Abu Dhabi, Dubai

CAPITAL CITY OF United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi
LANGUAGE OF United Arab Emirates: Arabic
CURRENCY OF United Arab Emirates: Bahamian dollar (BSD)
COMMENTS ABOUT United Arab Emirates:
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf.
Cities : Abu Dhabi (capital), Ajman, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah
Electricity : 220/50Hz (UK plug)
Calling Code : +971
Time Zone : UTC+4
The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region.
CLIMATE OF United Arab Emirates: desert; cooler in eastern mountains
RELIGION OF United Arab Emirates: Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%
POPULATION OF United Arab Emirates:

2,523,915
note: includes an estimated 1,606,079 non-nationals; the 17 December 1995 census presents a total population figure of 2,377,453, and there are estimates of 3.44 million for 2002 (July 2004 est.)>>
ECONOMY OVERVIEW OF United Arab Emirates: The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Its wealth is based on oil and gas output (about 33% of GDP), and the fortunes of the economy fluctuate with the prices of those commodities. Since 1973, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. At present levels of production, oil and gas reserves should last for more than 100 years. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up its utilities to greater private sector involvement.