|
United Arab Emirates
Background:
The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control
of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of
these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al
Qaywayn - merged to form the UAE. Ra's Al Khaymah joined them in 1972. The
UAE's per capita GDP is not far below those of the leading West European
nations.
Return to Visiting Locations |
Climate and Terrain:
Desert; cooler in eastern mountains.
Flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast
desert wasteland; mountains in east.
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m, highest point: Jabal
Yibir 1,527 m.
Land use: Arable land: 0%, forests and woodland: 0%.
|
|
|
Economy overview:
The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income
and a sizable annual trade surplus. Its wealth is based on oil and gas output
(about 33% of GDP), and the fortunes of the economy fluctuate with the prices
of those commodities. Since 1973, the UAE has undergone a profound
transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a
modern state with a high standard of living. At present levels of production,
oil and gas reserves should last for more than 100 years.
|
|