United Arab Emırates

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Population: 5.9 million (2016)

Ethnicity: 27 percent from India, 13 percent from Pakistan, 7 percent from Bangladesh, 3 percent from Sri Lanka and 38 percent from other countries. (Approximately 13 percent of the population is UAE citizen)

Area: 83 thousand 600 square kilometers

Language: Arabic

Religion: 76 percent Muslim, 9 percent Christian, 15 percent belonging to other religions

Currency: Dirhem (AED)

Dubai, the most populous emirate of the UAE, is among the major tourism centers with its skyscrapers, Palm Islands, luxury hotels and shopping centers.

General situation

The UAE was established after the British withdrawal from Basra in 1971, when the seven emirates came together. Each emirate is ruled by its own orders. The state administration is in the hands of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayid al Nahyan, who is also the Emir of Abu Dhabi, and his family.

Abu Dhabi, the capital and second largest emirate of the country, is also its political, industrial and cultural center.

Dubai, the economic and touristic capital of the country, also stands out as a developed city with many international companies.

Economy

According to 2016 figures, the gross domestic product of the UAE, which owns 7 percent of the world's oil reserves, is 693 billion dollars. The per capita gross domestic product in the country is around 45 thousand dollars. Unemployment is around 3.5 percent in the country with 4 percent growth. Inflation is also 2 percent.

The UAE, whose economy is based on oil and natural gas, produces 2.82 million barrels of oil per day, according to 2016 data. 2.68 million barrels of this are exported. The UAE's proven oil reserves are 97.8 billion barrels.

Iran, Oman and Japan are among the export partners of the country, which attracts attention with high military spending. Among its import partners, China, India and the USA lead the way.

Political Situation

The uprisings in the region with demands for democracy and justice since 2010 had an echo in the UAE. In March 2011, a group of activists and intellectuals called for reform in the country. In September 2011, elections for the "Federal National Council" were held by a decision of the parliament. Participation in the election was 28 percent. With the latest changes, half of the councilors in the country are elected, the other half are appointed by the orders.

The UAE has close military and political relations with the US. It was claimed that the country supported the military coup in Egypt in 2013. The UAE, which played an active role in the sanctions imposed by the Gulf countries and some Arab states against Qatar in the summer of 2017, also draws attention with its proximity to Israel in the Gulf.

The United Arab Emirates, or for short, the UAE is a country in the Middle East located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, neighboring Oman and Saudi Arabia. The UAE consists of seven emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Hayme, Sharjah and Ummul-Kayveyn. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the country and the second largest emirate, is also the political, industrial and cultural center of the country.

History

The Portuguese influence that began in the 16th century was replaced by the British in the 17th century. Declaring the dominant tribe Kavasim and Hanbalis from inside Arabia as pirates, the British attacked the coastal ports in 1819-1820. In fact, the main purpose of the British was to dominate the regional trade. Even the great resistance of the local craftsmen could not prevent the British from taking the sea trade under their own control, and they imposed the General Peace Treaty of 1820, which eventually ended piracy. Upon the signing of the Permanent Sea Cease-fire Treaty in 1853, the region was named the Armistice Coast. The British brought the foreign policy of the region under control by establishing a pact known as the Special Privilege Treaty in 1892.

The Armistice Coast was administered by the British East India Company between 1873 and 1947 and in the following years by the British Foreign Office. Upon the withdrawal of the British from the Persian Gulf in 1971, the emirates established a federation under the name of "United Arab Emirates" and declared their independence from Britain on 2 December 1971. Independence day is celebrated as a national holiday in the country. Its Constitution was formed on December 2, 1971.

Economy

The most important source of income of the United Arab Emirates is oil. In 1992, it produced a total of 837 million barrels of oil. After the agreement between OPEC countries in 1993, daily oil production is 2 million 160 thousand barrels. Oil reserves in 1993 were estimated at 64 billion 750 million barrels. Natural gas also makes a significant contribution to the country's economy. It produced 25.5 billion m³ of natural gas in 1992, and the natural gas reserve in 1993 was estimated at 5.5 trillion m³. The share of income from oil and natural gas in gross domestic product is 47%.

Industry

The most important industrial establishments of the country are oil refining facilities. The refining facilities in Ruveys can process 300,000 barrels of oil per day. Ruveys also has petrochemical plants that extract petroleum by-products. Natural gas processing facilities have also been established in the same region and propane and butane gas are produced in these facilities. The refining facilities in Ummunnar can also process 60,000 barrels of oil per day.

The United Arab Emirates tries to develop its national industry by utilizing its oil revenues in other industrial areas. For this purpose, many factories and industrial facilities have been established. The leading industrial facilities are on cement, aluminum, cable and tile production. In addition to these, some small industrial facilities have also been established. The share of the manufacturing industry in the gross domestic product is 7%. Approximately 14% of the working population is employed in the industrial sector. This includes those working in oil facilities.

Agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing

The United Arab Emirates has a long coastline along both the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, enabling fishing and pearl fishing. Although pearl trade has partially lost its former importance, fishing continues as a source of income. 92.5 tons of fish and seafood were caught in 1991.

Although its lands are generally desert, the country is partly cultivated with modern methods. In 1992, 240 thousand tons of fruit, 365 thousand tons of vegetables were produced, mainly dates. Animal husbandry is also carried out, although it is not very common. In 1992, there were 55 thousand cattle and 275 thousand sheep in the country. The share of income from agriculture and animal husbandry in national income is 2%. Workers in agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries make up 6.4% of the entire working population.

Trade

A significant amount of income is also obtained from foreign trade. The city of Dubai, the center of the Dubai Emirate, is also a commercial center. The presence of two large harbors named Râşid and Cebeli Ali Port in this city gives the city a commercial vitality. The sea connection of the country with the world is provided through the mentioned ports.

The economic policy of its administration also had an effect on Dubai's becoming a trade center. Dubai management provides all kinds of convenience to foreign capital owners and traders. Besides Dubai, Abu Zaby also has two international ports with large capacity, modern equipment. Giving importance to foreign trade and facilitating foreign capital owners have also enabled the banking sector in the country to develop. It has been determined that two thirds of the employees are Asian. The evaluation of foreigners as a cheap labor force in the country has caused the deterioration of social balances in the society.

UAE; It exports aluminum, pearls, dates and dried fish as well as oil, oil products and natural gas. The main imported goods are machinery, transportation vehicles, electrical and electronic vehicles, durable consumer goods, chemicals, medicine, foodstuffs, livestock. Its foreign trade is mostly with the United States of America, France, the Netherlands and Japan. It is not open in foreign trade. In 1990, its exports were about 8.5 billion dollars more than imports.

Politics and administration

The country is governed by a federation of Seven Emirates governed by a monarchy. (El Imarat al Arabiyya al Müttahide in Arabic, United Arab Emirates in English) In the United Arab Emirates, the emirates are independent in their internal affairs and affiliated with the United Arab Emirates in their foreign affairs. The capital city of the country is Abu Dhabi. Its largest city is Dubai, the world famous city. It has the most liberal foreign trade regime among the Gulf countries.

Armed forces

Military Organs: Armed Forces, Navy (Marine and Coastal Security Forces), Air and Air Defense Forces, Federal Police Forces. Military Service age and Obligation: Everyone aged 18; there is no compulsory military service.

Demography-Historical population

In the United Arab Emirates, there are 219 men for every 100 women, between 25-64, this rate goes up to 322. These rates are the second highest in the world, after Qatar, against men.

Language

Arabic is the official language in the country as in other Arab countries. Education is generally in English. English is also common as there are many foreigners (Hindi, Indonesian) in the country. Especially English is widely used in business life. The language of trade is French, Arabic, Farsi and English.

Religion

The most common religion in the country is Islam with 77%. 12% Christian, 4% Hindu and other religions follow as minority religions.

Energy Sources

In 1991, 13 billion 790 million kWh of electricity was produced in the UAE. Electricity consumption in the same year is also equal to this figure. All of the electrical energy is obtained from thermal power plants. Annual electricity consumption per person is on average 8460 kW / hour. On February 17, 2020, it was announced that the operating license of the four-reactor Barakah nuclear power plant under construction was awarded to Nawah Energy Company for 60 years. The power plant, the second reactor of which has been built at a rate of 95%, will be able to generate 5,600 megawatts of electricity when completed.

Transportation

The United Arab Emirates has four airports, all open to international traffic. Previously partnering with Gulf Air, the country left the company in 1985 and established its own airline (Emirates). The country has many ports used for import and export. The UAE has 276 ships capable of carrying over 100 gross tons. United Arab Emirates 4500 km. there is a highway. In this country, there is one motor transportation vehicle for an average of 4 people.

Education

Primary education lasts six years from the age of six and is compulsory. Education is free. Primary and general secondary education institutions coexist. There are 360 ​​education institutions of this quality, as well as 10 vocational secondary education institutions. All of the primary school age children and 60% of the secondary school age children can benefit from this education. The only university in the country is the United Arab Emirates University. The proportion of university-age young people who enrolled in the university is 9%. The most important educational center of the country is the city of al-Ayn. The university, important research institutions, institutes and cultural centers are in this city. The literacy rate is 100%.

Health

There are 35 hospitals, 3220 doctors, 190 dentists, 7250 nurses in UAE. There is one doctor for 615 people. Health services are at a good level. Health institutions are equipped with modern equipment

The United Arab Emirates is one of the most strategic countries in the Middle East, located in the southeast part of the Arabian Peninsula. The area of ​​the country, which is bordered by Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, is 83,600 square kilometers.

Places to visit

With a population of nearly 9.5 million, the United Arab Emirates is one of the most popular destinations for vacationers with its historical and touristic attractions.

Burj Khalifa

This symbolic structure is one of the world-renowned places in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. With 163 floors and a height of 828 meters, Burj Khalifa is known as the tallest skyscraper on earth with these figures. Created between 2004 and 2010, the building covers an area of ​​344 thousand square meters.

The architects of the famous building, which was first called 'Burç Dubai', were names such as Adrian Smith, Marshall Strabala, George J. Efstathiou and William F. Baker. Built to an astronomical figure of $ 1.2 billion, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. It serves many different purposes such as hotel, business center, restaurant. Moreover, you get the opportunity to watch the region by climbing to the top of this giant skyscraper with the latest technology elevators.

Dubai Bay

This bay, which is formed by Med-Cezir, extends towards the center of the city. It is one of the most remarkable and spacious areas in Dubai. This is the saltwater bay and it enters 14 kilometers into the city and ends at the Wildlife Conservation Area called Ras El Hur. The fact that the city is an important port has increased the commercial importance of Dubai Bay. In addition, the bay is home to structures such as Floating Bridge, Maktum Bridge, Garhud Bridge, Shidega Tunnel and İş Bay Crossing.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, was built after the death of Sheikh Zayed, one of the country's former presidents, in 2004. The Islamic work designed by Yusef Abdelki was completed and put into service in 2007. The mosque, which has a height of 115 meters, is one of the largest mosques in the world with an area of ​​2 thousand 412 square meters. The mosque, which has 82 domes of various sizes, has 4 minarets. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which has been turned into one of the most important visiting areas of the state representatives visiting the country, is one of the touristic places of the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai Museum

It is an institution that was created by repairing the historic Al Fahidi Fort, built in the late 18th century, and turning it into a museum in 1971. Here, important collections related to the historical and cultural background of the city are presented. The institution, located on El Fahidi Street, exhibits artifacts dating back to the 3rd century BC and elements that reflect the culture of the people living in the region. Dubai Museum is a must have in your United Arab Emirates travel guide.

Big Mosque

It is an excellent mosque located in Dubai. The Grand Mosque, located near the Dubai Museum, is considered the center of religious and cultural life in the city. The original building was built in 1900 and was rebuilt in 1998 after it was demolished. The Grand Mosque, which is located on Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street, is famous for its 70-meter minaret, reminiscent of a lighthouse. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the building, which has become the center of attention for Muslim tourists visiting the city. They can only take pictures by seeing this wonderful building from the outside. The Islamic structure, one of the historical sites of the United Arab Emirates, should definitely be discovered.

Al Ain National Museum

It is a museum located near the Eastern Fortress (Sultan Fortress) in the city of Al Ain, affiliated to the Abu Dhabi Emirate. It was built by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, former president of the United Arab Emirates. Especially the ethnographically and archaeologically important finds of the country around Al Ain are exhibited here. In the museum, examples of Bronze Age graves in Hili Archaeological Park are also presented. Al Ain National Museum is one of the tourist attractions of the United Arab Emirates.

Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum

It is a museum located in the city of Al Ain. This is the palace of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his family, the founder of the United Arab Emirates State. Built in 1910, the palace became a museum in 1998. Along with the rooms of the palace museum, the art gallery, assembly, meeting rooms and court are open to visitors. In the institution, belongings of not only Sheikh Zayed and his family, but also those who held the presidency until 1998 are exhibited.

Dubai World Trade Center

It is a huge business center located on Sheikh Zayed Street of the city. Built by the order of Dubai Sheikh Rashid bin Said al Maktoum, the building is a famous complex that is mostly used for commercial purposes. The building, which has been in service since 1978, hosts the consulate buildings of many countries and the offices of famous companies. Dubai World Trade Center, which has become one of the symbolic structures of the city, is one of the places you will want to see on your trip to the United Arab Emirates with its magnificence and modern architecture.

Kasr-el Hosn

This structure is a historical castle located in the capital Abu Dhabi. Located on Sheikh Zayed First Avenue, the castle was built in 1761 for defense and surveillance purposes. Expanded by Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Nahyan in 1793, Kasr-el Hosn became the official seat of the heads of the country until 1966. Extensive archaeological research still continues in the castle, which was partially opened to the public in these years. The castle was restored in 1976 and 1983. The castle is currently one of the historical sites of the United Arab Emirates.

Jumeirah Mosque

Located in the center of Dubai, on the Jumeirah Beach road, the sacred building was built in the traditional Fatimid architectural style. It is one of the most visited religious buildings of Muslims in the city. Tours to the Jumeirah Mosque, built in 1976, are also organized for non-Muslims. The holy monument, known as the most photographed mosque in the whole country, is one of Dubai's major religious sites. Make sure to save this mosque in your United Arab Emirates travel guide and photograph its wonderful appearance.

Emirates Towers

It is an excellent complex consisting of the Emirates Office Tower and Jumeirah Emirates Hotel Tower located on Sheikh Zayed Road in central Dubai. Emirates Towers, which managed to be among the 50 tallest structures in the world with their heights of 355 and 309 meters, give an image cut at an angle of 45 degrees from the upper parts. The towers, which cover an area of ​​570 thousand square meters with its lakes, waterfalls and gardens, are among the most popular modern structures in Dubai.

Safa Park

It is an amazing urban park located in the country city of Dubai. Located on Al Hadiqa Street, the park was established in 1975 on a total area of ​​64 hectares. Expanded in 1984, the park was further developed in 1989 and 1992. There are 3 artificial lakes in the park and nearly 200 bird species live here. Safa Park, which hosts many flower species as well as around 17 thousand trees, has four entrances. As Dubai improves day by day, tall buildings are getting closer to the park.