign against  
  global terrorism, providing assistance in the military, diplomatic, and     
  financial arenas since September 11, 2001                                   
                                                                       
  ECONOMY                                                                     
  Prior to the first exports of oil in 1962, the U.A.E. economy was dominated 
  by pearl production, fishing, agriculture, and herding. Since the rise of oil
  prices in 1973, however, petroleum has dominated the economy, accounting for
  most of its export earnings and providing significant opportunities for     
  investment. The U.A.E. has huge proven oil reserves, estimated at 98.8      
  billion barrels in 2003, with gas reserves estimated at (212 trillion cubic 
  feet); at present production rates, these supplies would last well over 150 
  years. In 2006, the U.A.E. produced about 2.8 million barrels of oil per day.
                                                                       
  Major increases in imports occurred in manufactured goods, machinery, and   
  transportation equipment, which together accounted for 70% of total imports.
  Another important foreign exchange earner, the Abu Dhabi Investment         
  Authority--which controls the investments of Abu Dhabi, the wealthiest      
  emirate--manages an estimated $600 billion in overseas investments.         
                                                                       
  More than 6,000 companies from more than 120 countries operate at the Jebel 
  Ali complex in Dubai, which includes a deep-water port and a free trade zone
  for manufacturing and distribution in which all goods for re-export or      
  transshipment enjoy a 100% duty exemption. A major power plant with         
  associated water desalination units, an aluminum smelter, and a steel       
  fabrication unit are prominent facilities near the complex.                 
                                                                       
  Except in the free trade zone, the U.A.E. requires at least 51% local citizen
  ownership in all businesses operating in the country as part of its attempt 
  to place Emiratis into leadership positions.                                
                                                                       
  As a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the U.A.E. participates in
  a wide range of GCC activities that focus on economic issues. These include 
  regular consultations and development of common policies covering trade,    
  investment, banking and finance, transportation, telecommunications, and    
  other technical areas, including protection of intellectual property rights.
                                                                       
  FOREIGN RELATIONS                                                           
  The U.A.E. is a member of the United Nations and the Arab League and has    
  established diplomatic relations with more than 60 countries, including the 
  U.S., Japan, Russia, the People's Republic of China, and most western       
  European countries. It has played a moderate role in the Organization of    
  Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting 
  Countries, the United Nations, and the GCC.                                 
                                                                       
  Substantial development assistance has increased the U.A.E.'s stature among 
  recipient states. Most of this foreign aid (in excess of $15 billion) has   
  been to Arab and Muslim countries.                                          
                                                                       
  Following Iraq's 1990 invasion and attempted annexation of Kuwait, the U.A.E.
  has sought to rely on the GCC, the United States, and other Western allies  
  for its security. The U.A.E. believes that the Arab League needs to be      
  restructured to become a viable institution and would like to increase      
  strength and interoperability of the GCC defense forces.                    
                                                                       
  In 2007, the U.A.E. pledged and delivered $300 million to Lebanon, and was  
  the first country to fulfill its pledge. The U.A.E. has provided significant
  monetary and material support to the Iraqi Government, including a pledge of
  $215 million in economic and reconstruction assistance, and has also provided
  substantial aid to Afghanistan and the Palestinian Authority.               
                                                                       
  The U.A.E. is a member of the following international organizations: UN and 
  several of its specialized agencies (ICAO, ILO, UPU, WHO, WIPO); World Bank,
  International Monetary Fund (IMF), Arab League, Organization of the Islamic 
  Conference, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Organization of  
  Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, and the Non-Aligned Movement.           
                                                                       
  U.S.-U.A.E. RELATIONS                                                       
  The United States has enjoyed friendly relations with the U.A.E. since 1971.
  Private commercial ties, especially in petroleum, have developed into       
  friendly government-to-government ties which include security assistance. The
  breadth, depth, and quality of U.S.-U.A.E. relations increased dramatically 
  as a result of the U.S.-led coalition's campaign to end the Iraqi occupation
  of Kuwait. In 2002, the U.S. and the U.A.E. launched a strategic partnership
  dialogue covering virtually every aspect of the relationship. The U.A.E. has
  been a key partner in the War on Terror. U.A.E. ports host more U.S. Navy   
  ships than any port outside the U.S. The United States was the third country
  to establish formal diplomatic relations with the U.A.E. and has had an     
  ambassador resident in the U.A.E. since 1974.                               
                                                                       
  Principal U.S. Officials                                                    
  Ambassador--Michele J. Sison                                                
  Deputy Chief of Mission--Martin Quinn                                       
  Political Officer--Al Magleby                                               
  Economic Officer--Oliver John                                               
  Consular Officer--Robert Dolce                                              
  Public Affairs Officer--Steven Pike                                         
  Management Officer--Stewart Devine                                          
  Commercial Officer--Christian Reed                                          
                                                                       
  U.S. Embassy mailing address--PO Box 4009, Abu Dhabi; tel: (971) (2)        
  414-2200, PAO (971)(2) 414-2410; fax: (971)(2) 414-2603; Commercial Office: 
  (971)(2) 414-2304; fax: (971)(2) 414-2228; Consul General in Dubai--Paul    
  Sutphin; PO Box 9343; tel: (971) (4) 311-6000; fax: (971)(4) 311-6166,      
  Commercial Office: (971)(4) 311-6149).                                      
                                                                       
  TRAVEL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION                                             
  The U.S. Department of State's Consular Information Program advises Americans
  traveling and residing abroad through Consular Information Sheets, Public   
  Announcements, and Travel Warnings. Consular Information Sheets exist for all
  countries and include information on entry and exit requirements, currency  
  regulations, health conditions, safety and security, crime, political       
  disturbances, and the addresses of the U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
  Public Announcements are issued to disseminate information quickly about    
  terrorist threats and other relatively short-term conditions overseas that  
  pose significant risks to the security of American travelers. Travel Warnings
  are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid travel 
  to a certain country because the situation is dangerous or unstable.        
                                                                       
  For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad  
  should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet
  web site at http://www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution,
  Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Consular Affairs    
  Publications, which contain information on obtaining passports and planning a
  safe trip abroad, are also available at http://www.travel.state.gov. For    
  additional information on international travel, see http://www.usa.gov/     
  Citizen/Topics/Travel/International.shtml.                                  
                                                                       
  The Department of State encourages all U.S citizens who traveling or residing
  abroad to register via the State Department's travel registration website or
  at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Registration will make your
  presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an 
  emergency and will enable you to receive up-to-date information on security 
  conditions.                                                                 
                                                                       
  Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may be obtained 
  by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or the regular   
  toll line 1-202-501-4444 for callers outside the U.S. and Canada.           
                                                                       
  The National Passport Information Center (NPIC) is the U.S. Department of   
  State's single, centralized public contact center for U.S. passport         
  information. Telephone: 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778). Customer service   
  representatives and operators for TDD/TTY are available Monday-Friday, 7:00 
  a.m. to 12:00 midnight, Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.           
                                                                       
  Travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for 
  Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. A hotline at 877-FYI-TRIP
  (877-394-8747) and a web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm give the
  most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations or requirements,
  and advice on food and drinking water safety for regions and countries. A   
  booklet entitled "Health Information for International Travel" (HHS         
  publication number CDC-95-8280) is available from the U.S. Government       
  Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, tel. (202) 512-1800.                 
                                                                       
  Further Electronic Information                                              
  Department of State Web Site. Available on the Internet at http://          
  www.state.gov, the Department of State web site provides timely, global     
  access to official U.S. foreign policy information, including Background    
  Notes and daily press briefings along with the directory of key officers of 
  Foreign Service posts and more. The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
  provides security information and regional news that impact U.S. companies  
  working abroad through its website http://www.osac.gov                      
                                                                       
  Export.gov provides a portal to all export-related assistance and market    
  information offered by the federal government and provides trade leads, free
  export counseling, help with the export process, and more.                  
  STAT-USA/Internet, a service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, provides   
  authoritative economic, business, and international trade information from  
  the Federal government. The site includes current and historical            
  trade-related releases, international market research, trade opportunities, 
  and country analysis and provides access to the National Trade Data Bank.   

 

***********************************************************
See http://www.state.gov/r/pa/bgn/ for all Background notes
************************************************************
To change your subscription, go to http://www.state.gov/misc/echannels/66822.htm