Religion in United Arab Emirates
Population and ethnography Prior to the discovery and extensive recovery of the oil during the 1960s, the seven Sheikhs were populated by a number of small Arab tribes, which were…
Situated on the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Established in 1971, the UAE has rapidly transformed from a collection of desert sheikhdoms into a dynamic and economically prosperous nation. The political system is a federal absolute monarchy, with each emirate governed by its own monarch, while collectively, they form the Supreme Council of Rulers, which elects the President and Vice President. Abu Dhabi, the capital, is the largest and wealthiest emirate, hosting the federal government and holding the majority of the country’s oil reserves. Dubai, a global business and tourism hub, stands out for its modern infrastructure, skyscrapers, and luxury developments. The political landscape is marked by stability, and political dissent is not tolerated. The UAE has maintained a pro-Western foreign policy, fostering strong diplomatic ties with the United States and Europe. Economically, the UAE has diversified from oil-dependent revenues to focus on sectors like tourism, real estate, and finance, epitomized by Dubai’s role as a global business and aviation hub. Vision 2021 and subsequent strategies outline the nation’s goals for economic diversification, innovation, and sustainability. The UAE’s cosmopolitan society is characterized by a mix of traditional and modern influences. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken, reflecting the country’s international orientation. The expatriate population significantly outnumbers the Emirati citizens, contributing to the country’s cultural diversity. The UAE has embraced modernization while maintaining its Islamic heritage, striking a balance between tradition and progress. The leadership has also emphasized gender equality, with women playing increasingly prominent roles in various sectors. The country’s skyline is dominated by iconic structures, such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made archipelago. The UAE’s geopolitical importance is underscored by its strategic location and role as a regional business and transportation hub. As the UAE continues to evolve, both economically and culturally, its leadership faces the challenge of sustaining growth, managing demographic changes, and navigating geopolitical dynamics in a rapidly changing global landscape. EQUZHOU: Features political system of United Arab Emirates.
Population and ethnography Prior to the discovery and extensive recovery of the oil during the 1960s, the seven Sheikhs were populated by a number of small Arab tribes, which were…