FACTS AND FIGURES

 

Capital:                              Abu Dhabi

Language:                          Arabic is the official language, however English is widely used and spoken.

Location:                            Middle East, along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula on the

                                         Arabian Gulf. Qatar lies to the north-west, Saudi Arabia to the west and

                                         south, and Oman to the east.

Size:                                  Covering a total area of approximately 83,600 sq km (32,278 sq mi).

Population:                         Approximately 4,588,697.

Government:                      Federal constitutional monarchy, President is Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,

                                         Vice-President is Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Religion:                            76% Muslim, 9% Christian, 15% Other.

Currency:                           UAE dirham (AED).

Internet TDL:                     .ae

Calling Code:                      +971

States/Emirates:                 7 – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain,

                                         Ras al-Khaimah.

National Holidays:               1 January             New Year’s Day

                                         Variable               Day of the Sacrifice

                                         Variable               Islamic New Year

                                         Variable               The Night Journey

                                         2 December          National Day

                                         Variable               End of Ramadan

Agriculture:                        Dates, vegetables and fruit, green fodder, livestock, poultry, dairy products

                                         fish.

Industry:                            Oil and gas, cement, aluminium, fertilizers, petrochemicals, commercial

                                         ship repair, construction materials, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

Transportation:                   Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras al-Khaimah each have

                                         international airports, Ajman is currently constructing an international

                                         airport expected completion date 2011. The major airlines are Etihad in

                                         Abu Dhabi and Emirates in Dubai. The majority of transport is by

                                         private car or metered taxi, therefore highways are generally modern and

                                         well constructed, and undergoing development in necessary emirates to

                                         cope with the increased population. Dubai is currently building a train

                                         system.