History

The United Arab Emirates, or UAE is bordered by the Arab Gulf from the North, Gulf of Oman and the Sultanate of Oman from the East, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman from the South, and the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the West. The country is located between 22-26.5 N latitude, and 51-56.51 E longitude. The United Arab Emirates has a 644 kilometre long coast south of the Arab Gulf, where the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman , Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah are located, while the 90 kilometre long coast of the Emirate of Fujairah is located at the Gulf of Oman. The area of the country is 83,600 square kilometers, with the desert dominating most of this area with many popular oases. Most of the country’s coast is dominated by sand except for the northern area at Ras Al Khaimah which constitutes the Hajer mountain cape. The country has hundreds of islands within the Gulf, of which 200 are in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, importantly Sir Bani Yas which has evolved into an oasis and a conservation area for endangered and rare birds and animals. The UAE has a population of 8.19 million and is continuing to grow at a rapid rate despite the global downturn; according to a comprehensive report on the country's economy, unveiled in May 2010.

Establishment of the Union

Archeological excavations and antiques found in many areas of the country have proved that a great civilization used to be prosperous in the area known today as the United Arab Emirates. The civilization is dated back to 4000 BC , and was interrelated with the neighboring civilizations .

H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was born in 1918 . In 1946 , he was elected ruler of Al Ain and in 1966 , he became ruler of Abu Dhabi. In 1968 , Britain declared its withdrawal from the area . Immediately Sheikh Zayed took the lead in calling for a federation of the emirates . The rulers of the other emirates moved quickly and on the 2nd of December 1971 the United Arab Emirates formally emerged onto the international stage . On November 2nd 2004 , Sheikh Zayed passed away , after a long journey of giving and achievements . The nation keeps going on his vision under the leadership of H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , President of United Arab Emirates and his brothers , the members of the Supreme Council and Rulers , and their crown princes .

Governance

United Arab Emirates, or UAE is a sovereign federation, comprising seven monarchical emirates; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah . Abu Dhabi is the capital of the Union . The Federation was formally established on the 2nd of December 1971 . This day is celebrated as the National Day throughout the UAE . The UAE’s Constitution allows certain flexibility in the distribution of authorities between the Federal and the Local Governments . This allows the seven emirates to incorporate in their own local government matters not included in the Constitution .

Culture and Heritage

The United Arab Emirates has a rich history dating back to thousands of years . So, the country is concerned with preserving and documenting such heritage for the next generations . The President H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Members of Supreme Council are keen on preserving and promoting the UAE’s heritage amongst the youth by educating them , in a way to link the glorious past and the magnificent civilization with the future generation . Therefore , H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , the President , urges the cultural , educational and academic institutions to work hard to raise awareness in the youth , of the civilized cultural heritage of their country . Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan , the late president and founding father of the United Arab Emirates , had a great interest in preserving the heritage for the benefit of the country and the next generations . His interest was not limited to the national heritage , but also included international heritage , as he established a $150,000 award with UNESCO , in order to encourage human creativity and save threatened heritage monuments .