The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is a federation of seven small states (or emirates), situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East.

They once formed a British protectorate known as the Trucial States or Trucial Oman before gaining independence in 1971.

A mostly desert land, the United Arab Emirates has only one important natural resource—petroleum. But these enormous oil deposits have transformed U.A.E. from a poor country into a very wealthy one. Abu Dhabi, the capital, is the seat of Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.’s largest and most populous state.

People. The rapid growth of the petroleum industry has attracted large numbers of foreign workers. Of a population of 2.5 million, more than 1.5 million are not citizens of the U.A.E. The native people are Arabs. Most outsiders come from other Arab nations and from India, Pakistan, and Iran. Arabic is the official language, although English, Persian, and Urdu are widely used. Most of the people are Muslim.

Land and Climate. Coastal strips along the Persian Gulf contain most of the country’s populated areas. Farther inland the land merges into the vast desert of Saudi Arabia. Only a few oases, or fertile areas watered by springs or deep wells, dot the otherwise barren landscape. The climate is extremely hot and dry. Rainfall is slight.

Economy. Traditional economic activities are trade and fishing in the coastal towns and fishing, farming, and animal herding in the few fertile areas. But today’s economy is dominated by the production and export of petroleum, most of which comes from the states of Abu Dhabi and Dubayy.

History and Government. In the 1800’s, Britain established a protectorate over the region by signing treaties, called truces, with the local Arab sheikhs (chiefs). In 1971, the Trucial States became independent as the United Arab Emirates.

Each of the seven emirates is ruled by a hereditary emir (king or prince). The chief governing body is the Federal Supreme Council, made up of the seven emirs. It elects from among its members a president, who appoints a prime minister. The legislature is the 40-member Federal National Council.

Reviewed by Alam Payind

Jennifer Nichols
Middle East Studies Center
The Ohio State University

Copyright © 2003 Grolier Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.