(United Arab Emirates )
Modern information
Country name: The United Arab Emirates.
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Main cities: Abu Dhabi; Dubai.
Main religion: Islam. Religion is a very important in UAE society. Although Islam is the official religion of the country, the United Arab Emirates have always advocated for freedom of religion. Today, about 80% of the local population is Muslim. There are about 8% Hindu, 5% Christians, and some Buddhist and Sikh minorities.
Politics: UAE is the most liberal country in the Persian Gulf, however situation has changed because of Internet activism in 2012. 68 islamists were imprisoned for allegedly attempting to seize power in 2013.
Economy: Population of this country generally enjoy a high standard of living because of oil wealth; the UAE is a regional trading and international tourism center.
International: There has been tension between the UAE and Iran over disputed gulf islands; the US treats the UAE as an ally in its fight against militants.
2 Fun facts: 1) There are no taxes on income. Currently, the UAE federation does not impose a federal corporate income tax in the Emirates.
2) Less than 20% of the population are actually locals. Exponential immigration has led to the local, Emirati population almost being drowned out.
Ancient information
Former name: Trucial States.
Important cities: Sharjah (powerful port during few last centuries) ; Ajman (For a long time, he became known as a center for fishing in the region, as well as the production of pearls).
Important rulers: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (Abu Dhabi) and Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (Dubai) that on February,18th, 1968 signed an agreement which about creating an independent federation of sheikhdoms East and South-East Arabia. Later they became President of and Vice President accordingly.
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918 – 2 November 2004), the principal driving force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was the ruler of Abu Dhabi and first president of the UAE, a post which he held for over 30 years (1971–2004).
Interesting fact: Religious traditions do not give Arab youth any opportunity to choose a life partner - all deicions are made by parents. I guess that is a reason for very high divorce rate (30 percent of marriages!).
References:
United Arab Emirates profile
In-text: (BBC News, 2013)
Bibliography: BBC News. 2013. United Arab Emirates profile. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14703998 [Accessed: 13 Oct 2013].
Religions and Islam in the UAE - Exploring the United Arab Emirates
In-text: (Sites.google.com, 2013)
Bibliography: Sites.google.com. 2013. Religions and Islam in the UAE - Exploring the United Arab Emirates. [online] Available at: https://sites.google.com/site/exploringtheuae/presentation/culture/religions [Accessed: 12 Oct 2013].
United Arab Emirates: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities | Infoplease.com
In-text: (Infoplease.com, 2013)
Bibliography: Infoplease.com. 2013. United Arab Emirates: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities | Infoplease.com. [online] Available at: http://www.infoplease.com/country/united-arab-emirates.html [Accessed: 12 Oct 2013].
UAE History
In-text: (Sheikhmohammed.co.ae, 2013)
Bibliography: Sheikhmohammed.co.ae. 2013. UAE History. [online] Available at: http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=15e504ee11a11310VgnVCM1000004d64a8c0RCRD [Accessed: 13 Oct 2013].
Welcome to Abu Dhabi - Capital of U.A.E.
In-text: (Uae-online.8m.com, 2013)
Bibliography: Uae-online.8m.com. 2013. Welcome to Abu Dhabi - Capital of U.A.E.. [online] Available at: http://uae-online.8m.com/Regional/abudhabi.html [Accessed: 13 Oct 2013].
Country Guide: UAE
In-text: (Globalconnections.hsbc.com, 2013)
Bibliography: Globalconnections.hsbc.com. 2013. Country Guide: UAE. [online] Available at: https://globalconnections.hsbc.com/global/en/tools-data/country-guides/ae-march-2013/taxation [Accessed: 13 Oct 2013].
What are some facts about the United Arab Emirates?
In-text: (Answers.com, 2013)
Bibliography: Answers.com. 2013. What are some facts about the United Arab Emirates?. [online] Available at: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_some_facts_about_the_United_Arab_Emirates [Accessed: 14 Oct 2013].
