United Arab Emirates - Tips

United Arab Emirates - Tips

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
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