UAE - photo. United Arab Emirates is the capital. UAE - vacation. Population and citizens of the UAE

Federal Supreme Court is the highest organ of the judiciary. As in any modern civilized state, in the UAE the judiciary is separated from the executive.

The Federal Supreme Court consists of five judges appointed by the Supreme Council. Judges determine the constitutionality of federal laws and arbitrate disputes between emirates and disputes between the federal government and the emirates.

This system of governance may seem authoritarian, but it is natural for the Emiratis and has developed as a result of the country’s history.

Story

Even 8,000 years ago, on the territory of modern UAE, arose ancient civilization– culture of Umm an-Nar. The climate then was much milder, which made it possible to fully develop agriculture. Over time, desertification occurred and the ancient culture died out.

Before the 12th century there was no large settlements, the area was inhabited by nomads, fishermen from the coast and a few inhabitants of the oases. In 632, on the territory of the modern emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, one of the most important battles of the “War with the Apostates” took place - the Battle of Dhaba.

Since the 12th century, port cities have flourished, the emirates have participated in developed trading network Indian Ocean, cultural and commodity exchange flourishes. In the 16th century, the Portuguese came to the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, capturing some of the ports.

In the 17th century, Portugal lost its power, and the Dutch gained control of the Persian Gulf. In the 18th century they were replaced by the British. For a long time, the emirates fell under British influence and partial control.

Read the detailed story in our large and interesting article “”.

Who lives in the UAE

Now (note: the article was written in 2017) only 10% of the population are indigenous Arabs (citizens). The rest are temporary workers from India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Iran, Egypt and other countries.

Their relationship is complex, which we wrote about in detail in the article “”.

Laws

The UAE has a very complex legal system, but also a very interesting one; it is a unique fusion of Islamic and Anglo-Saxon legal traditions.

Each emirate chooses for itself whether to have its own judicial system or join the federal one. On this moment(note: the article was written in 2017) only Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah have their own judicial system.

Sharia law does not have the status of law in the UAE, but the country's legislation is largely based on Sharia law. There are Sharia courts in the country that hear cases of divorce, guardianship, and family disputes. Criminal and administrative cases are dealt with by secular courts.

The UAE uses Islamic forms of punishment. For example, lashing is used; several dozen people a year receive similar sentences. Stoning as a form of death penalty is legalized, although it is now almost never used.

Much that we are already accustomed to is prohibited and punishable in the UAE:

Verbal abuse with sexual overtones can be punished by imprisonment or 80 lashes;

Abortion is punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to Dh10,000;

Apostasy from Islam is punishable by death;

Homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment - up to 12 years in prison;

You can go to jail for drunk driving or even for drinking in public, as we discussed in the article "".

Interesting fact that crime in the UAE is very “young”. According to statistics in 2015, about 40% of all offenses were committed by minors (persons under 18 years of age).

Beyond the distant seas, behind the high mountains, where there is almost no rain and the sun creates unbearable heat all year round, there is small country, which has been ruled by sages since ancient times. And what has been said is not a fairy tale, but the real truth, the truth of which you will see for yourself. We are talking about the state of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the Middle East and being a federation.

Its rulers actually follow the suras of Islam in matters of domestic policy. The sheikhs of the UAE are one of the richest people in the world, they are educated, cultured, prone to oriental luxury and state-of-the-art technology and gadgets. Rulers do not put on the mask of servants of the people, while remaining rich, but their subjects live comfortably, feel needed by their country, and glorify their emirs.

Geography

First, let's briefly present some statistics on this state. The territory of the UAE is 83.6 thousand km 2, it is approximately equal to Leningrad region. The UAE is adjacent to Oman and Saudi Arabia. Its geography and geology are characterized by its location on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

The country, located on the slope of a tectonic plate, is rich in minerals. The main oil reserves, according to approximate estimates amounting to 12.3 million tons and gas reserves of 5.6 trillion m 3, lie in the depths of the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Gentle sedimentary mountain ranges The Khojars, rising in the east, are rich mineral springs. Aluminum is mined here.

The geographical space of the country is heterogeneous in relief. The main tourist centers are located on sandy and rocky soil near the coast. The sea off the coast is exceptionally clear, and the sand is golden. However, going deeper into the peninsula, the traveler will find only completely saline soils, replaced by sand dunes and rock plateaus, occupying more than 60% of the country’s area.

The northern and eastern regions of the country are fertile, but not due to nature, but because they are landscaped in accordance with the program drawn up by the Council of Emirs.

Thus, the climate of the UAE is basically desert; only a narrow coastal strip is characterized by favorable tropical weather.

History is ancient and colonial

Every cloud has a silver lining; it was during this period that Islam became the titular religion here, which appealed to the locals. The teachings of the Prophet strengthened them spiritually.

Since the 15th century, Portugal, on the territory of what is now the UAE, has pursued its rather unsuccessful colonial policy, robbing the people and forcing them to engage in piracy. In the 19th century, it was displaced from here by the Queen of the Seas - Britain, which has its own civilizational plan and created the rudiments of industrial infrastructure on the territory of the UAE.

History of the independence of the emirate states

However, all this time it was not the foreign colonizers, but the local sheikhs who remained the leaders of their people. It would seem that for three hundred years the emirate states were in bondage; for three centuries they remained the servants of the colonialists on their land. However, having heard the call of the Bani Yaz clan of the Maktoum dynasty, they followed the sheikh's family in 1833, captured Dubai, bringing independence from foreigners to it. How can one not recall here the Arabic proverb that a lion leading a flock of sheep will defeat a flock of lions led by a ram. By the way, the direct ancestor of the current head of state commanded that army.

The British then thoughtlessly did not attach any importance to this. In the 20s of the 20th century, they discovered oil deposits on the peninsula and began its mass production in the 50s. However, by that time the Arab countries had become a world power, and the precedent of the Maktoum dynasty still had force. In 1964, the League of Arab States opposed the British protectorate, demanding recognition of the independence of Arab countries, and the British were forced to retreat.

In 1971, six states united to form the UAE, with the seventh emirate, Ras al Khaimah, joining the following year. Emir new country became its founder, Sheikh of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, an outstanding personality.

He was a man of clear mind and amazing foresight. He took on the burden of leadership and managed to unite and convince his then poor and demoralized people of the prospect of a decent life: “If there is at least one blooming branch left in your soul, a songbird will certainly sit on it.” The sheikh appealed to the pride of his people, to their faith, which was confirmed in the flag of the new state.

And he turned out to be right, fulfilling his promises in abundance. The children and grandchildren of these people, struggling for existence and ending their lives at just 40 years old, today live in a rich country, enjoying all the modern benefits. And this is without wars, without revolutions, without the extermination of “fifth columns”.

“A wise man will understand as soon as he winks, but a fool is not enough when he is pushed,” says an Arabic proverb about the properties of the mind. One of his 19 sons, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, now rules the country as skillfully as his ancestors, and his subjects bless him.

Each of the emirates (Shurjah, Fujairah, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, Dubai, Ajman, Abu Dhabi) is solely governed by its own emir.

The President of the UAE is the emir of the largest of the emirates, Abu Dhabi, the capital of which and, at the same time, of the entire federation is the city of Abu Dhabi. The position of president is passed down from father to son. In the short history of the country, there have actually been two presidents. When the first president-sheikh died, and the second just entered the ritual of taking power, the prime minister performed the duties for two days.

The President of the UAE is the head of the country's Supreme Council, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and head of the Supreme Petroleum Council. Seven rulers-emirs make up the highest body of state power - the Supreme Council of the UAE.

These are amazing rulers from whom Westerners have a lot to learn. How do these seven people manage to rule the country without revolution? Why do their supercars sit in the parking lot with the key in the ignition, and none of their fellow citizens even think about bad things?

How could it be otherwise in a believing country, whose citizens their rulers give jobs, provide a decent life, provide an impressive social package, provide free (but organized far from our model) medicine and education, and even provide them with abundant fresh water.

How can sheikhs, under such circumstances, not be leaders of their people? After all, as the Arabs say, with the help of kindness and affection, even an elephant can be led by a thread.

Language, flag

The official language in the UAE is Arabic. It shows films, prints newspapers, books, and publishes legal acts. This language is quite flexible. Having a primordial Arab core, it changes in accordance with the progress of society.

At the same time, local businesses widely use English for business correspondence and communication with counterparties. In the country, British is the language of interethnic communication. Also among labor emigrants, their native languages ​​are in use.

UAE flag like state symbol, adopted on December 2, 2017, the day of the unification of the emirates into one state. Its four-color panel has a rectangular shape with an aspect ratio of 2 to 1.

There is a single vertical (the rest are horizontal) red stripe running along the shaft. To the right of it follow stripes of green, white, black. Each color carries a symbolic meaning. The red stripe, as it were, consolidates the UAE flag; it signifies pride, strength and freedom of civil society. The green top is Islam, the state religion. White - the morality and purity of the inhabitants of the country and, finally, black - its natural resources, in particular - oil.

Capital

The capital of the UAE - the million-strong city of Abu Dhabi - is economic (56% of GDP), political, religious and cultural center states. It is built on an island connected to the continent by three highways. The business district of the metropolis is located in its northern part, adjacent to the ultra-modern Corniche embankment. The city is green, there are more than two dozen parks, the greenery of which is fed by desalinated sea water. Abu Dhabi is built up mainly with modern low-rise buildings and villas.

The largest petrochemical, pipe rolling, shipbuilding, and cement production is located in the suburbs of the capital.

Economy

Words in Islamic countries (unlike domestic politicians) are not simply thrown into the wind. Once upon a time, the Supreme Council of a country where there are no rivers, and instead of fertile lands there are salt marshes, sands and rocks, announced that it would gradually turn it into an oasis. And the sheikhs, never tired of surprising the world with ambitious infrastructure projects, are gradually fulfilling their promises. The council of wise emirs is truly effective and adequate to modern times. Figuratively speaking, the dynamic eastern monarchs understood time, because you can comprehend it only by being in motion.

There are no fewer representative offices of international corporations in the UAE than in New York, London or Tokyo. According to the ranking of countries, the economy of the UAE, a tiny country, ranks 31st in the world in terms of GDP produced, which in 2016 amounted to $375 billion, the value of goods and services produced in this state per year.

The amount per capita per year is 67.7 thousand dollars, this is the ninth figure in the world. According to IMF specialists, the country will maintain its growth dynamics until 2020.

The national currency of the UAE is called the Arabic Dirham (AED). 100 fils equals one dirham. Until 1978, the dirham exchange rate was pegged to the American dollar and was 0.27 of it. It is noteworthy that this rate has been maintained since the date of introduction of the Emirati currency, i.e., since 1973. And is this surprising? After all, Arab wisdom from time immemorial says that good money should be like birds: fly away and come back, and therefore the country’s currency exchange rate should be stable.

Industry

In the UAE, industry has a strong oil and gas focus. However, state programs for its diversification do have an effect: 67% of the country’s GDP is other goods and services, and not black gold or its products.

The UAE has developed aluminum production, light industry, production of metal structures and building materials, energy industry, water desalination, dairy, meat, and fishing industries.

The traditional (pre-oil) industries of this country are the cultivation of date palms, pearl fishing, horse and camel breeding, and fishing.

Since 2004, the Emirates has been a country of free trade with the United States; the domestic market is overflowing with high-quality, branded goods. Sheikh law prohibits traders from buying counterfeits. How can one not recall the words of the oldest Persian poet and scientist Abu Rudaki: “The wise man is drawn to goodness and peace, the fool is drawn to war and strife.”

Tourism

High tourist season here lasts from May to September. The air at this time warms up to 50 0 C in the shade. However, through the efforts of cunning sheikhs, an amazing infrastructure for tourism has been created here. The sages consistently fulfill the task they have set themselves - to transform the climate, to make an oasis out of the desert.

Please note that it is preferable for people sensitive to heat to visit the Land of Sheikhs from October to April. At this time, the average monthly temperature is 21 0 C. The UAE is dynamically developing tourism as a branch of its economy. Arriving guests seem to be immersed in a fairy tale in the land of the emirs. The largest cities and at the same time beach centers are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman and Sharjah. The best public beaches in the UAE, according to tourists, are Jumeirah Beach Park, Mamzer Beach, Burj Beach, Ghantoot Beach.

Guests of the country are amazed at how organically the traditions of Islam here flow into the form of high-tech, and how high-tech is filled with its content. This small country has the largest mosques in the world and the largest skyscrapers.

The majestic, domed marble Sheikh Zayed Mosque, erected in honor of the first president of the UAE, amazes with its marble purity and whiteness. In ancient times it would certainly have been called a wonder of the world. The largest temple in the Middle East, the King Faisal Mosque, also surprises with its architecture.

Younger tourists are attracted by other wonders of the world: skyscrapers exclusively built by the world's best architects, as well as the most picturesque islands artificially created according to intricate designs. The East, even after millennia, remains faithful to its tradition: building new wonders of the world. Here you can see the largest artificial stalagmite in the world - the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, rising 800 meters into the air. Also unique is the Arabic analogy Leaning Tower of Pisa- “falling” Capital Gate skyscraper. It is famous in the world as the most expensive and most luxurious hotel “Sail” (Burj Al Arab Jumeirah), built according to the design of the brilliant British Thomas Wright.

The legendary Gardens of Babylon would obviously pale in comparison to the greenery planted on artificial islands Palm trees and generously watered with desalinated water.

Even the most charismatic fashionistas in the world do not consider it shameful to look at the most unique gold market, located in Dubai. By the way, here you can even exchange currency for gold in the hotel machine.

The wonders of the world are truly collected here. Those interested can go skiing in an indoor complex designed to accommodate 1,500 people, and the megamall in Sharjah is rightfully considered one of the largest in the world. Don't believe me? Here, even an aquarium with five-meter sharks, stingrays and other marine life is not striking.

Labor migrants

It would seem: these sheikhs are the richest people. How do they manage to live in such a way that their subjects love them? Most likely, this royal oriental nobility and wisdom are really in their blood: do not neglect little people, because they help to rise.

The demographic policy of the UAE is of interest. The population of the country with an area of ​​83.6 thousand km 2 is 8.5 million people. If in 1975 a little more than half a million people lived here, then a 16-fold increase in social development is evident. The moral foundations of the country of emirs prevent Arab citizens from performing menial work.

Almost 89% of the population are foreigners who came for work; they happily take on poorly paid jobs here. They have a status that does not allow them to become citizens of this country, but they can pursue a career in the non-state sector. The UAE is considered one of the most liberal Arab powers. The country's population, as proof of this thesis, is actively increasing.

Thus, less than every ninth sheikh you meet in the Country is its citizen. People from South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh) make up more than half of the UAE residents. The population of the state is also represented by:

• other people from Asia (Arab countries, Thailand, China, Philippines);
• Europeans, Americans, Australians;
• Africans.

Not all Arabs in this country are its citizens. After all, many of them are labor migrants in the UAE. The Arab population of the Country of Emirs, in addition to the indigenous inhabitants, is represented by people from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Bedouins.

Note: labor emigrants are grateful to the sheikhs for the humane conditions at work and for the decent amount of payment.

Indigenous people

There are about 950 thousand indigenous people, i.e. citizens, in the country; they work in the public sector, and many of them have their own businesses. Thus, the sheikhs implemented a fundamental formula: the citizens of the country manage its wealth as civil servants. Moreover, they receive a very decent salary.

An Arab citizen of the Country of Sheikhs is guaranteed to receive at least 4 thousand dollars in his first job. If he graduates from a university, he will already be paid 10 thousand greenbacks a month. This amount is not the limit yet. What our civil servants call categories and ranks, which, interspersed with diplomas, are awarded for diligent work, in the UAE results in a significant increase in the salaries of civil servants.

The most successful powers in the performance of power functions receive (for comparison) salaries of the same order as the heads of large structural divisions of Gazprom.

The economic and political power of the sheikhs is based on the welfare of their subjects, generated by a fair distribution of the country's GDP. The richest reserves of oil are in its depths, and wise rulers know how to wisely share the proceeds from its sale with their fellow citizens and stimulate progress with them.

Society

For us, this would be a paradox: the activities of political parties and trade unions are prohibited in the state. However, this aspect also contains the wisdom that says, “Don’t open a door you cannot close.” After all, parties (and in the West, trade unions) often initiate destructive consequences in society. Slogans like “What to do?” and “Who is to blame?” Sometimes a killer is released from a bottle of bloody genie. The sheikhs initially ruled out this possibility. However, they did this, initially ensuring the sustainable progress of the power. This scheme is ideal if the monarch manages to create a socially responsible society. And it works in the UAE.

In the Emirates, social policy is paid for directly by the sheikhs, and not with the help of “gray funds” from which dishonest intermediaries extract money. This reveals the strategic wisdom of their rulers. Petrodollars are directly poured into healthcare and education, which are free for the indigenous citizens of this country.

The local army is also financed from a separate fund, without compromising the well-being of the people.

Religion

The legal system and way of social life in the UAE are determined by the religion of Islam. For residents of the Country of Emirs, the suras of the Koran leave a significant imprint on the state structure, social and cultural life. The five commandments of Islam are sacredly observed by Muslims.

Wherever an Arab is, five times a day at a set time, loudspeakers on the minarets call him to prayer. Business Muslims even install prayer applications on their smartphones. There are prayer rooms here and in supermarkets.

The laws of this Islamic state are drawn up based on the principles set forth in the Koran, and the Sharia court in the Land of Sheikhs also follows the non-Western classics - Roman law.

Citizens of this country celebrate UAE holidays of two types: secular and related to religious tradition. There are very few of the first:

• 1st of January - New Year.
• August 6 is Zayed Al Nahyan's Throne Day.
• December 12 is the day of the formation of the state.

Some religious holidays are associated with certain events in the life of the Prophet Mohamed:

• migration from Mecca;
• birth;
• ascension.

Others are defined by other Muslim traditions:

• associated with the holy month of Ramadan, with its fasting and pacification of passions;
• spring (Navruz);
• sacrifices (Eid al-Adha);
• sorrow (Ashura).

The most significant holidays for Muslims in the UAE are the day of breaking the fast after Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr), the day of sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) and, of course, the holy month of Ramadan itself.

Conclusion

The wisdom of the rulers of the UAE, which led their people to prosperity, is worthy of respect. Emirs do not seek to strengthen the country in order to conquer foreign lands and expand power. They do not dream of a “nuclear club”. Rulers simply seek prosperity for their people by rationally using natural resources. They are connected with the Western world mainly by economics.

The UAE's GDP is distributed truly wisely. The indigenous population is stimulated by him in all areas of their lives, and migrant workers are grateful to the sheikhs for their rewarding work and its conditions. There are no thieves in the Land of Sheikhs state level. The seven wise emirs will not allow a cunning rogue oligarch to appear thanks to their money.

This is extremely interesting experience Muslim rule, providing the population with promising jobs and free social benefits.

Tatiana Solomatina

UAE country: luxury in the desert

If you are going to visit the country for the first time, you just need to know the basic information, so I recommend reading the article to the end.

UAE stands for United United Arab Emirates. The name speaks for itself; the state consists of seven emirates. Abu Dhabi is the largest of them, its emir is the president of this country, and the city of Abu Dhabi is the capital of the state. The country of UAE has good oil reserves, which is the main source of income for the country.

The UAE is located in the east of the Arabian Peninsula, partially washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. The main part of the country is occupied by the most big desert Rub al-Khaleh. The northern and eastern regions are dominated by mountainous terrain.

The government of the country has developed a special program to create green oases, which is being successfully implemented. Large cities have a lot of green vegetation brought here from municipal parks.

Climate

It is very hot in the UAE and there are frequent sandstorms. In summer the air temperature is about +45 degrees, in winter +20 - +22 degrees. Precipitation is rare, mainly in winter. At night the temperature drops slightly.

Population and religion

The UAE is a Muslim country with a population of 9 million people, while the indigenous population makes up only 11%. The remaining residents are emigrants from Pakistan, India, Nepal and other countries who came here to work. Most people living here are not citizens of the state.

Language and currency

The official language of the UAE is Arabic. However, many residents communicate in Hindi, Farsi and English. Because of the abundance Russian tourists, employees of some shops and hotels know a little Russian.

Since 1973, the official currency is the dirham (Dh).

Visa

In order to enter the country, a visa is required and it is expensive. Moreover, the price directly depends on the length of stay in the country. A regular tourist visa for a trip of up to 30 days will cost 8,000 rubles. The transit card is valid for 96 hours and costs 5,500 rubles.

Get the coveted stamp at the UAE Embassy (website http://www.uae-embassy.ru/rco01.htm), is only possible for holders of a diplomatic passport. Ordinary citizens apply for documents through visa centers, special airline services, or use the help of a tour operator.

When preparing documents, you must take into account that single girls under 30 years old, unaccompanied by male relatives, will not be given permission to enter the country.

Important addition!

From February 1, 2017 citizens Russian Federation, planning tourist trips to the United Arab Emirates, no visas are required in advance.

Upon arrival at any UAE airport, citizens of the Russian Federation receive a visa on arrival for a period of 30 days free of charge. The visa can be extended once for 30 days by contacting the Immigration Department in the UAE in advance for an additional fee.

The content of the article

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)(Arabic: Al-Amirat al-Arabiya al-Muttahida), federal state in South-West Asia, in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, on the coast of the Persian and Oman Gulfs. It borders on Qatar in the north, Saudi Arabia in the south and southwest, and Oman in the northeast and southeast. In the north it is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, in the east by the Gulf of Oman. The total length of the border is 867 km, coastline– 1318 km. The UAE includes the following emirates: Abu Dhabi (Abu Zabi; area 67,350 sq. km, or 87% of the country), Dubai (Dibai; 3,900 sq. km, or 5%), Sharjah (2,600 sq. km, or 3.3%), Ajman (259 sq. km, or 0.3%), Ras al-Khaimah (1,700 sq. km, or 2.2%), Umm al-Quwain (750 sq. km, or 1%), Fujairah (1150 sq. km, or 1.5%). The land borders run through deserts and are not clearly defined. Total area – approx. 83,600 sq. km (including the islands of Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunb). Population – about 3.13 million people, incl. 2.05 million non-citizens (2002). The capital is Abu Dhabi (420 thousand).

NATURE

Relief.

Most of the territory of the UAE is occupied by salt marshes and sandy deserts, in the west there are sandy and rocky deserts, in the east and northeast there are the Hajar Mountains (the highest point is the city of Adan, 1127 m). The highest point in the country is Mount Jabal Yibir (1527 m). To the east of Al-Udayd Gulf, located at the base of the Qatar Peninsula, there are moving sand dunes, along the coast there are flat, barren salt marshes. The shores are mostly low, the coastline is indented with small bays, framed by islands and coral reefs protruding above the surface of the shallow waters.

The main mineral resources are oil and natural gas. Oil reserves are estimated at 12,330 million tons (about 10% of world reserves). Basic oil fields in Abu Dhabi - Asab, Beb, Bu Hasa, Al-Zakum, in Dubai - Fallah, Fateh, South-West Fateh, Margham, in Sharjah - Mubarak. Natural gas reserves amount to 5794 billion cubic meters. m. In terms of natural gas reserves, the UAE ranks 4th in the world after Russia, Iran and Qatar. There are also deposits of uranium, chromium and nickel ores and bauxite.

Climate

dry, transitional from tropical to subtropical. Air temperature from November to May ranges from 18 to 25° C, from June to August - from 30 to 35° C (maximum up to 50° C), average monthly temperatures range from 20° to 35° C. Summer, except mountainous regions, very hot, in winter the weather becomes cooler. Precipitation is approx. 100 mm, in the mountains 300–400 mm per year (maximum in winter). Occasionally there are heavy downpours that cause great damage by washing out roads and disrupting communications. There are no permanent rivers, temporary streams flow through the valleys, most of the year they are dry riverbeds - wadis. Sources of fresh water along the flat coast of the Persian Gulf are very few. There is no agriculture west of Abu Dhabi. Intensive water intake from underground sources has led to a significant decrease in groundwater levels and their salinization.

Vegetation and fauna.

On the western slopes of the mountains there are large oases with vineyards, date palms, acacias, and tamarisk; Cereals, mangoes, bananas, lemons, and tobacco are also cultivated. In the mountains there is savannah-type vegetation. In desert areas there are hares, jerboas, gazelles, dromedary Arabian camels, and some species of lizards and snakes. The coastal waters of the Persian Gulf are rich in fish (sardines, herring, etc.) and pearls.

POPULATION

Demography.

From 1968 to 2003, the country's population increased 20 times, primarily due to the influx of foreign labor. In 2003, the total population of the UAE was 3.75 million people, incl. Abu Dhabi (1,186 thousand people, or 39% of the population in 2000), Dubai (913 thousand inhabitants, or 28%), Sharjah (520 thousand), Ajman (174 thousand), Ras al- Khaima (171 thousand), Umm al-Quwain (46 thousand), Fujairah (98 thousand). As a result of immigration, there are serious imbalances in the gender structure of the population. Women now make up approximately 33% of the population, as many workers choose to come to the UAE without their families. In the 1990s, the natural population movement was characterized by high fertility and low mortality. The average annual population growth in 1990–1995 was 5.3%, in 2003 – 1.57% (with a birth rate of 18.48 and a death rate of 4.02 per 1000 people). The average life expectancy is 74 years (72 years for men, 77 years for women).

Ethnic groups.

About 80% of the population are from other countries. In 2000, ethnic Arabs made up 48.1% of the total population (UAE Arabs 12.2%, Bedouins 9.4%, Egyptian Arabs 6.2%, Omani Arabs 4.1%, Saudi Arabs 4% ), South Asians - 35.7%, Iranians - 5%, Filipinos - 3.4%, Europeans - 2.4%, others - 5.4%. The number of UAE citizens, according to various estimates, has not exceeded 25% of the population in recent decades. At the same time, the most numerous ethnic groups are (as of 2003) people from India (about 30%, or 1.2 million) and Pakistan (about 20%).

Work force.

The economically active population is 1.6 million people. (2000), of which 73.9% are foreign labor (2002). About 78% are employed in the service sector, 15% in industry, 7% in agriculture (2000). In general, since the late 1990s there has been a downward trend in the number of people employed in industry and agriculture. Foreign workers from India and Pakistan play the most significant role in the local economy. Since 2002, the government has been taking measures to “Emiratize the workforce” (it should be noted that very few people work in the industrial sector local residents). As part of personnel reforms, up to 90% of the workforce is expected to be staffed by UAE nationals. government agencies, 80% - economic and financial organizations, 60% - justice bodies. At the same time, the struggle to limit the influx of foreign labor is intensifying. In 1996, as part of an amnesty declared for illegal immigrants and foreign citizens With expired visas and documents, 150 thousand people left the country; during the amnesty in 2003, another approx. took advantage of it. 80 thousand people Unemployment in 1996 reached 2.6%.

Urbanization.

Most of the population is concentrated on the coast and in oases. City dwellers make up 84% of the country's population (1996). In the interior desert regions there is a very rare nomadic, semi-nomadic and sedentary indigenous Arab population (Emirati Arabs, Bedouins), preserving the tribal division. The largest tribes among nomads and semi-nomads are the Beni-Kitab, among the settled population - Avamir, Beni Khadzhir, Beni Mura, Beniyaz, Davasir, Kavasim, Menasir, Naim, Nami, Shamis. Largest cities: Dubai (710 thousand), Abu Dhabi (928 thousand), Sharjah (325 thousand), Al Ain (240 thousand), Ajman (120 thousand), Ras al-Khaimah (80 thousand .). Average density – 38 people/sq. km (2003); The average density in the emirates is: in Abu Dhabi – 12.7 people/sq. km, Umm al-Quwain – 45.1 people/sq. km, Al Fujairah – 58.7 people/sq. km, Ras al-Khaimah – 84.9 people/sq. km, Sharjah – 154 people/sq. km, Dubai – 172.8 people/sq. km, Ajman – 456.9 people/sq. km (as of 1996).

Language.

The official language is Arabic (native only for 40% of the population). The dialect of local residents is as close as possible to classical Arabic, with small inclusions of Bedouin words and expressions. The most common languages ​​spoken in immigrant communities are Hindi and Urdu, along with Malay (13%), Balochi (8%), Pashto (6%), Farsi (5%), Telugu (5%), Somali (4%), Bengali (3%). Most residents speak spoken English.

Religion.

The state religion is Islam, mainly of the Sunni persuasion. Muslims make up 96% of believers (about 16% of the population are Shiites, living mainly in Dubai); Christians, Hindus, etc. - approx. 4% (1995). According to the laws, the spread of other religions and the conversion of Muslims to other faiths is prohibited, which is punishable by a prison term of 5 to 10 years. The Muslim (lunar Hijri) and Gregorian calendars are used.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

Federal authorities.

The UAE is a federal state. Each of the emirates included in the federation is an absolute monarchy and retains significant independence. The federal authorities consist of: the Federal Supreme Council, the head of state and his deputy, the Council of Ministers, the Federal National Assembly, the Supreme Federal Court.

According to the constitution of 1971 (as amended in 1976; provisional until 1996), the highest body of government is the Federal Supreme Council (FSC), consisting of the rulers of the seven emirates. The Council meets 4 times a year and has broad powers. Its exclusive jurisdiction is the ratification of international treaties and agreements; introduction and lifting of a state of emergency; declaration of war; appointment of the chairman and members of the Supreme Federal Court. Along with this, the Supreme Council determines general federal policy and exercises supreme control over the affairs of the federation; approves federal legislation; appointment of the President, Vice-President, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Chairman of the Supreme Court and its members and acceptance of the resignation of each of them. For all decisions taken, except for procedural issues, a majority of 5 votes is required in the Supreme Council, subject to the consent of the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, who have the right of veto.

Every 5 years, the Supreme Council elects the head of the federation and his deputy - the president and vice-president - from among its members. The Constitution gives the head of state broad legislative and executive powers. Exercising executive power through ministers, the president at the same time presides over meetings of the FVS and has the right to veto any of its decisions. He can issue decrees and acts on any issues other than those within the exclusive competence of the FVS; appoint and dismiss the prime minister, his deputy and the cabinet of ministers. The head of state has the right (with the consent of the Supreme Council) to dissolve the national assembly. He issues federal laws and controls the implementation of federal laws, decrees and acts by the Council of Ministers and individual ministers; approves death sentences, and also has the power of pardon and commutation of sentences.

The permanent president of the UAE (since 1971) is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the vice-president (since October 8, 1990) is the Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum (the last elections took place on December 2, 2001).

Executive branch belongs to the Council of Ministers (consists of 21 ministers and one deputy prime minister), appointed by the head of state. The Council of Ministers directly manages all internal and external affairs of the federation under the supervision of the head of state and the Federal Supreme Assembly. The Council of Ministers can make laws in all areas of ordinary jurisdiction, except for matters relating to the ratification of international treaties and agreements, the introduction or lifting of martial law, declaration of war, etc.

Since 1990, the post of prime minister has been held by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the first deputy prime minister is Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Role advisory body belongs to the unicameral Federal National Assembly (FNA, Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani). It consists of 40 representatives appointed by the rulers of the emirates for 2 years: 8 deputies each from Abu Dhabi and Dubai (with veto power), 6 each from Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah, 4 each from Ajman, Umm Al -Qaiwaina and Fujairah. There is no electoral legislation; each emirate independently determines the method of electing deputies to parliament. From among its members, the Federal Tax Service elects the presidium and the chairman of the National Assembly. Currently, the chairman of the Federal Tax Service is a deputy from the emirate of Abu Dhabi, Al-Haj Abdullah Al Mohairabi.

The National Assembly has not only legislative power, but even legislative initiative. The Federal Tax Service only has the right to consider bills prepared by the Council of Ministers, propose amendments to them and even reject them, but the decisions of the meeting have no legal force. It has the right to discuss any issues, provided that the Council of Ministers does not consider the discussion of this issue to be contrary to the highest interests of the federal state. In addition, the National Assembly can make recommendations, which are also non-binding and can be rejected by the Council of Ministers.

The Constitution guarantees independence judiciary. The federal court system has existed since 1971; All emirates joined it, with the exception of Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah. All emirates have secular and Islamic (Sharia) laws for civil, criminal and supreme courts. The highest body of judicial power is the Federal Supreme Court(consists of 6 members), whose judges are appointed by the president.

Local authorities.

In parallel to the federal institutions, each of the emirates has its own governing bodies.

The emirates are headed by hereditary monarchs (sheikhs or emirs). Power usually passes through the male line to the eldest son of the ruler, but the ruler can appoint another eldest relative from a given dynasty as heir. Each ruler has the highest legislative and executive powers and directly conducts all internal and external affairs that are not within the competence of the federal authorities.

The largest and most populous emirate, Abu Dhabi, has its own government, which is formed on the same principles as the federal one, and is headed by Crown Prince Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan.

Advisory functions are vested in the National Consultative Council, which has the same powers as the Federal National Assembly. It consists of 60 members representing the main tribes and influential families of the emirate.

Various administrative functions in all emirates are carried out by many local departments (police and security, public works, health care, education, water and electricity, finance, customs, etc.). Some of the departments are subordinated federal ministries. The most extensive administrative system has been created in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It covers almost all spheres of life in these emirates.

There is no official administrative-territorial division in the emirates. Abu Dhabi alone is administratively divided into three regions. Along with this, Abu Dhabi has a system of representatives of the ruler. Currently, there are five such representatives: in the Eastern and Western regions, on Das Island, where an important oil terminal is located, etc.

Currently, there are municipalities in all the capitals of the emirates, as well as in the cities of Al Ain (Abu Dhabi), For Fakkan and Kalba (Sharjah). All municipalities are headed by members of the ruling dynasties. In the capitals of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah, municipal councils have been established within the municipalities, including various departments. Their members are also appointed by the rulers. The functions of municipalities include issues of local government (organization of water and electricity supply, street improvement, etc.).

In small and remote settlements, the ruler and government of each emirate may appoint a local representative, an emir or wali, through whom residents can make their own requests to the government. In most cases, local tribal leaders are appointed as local representatives of the emir.

Political parties.

There is no organized opposition, the activities of political parties and trade unions are prohibited. The majority of the non-Emirati Arab population has neither civil nor political rights. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch are trying to convince the government of the need for legislative reforms.

Foreign policy.

The UAE is a member of the UN, the League of Arab States, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, etc. Since its formation, the UAE has officially entered the group of non-aligned countries and acted in it from a position of “absolute neutrality”, which allowed them to maintain “equidistance” from the West and the East . In matters of Middle East settlement, the UAE advocates the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from all occupied Arab territories. They also demand that all legitimate rights of the Arab people of Palestine be ensured, incl. his right to create his own state. Regarding the Iran-Iraq War, the UAE supported Iraq, providing it with material and moral assistance, while at the same time maintaining economic ties with Iran. Participation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is of great importance, in which the UAE sees an effective mechanism for ensuring regional stability and cooperation.

Territorial disputes.

A border agreement was signed with Oman in 1999, but the final definition of the border between the two countries was delayed until 2002. Parts of the border between the emirates of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, including the Musandam Peninsula, remain uncertain. The status of the UAE's border with Saudi Arabia has not been definitively established (details of the 1974 and 1977 agreements have not been made public). The conflict with Iran continues over the islands of Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunb, occupied by Iranian troops in November 1971. In 2000, Tehran declared the islands an integral part of its territory, and the issue about them closed.

Armed forces.

The United Armed Forces of the UAE were created in 1976, but in 1978 the armed forces of Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah left their composition (the latter subsequently returned back). Dubai still retains significant independence in the military field.

The national armed forces consist of the ground forces, air force and navy. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the head of state; direct leadership of the armed forces is exercised by the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. The Ministry of Defense is located in Dubai, the General Staff is in Abu Dhabi. UAE Minister of Defense - Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Total number armed forces is about approx. 65 thousand people (2000). Ground troops(59 thousand people, including 12-15 thousand of the Emirate of Dubai) have 2 armored, 2 motorized infantry, 2 infantry, artillery brigades, 2 combined brigades (Dubai) and a royal guard brigade. It is armed with 487 tanks, 620 armored personnel carriers, 615 infantry fighting vehicles, as well as missiles and artillery installations. The Air Force (4 thousand people) includes 10 air squadrons, is armed with 108 combat aircraft, 42 helicopters and up to 80 military transport aircraft and helicopters. The Navy (2.4 thousand people, including 200 officers) consists of units of combat and auxiliary ships. They are armed with 27 ships. The main naval bases are Dalma, Mina Zayed (Abu Dhabi), Mina Khalid, Khor Fakan, Tauwella (Sharjah). Recruitment is carried out on the principle of voluntary recruitment, with the number of foreign volunteers reaching 30% of the total number of armed forces.

In addition to the regular armed forces, there are also coast guards and maritime police - 1,200 people. (including 110 officers). Internal security and police functions are carried out by the Federal Police Force (approx. 6 thousand people) and the National Guard (approx. 4 thousand people). Each emirate has its own National Guard.

The UAE purchases the most modern weapons, mostly Western-made; in the 1990s, a number of large contracts were concluded with Russia. In March 2000, one of the largest arms purchase transactions in world history took place: the UAE purchased 80 F-16 jet fighters from Lockheed Martin for $8 million. The UAE's defense spending remains among the highest in the Gulf region. All R. In the 1990s they reached $2 billion, in 1999 – 3.8 billion, in 2000 – 3.9 billion, in 2002 – St. 4 billion

ECONOMY

The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a significant annual surplus. Since 1973, the UAE has transformed from a poor region of small desert principalities into a modern state with a high standard of living. The largest of the emirates, Abu Dhabi, accounts for 90% of oil and gas production and 60% of the UAE's GDP. Due to smaller oil and gas reserves, Dubai has become a trade, commercial and transport hub. Sharjah's main focus is on light industry and the development of port communications. The remaining emirates (known as the northern emirates) are considered poorer than the others and together account for only 6.6% of GDP (1996). In 2002, the UAE's GDP reached $53 billion. Average annual income per capita increased from $9,635 (1996) to $22,000 (2002).

The UAE leadership plans to further diversify the economy, which today is mainly focused on oil. Data analysis shows that the share of non-oil industries in GDP increased from 36.73% in 1980 to 77.64% in 1998, while the share of the manufacturing sector increased from 3.76% in 1980 to 12.4% in 1998. And yet the share of oil in the country's GDP remains quite high.

Oil and gas.

The UAE has huge oil reserves (97.8 billion barrels, or 10% of world reserves). At the current level of production, oil and gas reserves should last until the beginning of the 22nd century. The country's wealth is based on oil and gas exports (approx. 33% of GDP) and depends on fluctuations in the prices of these products. Oil production on the shelf off the coast of Abu Dhabi has been carried out since 1962, on the mainland of Abu Dhabi - since 1963. In 1995, the UAE produced an average of 290 thousand tons per day, with Abu Dhabi accounting for 83%, Dubai - 15%, Sharjah - 2%. Abu Dhabi ranks third in terms of oil production in the Middle East (after Saudi Arabia and Iran). In Dubai, the main business center of the UAE, the economic boom associated with oil production began even before it was produced (1969). Small amounts of oil are also produced in Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah. UAE oil production quotas are set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), but the UAE has not always adhered to these limits. For example, in 1990, during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, oil production in the country doubled the quota. The UAE also has rich natural gas deposits. Its reserves are approx. 5.3 billion cubic meters m (3.8% of world reserves), according to this indicator the UAE ranks third in the Middle East.

Industry.

Other important sectors of the economy, in addition to oil and gas production, are manufacturing, oil refining, shipbuilding and ship repair. In addition to petroleum products, the country produces steel, aluminum, fertilizers, cement, plastics, machine tools and clothing, and handicrafts. Large gas processing plants are located in Ruwais, Jebel Ali, Das Island, and Sharjah. The building materials industry is developing. 9 cement factories release approx. 5 million tons of cement per year. There is an aluminum plant with a capacity of 240 thousand tons per year.

The number of enterprises with more than 10 employees has almost tripled over 10 years (from 1990 to 1999): from 705 to 1859. Further examination of the statistics shows that industrial production is concentrated in cities: Dubai (678 out of 1859 enterprises ), Sharjah (581), Ajman and Abu Dhabi. The country's largest plants and factories operate in the capital.

Traditional handicrafts are developed - making carpets, woolen fabrics, minting gold and silver products, mining pearls and corals.

The industry accounts for approx. 46% of GDP (2000). In 2000, industrial production increased by 4%.

Agriculture.

The UAE is a semi-arid country with little rainfall. Agriculture provides only 3% of GDP and employs 7% of the working population (2000). The main branches of agriculture are fishing, farming and nomadic cattle breeding. The total area of ​​cultivated land is 54.5 thousand hectares (1994). The main areas of agricultural development are the eastern part of Ras al-Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, the north-east of Sharjah, and part of the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The main crops grown are dates and vegetables. Efforts are being made to achieve self-sufficiency in grains, but this is hampered by a lack of fresh water. Poultry and cattle are raised. Nomads raise sheep, goats and camels. Basic food needs are met through imports.

Transport.

Thanks to large revenues from oil exports, the transport network was significantly improved. Not in the UAE railways, domestic transportation is mainly provided by road transport. All emirates are connected by four-lane highways. The main highway runs from Ash Sham through all the main coastal cities to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Total length highways 2,000 km, incl. 1,800 km built after 1993. Dubai is the main regional and international center maritime and air traffic. Most overseas transport is carried out by sea. Own sea ​​transport poorly developed. The merchant fleet includes 56 ships (2002). A significant amount of cargo is transported on foreign ships. The most important ports of the UAE are Jabal Api (since 1988) and Port Rashid (in Dubai), Zayed (in Abu Dhabi), Al Fujairah. In the emirate of Dubai there is the world's largest dry dock, designed to repair tankers with a displacement of up to 1 million tons. There are 6 international airports - in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Al Ain, Al Fujairah. Services international airport About 11 million people used Dubai in 1999. There are a total of 40 airports for various purposes in the country (1999). The length of oil pipelines is 830 km, gas pipelines are 870 km.

Free economic zones.

In order to attract foreign capital, a free economic zone (FEZ) was created in the emirate of Dubai in 1985 near the port of Jebel Ali, in which 2,300 companies operate, 1/4 of which are small and medium-sized industrial companies. Main specialization: trade operations (74%), industry (22%), services (4%). The successful experiment in Jebel Ali prompted UAE governments to create new free economic zones. There are currently nine free economic zones in the UAE, more than any other Arab country. According to available data, the percentage of industrial projects to the total number of projects implemented in SEZs is: in Sharjah - 17.7%, Fujairah - 39.8%, Ajman - 41.3%, Umm al-Quwain - 100%.

Trade.

The UAE's exports are mainly represented by oil and petroleum products (45%). Total exports increased from 22.6 billion dollars (1993) to 44.9 billion (2002). In addition to oil, important export items are liquefied gas, aluminum, fertilizers, cement, fresh and dried fish, dates, and pearls. Main exporting countries: Japan (29.1%), South Korea(10.2%), India (5.4%), Oman (3.7%), Singapore (3.1%), Iran (2.2%) (as of 2001). UAE imports machinery and equipment, vehicles, electronic equipment and household appliances, finished products, food, chemicals, synthetic materials, metal products. The volume of imports in 1999 was $27.5 billion, in 2002 – $30.8 billion. Main trading partners: USA (6.7%), Germany (6.6%), Japan (6.5%) , France (6.3%), China (6.1%), Great Britain (5.9%), South Korea (5.5%) (as of 2001). Trading firms in the UAE, particularly in the Emirate of Dubai, are widely involved in re-export trade.

National monetary unit - dirham (AED) = 100 fils (since May 1973).

SOCIETY

Health and Social Security.

The establishment of the healthcare system dates back to 1943, when the first hospital was opened in Dubai. In 1971, a network of medical facilities existed in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Dibba. Since the formation of the UAE, the healthcare system has been characterized by rapid growth but lack of coordination. By the early 1990s, cooperation between the emirates in the field of healthcare increased, but oil companies and the armed forces still maintain their own medical facilities. The health care system offers free care to all citizens; in 1982, due to a decrease in oil export revenues, the government introduced paid services for non-citizens, except in cases of emergency. In 1995, the health care system employed 15,361 employees, incl. OK. 3 thousand UAE citizens; doctors - 3803, incl. 1839 in the private sector. In 1995, there were 1,227 people for every doctor, and 454 people for every nurse. In 1986 there were 40 hospitals (with 3,900 beds) and 119 clinics in the country, in 1995 there were 51 hospitals (with 6,357 beds). During the implementation of health care reforms, infant mortality decreased from 145 per 1,000 births in 1960 to 15.58 in 2000. In 1985, health workers attended 96% of births. Life expectancy increased from 53 years in 1960 to 74.75 years in 2003. The main causes of death recorded in Abu Dhabi in 1989 per 100,000 population were: accidents and poisoning - 43.7%; cardiovascular diseases – 34.3%; cancer – 13.7%; respiratory tract diseases – 8.1%. As of December 1990, there were 8 cases of HIV infection.

There is a extensive network social protection, which includes family centers aimed at solving domestic problems and training women in housekeeping skills. Psychological assistance is available for disadvantaged youth; provision of assistance to victims of epidemics and disasters is provided. Widows, orphans, the elderly, the disabled and others unable to support themselves receive social benefits. In 1975, almost 24 thousand citizens received 87.7 million dirhams as part of social assistance; in 1982, about 121,000 people received 275 million dirhams. Other social benefits provided to UAE citizens: free housing and subsidies for apartment improvement. However, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing reported in 1992 that 70% of the 15,000 low-income housing units built by the government were uninhabitable.

Education.

The first private schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah were opened in the early 1900s. In sheikhdoms and sultanates, small study groups functioned at mosques. In the 1920s and 1930s, due to the economic crisis, most schools closed. Secular primary schools began to appear in the 1950s. The first British school with Arab teachers was opened in Sharjah in 1953, with 450 boys aged 6 to 17 years. Soon the first primary school for girls was established in Sharjah. The British government opened schools in Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah and Khawr Fakkan, founded an agricultural school in Ras al-Khaimah in 1955 and a technical school in Sharjah in 1958. Since 1958, large funds for the construction of schools and salaries for teachers have been allocated by Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt. The first indigenous education system was created in Abu Dhabi in the early 1960s. By the 1964–1965 school year there were 6 schools, where 390 boys and 138 girls studied. There were 31 schools in other emirates, incl. 12 schools for girls.

After the creation of the UAE, education problems became one of the priorities in government programs. During the period 1971–1978, spending on education ranked second in the federal budget after defense. The law provides for compulsory secondary education for UAE nationals. The education system includes: preschool institutions for children from 4 to 6 years old, primary schools (6 years of study), junior high schools (3 years of study) and complete secondary schools (3 years of study). Training is separate, in some primary schools joint training is carried out. IN rural areas Education in primary schools lasts no more than 2–3 years. In the 1973–1974 academic year, there were about 140 schools, with about 50 thousand students, incl. 32 thousand in primary schools, 14 thousand in junior high schools, 3 thousand in high schools. In the 1990–1991 academic year, there were about 760 schools, with about 338 thousand students, incl. 49 thousand in preschools, 227 thousand in primary schools and 111 thousand in secondary schools. In the 1995–1996 academic year, there were 1,132 schools in the country, with 422 thousand students (1994–1995). A third of students attended private or religious schools.

Vocational training is provided at commercial and agricultural schools, as well as at oil industry training centers in Abu Dhabi. In the 1996–1997 academic year, 1,925 people studied in 7 vocational schools and centers.

Higher education, both primary and secondary, is free for all UAE citizens. Main higher education institutions: United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain (founded in 1977; over 15 thousand students); Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi (founded 1988), Al Ain (founded 1988), Dubai (founded 1989) and Ras Al Khaimah (founded 1989); Etisalat College of Engineering, Sharjah; Ajman University of Science and Technology (founded in 1988); University of Sharjah (founded 1997); American University of Sharjah (founded 1997); Al Bayan University (founded in 1997; first private university in Abu Dhabi); Dubai aviation college(founded in 1991–1992). Many UAE citizens receive higher education in the USA, Great Britain, and other Arab countries.

In addition to educational institutions for children and adolescents, there is a network of educational institutions for adults who have not received appropriate education. The number of adult education centers increased from 54 (in 1972) to 139 (in 1996–1997), where 18 thousand students studied. In 1993, the number of illiterate people fell to 16.8%, compared to 79% in 1968. According to UN estimates, the literate population in 2003 was 77.9% (76.1% men, 81.7% women).

Press, radio, television, Internet.

The media operating in the country, subject to loyalty to the ruling dynasties and the government, enjoy relative freedom. There are 5 daily newspapers in Arabic in the country: Akhbar Dubai (since 1965), Al-Bayan (Dubai, since 1980, circulation 35 thousand), Al-Wahda (Abu Dhabi, since 1973, circulation 15 thousand), “Al-Ittihad” (Abu Dhabi, since 1972, circulation 58 thousand), “Al-Khalij” (in the Principality of Sharjah, since 1970, circulation 58 thousand); 4 newspapers per English language: Gulf News (Abu Dhabi, circulation 24.5 thousand), Recorder (Abu Dhabi and Sharjah), Trade and Industry (Abu Dhabi, since 1975, circulation 9 thousand), Emirates News (Abu Dhabi). The UAE News Agency (UAE, founded in 1976) is located in Abu Dhabi. The Government Radio and Television Service is located in Dubai. Radio broadcasting from sir. 1960s, currently operates 22 radio stations (1998). Television since 1968, there are 15 television stations (1997). The only Internet Provider is Etisalat. The number of Internet users is more than 300 thousand (as of 2002).

STORY

From ancient times to the beginning of modern times.

According to the latest archaeological finds, the first traces of human presence in this region date back to 7 thousand BC. In 5 thousand BC. Agriculture became widespread among the peoples inhabiting these areas. In 4 thousand BC. the gulf coast becomes an important trading point along the route sea ​​vessels between the Sumerian civilization of Mesopotamia and ancient India. In 3 thousand BC. In the east of the Arabian Peninsula, the ancient state of Dilmun arose, which existed until 2–1 thousand BC. The creation of the first Phoenician settlements and trading posts on the coast, which contributed to the development of navigation and the formation of trade centers and colonies, dates back to the same period. In the 6th century. BC. The territory of modern UAE came under the rule of the Persian Achaemenid dynasty. In the 4th century. BC. As a result of the conquests of Alexander the Great, Greek trading colonies arose here. Starting from the 3rd century. BC. the territory of the southeastern coast found itself in the sphere of influence of the Parthian kingdom. This period also includes the migration of Arab tribes from the south and from the center of the Arabian Peninsula to the Persian Gulf region. After the fall of the Parthian kingdom in the 3rd–6th centuries. AD the peoples inhabiting the coast became part of the Sassanid state; Persian agricultural colonies were created in the country, Judaism and Christianity became widespread among the local population; existed Christian churches and monasteries. In the 7th century. this territory was included in the Arab Caliphate; such big cities, like Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah; Islam became the dominant religion. In con. 7th century the Bay area became part of the Umayyad Caliphate. In the middle of the 8th century. the population of the country (in particular, the principalities of Sharjah and Dubai) participated in the uprising of the Omani tribes against the governor of the Umayyad Caliph; as a result, in the middle of the 8th–9th centuries. The principalities (emirates) were ruled by virtually independent rulers. At the end of the 9th century. they turned into tributaries of the Baghdat Caliphate. In the 10th century individual principalities became part of the state of the Qarmatians, a Muslim Shia sect of the Ismailis, which existed until the end of the 11th century. In the beginning. 13th century most local rulers (in particular, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah) found themselves in vassal dependence on the Hormuz state.

From the beginning of the 16th century to the middle of the 19th century.

After the opening of the sea route to India (1498), the Persian Gulf region became the most important point of European influence in the region. From the beginning of the 16th century. and until the middle of the 17th century. part of the coast of the Persian and Hormuz Gulfs was under the rule of the Portuguese, who established a monopoly on all trade between the Far East, India and Southeast Asia. Portugal's main rival was Ottoman Empire, which incited Arab tribes to revolt against the Portuguese invaders. However, the Persian Gulf soon became the object of a struggle between England, France, the Netherlands, Persia and Oman. After ousting the Portuguese in the middle. 17th century On the territory of modern UAE and Oman, the state of Yaruba was founded, which extended its influence to the northeastern and West Coast Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.

In the 2nd half. 18th century control of the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz was seized by the al-Qawasim tribal confederation; their power extended to the sheikhdoms of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, the Musandam Peninsula, as well as the southwestern coast of Iran and some islands in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Having a fairly strong fleet, the al-Qawasim established complete maritime control over navigation.

In the 2nd half of the 18th century. Oman, especially its coastal regions, became the object of struggle, first between Great Britain (represented by the East India Company) and France, and then the Wahhabi rulers of Central Arabia. In 1798, an agreement was signed between representatives of the East India Company and the Sultan of Muscat, who also sought to establish control over this part of Arabia, marking the beginning of British expansion. British ships, under the slogan of “free navigation,” tried to monopolize cargo flows between the ports of the Persian Gulf and deprive local residents of their main source of livelihood. This led to conflicts between the East India Company and the local Arab population (the British called them pirates, and therefore the entire area received the name “Pirate Coast”). The main opponent of the East India Company was the al-Qawasim, who at that moment fell under the influence of Wahhabism. England used al-Qawasim attacks on individual military and commercial ships as a pretext to start a war.

In 1801, under the slogan of the fight against piracy and the slave trade, warships of the East India Company blocked the coast of the Persian Gulf and attacked Arab merchant ships. In 1800–1803 and 1805–1806, the British and their ally, the Sultan of Muscat, fought with varying degrees of success against the tribes of the Pirate Coast.

In 1806, the East India Company imposed a treaty on the al-Qawasim sheikhs, according to which the latter were obliged to respect the flag and property of the company. However, the agreement was not actually respected.

In 1809, the military forces of the East India Company resumed hostilities, destroying a significant part of the Wahhabi fleet (more than 100 ships) and shelling the fortress of Ras al-Khaimah from the sea. However, already in 1814, the Wahhabis again seized control of the sea routes and for the next two years blocked the approaches to the Persian Gulf.

Taking advantage of the defeat of the Wahhabis on land, the British sent a new squadron to the “Pirate Coast” in 1818 with the goal of putting an end to piracy once and for all. On December 9, 1819, they stormed the fortress of Ras al-Khaimah. All Arab-owned ships, including fishing boats, were burned. The defeat forced the emirs and sheikhs of 9 Arab principalities to sign the so-called. “General Treaty of Peace” (January 8 – March 15, 1820), which proclaimed “freedom of navigation” in the Persian Gulf and committed to stopping pirate attacks on English ships, as well as the practice of slavery and the slave trade. England received the right of unlimited dominance in the waters of the Persian and Gulf of Oman; it was recognized as having the right to supervise navigation and control the ships of local rulers. In fact, this agreement marked the beginning of the establishment of English control over this territory and the final division of Oman into 3 parts - the Imamate of Oman, the Sultanate of Muscat and the “Pirate Coast”.

In 1821, the fleet of England and Muscat inflicted another defeat on the sheikhs of the Persian Gulf who did not join General Peace Treaty.

Despite the agreement, the sheikhs continued to attack each other. Seeking to control dynastic and tribal struggles, the British imposed a new treaty on the coastal tribes. In 1835, the so-called agreement was signed between representatives of the East India Company and local rulers. First maritime agreement on a truce for six months (this agreement was subsequently extended annually) for the pearl fishing season, which then constituted the main source of income for the sheikhdoms.

In 1838, after several unsuccessful attempts to end the slave trade in the area, the British decided to take full control of the Pirate Coast, Oman, Muscat, Bahrain and Kuwait and establish a permanent presence of their warships in the Gulf. In 1839, an agreement was concluded between Great Britain and Muscat on joint action against piracy and the slave trade, to which the sheikhdoms of the Pirate Coast were annexed in the same year.

In 1843, England imposed a new agreement on the rulers of the Pirate Coast, which extended the First Naval Agreement (1835) by 10 years. In accordance with it, the sheikhs were obliged to obey any decisions of representatives of the East India Company acting on behalf of the British authorities. Failure to comply or violation of them was considered a violation of the First Naval Agreement.

In 1847, in addition to the agreement of 1835, a treaty was signed that significantly expanded the prerogatives of Great Britain in the Persian Gulf. This treaty gave the East India Company the right to search merchant ships suspected of piracy and slave trading. He placed responsibility for violating the ban on the slave trade on the sheikhs who signed the treaty, and also gave the right to representatives of the East India Company to act as arbitrators in conflicts between local rulers. Economically, the agreement gave Great Britain a number of benefits and the right to exploit the pearl shallows of Bahrain and the “Pirate Coast”.

Negotiated Oman.

With the defeat of the Wahhabis, who tried to regain control of the Persian Gulf in 1851–1852, England imposed a new agreement on the rulers of the emirates. In May 1853, the sheikhs of Ras al-Khaimah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ajman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi signed the Treaty of Permanent Maritime Peace. In accordance with it, the “Pirate Coast” was renamed “Trucial Oman”, or “Treaty Coast”. England took upon itself the responsibility to mediate in the settlement of land disputes, as well as to protect the emirates from attacks by a third party. The representative of the East India Company received the official right to punish all violators of the treaty, including sheikhs.

According to the agreement of 1869, the sheikhs of Treaty Oman pledged not to independently enter into agreements with third countries, not to grant them any privileges and not to lease the territories of their emirates without the consent of England.

In 1892, several more agreements were signed, leading to the establishment of a full English protectorate over Trucial Oman. In 1898, in addition to this agreement, another treaty was signed, prohibiting the sheikhs of Treaty Oman from buying or selling weapons. British military bases were created on the territory of the sheikhdoms (in particular, in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi). Political power was exercised by the British liaison officer for the Persian Gulf (with headquarters in Sharjah), reporting to the political resident, first in Bushehr (Iran), then in Bahrain.

At the beginning of the 20th century. the number of sheikhdoms changed. In September 1900, Ras al-Khaimah became part of Sharjah (from 1921 again an independent sheikhdom), at the same time, in 1902, Al-Fujairah separated from Sharjah (recognized in March 1952) and in 1903 - Kalba (recognized in 1936, in 1952 reincorporated into Sharjah).

Basic income to the Arab population the pearl trade continued to be profitable during this period. In 1911, the British entered into an agreement obliging the rulers of the sheikhdoms not to grant concessions for pearl and sponge fishing in their waters to anyone other than England. By the beginning of the First World War, under the Anglo-Turkish Convention of 1913, England received the exclusive right to Treaty Oman, and in 1922 the British established their control over the right of the sheikhs to grant concessions for oil exploration and production to anyone.

Until the early 1930s, British connections with the coast remained extremely limited. The expansion of the Wahhabi rulers of Najd further undermined Britain's position in the region. In the interior, where the British had always had nominal power, the tribes tended to unite with the Wahhabis of Central Arabia. Only in 1932 did British Airlines need the territory of Treaty Oman to build intermediate airports (a rest home for passengers and crew in Sharjah) on the route between London and India.

In the late 1920s, an economic crisis erupted on the coast, caused by the appearance of Japanese cultured pearls on the world market.

The discovery of oil changed the strategic and economic importance of this remote corner of the British Empire. Fearing that the area might fall into the hands of competitors, the British urgently created the Petroleum Development of Trushill Coast company. In 1937, British oil companies received concessions for oil production and exploration in Dubai and Sharjah, in 1938 - in Ras al-Khaimah and Kalba, in 1939 - in Abu Dhabi and Ajman.

Taking into account the increased weight of Treaty Oman in the region, London began to develop a plan to unite the sheikhdoms under its control into a federal Arab state, which would also include Iraq, Transjordan and Palestine. England's plans seriously alarmed the population of the emirates. There, anti-feudal and anti-colonial protests became more frequent. In Sharjah, things escalated into open clashes, during which the airfield built by the British was destroyed. Tribes bordering Muscat and Oman took up arms to prevent the cartographic survey. In the end, London was forced to abandon the plan to create a federation.

In 1938–1939 there was an unsuccessful attempt at political reforms in Dubai. Ruling dynasty founded the Financial Council, consisting of local nobility, which, however, tried to remove her from power. A year later the Council was dissolved.

During the Second World War, the sheikhdoms of Treaty Oman adhered to a policy of neutrality; after the war, their status was elevated to emirates (principalities), and at the same time the first steps were taken to integrate the emirates into the federation. In 1945 and 1950–1951, several meetings of the rulers of the emirates took place, at which issues of unifying the police forces, customs administration, and the currency system were discussed. In 1951, local armed forces, the so-called, were created to protect the personnel of oil companies. “Scouts of Treaty Oman” (strength: 1,600 people, led by British officers). In 1952, the foundations of the future federation were laid with the creation of two institutions - the Council of the Treaty States, headed by a British political agent in Dubai, and the Foundation for the Development of the Treaty States.

At the same time, internal and external border conflicts continued, often caused by the economic interests of Western monopolies. In 1947–1949, clashes occurred between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The domestic political situation in the 1940s and 1950s was complicated by the rivalry between British and American oil companies. Until the mid-1950s, the most acute subject of dispute between ARAMCO, Iraq Petroleum Company and Royal Dutch Shell was the oil-bearing lands of the Al Buraimi oasis, claims to which have been claimed since the 19th century. presented by the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Oman. In 1949, exploration parties of the American oil company ARAMCO, acting in the interests of Saudi Arabia, appeared here; in 1952, Saudi forces established their control over Buraimi. Only in October 1955, after the failure of negotiations, the armed forces of Oman and Abu Dhabi, supported by the British, again took possession of the oasis.

In 1953, Abu Dhabi granted an oil concession to an Anglo-French consortium. In 1958, large oil reserves were discovered here, in the desert town of Bab, and in 1962 its production and export began. In just a few years, the modest emirate turned into a great oil-producing state in the Middle East. In 1966, oil fields were discovered in Dubai, and in 1973 - in Sharjah and other emirates.

The discovery of oil caused an aggravation of the political situation in the country. In 1961–1963, an anti-imperialist movement developed in a number of emirates, supported by some representatives of the ruling circles. In 1962, the ruler of Sharjah gave a concession to an American oil company, which displeased official London. The ruler of Sharjah was followed by the Sheikh of Ras al-Khaimah. In October 1964, bypassing the British authorities, a commission of the League of Arab States (LAS), with the consent of the rulers of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, visited a number of points of Treaty Oman. In response to these steps, the ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saqr III ibn Sultan al Qasimi (1925–1993), on the instructions of the British authorities, was arrested and declared deposed; An attempt was made on the life of the ruler of Ras al-Khaimah, Sheikh Saqr ibn Mohammed al Qasimi. In an effort to prevent further interference of the Arab League in the affairs of Treaty Oman, the British authorities in July 1965 held a meeting of 7 sheikhdom rulers in Dubai, at which it was decided to form an Economic Development Council, and also considered 15 major economic projects that were supposed to contribute to the development of these territories . However, the performances continued, capturing even the relatively prosperous Abu Dhabi in 1966. In response to this, on August 6, 1966, a bloodless coup was organized in Abu Dhabi; As a result of the decision of the sheikhs of the Nahyan clan, who removed the ruling emir Sheikh Shahbout, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (the current head of the UAE) came to power.

Until mid-1967, attempts continued to create a federation with its subsequent annexation to the so-called. "Islamic Pact" (a bloc of countries led by Saudi Arabia).

Modern history of the UAE.

In 1968, the British government announced its intention to withdraw its troops from the region by the end of 1971 and transfer power to local rulers. In the face of difficult economic and international problems, the majority of the sheikhdoms spoke in favor of the creation of an independent federation of the sheikhdoms of Eastern and South-Eastern Arabia. Formally, the initiators of the unification were Sheikhs Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (Abu Dhabi) and Rashid bin Said Al Maktoum (Dubai), who signed a corresponding agreement on February 18, 1968. On February 25, 1968, at a meeting in Dubai, the heads of nine British mandate emirates (the seven emirates of Trucial Oman, Qatar and Bahrain) for the first time discussed the possibility of creating a single federal state. On March 1, 1968, the creation (from March 30, 1968) of the Federation of the Arab Emirates (FAE) was announced. According to the agreement, which entered into force on March 30, 1968, the supreme authority of the Federation was determined by the Supreme Council, which included the rulers of all 9 emirates; the latter were to alternately hold the post of Chairman of the Council for a year. The creation of other bodies was postponed until the next meeting. However, these plans were not implemented due to contradictions that arose between the rulers about the place and role of their emirates in the newly created federation. As a result of the struggle of interests, two groups were formed in the new association, which were also influenced by neighboring states (Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait). One of the groups included the rulers of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ajman and Bahrain. They were opposed by the rulers of Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Qatar. At the same time, the rulers of Qatar and Bahrain, having a more developed economy and surpassing the other emirates in population, refused to recognize the equality of all members of the federation. As a result of disagreements, the FAE actually disintegrated by the end of 1969, without having time to take final shape. An attempt to revive the federation project was made in March 1971, when the temporary creation of the Federation of Arab Emirates (Treaty Oman together with Qatar and Bahrain) was again announced. However, the unification did not happen. After the withdrawal of British troops in September 1971, Bahrain and Qatar declared themselves independent states.

After a meeting in Dubai on July 18, 1971, six of the seven emirates formed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and signed an interim constitution. The seventh emirate, Ras al-Khaimah, refused to join, citing the other emirates' refusal to grant it veto power over national decisions and equal representation in the federal assembly. In addition, Ras al-Khaimah refused to cede the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, rich in oil reserves, to Iran. Other emirates did not want to bind themselves to any obligation to Ras al-Khaimah in the event of its conflict with Iran.

Great Britain and a number of other Arab states rushed to recognize the formation of the UAE. However, Iran and Saudi Arabia refused to recognize the new state, having territorial claims to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. For this reason, the official declaration of independence of the UAE, scheduled for August 1971, was postponed. As a result of subsequent negotiations with the participation of London, in November 1971 an agreement was reached between Iran and Sharjah, according to which part of the island of Abu Musa passed to Iran; Oil deposits in the coastal waters of the island were also subject to division.

On November 30, 1971, two days before the UAE declared independence, Iranian troops landed on the island of Abu Musa (completely annexed in 1992) and occupied the strategically important islands The Greater and Lesser Tunbs, which belonged to Ras al-Khaimah. Iran's actions sparked protest in the Arab world; a number of countries filed complaints against Iran to the UN Security Council. Great Britain limited itself to expressing its disagreement with Iran's actions. On December 2, 1971, at a conference of seven emirates held in Dubai, the creation of the UAE was proclaimed. Only six of the seven emirates of Trucial Oman were included in the federal state. The Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was elected President of the UAE, and the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, was elected Vice President. The new president signed a treaty of friendship with Great Britain, which canceled all previous agreements concluded between the UAE member emirates and the British government. Abu Dhabi was chosen as the temporary capital. A few days later, the UAE was admitted to the Arab League and the United Nations. Having failed to achieve international support on the issue of the Greater and Lesser Tunb islands, Ras al-Khaimah also joined the UAE on February 11, 1972.

Only Saudi Arabia did not recognize the new state, making the solution to the Al-Buraimi issue a condition for its recognition. As a result of a new round of negotiations in August 1974, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia entered into an agreement among themselves, according to which Saudi Arabia recognized the rights of Abu Dhabi and Oman to the oasis, and in turn received the territory of Sabha Bita in the southern part of Abu Dhabi, two small islet and the right to build a road and oil pipeline through Abu Dhabi to the Gulf coast.

Significant revenues from oil exports made it possible to finance most of the development programs and determined the conservative and generally pro-Western course of the UAE, as well as its close ties with Saudi Arabia. However, political life in the UAE was not without controversy. Since the creation of the UAE, competition for leadership in the federation has continued between Abu Dhabi (which advocated strengthening centralized federal power) and Dubai (which advocated maintaining significant independence for each emirate). In the first cabinet of ministers, formed in 1971, the sons of the Emir of Dubai played a key role, holding the posts of Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Economy, Finance and Industry. At the end of December 1973, in connection with the reorganization of the Council of Ministers, the son of the Emir of Abu Dhabi, Hamid bin Zayed al Nahyan, was announced as Deputy Prime Minister. By the end of the 1970s, supporters of integration, led by the ruler of Abu Dhabi, won another important victory, achieving the unification of the armed forces of the emirates under a single command (1976), and transferred the police, security, immigration and information authorities to the central government.

Throughout the 1970s, border disputes between the emirates and their neighbors continued. The ruler of Ras al-Khaimah continued to advocate for the emirate's separation from the federation. In 1978, the armed forces of Ras al-Khaimah made an unsuccessful attempt to seize the disputed territory belonging to Oman. The fall of the Shah of Iran in 1979, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and the Iran-Iraq War created further threats to the stability of the UAE. In May 1981, in response to emerging threats, the UAE became one of the six founding members of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf, which, against the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war, turned into a military-political alliance.

During the Iran-Iraq War, the rulers of individual principalities supported Iraq, while others (Dubai, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain) maintained friendly relations with Iran. The greatest degree of contradiction between the emirates reached in June 1987, when an attempted palace coup took place in Sharjah: Sheikh Sultan ibn Mohammed Al Qasimi was forced to abdicate the throne in favor of his brother, Abdulaziz Al Qasimi. The country's President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (Abu Dhabi) supported Abdel Aziz's claim to power, while Vice President and Prime Minister Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (Dubai) declared his support for the Sultan. The conflict was resolved only after the Supreme Council of Rulers intervened in the dispute, restoring the powers of Sheikh Sultan and declaring the applicant crown prince.

In 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait, the UAE participated in the US-led multinational coalition of forces, contributing $6.5 billion and sending troops. After the end of the war, the US and British navies continued to use UAE ports.

The last decade of the 20th century. In general, it was distinguished by internal political and economic stability. An exception was the closure (on suspicion of financial fraud) in July 1991 of the International Trade and Credit Bank (MTCB), which belonged mostly to the ruling family of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In December 1993, Abu Dhabi sued the executive management of MTKB for damages. In June 1994, 11 of 12 former MTKB executives accused of fraud were sentenced to prison in Abu Dhabi and ordered to pay compensation. After lengthy negotiations, in 1995, an agreement was reached with depositors and creditors. In June 1996, fraud charges were dropped against two MTKB managers after an appeal.

Since the Gulf War, the UAE has increased defense spending and expanded its international contacts and diplomatic relations. In 1994, an agreement on military cooperation was signed with the United States, and a year later with France. Along with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the UAE government recognized the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in 1997. In 1998, the UAE restored diplomatic relations with Iraq, interrupted due to the Gulf War (1991). Much attention was paid to the problems of resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict.

UAE in the 21st century

During the same period, the country took steps to resolve territorial problems. Thus, in 1999, during the visit of the Sultan of Oman to Abu Dhabi, border issues with Oman were resolved. In November 2000, negotiations took place with Qatar on the border. The exception remains the territorial dispute with Iran. At the end of 1992, Sharjah and Iran reached an agreement on the island of Abu Musa, which completely passed under the jurisdiction of Iran; all foreigners living on the islands, including UAE citizens, were required to obtain Iranian visas. In 1996, Iran further strengthened its position by starting construction of an airport on the island of Abu Musa and a power plant on the island of Greater Tunb. In 1997, the UAE protested Iranian military activity in the Persian Gulf. In November 1999, the Gulf Cooperation Council reiterated its support for the UAE in its dispute over the three islands. In 1999, a diplomatic conflict broke out between the UAE and Saudi Arabia due to Saudi Arabia's desire to normalize relations with Iran.

The degree of integration of the emirates has been a topic of ongoing debate. By the end of the 1990s, due to tactical differences in the policies pursued by Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the full integration of the country's armed forces did not take place. The integration of the emirates in many areas is hampered by the still existing rivalry between the leaders of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the UAE government decided to sever diplomatic relations with the Taliban in Afghanistan, the accounts of 62 organizations and individuals suspected by the United States of financing terrorist movements were frozen, and measures were taken to tighten control over cash flows.

During the Iraq War of 2003, US troops were stationed in the UAE, the country provided significant humanitarian aid Iraq after the official announcement of the cessation of hostilities.

On November 3, 2004, the country's president, Zayed ban Sultan, died. On November 3, 2004, the Federal Council of the United Arab Emirates elected the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, as the new president of the country. Fifty-six-year-old Sheikh Khalifa previously headed the Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council and is Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed Al Maktoum served as vice president from December 3, 2001. On January 5, 2006, at the age of 62, he died during a visit to Australia.

Literature:

Yacoub Youssef Abdullah. United Arab Emirates. History of political and state development (19th century - early 70s of the 20th century). M., 1978
Isaev V.A., Ozoling V.V. Qatar. M., 1984
Bodyansky V.L. Eastern Arabia: history, geography, population, economy. M., 1986
Markaryan R.V., Mikhin V.L. United Arab Emirates.- In the book. Recent history Arab countries of Asia. 1917–1985. M., 1988
Egorin A.Z., Isaev V.A. United Arab Emirates. M., 1997



 

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