United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a federal state located in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. It shares borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman, and has coastlines on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Abu Dhabi is the capital, while Dubai is the largest commercial and financial center.

The country consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Each emirate has its own ruler and local authority, while defense, foreign affairs, and currency are controlled by the federal government.

History and formation of the union

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the coastal emirates maintained protection treaties with Britain and were known as the Trucial States. When Britain decided to withdraw its forces from east of Suez, the local rulers began negotiations to form a union. The federation was established in December 1971, with Ras Al Khaimah joining in 1972. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi, became the first president.

System of government

The system is a monarchy headed by rulers. The Federal Supreme Council, composed of the seven emirs, is the highest authority and elects the president and vice president. By convention, the ruler of Abu Dhabi serves as president and the ruler of Dubai as prime minister. The Federal National Council (FNC) is an advisory and oversight body with members who are partly elected and partly appointed. Political parties are not permitted.

Population

Reports from the federal census authority indicate that the population reached approximately 11.3 million in 2024, with men forming a large majority. Emirati citizens make up a small portion of the total population; most are foreign workers from South Asia, East Asia, Arab countries, and Africa, present on temporary work contracts.

Economy

Oil and gas form the basis of state revenue, particularly in Abu Dhabi which holds most reserves. The national company ADNOC has in recent years increased crude oil production capacity, with a target of exceeding four and a half million barrels per day. Dubai, by contrast, has built an economy based on trade, ports, aviation, tourism, and financial services. The national currency is the dirham, which has been pegged to the US dollar for a long time.

Foreign policy

The UAE is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League, and the United Nations. In 2020 it signed the Abraham Accords, establishing normal relations with Israel. It also plays a commercial and investment role in the Horn of Africa, particularly in port investment and the trade sector; DP World operates the port of Berbera.