Country's Full Name: United Arab Emirates; Al-Imarat al-Arabiyah al-Muttahidah

Brief History: The original local populace was nomadic tribal living in the area of Arabian Peninsula. The sea faring people later converted to Islam in 7th century. Initially nine emirates, people of these sheikhdoms became sea-pirates attacking merchant ships making it as dreaded pirate's coast. Intervention of British forces led to truce in 1853 renaming it as trucial coast. British withdrew in 1971 liberating these Emirates forming a federation. Bahrain and Oman later chose to remain independent. The seven emirates forming the federation are: Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn (Quwayn).

What is the country known for: Besides oil, UAE is famous as shopper's paradise. Duty free shops sell electronic gadgets, cars, jewelry and exotic products. Dubai is also coined as "city of gold".

Main Industries: Petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles

Main Trading Partners:
Export partners (2006 est): Japan 25.6%, South Korea 10.2%, Thailand 5.8%, India 4.5% (2006), Exports: $137.1 billion f.o.b. Commodities: crude oil 45%, natural gas, dried fish, dates

Import partners (2006 est): US 11.4%, China 11%, India 9.8%, Germany 6.2%, Japan 5.8%, UK 5.5%, France 4.1%, Italy 4% (2006); Imports: $88.89 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.); Commodities: machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

Major Cities: Abu Dhabi (capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Deira, Umm Al Qaiwan, Khor Fakkan, Al-Fujairah, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman.

Location: The seven emirates are located in the Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Geographic Coordinates: 24 00 N, 54 00 E

Size: Total: 83,600 sq km (land: 83,600 sq km/water: 0 sq km)
Slightly smaller than Maine.

Time Zone: UTC/GMT 4 hours

Type of Government:
The supreme authority in the federation is Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the seven emirate rulers; FSC meets four times a year making general policies and sanctions federal legislation. Abu Dhabi and Dubai rulers have effective veto power. The President and Prime Minister are elected by FSC for five year term.

The normal governance is done by unicameral Federal National Council (FNC) or Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; 20 members appointed by the rulers of the constituent states, 20 members elected to serve two-year terms).

Chief of state: President Khalifa bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan (since 3 November 2004), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) (since 4 November 2004);
Vice President and Prime Minister: Muhammad bin Rashid al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006)

National Holidays:

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
26 Feb Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
9 Jul Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).
11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
2 Dec National Day.
7 Dec Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).
16 Dec Ashoura.

2011
1 Jan New Year's Day.
26 Feb Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
28 Jun Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).
30 Aug - 31 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
6 Nov - 7 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
26 Nov Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).
2 Dec National Day.
5 Dec Ashoura.

Population and Breakdown:
July 2007 estimate: 4,444,011
note: estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census that included a significantly higher estimate of net immigration of non-citizens than previous estimates.

0-14 years: 20.6% (male 467,931/female 447,045)
15-64 years: 78.5% (male 2,558,029/female 932,617)
65 years and over: 0.9% (male 24,914/female 13,475)
note: 73.9% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national

Median age: 30.1 years (male: 32 years/female: 24.5 years)
Life Expectancy: 75.69 years (male: 73.16 years/female: 78.35 years)

Religion: Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), other (includes Christian, Hindu) 4%

Language: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu.

Local Customs:
Although majority of UAE population is Islamic, the culture of UAE is tolerant. No restriction for foreigners on dressing at sea-beaches. But they should follow local dressing habits in public places. Abu Dhabi is little conservative than Dubai in dressing habits.
There are two reception rooms called as "Mailis" in most of the homes in UAE -one for male and the other for female.
Never refuse refreshments offered, it will lead insult to your host.
Alcohol is served in restaurants and hotels, even to the local residents.
Politeness and courteousness are the part of honoring the guests. The nation is vibrant and invites all people as part of the society.

Best Time to go: The best time to visit UAE is in its coolest months from December to March. Enjoy the shopping festival celebrated every year for the retail customers in the month of January and February. Thousands of retail outlets participate offering deep discounts in this event.

Currency:

1 US Dollar = 3.67230 Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham
1 Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham (AED) = 0.27231 US Dollar

1 British Pound = 7.51970 Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham
1 Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham (AED) = 0.13298 British Pound (GBP)

1 Euro = 5.24103 Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham
1 Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham (AED) = 0.19080 Euro (EUR)

Customs Regulations:
Abu Dhabi: 2000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2 kg. of tobacco, 2 litres of spirit and 2 litres of wine for non-Moslems, reasonable quantity of perfume in open bottles
Dubai: 2000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2 kg. of tobacco, 2 litres of spirit and 2 litres wine for Non-Moslems, reasonable quantity of perfume.
Sharjah: No restrictions on cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, perfume and toilet water, one bottle of alcoholic beverages for Non-Moslems.

Tipping:
Tipping is considered a norm in Dubai. Service Charge of 15% is added by hotels and restaurants.
For a sit-down meal where service is very good: 20phil - 50phil.
Many restaurants offer a general tipping box which would be shared equally with all staff. At expensive restaurants and coffee shops, 50Ph -1Dirham is the norm.
Taxi drivers generally accept a few Dirhams with a wide smile.
Places providing a personal service such as hair salons, barbers, manicurists and masseurs do not expect a tip.
When checking out, leave around Dhs10 for each day stayed for the housekeeping staff.
Porters, valet parkers are usually tipped a small amount.
Bell boys can be tipped 5 or 10 Dirham depending on service.