Uae Handbook

United Arab Emirates Country Handbook
This handbook provides basic reference information on the United Arab

Emirates, including its geography, history, government, military forces, and
communications and transportation networks. This information is intended to
familiarize military personnel with local customs and area knowledge to assist
them during their assignment to the United Arab Emirates.
The Marine Corps Intelligence Activity is the community coordinator for the
Country Handbook Program. This product reflects the coordinated U.S. Defense
Intelligence Community position on the United Arab Emirates.
Dissemination and use of this publication is restricted to official military and
government personnel from the United States of America, United Kingdom,
Canada, Australia, and other countries as required and designated for support
of coalition operations.
The photos and text reproduced herein have been extracted solely for research,
comment, and information reporting, and are intended for fair use by designated
personnel in their official duties, including local reproduction for training. Further
dissemination of copyrighted material contained in this document, to include
excerpts and graphics, is strictly prohibited under Title 17, U.S. Code.
Contents
KEY FACTS ..................................................................... 1
U.S. MISSION .................................................................. 2
U.S. Embassy . ............................................................. 2
U.S. Consulate ............................................................. 2
U.S. Military Facilities ................................................ 4
Al Dhafra Air Base ................................................. 5
Mina Jabal Ali . ...................................................... 5
Travel Advisories ......................................................... 6
Entry Requirements ..................................................... 7
Customs ................................................................. 7
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE ...................................... 8
Geography . .................................................................. 8
Land Statistics . ....................................................... 9
Boundaries .............................................................. 9
Border Disputes ...................................................... 10
Bodies of Water ..................................................... 11
Topography ............................................................ 11
Urban Geography ................................................... 13
Climate . ....................................................................... 14
Climatic Patterns . ................................................... 14
Environment ........................................................... 17
Climatic Phenomena . ............................................. 19
Infrastructure ....................................................... 19
Transportation .............................................................. 19
Roads ...................................................................... 20
Rail . ........................................................................ 25
iii
Contents (Continued)
Air ........................................................................... 26
Maritime ................................................................. 28
Communication . .......................................................... 36
Radio and Television .............................................. 37
Telecommunications ............................................... 38
Newspapers and Magazines . .................................. 40
Postal Service ........................................................ 41
Internet . .................................................................. 42
Satellites . ................................................................ 43
CULTURE ........................................................................ 44
Statistics ....................................................................... 44
Society ......................................................................... 45
People ..................................................................... 47
Ethnic Groups ......................................................... 48
Family ..................................................................... 48
Roles of Men and Women ...................................... 49
Customs and Courtesies .............................................. 51
Education and Literacy ................................................ 53
Religion . ..................................................................... 56
Recreation .................................................................... 58
Cultural Considerations ............................................... 58
MEDICAL ASSESSMENT .............................................. 60
Disease Risks to Deployed Personnel . ........................ 60
Medical Capabilities .................................................... 62
Key Medical Facilities ............................................ 63
History ......................................................................... 64
Chronology of Key Events . ......................................... 70
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS . ................................. 72
Government ................................................................. 72
National Level ........................................................ 73
iv
Local Level ............................................................. 76

Key Government Officials ...................................... 78
Politics ......................................................................... 79
Political Parties ....................................................... 79
Foreign Relations . .................................................. 80
International Organizations .................................... 84
ECONOMY ...................................................................... 85
General Description ..................................................... 85
Economic Aid .............................................................. 86
Banking Services ......................................................... 86
Economic Statistics . .................................................... 86
Resources .................................................................... 87
Industry ................................................................... 87
Utilities ................................................................... 89
Water . ..................................................................... 90
Agriculture . ............................................................ 90
Foreign Investment ................................................. 91
Economic Outlook .................................................. 92
THREAT ........................................................................... 93
Crime ........................................................................... 93
Drug Trafficking .......................................................... 95
Major Intelligence Services ......................................... 96
Armed Forces ............................................................ 96
Army ............................................................................ 96
Organization ........................................................... 96
Bases ....................................................................... 99
Personnel ................................................................ 100
Deployments ........................................................... 101
Equipment . ............................................................. 101
v
Air Force ...................................................................... 104

Organization ........................................................... 104
Mission ................................................................... 104
Bases ....................................................................... 104
Equipment . ............................................................. 105
Navy . ........................................................................... 105
Organization ........................................................... 106
Bases ....................................................................... 106
Personnel ................................................................ 106
Equipment . ............................................................. 107
Coastal Defense ........................................................... 108
Paramilitary . ................................................................ 108
National Police . ........................................................... 108
APPENDICES
Equipment Recognition .................................................... A-1
Holidays ............................................................................ B-1
Language . ......................................................................... C-1
Dangerous Plants and Animals ......................................... D-1
Illustrations
United Arab Emirates ....................................................... viii
National Flag .................................................................... 1
U.S. Embassy – Abu Dhabi .............................................. 3
Dubai City Map ................................................................ 5
Arabian Peninsula ............................................................. 8
Topography ....................................................................... 12
Dubai . ............................................................................... 14
vi
Ash Shariqah . ................................................................... 15
Abu Dhabi and Ra’s al Khaymah Weather ....................... 16
Sunset Over the Desert ..................................................... 18
Transportation Network .................................................... 20
Camels are Common Transportation ................................ 23
Abu Dhabi ......................................................................... 24
Bus/Boat .......................................................................... 30
Ra’s al Khaymah ............................................................... 33
Al Fujayrah ....................................................................... 35
Population ......................................................................... 46
University of Ash Shariqah ............................................... 55
Grand Mosque Dubai . ...................................................... 57
Khalifa bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan ........................................ 74
Administrative Districts .................................................... 77
Loading Barrels of Oil ...................................................... 85
Industry ............................................................................. 88
Pottery Shop . .................................................................... 90
Land Use ........................................................................... 91
Gold Souq ......................................................................... 92
Military Structure . ............................................................ 97
Army Insignia ................................................................... 98
Military Bases ................................................................... 100
vii
United Arab Emirates Ash Sha'm
Expressway Ra's al OMAN
Khaymah
Road Umm al Diba al
Qaywayn Hism
Track
Ajman Khawr
Ash Shariqah Masah Fakkan
DOHA Dubai Adh
Arabian Mina
Al
Dhayd Fujayrah
Gulf Jabal Ali
Masfut
QATAR
ABU
DHABI
ABU AL
Ar ABYAD Al 'Ayn
Ruways Al
Tarif Mafraq Al Khaznah
Habshan
OMAN
Bu Hasa
Qutuf
An Nashshash
Aradah
SAUDI ARABIA
United Arab Emirates
viii
KEY FACTS
Official Country Name. United Arab Emirates.
Short Form. UAE.
Head of State. President Khalifa bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan (since 3
November 2004).
Capital. Abu Dhabi.
National Flag. Three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white
(middle), and black (bottom); a wide vertical band of red is on the
hoist side.
Time Zone. UTC+4.
Telephone Country Code. 971.
Population. 4.1 million (2005 census).
Languages. Arabic (official); English, Hindi, Persian, and Urdu
are also spoken.
Official Currency. Emirati dirham (AED).
Credit/Debit Card Use. Widely accepted; American Express,
Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa.
ATM Availability. Widely available.
Calendar. Gregorian.
National Flag
1
U.S. MISSION
U.S. Embassy
The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi is at Embassies District, Plot 38,
Sector W59-02, Street Number 4.
General Embassy Information

Mailing U.S. Embassy
Address P.O. Box 4009
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Telephone (971)-2-414-2200
Number Duty Officer (971)-2-414-2500
Fax Number (971)-2-414-2603
E-mail usisamem@emirates.net.ae
Internet abudhabi.usembassy.gov
Address
Hours Open Sunday through Thursday 0800 to 1700;
closed on U.S. and UAE public holidays.
American Citizen Services (ACS)
Open Sunday through Thursday 1300 to 1500;
U.S. Consulate
The U.S. Consulate provides administrative and emergency assis-
tance for U.S. citizens in the UAE. Registration with the American
Citizen Services (ACS) is recommended for U.S. citizens residing
in or visiting the UAE. The Consulate General in Abu Dhabi is in
the Embassy. Consulate General Dubai is on Floor 21 of the Dubai
World Trade Center on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
2
Arabian Gulf
St.
Istiglal
reet
Waleed Stn Al
Shetkh K
halifa Bin
Khalid Bi
Leewa
Al Nasr
Street
l Nar
Zayed The First
Zayed The
Umm A
Second St.
Aziz
Shakhuut Street
Al Arabi
Sultan Bin Zayed
Al Manhal
East
King Khalid Bin Abdel
Palace
Al Manhal Street
Ba
Al Falah
Central
nu
Hospital
na
Al
hS
Khalifa
Al Jazeera
tre
Police Police Hospital

et
Station Station
Sudan Street Hazaa B
in Zayed
Butain Street Street
U.S. Dar Al
Embassy Shifa
Dalma Street Al Karamah Street Defence Street
Khor al Batin
bi Strret
Palace
Batin
Mohammed
Bin Khalifa Street
Sultan Bin Zayed
Al Khaleeg Al Ara
Mushnet
Maktoum Street
Palace East
g
rn Rin
Race
Track
Golf
Course Easte
Saeed Bin Tahnoo Police
Abu Dhabi n Street HQ
U.S. Embassy – Abu Dhabi
General Consulate Information
Abu Dhabi
Mailing U.S. Embassy; P.O. Box 4009,
Address Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Telephone ACS (971)-2-414-2550
Fax (971)-2-414-2241
3
E-mail ACS: abudhabiACS@state.gov
Address Immigrant Visa: abudhabiIV@state.gov
Non-Immigrant Visa: abudhabiNIV@state.gov
Internet abudhabi.usembassy.gov
ACS: Open Sunday through Thursday 1300 to
1500; closed on U.S. and UAE public holidays.
Consulate General Dubai
Mailing Consulate General of the United States of America
Address Dubai World Trade Center
P.O. Box 9343
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Telephone (971)-4-311-6000
Duty Officer: (971)-2-414-2500
After Hours Emergency:(971)-2-414-2200
Fax (971)-4-311-6213
E-mail dubaiwarden@state.gov
Address Visa Section: dubaivisaenquiry@state.gov
Internet dubai.usconsulate.gov
closed on U.S. and UAE public holidays;
ACS: Open Sunday through Thursday 1230 to
1500; closed on U.S. and UAE public holidays.
U.S. Military Facilities
To provide access to air and naval facilities, the United States
negotiated the Defense Cooperation Agreement with the UAE in
1992. The UAE provides U.S. and Coalition Forces access to its
ports, airfields, and territory in support of military operations in
Afghanistan and Iraq. The U.S. military has fewer than 100 mili-
tary personnel in the UAE. There are no permanent U.S. military
facilities in the UAE.
4
Major Roads d Bu
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Dubai City Map
Al Dhafra Air Base

Al Dhafra Air Base is 35 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of Abu
Dhabi. U.S. forces used the base during Operations DESERT
SHIELD, DESERT STORM, and SOUTHERN WATCH. The
U.S. Air Force’s 380th Air Expeditionary Wing operates aerial re-
fueling tankers and surveillance/reconnaissance aircraft from the
base. Al Dhafra is expected to become a permanent U.S. air base
for regional operations.
Mina Jabal Ali

Jabal Ali (2500N 05503E) is in Dubai on the Arabian Gulf. The
U.S. Navy uses Jabal Ali more than any other port outside the
5
United States. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT),
which includes the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, uses the port as a lo-
gistics hub. Jabal Ali connects by road with Al Fujayrah, a major
port on the Gulf of Oman. Al Fujayrah will act as the logistical
pipeline for the U.S. Navy to the Arabian Gulf should the Strait of
Hormuz be closed.
The closest permanent U.S. military facility to the UAE is Al

Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Al Udeid Air Base had 419 military per-
sonnel at the end of 2007.
Travel Advisories
Travelers are advised to maintain a low profile and exercise a high
level of security awareness. Travel advisories receive routine up-
dates. Most changes apply to safety and security in the UAE. In
June 2008, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory
for the UAE regarding possible terrorist activity. Western gov-
ernments warn there is a high threat of terrorist attacks against
Western residential compounds, nightclubs, movie theaters, and
oil and transportation interests.
The violent crime rate is low, but standard precautions should be
kept. There are reports of sexual assaults and petty crimes. U.S.
Embassy officials believe crime occurs more often than the local
media reports. Most reports of criminal activity happen in the ex-
patriate community. Physical and verbal harassment of women is
common. Women never should travel alone, particularly at night.
Driving is dangerous, particularly outside urban areas, as drivers

typically go at high speeds and fail to observe traffic rules. Traffic
accidents are a leading cause of death.
6
Entry Requirements
Travelers to the UAE are recommended to have up-to-date vac-
cinations. Authorities in the region reported outbreaks of avian
influenza (bird flu) and West Nile virus in 2007. All foreigners
planning to work or reside in the UAE must have an HIV/AIDS
test after arriving; previous test results are not accepted.
U.S. citizens must have a passport and visa to enter the UAE.
Visitors staying fewer than 60 days are issued a visa free of charge
at the port of entry. Visitors whose passports include evidence of
travel to Israel may face significant delays. All military personnel
must present a valid passport upon entry and exit. The UAE does
not recognize U.S. military ID cards as travel documents.
As of 2007, all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have
travel agreements allowing GCC citizens to travel without a pass-
port between member countries. There is no international travel or
open border agreement between the United States and the UAE.
Customs
Travelers never should import or export pornographic, politically
subversive, or religiously offensive material. Penalties for attempt-
ing to smuggle narcotics are severe. Videos, DVDs, and books
may be subject to censorship. Do not attempt to import goods
manufactured in Israel, pork products, gambling items, or any-
thing offensive to Islamic morals and values.
Special permission is required to import alcohol, prescription
drugs, firearms, telecomunication equipment, and antiques.
A reasonable amount of cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, and perfume
may be imported duty-free along with personal belongings, as
well as personal cameras and less than US$10,000.
7
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Geography
The UAE is in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula at the
southern end of the Arabian Gulf. Saudi Arabia is to the west and
south, and Oman is to the east and northeast along the Musandam
Peninsula. UAE is a low-lying desert country with infrequent
BEIRUT
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MUSCAT
UNITED ARAB
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SAUDI ARABIA
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ETHIOPIA DJIBOUTI Aden
DJIBOUTI
0 100 200 300 km
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SOMALIA
Arabian Peninsula
8
rainfall and harsh weather conditions. It has flat and rolling des-
ert landscapes with rocky plains and mountains in the northeast.
There are no permanent rivers or lakes. The highest point above
sea level is 1,527 meters (5,010 feet).
Land Statistics
Total Area 83,600 square kilometers (32,278 square miles)
Coastline 1,318 kilometers (819 miles)
UAE’s Offshore and land reclamation projects are extending the

coastline. To the north and east is the Strait of Hormuz, which
connects the Arabian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. The Arabian
Gulf forms the UAE northern coastline for more than 650 kilome-
ters (404 miles). Many islands are located along the coastline. The
Gulf of Oman forms the eastern coastline and extends for about 90
kilometers (56 miles) along the Al Batinah coast.
Area Comparative Slightly smaller than Maine

Central Coordinates 2400N 05400E
Land Usage Cultivated: 2.7% (2003)
Inhabited: 9.1%
Boundaries
Direction Country Length kilometers (miles)
North and East Oman 410 kilometers (255 miles)
South and West Saudi Arabia 457 kilometers (284 miles)
North Arabian Gulf 1,318 kilometers (819 miles)
Total 2,185 kilometers (1,358 miles)
9
Border Disputes
Saudi Arabia
A 1974 agreement between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia would
have settled a border dispute. However, the UAE has yet to ratify
it, and Saudi Arabia does not recognize it. The Shaybah Oilfield,
which straddles the border, is the main reason the dispute continues.
The oilfield has an estimated 15.7 billion barrels of oil and 707 bil-
lion cubic meters (25 trillion cubic feet) of gas. The 1974 agreement
cut off the UAE land border with Qatar by giving Saudi Arabia
24 kilometers (15 miles) of coastline east from Khwar Udaid when
Saudi Arabia relinquished claims to the Al-Buraymi area.
Oman
The UAE and Oman signed and ratified an agreement in 2003 de-
marcating the border. The Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah
areas were at the center of the border dispute. A fence lines the
entire UAE border with Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Iran
The UAE and Iran dispute Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser
Tunb Islands, which Iran occupies. The islands are strategically lo-
cated in the Strait of Hormuz about 55 kilometers (34 miles) from
the UAE and 69 kilometers (43 miles) from Iran. The Mubarak
Oilfield is offshore near Abu Musa. Iran landed troops on the
Tunb Islands in 1971, violating the memorandum of understand-
ing that allowed Iran’s military forces to be based only at Abu
Musa. Iranian troops took control of all three islands after expel-
ling UAE forces from Abu Musa in 1992. Iran rejected a 1996
proposal from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to have the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) settle the dispute.
10
Bodies of Water
The UAE has no permanent rivers or lakes. Rains may cause flash
floods, which fill wadis (dry riverbeds) for brief periods. Permanent
water sources are available high in the mountains.
There are oases at Al Ayn, Al-Liwa, and Al-Buraymi. Al-Liwa
Oasis is in the south near the undefined border with Saudi Arabia.
Al-Buraymi Oasis extends across the border with Oman in the
northeast of the Abu Dhabi emirate. Sebkhas (salt flats) are found
along coastal areas, in dry riverbeds, and in low-lying basins in the
desert. Lagoons are along both coastlines.
Topography
The UAE is primarily desert, extending from the Arabian Gulf
coast south into Saudi Arabia and east into Oman. The UAE
northwestern coastline along the Arabian Gulf coast has sebkhas
(salt flats) that run inland. Along the east coast, also known as Al-
Batinah, beaches extend for about 90 kilometers (56 miles) along
the Gulf of Oman. The desert has vast expanses of sand and dunes
with occasional sebkhas and oases. Desert turns into gravel plains
in the northeast, extending southward from the coast of Ra’s al-
Khaymah to Al Ayn.
Al-Hajar al-Gharbi Mountains split the UAE from north to south
in the northeastern emirates along the Al-Batinah coast. The
mountains begin at the UAE-Oman border on the Musandam
Peninsula and extend southeastward for about 150 kilometers (93
miles) along the border to the Gulf of Oman.
The Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter) is a large desert that extends
into the south and west Abu Dhabi emirate from Saudi Arabia.
The Rub al-Khali extends into Qatar, Kuwait, western Oman, and
11
Ash Sha'm
UAE
Ra's al OMAN
Elevations Khaymah
Umm al
Qaywayn Diba al
2000 m/6562 ft Hism
Ajman
500 m/ 1640 ft Ash Shariqah Masah Khawr
DOHA Dubai Fakkan
Sea Level Adh
Arabian Mina Dhayd Al
Gulf Jabal Ali Fujayrah
Mafut
QATAR
ABU
ABU AL DHABI
ABYAD
Al
Ar 'Ayn
Ruways Al
Tarif Mafraq Al
Khaznah
Habshan
OMAN
Bu Hasa
Qutuf
An Nashshash
Aradah
SAUDI ARABIA
Topography
Yemen. Sand dunes in the Rub al-Khali reach heights of more than
100 meters (328 feet). The color of the sand is orange red.
Highest Elevation: Jabal Yibir 1,527 meters (5,010 feet)

Lowest Elevation: Arabian Gulf sea level
Vegetation is limited to hardy shrubs and small plants that can
withstand high salinity soils and minimal precipitation. Species
vary throughout the year, and some are affected by winter rain-
fall. Areas near sebkhas have dense growth of salt-loving plants.
Oases provide water for farms, fodder, and fruit orchards. Produce
includes mangoes, grapevines, guava, lemons, figs, and bananas.
12
Mangrove forests, covering 40 square kilometers (15 square
miles), grow in patches along several Arabian Gulf coastal ar-
eas and islands. Areas where mangrove forests grow include Abu
Dhabi, Umm al-Qaywayn, Khor Kalba, and Ra’s al-Khaymah.
Government programs and conservation efforts have increased the
area of mangrove forests.
Cross-country Movement
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are best suited for cross-country travel.
Vehicles and travelers should be well equipped for the desert en-
vironment. Cross-country travel should be conducted with two or
more well-maintained, four-wheel-drive vehicles with adequate
food, water, and fuel supplies.
Drivers of wheeled vehicles should prepare for poor mobility in
off-road conditions. Knowledge of the terrain, along with updated
maps and a global positioning system (GPS), is recommended, as
well as a cell or satellite phone.
Dust storms, sand storms, insects (spiders, camel spiders, and
scorpions), and poisonous snakes may affect cross-country move-
ments. Earthquakes in the mountainous northeastern regions also
may hinder cross-country movement.
Urban Geography
The modern cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have tree-lined wide
streets and rows of high-rise buildings overlooking waterfronts.
Shopping malls and movie theaters are in Dubai, Ash Shariqah,
and Abu Dhabi. Restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, hotels, and bou-
tiques are available. City streets and roads are well marked with
signs in English and Arabic. Municipalities are divided into num-
bered zones for easier navigation. There are many central govern-
ment institutions, banks, and oil companies.
13
Major Roads d Bu
Other Roads DUBAI R
oa Ha
j il
a lee Ro
Kh ad
Al
a d
N
Ro
ad
tih
I
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K
Port
ho
rD
Rashid
DUBAI Air
ub
po
rt R
ai
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Al
Gar
Al Rd.
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id
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me
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afa Al
hR Qa
d. taiy
at
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.
Dubai
Dubai’s traditional architecture consists of residential homes,
mosques, souqs (markets), forts, and watchtowers. Older areas
have narrow alleyways and buildings that are designed to increase
air flow and shade. Traditional houses in Dubai are built around an
al housh (courtyard); the same design applies to modern houses.
The al housh provides a private area for family members.
Climate
Climatic Patterns
The UAE has a hot, dry desert climate. Annual rainfall is between
100 to 200 millimeters (3.9 to 7.9 inches), but it can be as much
as 350 millimeters (13.8 inches) in mountainous areas. Rain often
14
Sheihk Sultan Bin Sa
qr Al Qa
sim
SHARJAH CITY i Roa
d
Corniche Road
Major Roads
Other Roads
Street
Qasimi Road
Sheihk Mohd Bin Saqr Al
Bootina
Sheikh Za
yed Road
Port
Khalid
n
Basi
Deep
Al Wahda Road
Water
Suq
Harbor
Al Qasimia Road
Al Minia
Road
Road
Kuwait
Ki
ng
Fa
isa
Co
l
rn
Ro
ich
ad
e
Ro
Sheikh Sultan Al Awal Road
ad
Arabian
Gulf
K
ho
rK
Arouba Road
ha
Sh
lid
e ikh
Kh
al
id
oad
Ro
ad
hda R
Kh
an
Ro
ad
Al Wa
Khor
Al
Ash Shariqah
15
ABU DHABI
o
F TEMPERATURE Elevation: 89 Ft PRECIPITATION
120
Snow
110 Rain
8
100
90
6
80 D
A
70 Y
S
4
60
Extreme
50 High
Average High
Average Low 2
40
30
20 0
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
RAS AL KHAIMAH
o
F TEMPERATURE Elevation: 102 Ft. PRECIPITATION
120
10
Snow
110 Rain
100 8
90
80 D 6
A
70 Y
S
60 4
50 Extreme
High
Average High
40 Average Low 2
30
20 0
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
Abu Dhabi and Ra’s al Khaymah Weather
16
comes in short, torrential bursts, and most of the annual rainfall is
between November and March.
Humidity is high along the coast. Temperatures are cooler in the
northeastern mountains. Summer is long and has high daily tem-
peratures. Rain usually accompanies summer months.
Environment
Air and water pollution and insufficient water resources are seri-
ous environmental problems. Rapid growth has deteriorated the
natural ecosystem, reducing its already limited water resources.
The UAE relies on desalination plants to compensate for lack of
freshwater resources. In Abu Dhabi, water is consumed 26 times
faster than it is replenished from groundwater reserves. Pollution
and dust from the transportation and industrial sectors affect air
quality in populated areas. The petroleum sector is a major source
of air pollution.
Overgrazing affects natural vegetation and the desert ecosystem.
The UAE has implemented major forestation projects and envi-
ronmental protections to combat desertification. Forests cover 3.7
percent (3,120 square kilometers [33,583 square feet]) of the land
area. Forests are protected and tropical.
Environmental affairs are the responsibility of the Federal
Environmental Agency (FEA), which is subordinate to the
Ministry of Environment and Water. FEA implements environ-
mental policies at the national level and appraises environmen-
tal studies to ensure state policies do not have negative impacts.
Agencies working at the emirate level include the Environment
Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD), Environment and Protected Areas
Authority (EPAA) in Ash Shariqah, and Environment Protection
and Development Authority (EPDA) in Ra’s al-Khaymah.
17
Sunset Over the Desert Photo by Bruno Girin
The UAE has numerous policies regarding pollution, desertifica-

tion, grazing management, wildlife management, water scarcity,
protected areas, and agriculture practices.
The UAE is also a party to many international agreements regard-

ing biodiversity, climate change, desertification, endangered spe-
cies, hazardous waste disposal, marine dumping, and ozone layer
protection programs.
18
Climatic Phenomena
Shamal
Shamal winds blow during summer and winter over the Arabian
Peninsula in a northwesterly direction. The storms are strong
during the day, but less intense at night. Winds lift fine particles
of dust and sand to form dense clouds that restrict visibility and
breathing. Activities may become hazardous as “brown outs” oc-
cur. These thick clouds may decrease visibility, communication,
and navigation for days at a time.
Cyclones
In 2007, Tropical Cyclone Gonu flooded much of the UAE east
coast. Gonu was the strongest storm to hit the UAE since record
keeping began. Cyclones in the Gulf region rarely form over
the Arabian Sea (northern Indian Ocean); fewer come ashore.
Cyclones affect the region during spring and summer.
Infrastructure
Transportation
The UAE has a modern system with road networks, international
airports, and seaports. Roads are the primary means of domes-
tic travel, and seaports are dominant for trading. Airlines provide
flights to and from numerous international destinations. There are
no railroads, although the government is investing in a national
railroad and a metro system for the Dubai City area.
A general terrorist threat against transportation and infrastruc-
ture exists. Western governments receive reports of terrorist plots
against their interests. Weather phenomena, such as sand and dust
storms, affect all transportation sectors.
19
United Arab Emirates Ash Sha'm
Expressway Ra's al OMAN
Road Khaymah
Track Umm al
Qaywayn Diba al
Major Airport Hism
Major Port Ajman
Ash Shariqah Masah Khawr
DOHA Dubai Fakkan
Adh
Arabian Mina Dhayd Al
Gulf Jabal Ali Fujayrah
Masfut
QATAR
ABU
DHABI
ABU AL Al
ABYAD
Ar 'Ayn
Ruways Al
Tarif Mafraq Al
Khaznah
Habshan
OMAN
Bu Hasa
Qutuf
An Nashshash
Aradah
SAUDI ARABIA
Transportation Network
Roads
By 2004, the UAE had 4,030 kilometers (2,504 miles) of paved
roads. Primary, secondary, and truck roads link interior regions
with coastal areas. The road network is undergoing massive devel-
opment to ease traffic flow, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Primary roads are classified as Emirates Roads (E roads). Major
routes include E10, E11, E22, E45, and E66. Running between
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ayn are E11 and E22 with dual three-
or four-lane highways. All other E roads are dual two-lane or sin-
gle-lane highways. E75 and E30 are truck routes. E roads also run
between UAE cities and neighboring countries.
20
Primary Roads
Roads Lane Information Connections Cities

E10 6 lanes (3 per direction) E11, E15, secondary Abu Dhabi to
roads As Shahamah
connecting Dubai
E11 4 lanes (2 per direction) from Gwaifat E10, E16, E20, E22, Gwaifat via
to Mafraq (outside Abu Dhabi) and E30, E15, E45, E65, Abu Dhabi and
between Dubai and Ra’s al-Khaymah; E75, E77, secondary Dubai to Ra’s al-
6 lanes (3 per direction) through Abu roads Khaymah
Dhabi, Dubai, and Ra’s al- Khaymah
E15 4 lanes (2 per direction) E11, E90, secondary Arada via Gayathi
roads to Ruwais
E16 4 lanes (2 per direction); some sections E11, E20, E22, E11 to Al Ayn via
are 2 lanes (1 per direction) secondary roads Sweihan
E20 6 lanes (3 per direction from Abu Dhabi E11, E16, E22, E30, Abu Dhabi to Al
to Zayed Military City; 4 lanes (2 per E66, E75, E95, Hiyar
direction) from Zayed to Al Hiyar secondary roads
E22 6 lanes (3 per direction) E10, E16, E20, E30, Abu Dhabi to Al
E66, E75, E95, Ayn
secondary roads
E30 Truck Route; 2 lanes (1 per direction); E11, E22, E40, Abu Dhabi to Al
small sections of 4 lanes (2 per secondary roads Ayn
direction); expanding to 6 lanes into Abu
Dhabi after E11 junction
E40 2 lanes (1 per direction); small sections E30, E95, secondary Al Khatam to Al
near Al Ayn are 4 and 6 lanes roads Ayn
E45 4 lanes (2 per direction); 6 lanes (3 per E11, E90, secondary Madinat Zayed,
direction) through Madinat Zayed roads Liwa
E65 2 lanes (1 per direction); 4 lanes (2 per E11, E90, secondary Himeem to E11
direction) near Himeem and E11 roads
E66 6 lanes (3 per direction); 4 lanes (2 per E20, E22, E44, E55, Al Ayn to Dubai
direction) between Al Faq and Al Ayn E95, secondary roads via Al Hiyar and
Al Faq
E75 Truck Route; 2 lanes (1 per direction); E11, E16, E20, E22, Abu Dhabi to
small sections of 6 lanes (3 per E30, E311, secondary Dubai
direction) near junctions roads
E90 4 lanes (2 per direction) until Himeem, 2 E15, E45, E65, E95, Arada via Himeem
lanes (1 per direction) Himeem/E65 and secondary roads to E95
Himeem/E95
E95 2 lanes (1 per direction); small sections E40, E22, secondary Connects Al Ayn
in Al Wegan and southern Al Ayn are 4 roads and Al Wegan to
lanes, 6 lanes available closer to Al Ayn E90
21
Massive building projects in Dubai have increased traffic and led to
heavy congestion, particularly during peak hours. Dubai’s Road and
Transportation Authority (RTA) is building more roads and bridges
under a strategic plan that covers Dubai’s transportation needs to
2020. The RTA intends to spend US$12 billion on upgrades.
Traffic drives on the right side of the road. Driving along roadways
is dangerous, particularly outside urban areas, as drivers go at very
high speeds and fail to observe traffic rules. Traffic accidents are a
leading cause of death. Hazards include insufficient road signage,
roaming animals, careless pedestrians, and sand drifts. Roads in
Dubai and Ash Shariqah flood during winter when rainfall is heavy.
Buses and taxis are public ground transportation available in the

UAE. Bus services are limited; they run daily from Oman to
Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Buses also run between Abu Dhabi and
Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Most hotels run bus services
to airports, city centers, and resorts. Women have reserved seats
on buses. Women should never travel alone, particularly at night.
The RTA plans to introduce bus services exclusively for women.

RTA will have 620 new luxury buses, including 300 long buses
and 170 with double decks. RTA projects public buses will run 160
routes by 2010; this would cover 95 percent of Dubai City.
Taxis are readily available and inexpensive. They can be reserved

by telephone or flagged down in the street. There is a surcharge for
air-conditioned taxis. Rates vary depending on location. Travelers
only should use officially marked taxis with meters. If using taxis
without meters, agree on the price before departing. Avoid shared
or service taxis. In Dubai, there is a fleet of pink taxis that pro-
vides service only to women.
22
Abras (water taxis) operate along the coastal waterways. Service
is available in Dubai, Deira, and Ash Shariqah. The RTA plans to
open 20 abras stations in Dubai during 2009.
The Saadiyat Bridge in Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open in 2009. It
will have ten lanes, five in each direction, and two urban rail lines.
The bridge will link to an expressway that is under construction,
connecting Abu Dhabi International Airport to Saadiyat Island.
This connection reduces the distance 25 kilometers (15.5 miles).
Constructed from prestressed and reinforced concrete, Saadiyat
Bridge is to be 1,455 meters (4,774 feet) long, 60 meters (197 feet)
wide, and a maximum height of 35 meters (115 feet) above the
water. The main span is 200 meters (656 feet) long.
A floating concrete bridge opened in June 2007 in Dubai. The
bridge is 360 meters (1,181 feet) long, 3.3 meters (11 feet) high,
and 6 meters (20 feet) wide. The bridge was built to ease traffic on
the Maktoum and Garhoud bridges. The Business Bay Crossing,
which is under construction in Dubai, will have 13 traffic lanes.
Some traffic lanes are already in use.
Camels are Common Transportation

23
Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, workers are constructing and expanding
tunnels to ease traffic. In Dubai, workers are building rail tunnels
along the metro line.
Abu Dhabi
Construction on the Al Salam Tunnel in Abu Dhabi began in 2008.
The tunnel will connect Abu Dhabi’s northeast entrance to Mina
Zayed. The 3.1 kilometer (2 mile) long tunnel is being constructed
15 meters (49 feet) below Al Salam Street. The tunnel will have
eight lanes — four each direction — connecting Abu Dhabi with
Reem Island. The tunnel is scheduled to be finished in 2011.
Dubai
The Palm Jumeirah Vehicular Tunnel is the only connection for
vehicles between Palm Island and the outer crescent. The tunnel
is 1.4 kilometers (less than one mile) long, 38 meters (125 feet)
wide, 5.5 meters (18 feet) high, and has a maximum grade of 6
percent. The lowest point at its center is 25 meters (82 feet) under
24
water. Two walkways in each direction allow pedestrians through
the tunnel. The channel above the tunnel allows for a maximum
draft of 10 meters (33 feet). Construction on the tunnel was com-
pleted in 2007.
Al-Shindagha Tunnel is a four-lane road, two per direction, run-

ning under the Dubai Creek and connecting the neighborhoods of
Deira and Al-Shindagha. The tunnel opened in 1975. There is also
a road tunnel to Dubai International Airport.
Rail
The UAE has no rail network. However, a national railway to
connect all seven emirates has been proposed. The National
Transportation Authority (NTA) plans to lay the tracks in
two phases. Phase one will extend along the coast connecting
Ghewaifat, which is near the western border with Saudi Arabia,
to Mina Jabal Ali in the emirate of Dubai. The second phase will
connect Mina Jabal Ali to Mina Saqr in the emirate of Ra’s al-
Khaymah. Other stops will be located in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, Al-
Dhaid, Al Fujayrah, and Khwar Fakkan. The tracks are expected
to be completed by 2015. Trains will carry dry bulk, cement, sand,
rock, and petrochemicals. Passenger services may be added later.
Dubai Municipality is financing the US$4.2 billion construction

of the Dubai Metro, which began in 2006. It will run 87 driverless
trains along two lines: Red and Green. The metro system will be
able to carry 1.8 million passengers daily. This rail system will
accommodate two lines of 1.435 meter (4.7 feet) wide urban light
rail totaling 74.6 kilometers (46.3 miles). Trains will run along
44.1 kilometers (27.4 miles) of elevated track and 12.6 kilometers
(7.8 miles) of underground track.
25
The Red Line will link Jabal Ali Port and Al-Rashidiya. There
will be 29 stations, four of which will be underground, along the
Red Line between Al-Rashidiya and Jabal Ali.
The Green Line will have 14 metro stations, six underground and
eight at ground level, and will allow access from Al-Ittihad to Al-
Rashidiya bus station through Deira City and Dubai International
Airport Terminals 1 and 3. There will be two interchange stations,
Al-Ittihad and Burjuman, connecting with the Red Line.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is working on
plans for two more lines, Blue and Purple, which will provide
transit routes between Dubai International Airport and Jabal Ali
Airport and to other areas of the city. The Purple Line will pro-
vide service along the Al-Khail Road; the Blue Line will service
the Emirates Road.
Construction is expected from March 2009 through December
2012. Dubai Metro will operate between the hours of 0500 and
0030. Special sections of the train will be reserved for only women
and children. The total planned system will be 318 kilometers- (198
miles-) long upon completion in 2020. The Dubai Municipality
Public Transport Department will operate Dubai Metro.
The Palm Jumeriah monorail project in Dubai will cost US$381
million. Four driverless trains, each consisting of three railcars,
will operate along the Palm Jumeriah Monorail. The trains are
capable of carrying up to 2,400 passengers per hour per direction.
The monorail will extend 2 kilometers (1.2 mile) to link with the
Dubai Metro in 2010.
Air
As of 2007, the UAE had 39 airports and 5 heliports. Twenty-
two airports have paved runways, ten of which are longer than
26
3,047 meters (9,997 feet). Most unpaved runways are shorter than
1,523 meters (4,997 feet). Arzanah (2446N 05233E), Das Island
(2508N 05252E), Jabal Dhana (2411N 05236E), and Zirku (2451N
05304E) are private airfields.
Primary Air Facilities

Airport Coordinates Elevation Runway Runway
m (ft) Dimensions Surface
m (ft)
Abu Dhabi International 2425N 27 (86) 4,100 x 45 Asphalt
05439E (13,451 x 148)
Al Ayn International 2415N 265 (869) 4,000 x 45 Asphalt
05536E (13,123 x 148)
Al Dhafra Air Base 2414N 23 (75) 3,661 x 46 Asphalt
(Military) 05432E (12,011 x 151)
Two identical Asphalt
runways
Al Bateen 2425N 5 (16) 3,200 x 46 Asphalt
(Military-Civilian Joint Use) 05427E (10,499 x 151)
Das Island 2508N 4 (13) 1,078 x 30 Macadam
(Private) 05252E (3,537 x 98) Crushed
Rock
Dubai International 2515N 19 (62) 4,000 x 46 Asphalt
05521E (13,123 x 151)
4,000 x 60 Asphalt
(13,123 x 197)
Al Fujayrah International 2506N 46 (151) 3,750 x 45 Asphalt
05619E (12,303 x 148)
Minhad Air Base 2501N 50 (165) 3,953 x 45 Asphalt
(Military) 05522E (12,970 x 148)
Ra’s al-Khaymah 2536N 31 (102) 3,760 x 45 Asphalt
05556E (12,336 x 148)
Ash Shariqah International 2519N 34 (112) 4,060 x 45 Asphalt
(Military-Civilian Joint Use) 05531E (13,320 x 148)
Airlines regularly serving the UAE include Air India, Alitalia,

China Airlines, Continental Airlines, Egyptair, Iran Aseman
Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sri Lankan
27
Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways. The
national airlines are Emirates and Etihad.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed the UAE
Civil Aviation Authority as being compliant (Category 1) with
International Civil Aviation Organizations (ICAO) safety standards.
Personal baggage is screened upon entering airport terminals, with
the exception of customers using the Emirates First and Business
Class check in. All checked baggage undergoes screening again af-
ter check in. All baggage and carry-on items are X-rayed and physi-
cally inspected; all passengers are screened with handheld metal
detectors. Security screens all passengers and baggage again at a
central security checkpoint. Security screens passengers transfer-
ring between flights at Dubai International before granting entry
into the departure areas. Visitors are encouraged to check for a list
of approved items before travelling.
Upon arrival, travelers pick up baggage at an assigned terminal
and customs officials X-ray for prohibited items before travelers
depart the airport. Airports across the UAE have advanced se-
curity systems such as access controls, biometrics, surveillance
cameras, metal detectors, X-ray machines, and baggage scanners.
Company vehicles working at airports must have passes and spe-
cial markings to access airport areas.
Maritime
The UAE joined the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
in 1980. Under IMO agreements, the UAE meets maritime safety
and pollution guidelines.
The UAE is a signatory to the Container Security Initiative (CSI),
which allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to be
stationed at its port terminals to inspect random containers des-
28
tined for the U.S. Dubai Ports Authority became the first Middle
Eastern port administration to join the CSI. Also, the UAE is a
signatory of proliferation security initiative (PSI) and participated
in exercises during 2008. The PSI allows U.S. personnel to inter-
dict vessels suspected of containing materials that can be used to
construct and deliver weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Primary Ports
Primary ports have berthing availability in length for vessels more
than 152 meters (500 feet).
Anchor Depth Pier Depth
Port Coordinates m (ft) m (ft)
Al Fujayrah 2510N 05621E 23.2 (over 76) 9.4-10.7 (31-35)
Khawr Fakkan 2521N 05623E 16 (52) 11-12.2 (36-40)
Mina Saqr 2558N 05603E 20.1-21.3 (66-70) 11-12.2 (36-40)
Mubarraz Oil Terminal 2428N 05322E 15.5-16.8 (51-55) N/A
Khwar Umm al-Qaywayn 2535N 05535E 11-12.2 (36-40) 9.4-10.7 (31-35)
Al-Hamriyah 2528N 05529E 15.5-16.8 (51-55) 14-15.2 (46-50)
Dubai (Rashid) 2516N 05517E 9.4-10.7 (31-35) 11-12.2 (36-40)
Mina Jabal Ali 2500N 05503E 15.5-16.8 (51-55) 11-12.2 (36-40)
Das Island 2509N 05252E 23.2 ( over 76) 4.9-6.1 (16-20)
Abu Dhabi (Mina Zayed) 2432N 05423E 11-12.2 (36-40) 6.4-7.6 (21-25)
Umm al-Nar 2427N 05429E 9.4 to 10.7 (31 to 35) 6.4-7.6 (21-25)
Abu Dhabi Ports

Mina Zayed is Abu Dhabi’s main general cargo port. Jabal Dharna,
Umm al-Nar, Das Island, Zirku, and Mubarraz are the major pe-
troleum ports. As of 2007, Mina Zayed handled more than 3.8
million tons of cargo. The port is capable of handling roll on/roll
off vessels, tankers, general cargo, and containers. The port can
accommodate refrigerated goods. Twenty-one berths are avail-
able; 13 are general cargo berths with depths between 13 and 15
meters (43 and 49 feet). The total quayside measures 4,300 meters
29
Bus/Boat Photo by Christopher Walker
(14,108 feet). Four deepwater berths (two 15 meters [49 feet] and
two 13 meters [43 feet]) handle container traffic along a quayside
measuring 1,000 meters (3,281feet). The roll on/roll off ramp is
200 meters (656 feet) long and has a quay depth of 10.5 meters (34
feet). Tanker berths are 15 meters (49 feet) deep and can accom-
modate vessels with an overall length of 183 meters (600 feet) and
a maximum draft of 12.4 meters (41 feet).
Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) is building a new major facil-

ity, Khalifa Port, in Al-Taweelah. Al-Taweelah is halfway between
Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Construction has begun, and the first phase
is scheduled to operate by 2011. Then, Mina Zayed will relocate
to Khalifa Port. ADPC will control operations, and Dubai Ports
World (DPW) will manage the port. In the first phase, Khalifa will
have a handling capacity of two million TEUs (20-foot equivalent
units) and become Abu Dhabi’s primary port.
30
Dubai Ports
Mina Jabal Ali, which primarily handles bulk cargo and industrial
materials, is the largest port in the UAE as well as the largest
man-made port in the world. The handling capacity of Jabal Ali
increased to 15 million TEUs in 2008, and the port is undergoing
expansion. By 2020, Jabal Ali will add 2,500 meters (8,202 feet)
of quay with 82 berths, 125 quayside cranes, support equipment,
and a draft of 17 meters (56 feet). The port will be able to handle
21.8 million containers annually. Connections to the port begin in
September 2009 with Dubai’s new Red Line metro.
Dubai is ranked as the eighth busiest container port in the world
with 8.9 million TEUs in 2006, up from the 10th busiest and 6.4
million TEUs in 2004. Container throughput in 2007 was 10.6
million TEUs. Dubai is also the third largest re-export hub after
Hong Kong and Singapore. Jabal Ali accommodates cruise ships
at a 3,000-square-meter (32,292 square foot) terminal. Ferry ser-
vices are available at Jabal Ali with connections to Bahrain, Iran,
Iraq, Qatar, and Umm Qasr. Berthing facilities are available for
roll on/roll off vessels and tankers.
Al-Hamriyah Port accommodates small and medium vessels,
but it can also hold large cargo vessels. Non-containerized break
bulk cargo, liquid petroleum, and petrochemical vessels are the
primary clients at Al-Hammriyah. The port has a draft of 16
meters (52 feet).
Rashid has a quay length of 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) and a depth
of 13 meters (43 feet). Five berthing areas and nine cranes are
available. Throughput was 1.2 million TEUs in 2005; the maxi-
mum capacity of the port was 1.5 million TEUs. Rashid and Jabal
Ali merged in 1991 to form the Dubai Ports Authority.
31
Ash Shariqah Ports
Ash Shariqah is the only emirate with a port on both UAE coasts.
Mina Khalid is in Ash Shariqah City. Port Khalid was dredged in
the early 1980s to enable access for deeper draft vessels. The port
serves tankers, container vessels, roll on/roll off ships, and smaller
vessels such as coasters, supply boats, tugs, barges, and crew boats.
Mina Khalid can handle 400,000 TEUs annually. Construction
began in 2007 to expand. A new berth will be created, and overall
draft will increase to 12.5 meters (41 feet). Storage space will be
expanded 30,000 square meters (322,917 square feet).
The second port is on the east coast. Khawr Fakkan Container

Terminal (KCT) accommodates most vessels. A modern highway
connects KCT with industrial and urban centers on the UAE gulf
coast. During the first expansion, handling and storage capacity
increased, four cranes were installed, and quay length was en-
larged to 1500 meters (4,921 feet). Then the container-handling
capacity rose to three million TEUs a year.
Another expansion approved by the Ash Shariqah government

will add about 400 meters (1,312 feet) of quay and up to six cranes.
Khawr Fakkan is the only natural deepwater port in the region,
and its 16 meter- (52 feet) deep quay is protected by breakwater of
800 meters (2,625 feet).
Ra’s al-Khaymah Ports

Mina Saqr spent US$60 million to improve container handling and
add four new berths with an advanced container scanning system.
Mina Saqr has eight deepwater berths, four of which are new, each
200 meters (656 feet) long. The port is dredged to 12.2 meters (40
feet). Mina Saqr also accommodates roll on/roll off vessels.
32
RAS AL
KHAIMAH CITY Sheihk Saqr Bin
Mohammed Road
Major Roads
Other Roads
Jezaah Road
N Ferry
Oman Road
Port Saqr
Arabian Deep Water Harbor
Gulf
Bridge Road
e
nich
Cor
sim
awa
oad
u
Al Go
Al Q
al R
Khor Rhas
d
oa
rm
ais
al Khaimah
rR
gF
Road
o
Kh
Kin
Al
Ra’s al Khaymah
With completion of a 400-meter (1,312 foot) berth, Mina Saqr’s
will increase handling capacity to 800,000 TEUs by 2012. A third
expansion will increase port capacity to three million TEUs by
2020. Cement, marble, and gravel from nearby quarries and facto-
ries are shipped from Mina Saqr.
33
Ajman Port
Ajman Port has eight berths to handle container and general car-
go. The port has been dredged to 8 meters (26 feet), with plans
to deepen to 10.5 meters (34 feet). This would enable visits by
40,000- to 50,000-dead weight tonnage (dwt) vessels up to 175
meters (574 feet) long. Cargo is stored in warehouses covering an
area of 43,200 square meters (465,001 square feet). There are also
special facilities to handle chemicals, waste paper, and fodder.
Maintenance services are available, as are two dry docks and eight
wharves. One berth is reserved for wooden boats and launches.
Ajman handled approximately 50,000 TEUs in 2006.
Umm al-Qaywayn
The Ahmed bin Rashid Port and Free Zone is in Umm al-Qaywayn
about 48 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of Dubai. The complex
comprises four wharves with a wall 845 meters (2,772 feet). Umm
al-Qaywayn handles ocean-going vessels. The entrance channel
has a minimum depth of 10 meters (33 feet) and a width of 100
meters (328 feet).
Al Fujayrah Port
Al Fujayrah Port commissioned an additional 150,000 cubic me-
ters (5.3 million cubic feet) of onshore bunker storage facilities
in 2005, allowing it to supply 12 million tons of fuel oil a year.
Al Fujayrah’s deepwater facility has 1.4 kilometers (less than one
mile) of quay and an additional 720 meters (2,362 feet) of tanker
berths. The port is dredged to 15 meters (49 feet) with storage for
up to 30,000 TEUs. Upgrades to the Al Fujayrah terminal will
include new cranes and handling equipment. DPW operates the
container terminal while the Port of Al Fujayrah handles all non-
containerized cargo such as oil and crushed rock. Al Fujayrah has
roll on/roll off and bulk loading services.
34
Sakamkam Road
AL FUJAIRAH CITY
Major Roads d
Al Fa
Other Roads oa
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Ku
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King Fayssal Road

ad
Al Kala
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MUDHANNAB
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Ro of
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Ghurfah Road
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Sh
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Hamad Bin Abdullah SAFAD

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Vessels
In 2006, the total number of vessels in the UAE merchant fleet was
417. Forty-two percent of the 1,000 Gross Register Tonnage (GRT)
or over fleet were petroleum tankers, but cargo ships, bulk carriers,
liquefied gas ships, chemical tankers, container ships, and roll on/
35
roll off ships also made up the fleet. As of June 2008, 11 ships in
the merchant fleet were foreign owned, and 281 had registrations in
other countries. Recreational watercraft such as yachts, speedboats,
sailboats and other small light watercraft also use the waterways.
Unidentified boats, as well as Iran’s Coast Guard, approach U.S.
and other vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf. The Iran Coast
Guard has detained recreational boaters near the islands of Abu
Musa and the Tunbs. Pirates have attacked vessels operating in the
waters near the UAE, but there were no recent reports as of July
2008. There are no navigable rivers or lakes in the UAE.
Communication
Government controls most communication assets in the UAE, but
a few private radio stations, television broadcasters, and print me-
dia are available and operate from the free media zone in Dubai.
The telecommunications system is modern and well developed.
The law provides for freedom of speech and of the press. However,
in practice the government restricts these rights. According to the
Press and Publications Law, foreign and domestic articles relating
to the government and its allies, ruling families, or social issues
are subject to censorship before distribution. UAE also censors
private publications and mosque sermons.
In September 2007, Prime Minister Mohammad bin Rashid al-
Maktoom ordered that journalists no longer be imprisoned for vio-
lating the Press and Publications Law, but all other punishments
remain in effect. The media commonly censor themselves to avoid
closure, fines, and harassment from government officials. Foreign
journalists are subject to deportation. Dubai has a free media zone
with fewer restrictions, including the Internet.
36
Three large media companies, Abu Dhabi Media Company
(ADMC), Arab Media Group (AMG), and Dubai Media control
the major radio, television, press, and publication companies.
ADMC is a government-owned company based in Abu Dhabi.
ADMC has offices in Dubai, Cairo, and Washington, DC AMG,
based in Dubai Media City, is government owned. AMG is the
largest media group in the UAE. Dubai Media Inc. (DMI), a semi-
government owned company formed in 2003, operates major tele-
vision and radio stations in the emirate of Dubai.
Radio and Television

UAE has 26 radio stations. Abu Dhabi Radio, Quran Kareem
Radio, Dubai 92, and Emirates Radio broadcast over satellite ra-
dio. BBC and Voice of America broadcast radio programs in the
UAE. Stations in the UAE broadcast to around 820,000 radios.
As of 2007, 42 TV stations and more than 200 satellite stations
broadcast in the UAE.
Primary Television Stations City

Abu Dhabi TV Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Sports Abu Dhabi
Emirates TV Abu Dhabi
Ash Shariqah TV (Channel 22) Ash Shariqah
Ajman TV (Channel 4) Ajman
MTV Arabia (Channel 14 [Nilesat], Dubai
Channel 24 [Arabsat])
Dubai Sports Dubai
Dubai TV Dubai
One TV (Channel 33) Dubai
Sama Dubai Dubai
MBC Dubai
37
Satellite, cable, and internet TV are available in the UAE. Cable is
in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ash Shariqah, Ajman, and Al Ayn. Mobile
TV for cellular telephones is also available. The UAE had 20 tele-
visions for every 100 inhabitants in a 2004 estimate.
Telecommunications
The UAE has modern fiber optic integrated services and a digital
network with a high use of mobile phones. Microwave radio relays
with fiber optic and coaxial cable make up the domestic telephone
system. Telephone services are reliable; remote areas have excellent
connectivity. Etisalat operates telegram services. Public pay phones
are available throughout the UAE. Some pay phones are coin oper-
ated, while others are card operated. Phone cards can be purchased
at bookstores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and Etisalat offices.
There are connections to the international submarine cables
Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and Fiber Optic
Gulf (FOG) in Al Fujayrah. FLAG began service in 1997; FOG
in 1998. The UAE is the landing point for the South East Asia-
Middle East-Western Europe 3 (SEA-ME-WE-3) and South East
Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 4 (SEA-ME-WE-4) submarine
cable networks.
The UAE has a modern cellular network that offers nationwide
coverage. Two telecommunication companies offer services—
Emirates Telecom Corporation (Etisalat) and Emirates Integrated
Telecommunications Company PJSC (du). The government
owns the majority of both. The Telecommunications Regulatory
Authority (TRA) oversees the industry.
Emirates Telecom Corporation (Etisalat)

The government owns 60 percent of Etisalat, which is the primary
provider of fixed and mobile services. The remaining 40 percent
38
belongs to private shareholders. Etisalat’s network became active in
1994. It uses GSM 900, WAP, GPRS, MMS, VSAT and other third-
generation technologies to deliver cellular services. The network
covers most of the country. The largest area not receiving coverage
is north of Zhilinka, which is in the southwest portion of the coun-
try. Etisalat has an international roaming agreement with Thuraya
Satellite Telecommunications Company and many others. Thuraya
handsets have the capability to operate in GSM 900/1800.
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du)

The du network activated in 2007. It offers fixed and mobile servic-
es using GSM 900/1800, ISDN, MPLS VPN, MMS, SMS, broad-
band, and third generation technologies. Mubadala Development
Company, TECOM Investment, and public shareholders each own
20 percent of du; the government owns the remaining 40 percent.
Du also has an international roaming agreement with Thuraya
Satellite Telecommunications Company and many others. Thuraya
does have three satellites, but only two are operational
UAE cellular technology allows for media streaming and data

transfer from the Internet via mobile phone. Different service
packages are available, including pre-paid phones that can be re-
loaded online. Cell phone penetration is more than 100 percent.
The ratio of cellular subscribers is 173 for every 100 people.
United Arab Emirates Telecommunication Statistics (2007)
Total telephone subscribers 8.9 million
Telephone subscribers per 100 inhabitants 205
Main telephone lines 1.3 million
Main telephone lines per 100 inhabitants 31.6
Mobile users 7.6 million
39
Newspapers and Magazines
The UAE publishes nine newspapers and more than 160 maga-
zines and journals. ADMC owns the Al Ittihad and The National
newspapers, which are based in Abu Dhabi. Circulation for daily
publications is 58,000; weekly, 60,000. ADMC also owns the mag-
azines Majed, Al Super and Zahrat Al Khaleej. ADMC launched
The National in 2008.
The government of Dubai established Al Bayan in 1980, but the
newspaper is now part of AMG. Al Bayan has a daily circulation
of more than 94,000. The paper releases three supplements— Five
Senses, Maraya, and Masarata. Five Senses is a daily supplement
focusing on local and global entertainment news. Maraya, a Friday
supplement, focuses on political developments. Masarat is a Sunday
supplement focused on local and international cultural affairs.
Emirates Business 24/7 and Emarat Al Youm, the Arabic equiva-
lent of Emirates Business 24/7, focus on business news. Awraq
Publishing, a subsidiary of AMG, launched both in 2007. Al
Khaleej is the largest Arabic language daily newspaper in the
UAE. It is privately owned but receives government subsidies.
The newspaper has a daily circulation of more than 80,000 and is
based in Ash Shariqah.
Gulf News is a privately owned daily newspaper based in Dubai.
Al Nisr Publishing established it in 1978. Weekly publications by
Al Nisr include Entertainment Plus (Thursday), Weekend Review
(Friday with Gulf News), Notes (tabloid available on Sunday),
Sport Xtra (magazine), and Wheels (magazine). InsideOut is a
monthly magazine published by Al Nisr.
Khaleej Times, a privately owned daily newspaper launched in
1978 as the first English language newspaper in the UAE. It has a
40
circulation of 70,000. Other publications of Khaleej Times include
the Weekend, Young Times, and an online publication.
Publications Politics Language Frequency Web Address
Al Bayan Pro-government Arabic Daily www.albayan.ae
Al Ittihad Pro-government Arabic Daily and www.alittihad.co.ae
Weekly
Al Khaleej Pro-government Arabic Daily www.alkhaleej.co.ae
Emirates N/A English Daily www.business24-7.ae
Business 24/7
Gulf News Independent English Daily www.gulfnews.com
Khaleej Times Pro-government English Daily www.khaleejtimes.com
The National Pro-government English Daily www.thenational.ae
Al Fajr Independent Arabic N/A N/A
Al Wahda Pro-government Arabic N/A N/A
Postal Service
Emirates Postal Corporation (EPC), which was formed in 2001
following the restructuring of the UAE General Postal Authority,
provides national postal service. Empost, a subsidiary of EPC,
is the national and international courier company of the UAE.
Other subsidiaries include the Electronic Documentation Center,
Emirates Marketing and Promotions, and the Wall Street Exchange
Center. EPC has agreements with international couriers such as
Western Union and DHL.
Ninety-five percent of the population picks up mail at a post office.
The remaining 5 percent receives mail at home. Mail is collected
from urban areas four times per working day, twice per week in
rural areas. In rural areas, five deliveries are made per week. As
of 2006, there were 1,200 post offices, with 496 permanent sites.
Seventeen percent of permanent post offices are connected to an
electronic network. Worldwide delivery services are available
from DHL, UPS, TNT, and FedEx.
41
Internet
The Internet is widely available and extensively used through a
single Internet Service Provider (ISP), Etisalat, which blocks web-
sites offering Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services. The
Emirates Internet and Multimedia (EIM) ISP is a subsidiary of
Etisalat. EIM resells Internet services from Etisalat.
Internet services available include dial-up, broadband, and satellite

connections. Dedicated Internet connections are available. The pub-
lic accesses the Internet at schools, colleges, cyber cafes, and work.
However, most users access the Internet from home computers.
The UAE blocks websites deemed inconsistent with its religious,

cultural, political and moral values. This includes pornography,
alcohol and drugs, online dating, homosexuality, gambling, and
specific self-help sites. Political and religious websites, news sourc-
es, and Israeli websites are regularly blocked. Popular blogs and
social networking sites also are blocked. Chat rooms, blogs, and
instant messaging services that do operate are monitored. A 2006
Information and Privacy Law provides fines and prison terms for
users who violate religious, cultural, political, and moral norms.
United Arab Emirates Internet Statistics (2007)

Total Internet hosts 6,001
Hosts per 10,000 inhabitants 13
Users 2.3 million
Users per 100 inhabitants 52.5
Total number of Personal Computers 1.4 million (2006)
PCs per 100 inhabitants 30 (2006)
Broadband Internet per 100 inhabitants 5.17
42
Satellites
The UAE has four satellite earth stations — three Intelsat, one
Arabsat. Two Intelsat satellite earth stations are in the Indian
Ocean, and one is in the Atlantic Ocean. Intelsat satellite earth
stations are designed for telecommunications services. Each mem-
ber organization owns its ground equipment while subscribing to
Intelsat’s satellite services.
The UAE is an Arab League member of Arabsat and the fifth high-
est shareholder behind Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya, and Qatar.
Arabsat has four satellites which provide television, radio, and
broadband Internet access. Satellites were launched in the 1980s,
1990s, and 2000s; the latest in 2008.
Thuraya provides a range of satellite telecommunications services

supporting mobile coverage, broadband access, Global Positioning
System (GPS), and maritime communications. Thuraya 1 satellite
was launched on 21 October 2000. It became the first satellite initi-
ated from the Middle East. Thuraya 2, which has a 12- to 15-year
lifespan, was launched on 10 June 2003 into a geosynchronous orbit.
Thuraya 3 was launched into a geosynchronous orbit on 15 January
2008. Boeing built the satellite, which has a 12-year lifespan. Based
in Abu Dhabi, Thuraya is majority owned by Etisalat.
Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) is a wholly

owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company. The first
satellite, Yahsat 1A, will launch in late 2010. Yahsat 1B will fol-
low in 2011. UAE Armed Forces and a U.S. communications com-
pany have signed leases with Yahsat. Both satellites will have an
operational lifespan of 15 years.
43
CULTURE
Statistics
Population 4.1 million
Growth Rate 3.8%
Birth Rate 16.6 births per 1,000 population
Death Rate 2.1 deaths per 1,000 population
Net Migration Rate 24.4 migrants per 1,000 population
Life Expectancy at Total population: 75.9 years
Birth Male: 73.4 years
Female: 78.6 years
Age Structure 0 to 14 years: 20.5%
15 to 64 years: 78.6%
65 years and older: 0.9%
Last Census 2005
Population Patterns
Because the majority of the harsh desert interior remains un-
inhabited, the UAE population is concentrated in the coastal
capital cities that are the core of each emirate. More than 80
percent of the population lives within urban conglomerations.
The total population density is low, only 28 people per square
kilometer (72 per square mile). Urban settlements account
for nine percent of total land area, and within urban areas the
population density is 420 people per square kilometer (1,087
per square mile). The rural population is small, and population
growth is only significant in the major cities. The UAE has
experienced rapid urbanization. The largest population centers
are the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which are also the
two largest cities.
44
Population of Major Cities
City Emirate Population
Dubai Dubai 1,354,980 (2006)
Ash Shariqah Ash Shariqah 685,000
Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi 630,000
Al Ayn Abu Dhabi 350,000
Ajman Ajman 202,244
Ra’s al-Khaymah Ra’s al-Khaymah 113,347
Al Fujairah Al Fujayrah 74,330
Ethnic Density
UAE’s total population is more than 4 million. Nearly 20 percent
are Emiratis. The remainder is expatriates. Most expatriates are
from South and Southeast Asia — Bangladesh, India, Pakistan,
and the Philippines — accounting for more than half the popula-
tion. The single largest group is from India, which totals more than
40 percent of all expatriates. Iranians and Arabs — Palestinians,
Egyptians, Jordanians, Omanis, and Yemenis — account for 23
percent of the population. The remainder comes from the West;
nearly 28,000 are Americans. In Dubai, expatriates represent
about 200 nationalities.
Society
The UAE is less than 40 years old. As a young country where
expatriates outnumber Emiratis four to one, UAE is searching for
a national identity and struggling to find balance between mo-
dernity and traditional Islamic beliefs. Most Emiratis believe the
economy has improved (69 percent) but that globalization is mov-
ing too quickly (77 percent), according to a BBC World Service
poll conducted between 31 October 2007 and 25 January 2008.
45
POPULATED PLACES
Oman
Over 100,000 - 20,000 - Ra's al
200,000 200,000 100,000 Khaymah
Umm al
Moderately populated Qaywayn
Sparsely populated Ajman
Virtually uninhabited Ash Shariqah
Dubai
Arabian Al Fujayrah
Gulf
Qatar
ABU DHABI
Al 'Ayn
Oman
Saudi Arabia
Population
Many leading figures believe that technology, economic develop-

ment, influence of foreigners, and waning interest in the Arabic
language, particularly among the youth, threaten the culture .
Some call for tighter immigration policies. Others believe that the
society should remain open and that education, language, and re-
ligion should reinforce culture — traditions, heritage, and values.
Many youths do not think the culture is threatened.
In a March 2008 poll, Zogby International found that regional
issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran’s nuclear pro-
gram, and the Iraq war were important issues. Fifty- two percent
sympathized with HAMAS, and 44 percent blamed the govern-
46
ment of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the situation
in Gaza. Fifty-five percent believed Iran had a right to its nuclear
program and that international pressure should cease. Fifty-one
percent believed that the outcome would be positive for the Middle
East if Iran acquired nuclear weapons.
Zogby also found that 71 percent had a negative view of the United
States. Ninety percent would have a more favorable view if the
United States participated in the establishment of a Palestinian
state with Jerusalem as its capital and Israeli withdrawal to the
1967 borders. Fifty-three percent would have a more favorable
view if the United States withdrew from Iraq.
People
Emiratis descended from two Arab tribal confederations —
Qawasim and Bani Yas — and longtime immigrants from Persia
and other Gulf countries. Qawasim were mainly land and sea trad-
ers in what became known as the emirates of Ra’s al-Khaymah
and Ash Shariqah.
The Bani Yas were Bedouin, agricultural, and pastoral people in

what became known as the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Emiratis comprise nearly 20 percent of the population. The re-
mainder consists of expatriates from nearly 200 nationalities.
The ratio of males to females is more than 2 to 1 — 68 percent

male, 32 percent female — when counting Emiratis and expatri-
ates. The ratio is almost even when counting only Emiratis — 51
percent males, 49 percent females. This ratio is consistent with
UAE’s birthrate of 100 males to 96 females.
47
Ethnic Groups
Emiratis and expatriates work well together in a range of jobs at
all levels. Emiratis are primarily civil servants, accounting for al-
most 80 percent of all public sector workers. Expatriates account
for 98 percent of the private sector workforce.
The UAE constitution provides for equality regardless of race, na-
tionality, religion, and social status. However, some discrimina-
tion based on gender and nationality has been reported. The gov-
ernment stated a goal of achieving fairness to expatriates in terms
of labor and management issues, social services and healthcare
delivery, educational opportunities, and housing. However, the
government imposed hiring quotas in certain industries to boost
the participation of Emiratis in the private sector.
Family
Family is the foundation for civil society in the UAE. Family in-
teractions and succession are the primary basis for government,
trade, and industry. This stems from the traditional tribal structure
of society, with extended families forming the primary unit in so-
cial interactions. The family is of primary importance to the gov-
ernment as well, and many means of support and protection for the
family are in place. These include interest-free loans for homes,
grants for newlyweds, and government-provided healthcare.
Family dynasties have ruled each emirate since independence.
Although extended family ties are valued, the nuclear family typi-
cally forms its own separate household. Relatives often live near
each other. Extended families are depended upon for support.
Family connections and honor take precedence over all else, and
family loyalty is part of every decision.
48
Several generations sometimes live together, and families care
for their elderly. Families are very close knit and private. Care of
children is vitally important within UAE society. Laws ensure the
safety and protection of children within the family, and national
institutions guarantee care for orphans and abandoned children.
Traditionally, marriages were arranged between members of the
same tribe, usually cousins. While traditional Emiratis still prefer
arranged marriages, greater choice is now available. Young people
may reject suitors and marriage proposals. Men typically marry
after finishing their education, around age 26, while women often
marry younger. Emiratis are strongly encouraged to marry citi-
zens and grow the population. A state marriage fund exists to help
defray wedding costs. The government has capped dowries and
provides free marriage counseling. Marriages are typically lavish
affairs with extensive celebration.
Roles of Men and Women

The UAE is a patriarchal society, and traditional views of the roles
of women in the family have been slow to change. Men are the
leaders in society and in the home; men continue to hold the major-
ity of positions of influence. Women traditionally are responsible
for the home but have increasingly gained roles in the public and
private sector. The UAE has precedent for the public participation
of women in sectors such as agriculture and trade due to seasonal
absences of men for fishing and pearl diving. The role of women
in modern UAE continues to develop and change.
The UAE has worked to increase women’s participation in so-
cial and economic life. The UAE constitution guarantees equal
legal status, including the right to work. Government- sponsored
councils and committees work to increase placement of women in
49
the public and private sectors and to ensure legal equality. Legal
changes extended maternity leave in 2001 and increased maternal
rights in 2003.
The UAE increased access to higher education for women.
Women account for the majority of students enrolled in higher
education and 40 percent of the civil service. Women serve as
leaders of large corporations and are becoming more influential in
government. The first female UAE government minister, Sheikh
Lubna Al Qasimi, was appointed the Minister of Economy and
Planning in 2004. The first woman was elected to the Federal
National Council (FNC) in 2006, and eight others were appointed.
Women serve various functions throughout the government of the
Emirates, including public prosecutors, directors of local depart-
ments, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Despite legal and social efforts, women continue to face discrimi-
nation. Family matters are governed by local Shari’a (Islamic law)
courts. Women face legal discrimination under Shari’a, including
the devaluation of their testimony. Muslim women are forbidden to
marry non-Muslims, while Muslim men are not restricted. Women
do not pass their citizenship to children from a marriage to a for-
eigner, but citizenship is often granted upon request. Women inherit
less than male siblings and have more difficulty getting divorced.
Violence against women, especially domestic violence, is a per-
vasive problem. Legal protection is limited, and women are reluc-
tant to file complaints for social, cultural, and economic reasons.
Authorities often are negligent in pursuing reported violence.
While rape is illegal, spousal rape is not addressed.
Societal pressure perpetuates traditional roles. Women are encour-
aged to work in jobs that require little interaction with the opposite
gender and have limited contact with the public. Many women
50
choose to focus solely on raising families. Segregation of the sexes
is common in domestic settings, primarily in the company of visi-
tors. Homes often include majilis, or sitting areas for men only,
designed to prevent interactions between male guests and female
family members.
The minimum age of employment is 15 for both part- and full-
time work. The minimum age for marriage is 15. Emiratis are
considered independent, personally responsible adults at age 18.
Customs and Courtesies

Emiratis are Muslim, and Arabic is their official language.
Although culture and traditions are firmly rooted in Islam, UAE
is open and tolerant of other cultures. English commonly is used
in business and government transactions and among expatriates.
Other languages spoken include Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Malayalam,
and Tagalog.
The traditional greeting is as-salam alaykum (may peace be with
you). The proper response is walaykum as-salam (and peace be
with you). Men greet one another by shaking hands and touching
noses. Women greet one another by kissing both cheeks.
Friends and family members of the same gender address one an-
other by first name. Acquaintances and members of the opposite
sex address one another using professional titles, Sayed (Mr.) or
Sayeda (Mrs.) before first names, and Um (mother of) or Abu (fa-
ther of) before name of eldest son.
Emiratis use the right hand for eating, gesturing, giving and re-
ceiving items, and shaking hands. The left hand is considered un-
clean because it traditionally is used for personal hygiene. Using
the left hand is considered impolite. Pointing fingers and giving
51
the “thumbs up” gesture are impolite. Instead, Emiratis point with
the entire hand. Crossing legs when sitting, pointing feet at some-
one, and exposing the bottom of soles also are offensive.
Modesty is important. Men and women tend to wear traditional,
conservative attire. Women wear abayas (black robes) and shai-
lahs (head and face covering) in public. Older, married, more con-
servative women may wear burqas (black masks covering nose and
mouth). Men wear white robes called dishdashas and light cloth
headdresses called ghutras with black headbands called agals.
Female visitors should cover as much skin as possible. Baggy,
loose-fitting trousers and long skirts are acceptable. Males should
wear conservative business suits. When not wearing business at-
tire, men should at least cover back, shoulders, and tops of arms.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering homes. Generally,
the wife will not be present. If she is, hosts often invite male guests
into the living room and female guests into another room to social-
ize with the wife. In households where everyone is in the same
room, familiar interaction between male guests and the host’s wife
is inappropriate.
Express appreciation at meals and always accept refreshments
such as coffee or tea. When hosting, always offer such refresh-
ments. Refusing to offer or accept is considered impolite. Shaking
the cup gently from side to side signifies that you have had enough
to drink.
Traditional meals are eaten on the floor without utensils. However,
it is okay for guests to request utensils. Family and guests sit in a
circle in such a way that hides the bottom of feet. The food sits in
the middle of the circle. Guests should leave shortly after the meal
because hanging around after the meal is impolite. When invited
52
to a restaurant, the host pays the bill. Generally, a tip of ten percent
is appropriate.
Bargaining or haggling is normal and expected in small shops and
souks, not in franchises and large European chain stores. Shoppers
should have an idea what an item is worth or what they are willing
to pay beforehand. If negotiated in a polite and respectful manner,
prices may come down considerably from the original quote. After
vendors agree to a price, negotiating further is insulting and leav-
ing empty handed is impolite.
Education and Literacy

The UAE has invested in education and increased educational op-
portunities throughout the emirates. Public education began in
the 1950s for men and women. Neighboring countries assisted in
the development of the educational system until the UAE began
to earn large oil revenues during the 1960s. Since then, the UAE
has developed an extensive system that provides free comprehen-
sive education for citizens from pre-primary to advanced degrees.
Extensive private education also exists. The government provides
funding to send thousands of students abroad for higher education.
The UAE plans to ensure all citizens receive education by 2015.
The UAE has a four-tier education system that lasts for 14 years. It
was established in 1971. The first phase begins with kindergarten
from ages 4 to 5. The second phase, primary education, lasts six
years from ages 6 to 12. Preparatory education lasts from ages 12
to 15, and secondary education lasts from ages 15 to 18. Education
is mandatory until the ninth grade. Education is gender segregated
after age 6.
State education is in Arabic. English is taught from primary
school on, with advanced classes offered in preparatory and sec-
53
ondary school. Other foreign languages are used in instruction
in private schools, which attract 40 percent of pupils. The school
year is from September to June. The school week follows the work
week — Sunday to Thursday. Expatriate students have access to
the educational system and comprise one-third of students.
Primary education is divided into two cycles, each three years
long. The first cycle has a single instructor who teaches all sub-
jects. The second cycle has separate instructors for each subject,
and class periods are longer. Core subjects include Islamic educa-
tion, Arabic, English, mathematics, and science. Active subjects
include art, music, and family education for girls. At the final cycle,
social sciences — history, geography, and civics — become part
of the core curriculum. Annual exams determine advancement.
Preparatory education, which consists of similar core studies,
qualifies students to pursue either general or technical second-
ary school. General secondary education covers Islamic educa-
tion, Arabic, English, history, geography, mathematics, physics,
chemistry, biology, geology, computer science, physical education,
and family education. Students choose to focus either on social or
physical sciences during the second year. Social sciences include
sociology, economics, and history. Physical sciences include phys-
ics, chemistry, biology, and geology. Technical secondary educa-
tion focuses on vocational skills and includes workplace participa-
tion. Students receive certificates of completion if they pass exams.
Most students who complete secondary school apply for higher
education. UAE has two state-owned universities; the University
of the United Arab Emirates was the first. It is based in Al Ayn
and has five separate campuses serving more 150,000 students.
The second, Zayed University, focuses on technological partner-
ships and has two campuses.
54
The UAE also offers higher education through a system of 12
men’s and women’s colleges that prepare students for careers
in computer science, medicine, education, and other important
fields. Various private universities also provide higher education,
including the American Universities of Ash Shariqah and Dubai,
Ash Shariqah University, and Ajman University of Science and
Technology. A cluster of more than 20 international institutions of
higher learning are part of the Dubai International Academic City,
which provides a regional base for foreign institutions and serves
more than 8,000 students.
Education is a priority for Emiratis. Literacy and gender equality
in education are two primary concerns. Literacy has been a cen-
tral focus since independence, and the government has pledged to
eradicate illiteracy by 2015. The UAE has a literacy rate of 88.7,
with less than 1 percent gender disparity between men and wom-
en. Primary enrollment is at 85 percent, and secondary net enroll-
ment is at 77 percent. Women have enrollment levels of 78 percent
University of Ash Shariqah

55
at the secondary level and a much greater enrollment rate in higher
education. Enrollment rates have steadily increased since 1971.
The arts and literature in the UAE exist as part of the greater realm
of Arab literature. The most popular form of literature is poetry,
followed by folk stories, proverbs, and recitations. Poetry remains
the most developed and influential form of literature in the Arab
nations, and even the President of the UAE has composed poet-
ry. Early classical Arabic compositions continue to be studied by
Emiratis. Classical Arabic UAE poets such as Mubarak Al Oqaili,
Salem bin Ali Al Owais, and Ahmed bin Sulayem rose to promi-
nence during the early 20th century and continue to be popular.
Religion
Out of the population of 4.1 million, about 80 percent are non-
citizens and belong to various religions. Of these, an estimated
70 percent are Muslim, 10 percent are Christian, and the rest in-
cludes Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Baha’i. Official numbers are
unavailable, and the government counts the members of several
minority religions as Muslim. All Emiratis are Muslim. About 85
percent are Sunni Muslims, mostly from the Maliki tradition; the
remaining 15 percent are Shi’a Muslims.
Islam is the official state religion. The government controls virtu-
ally all aspects of religious practice, and funds and subsidizes 95
percent of Sunni mosques and imams. The remaining five per-
cent are private mosques that operate on large endowments. The
government distributes weekly guidance on sermon content to all
mosques and clergy and monitors all sermons for political content.
Shari’a is the basis for family and criminal courts in the UAE.
Non-Muslims are also tried in Shari’a courts. Conversion to Islam
is strongly promoted. Annual lists of converts are published, and
prisoners who convert can receive reduced sentences. Prisoners in
56
Dubai who memorize the Koran are eligible for reduced sentenc-
ing based on the length of passages and the severity of their crime.
While Islam is the official religion of the UAE, the constitution
provides for freedom of religion and religious practice, provided
that such observances are not damaging to public morality. These
freedoms are generally respected with some exceptions.
Non-Muslims are forbidden to proselytize, and conversion from
Islam is illegal. Foreign missionaries are restricted to humanitar-
ian efforts.
Religions other than Islam are restricted to observances only
within religious facilities or private residences. Minority religions
without religious facilities conduct private observances in their
homes without interference. The government gives strong prefer-
ence to other “religions of the book,” which includes Christianity
Grand Mosque Dubai Photo by Christian Horcel

57
and Judaism. The government has awarded land grants and per-
mits for churches. Facilities are greater than those provided for
other minority religions.
Despite minor restrictions, the UAE is considered the most lib-
eral and tolerant Arab country. Tolerance for other religions and a
moderate view of Islam are tenets that were part of the founding of
the nation. There are no reports of societal discrimination against
those who practice other religions.
Recreation
Men enjoy a variety of sports, of which soccer is a favorite.
Traditional nomadic sports such as falconry and camel racing are
still popular. Camel racing, traditionally part of the winter sea-
son, has become the primary spectator sport. Horse racing is also
popular, and the Dubai World Cup carries one of the largest prizes
in the world. Other popular sports include golf and cricket. Water
sports, such as dhow (sailboat) racing, are very popular in the
UAE. Younger Emiratis enjoy modern water sports such as water-
skiing. Diving, snorkeling, and fishing are also popular.
Dubai positions itself as an international recreation destination
with various amusement parks and resorts. Dubai is also the home
to one of the world’s largest indoor ski slopes, Ski Dubai, and is
the site of the planned largest indoor skiing dome, the Snowdome.
Women are not involved in sports. Women enjoy family outings
to the park or beach. Families also camp in the desert. Domestic
pastimes include watching movies and listening to music together.
Cultural Considerations
Dignity, honor, self respect, saving face, and social status are
important to Emiratis. So is avoiding anything that would bring
58
shame and embarrassment. Their primary loyalties are to fam-
ily, clan, and tribe. Secondary loyalties are to emirate or region,
country, and Arab world. Familial, clan, and tribal affiliations help
determine social status. Primary loyalties take priority over sched-
ules and deadlines. Phone calls and visits from friends and family
often interrupt business meetings.
Initial meetings are for getting acquainted so conducting business

can take a long time. It is important to spend time cultivating rela-
tionships because Emiratis prefer to do business face to face with
people they know and trust. Having a connection who can intro-
duce you is better than attempting to do business on your own. It
is common to see men walking holding hands. This signifies close
bonds and friendship. It has no sexual overtones.
It is customary to greet first the person with the highest status in

business and social settings. Generally, this is the oldest person
in the room. It is tempting to assume the person doing the most
talking has the senior status, but the opposite is true. The per-
son talking the most is generally the least important. The most
silent person is generally the most important. Use titles before first
names to show proper respect. If titles are unknown, learn them in
advance. Emiratis are exceedingly generous and hospitable. If you
show strong admiration for an item, they will offer it to you as a
gift. Refusing to accept it is impolite.
Muslim men generally do not touch women unless they are rela-
tives. So avoid shaking an Arab woman’s hand unless she extends
hers first. Businesswomen should avoid shaking an Arab man’s
hand unless he extends his first. Family life is sacred. So avoid
specific questions about female family members. Muslims do not
consume pork or alcohol.
59
Normal business hours are from 0800 to 1700 Sunday through
Thursday. Some businesses close at noon on Thursday. Others take
long midday breaks and stay open later. Government offices oper-
ate 0730 to 1500 Sunday through Wednesday. Normal business is
put on hold during religious holidays and prayer times. Muslims
fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan. Offices
close in the afternoon, and most business is conducted early in the
morning or after the evening fast is broken. Do not eat or drink
in front of Muslims during the fasting period. Muslims pray five
times each day during specific times. Interrupting prayer and
walking in front of people who are praying is considered impolite.
MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
Disease Risks to Deployed Personnel
The National Center for Medical Intelligence (NCMI) assesses the
UAE as INTERMEDIATE RISK for infectious diseases, with
an overall disease risk that will adversely impact mission effec-
tiveness unless force health protection measures are implemented.
Risk varies greatly depending on location, individual exposures,
and other factors. More detailed information is available at http://
www.ncmi.detrick.army.mil. The following summarizes infec-
tious disease risks in the UAE.
Food- or Waterborne Diseases

Sanitation varies with location but typically is below U.S. standards.
Local food and water sources (including ice) may be contaminated
with pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and viruses to which most U.S.
service members have little or no natural immunity. Diarrheal dis-
eases can be expected to temporarily incapacitate a high percentage
of personnel within days if local food, water, or ice is consumed.
60
Hepatitis A and typhoid fever can cause prolonged illness in a small-
er percentage of unvaccinated personnel. Consuming unpasteurized
dairy products or raw animal products increases the risk of diseases
such as brucellosis and Q fever; rare cases may occur in the ab-
sence of countermeasures. In addition, significant outbreaks of viral
gastroenteritis (e.g., norovirus) and food poisoning (e.g., Bacillus
cereus, Clostridium perfringens, and Staphylococcus) may occur.
Vector-borne Diseases
Ecological conditions (primarily in rural areas) support populations
of arthropod vectors, including mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies,
particularly during warmer months (April through November).
Rare cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (less than 0.1
percent per month) could occur among personnel exposed to tick
bites. Other vector-borne diseases occur at low or unknown levels;
as a group, these may constitute a potentially serious operational
risk. The World Health Organization declared the UAE malaria-
free in October 2007.
Sexually Transmitted and/or Bloodborne Diseases

Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other infections are common and may
affect a high percentage of personnel who have sexual contact,
particularly those who have contact with prostitutes. HIV/AIDS
and hepatitis B also are risks associated with unprotected sexual
contact. Although the immediate impact of HIV/AIDS and hepa-
titis B on an operation is limited, the long-term health impact on
individuals is substantial.
Water-contact Diseases
Operations or activities involving extensive water contact may re-
sult in personnel in some locations being temporarily debilitated
61
with leptospirosis. In addition, bodies of surface water are likely to
be contaminated with human and animal waste. Wading or swim-
ming may result in exposures to enteric diseases such as diarrhea
and hepatitis via incidental ingestion of water. Prolonged water
contact also may lead to the development of a variety of potentially
debilitating skin conditions such as bacterial or fungal dermatitis.
Animal-associated Diseases
Rabies risk is low, comparable to the risk in the United States.
Medical Capabilities
The quality of medical care in the UAE is good for the region
but does not meet Western standards. Adequately equipped pub-
lic hospitals provide routine and emergency medical and surgical
care. Most hospitals are near the major metropolitan areas of Abu
Dhabi and Dubai. As is the case in all other Gulf States, UAE
hospitals tend to lack a sufficient number of qualified nursing per-
sonnel. The overall quality of care at private facilities is somewhat
better than that provided at government hospitals.
While public ambulance services are available through a direct-di-
al service (telephone 999 in Dubai and Ash Shariqah; 998 in Abu
Dhabi), past reporting indicates ambulance technician skills were
minimal and did not meet requirements for emergency medical
technician certification in the United States. Ambulances are not
equipped to U.S. standards, dispatch and control procedures are
poor, and response time is much slower than Western standards.
Most physicians and nurses are expatriates. Most expatriate physi-
cians are trained in Asia or Europe and deliver good medical care.
Over time, the scarcity of continuing education opportunities and
lack of available or reliable diagnostic technology generally caused
the quality of care in the UAE to drop below Western standards.
62
However, 2006 reporting indicated that the UAE partnered with
major Western medical universities to create medical centers of
excellence. These partnerships were designed to widen physicians’
access to advanced diagnostic capabilities, as well as the training
required to maintain and sustain provider skills. The quality of
nursing care is fair. While Arabic is the official language, Persian,
English, Hindi, and Urdu also are commonly spoken.
Roughly 95 percent of all pharmaceuticals, medical equipment,
and medical supplies are imported. Civilian and military blood
supplies are tested to ensure clearance of infectious diseases, in-
cluding HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and malaria.
While the UAE reportedly continuously updates virology screen-
ing programs to meet the latest international standards, UAE
blood banks so far have failed to obtain certification under the
standards set forth by the American Association of Blood Banks.
Key Medical Facilities

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Coordinates: 24-28-06N 054-21-56E
Location: Corner of Sudan Street and Al Karamah Street
City: Abu Dhabi
Type: Government, 320 beds (room to expand)
Telephone 663-1000
Capabilities: Medical: General, cardiology, endocrinology, gastro-
enterology, nephrology, neurology, nuclear medicine,
pediatrics, radiology, dentistry.
Surgical: General, ophthalmology, orthopedic.
Ancillary Services: Intensive care unit (ICU), cardiac
care unit (CCU), CT scanner, MRI, x-ray, ultrasound,
laboratory, blood bank, dialysis, helipad.
Comments: This facility used to be named Al Jazeira Hospital.
The U.S. Embassy recommends use of this facility.
63
American Hospital
Coordinates: 25-14-05N 055-18-50E
Location: Off Al Quta Eyat Road near Al Nasr Leisureland
City: Dubai
Type: Private, 100 beds
Telephone 336-7777
Capabilities: Medical: General, cardiology, gastroenterology, inter-
nal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics.
Surgical: General, anesthesia, obstetrics, gynecology,
ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology (ENT), urology.
Ancillary Services: OR, ICU, blood bank, emergency
room, pharmacy, physical therapy, helipad, laboratory
w/blood gas analyzer, x-ray, CT scanner. MRI, ultra-
sound, electrocardiogram (ECG).
Comments: Hospital opened in 1996 and has been accredited by
the Joint Commission International Organization. The
U.S. Embassy recommends use of this facility.
History
Little is known about the ancient history of the UAE. The region
has been inhabited for thousands of years. Stone tools recovered
from the Hajar Mountains and more recent evidence dating back to
5500 B.C. indicate that the area was occupied by fishermen, farm-
ers, and herders who engaged in trade with other civilizations such
as Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) and the Indus culture of India. The
Mesopotamians referred to the region as Magan and traded food
for copper and other natural resources such as lumber from India.
The city of Dilmun (4000 to 2000 B.C.) became a prosperous trade
center located on what is now the island state of Bahrain.
Significant settlements in the UAE did not appear until the Bronze
Age when the Umm al-Nar (2500 to 2000 B.C.) settled near what
64
is now Abu Dhabi. The Umm al-Nar cultivated the date palm and
expanded agriculture to include cereals, fruits, and vegetables and
the herding of sheep, goats, and cattle. The development of under-
ground irrigation systems (falaj irrigation) allowed the population
to expand and permanent settlements to develop. Large settlements
and the domestication of the camel as a pack animal boosted foreign
trade and drew attention to the area as a strategic trade hub. The
region suffered a number of conquests as a result.
Alexander the Great’s conquests never reached the modern UAE
territory, and none of his Seleucid successors were able to estab-
lish dominance in the region. This era was known as the Mleiha
Period (300 B.C. to 250 B.C.), which was named after a flour-
ishing town at Mleiha, a settlement on the gravel plain south of
Dhaid in Ash Shariqah Emirate. The Sassanians succeeded the
Parthians in the third century A.D. They controlled the region for
several hundred years until the arrival of Prophet Muhammad’s
emissaries (630 A.D.) and the rise of Islam. Islamic armies took
control of Arabia and the Gulf region attempting to convert ev-
eryone to Islam. While Arabs readily accepted Islam, Persians
(Sassanians) did not, and Muslim leaders confronted and defeated
the Sassanians. At the same time, the death of Muhammad re-
sulted in a revolt against Islam by dissidents, and a major battle
between the Muslim army and the dissidents took place at Diba al
Hism. The dissidents rejoined Islam.
The UAE prospered during the Islamic period. Trade extended be-
yond the markets of Mesopotamia to China, India, Indonesia, and
Malaysia. Abu Dhabi became an important trading center. Muslim
countries of the Middle East controlled east-west trade until the 15th
century and the arrival of the Portuguese, who occupied Julfar and
other coastal cities. For more than 100 years they taxed trade with
India and the Far East. The Shah of Iran enlisted the aid of Britain
65
and Holland in 1622 to drive Portugal out of the Gulf in return for
revenues from Iranian ports. After driving out Portugal, Britain
and Holland competed against each other for Iranian markets.
During this time, the local Qawasim (forebears of the current royal
houses of Ash Shariqah and Ra’s al-Khaymah) strengthened. Ash
Shariqah and Ra’s al-Khaymah were important centers of Qawasim
power in the emirates. The area became known as the pirate coast
because the Qawasim were profitable traders on the Arabian and
Persian sides of the Gulf and were known for their attacks on for-
eign ships. Their power declined quickly when Britain raided and
destroyed Ra’s al-Khaymah and several other Gulf ports, leading
to the General Treaty of Peace in 1820. The treaty ended the plun-
dering and piracy against Britain but not between warring tribes.
It was not until 1835 that another treaty was signed by the sheikhs
who agreed to report such activity to Britain rather than retali-
ate. An 1853 truce, signed by the seven sheikhs and mediated by
Britain, ended all maritime hostilities, and the coastal sheikhdoms
became known as the Trucial Coast.
France, Germany, and Russia began to take an interest in the
Gulf region in the late 1800s. As a result, Britain quickly signed
the “Exclusive Agreement” with the Trucial Coast preventing the
sheikhs from allowing any other country into their territory without
British consent. In return, Britain committed to the protection of the
seven sheikhdoms without interfering in their internal affairs. The
sheikhs remained the absolute rulers of their respective territories.
At British urging, the sheikhs established a Trucial Council in 1952
and developed a set of common administrative policies that would
later lead to a federation of states. Border disputes with Oman and
Saudi Arabia delayed the federation and led to armed conflicts with
several emirates requiring intervention by Britain. These disputes
would not be settled for decades.
66
Pearling was a major industry from the 1790s until it was badly
damaged by World War I. The industry completely collapsed dur-
ing the Great Depression (1920s) as a result of the development
of Japanese cultured pearls and heavy taxes imposed by India on
imported pearls. Prospecting for oil began in the 1930s, and oil
was discovered off the coast of Abu Dhabi in 1960. Commercial
production started two years later, making Abu Dhabi the largest
and richest emirate. The benefits of oil production were not seen
until Sheikh Zayid bin Sultan Al-Nuhayan replaced his brother as
ruler in 1966, and petroleum revenues began to be used for public
works and services.
Britain decided to end its treaties with the Trucial States in 1968
and began withdrawing its troops. The Trucial States, Bahrain, and
Qatar formed the Federation of Arab Emirates in preparation for
independence. Bahrain and Qatar withdrew from the federation
in 1971, leaving the six states of Abu Dhabi, Ajam, Al Fujairah,
Dubai, Ash Shariqah, and Umm al-Qaywayn to form the UAE in
December. The sheikhdom of Ra’s al-Khaymah joined the UAE
in February 1972. Sheikh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nuhayyan was ap-
pointed the first president of the UAE and held the office until
his death in 2004. Sheikh Rashid bin Said al-Maktum, ruler of
Dubai, became vice president and his eldest son, Sheikh Maktum
bin Rashid al-Maktum, was named prime minister. When Sheikh
Rashid died in 1990, Sheikh Maktum became ruler of Dubai and
vice president and prime minister of the UAE.
The UAE adopted a provisional constitution in 1971. Although it
was intended to expire in five years, it remained in place until
the adoption of a permanent constitution in 1996. The UAE also
joined the Arab League in 1971, and Sheikh Zayed commenced
the first meeting of the new 50-member assembly. The country’s
first challenge was the Iranian occupation of the islands of Greater
67
and Lesser Tunb, part of Ra’s al-Khaymah, and Abu Musa, part of
Ash Shariqah (1970 to 1971).
Despite a number of new rulers for the sheikhdoms (Sheikh Sultan
bin Mohammad al-Qasimi, Ash Shariqah in 1972; Sheikh Hamad
bin Mohammad bin Hamad al-Sharqi, Al Fujayrah 1974; Sheikh
Rashid bin Ahmad al-Mualla, Umm al-Qaywayn 1981, and Sheikh
Humaid Bin Rashid al-Nuaimi, Ajman 1981), the UAE contin-
ued to coalesce and function as one country. Its four main objec-
tives were to educate the people, solve regional issues peacefully,
strengthen Arab ties, and participate in the international communi-
ty. The executive council replaced the Abu Dhabi cabinet in 1973,
and the oil departments of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ash Shariqah
were merged into one petroleum ministry the same year.
The UAE became a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC) in 1981, along with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,
Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The first summit was held in Abu Dhabi,
and plans for the US$700 million Delma oil project were devel-
oped. The multi-purpose Delma facility included plans for land-
ing containers and oil tanks and serving the three oil fields of Al
Satteh, Jurnin, and Delma.
Sheikh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nuhayyan was elected to a fourth term
as UAE president in 1986. His popularity stemmed from his belief
that the citizens were the country’s biggest asset. This included
women, who were encouraged to participate in society in addition
to their traditional role of raising children.
The 1990s were turbulent for the UAE. Sheikh Rashid Bin Said al-
Maktum, ruler of Dubai and UAE vice president, died in 1990 and
was succeeded by his son, Sheikh Maktum Bin Rashid al-Maktum.
UAE forces joined the allies in 1991 and severed relations with Iraq
after Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990. Relations were restored in 1998.
68
The Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) owned by
Abu Dhabi’s ruling family failed in 1991, and its executives were
accused of fraud, sued for damages, and jailed. In 1992, Iran re-
quired visitors to Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb to have
Iranian visas, which angered the UAE. The dispute escalated when
Iran built an airport on Abu Musa and a power station on Greater
Tunb. The UAE became the first Arab country to participate in a
NATO peacekeeping mission by sending troops to Kosovo in 1999.
During the next 8 years, the UAE became more involved in world
affairs and underwent internal changes. Bank assets of 62 organi-
zations and individuals suspected of funding terrorism were fro-
zen in 2001. UAE and Oman finalized their border demarcation in
2002. President Sheikh Azyed bin Sultan al-Nahyan died in 2004
and was succeeded as ruler of Abu Dhabi by his son, who was also
elected president of the UAE by the Federal National Council. A
major political controversy in the United States in 2006 forced
the state-owned Dubai Ports World to give up control of six major
American ports because two of the 9/11 hijackers were from the
UAE. The first national elections were held for half of the mem-
bers of the Federal National Council in 2006, although fewer than
7,000 people were allowed to vote.
The country worked to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on
foreign workers, and allow the formation of trade unions. Extensive
plans for the building and improvement of infrastructure were devel-
oped. The goal was to make the UAE self-sustaining. By the end of
2007, Dubai became one of the largest shareholders of the London
Stock Exchange and the owner of what would become the tallest
skyscraper in the world, the Burj Dubai, at 693 meters (2,274 feet).
The UAE grew into a modern international tourist and business cen-
ter and one of the safest and most stable countries in the world. It
69
has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world and holds
about 10 percent of the world’s total known oil reserves; 90 per-
cent of UAE’s resources are in Abu Dhabi and about 10 percent in
Dubai. The country is no longer solely reliant on oil and gas rev-
enues. Trade, tourism, real estate, and construction are large con-
tributors, most notably in Dubai. This growth is supported by the
large number of foreign workers living in the country, estimated at
more than 80 percent of the population.
The dispute over Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunb
Islands carried over into 2008. Arab leaders called for Iran to
end its occupation and requested that the UN keep the issue on its
agenda until Iran withdraws.
Chronology of Key Events

Date Event
15th Portuguese arrive
Century
1622 Britain and Holland drive out Portugal; Britain and
Holland compete for markets
1820 Signing of General Treaty of Peace ends plundering
and piracy against Britain
1853 Sheikhdoms become Trucial Coast
1892 France, Germany, and Russia take interest in the Gulf
Region; Britain signs “Exclusive Agreement”
1952 Sheikhs establish Trucial Council
1960 Oil discovered off Abu Dhabi
1962 Oil production begins
1966 Sheikh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nuhayyan becomes ruler
of Abu Dhabi
1968 Britain decides to end treaties with Trucial States
70
1971 Abu Dhabi, Ajam, Al-Fujayrah, Dubai, Ash Shariqah,
and Umm al-Qaywayn form the United Arab Emirates;
provisional constitution adopted; UAE joins Arab
League; Iran occupies Abu Musa and Greater and
Lesser Tunb Islands
1972 Ra’s al-Khaymah sheikhdom joins the UAE
1973 Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ash Shariqah oil departments
merge into one UAE Petroleum Ministry
1981 UAE becomes a founding member of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC)
1986 Sheikh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nuhayyan elected to fourth
term as UAE president
1991 Relations with Iraq are severed when Iraq invades
Kuwait; UAE forces join Allies
1992 Iran requires visitors to Abu Musa and Greater and
Lesser Tunb Islands to have Iranian visas; require-
ments anger UAE
1999 UAE becomes first Arab country to participate in a UN
peacekeeping mission by sending troops to Kosovo
2001 Bank assets frozen for 62 organizations and individu-
als suspected of funding terrorism
2002 UAE and Oman finalize border demarcation
2004 President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nuhayyan dies
2006 Dubai Ports World forced to give up control of six ma-

jor American ports
2006 First national elections are held for half of the mem-
bers of the Federal National Council
2007 Dubai becomes one the largest shareholders of the
London Stock Exchange
2008 Arab leaders call for Iran to end illegal occupation of
Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunb Islands
71
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Government
The UAE is a federation with seven self-governing emirates formed
from previously autonomous emirates. UAE has a central govern-
ment with three branches having limited power. The constitution
reserves all powers not specifically given to the federal institu-
tions for the individual emirates. The government is based upon
the original 1971 constitution that was drafted upon independence.
The constitution became permanent in 1996. A crown prince heads
each emirate. Each emirate still operates autonomously.
The coastal emirates, initially known as the Trucial States, have
their own treaties with Britain. The emirates always have been
autonomous but gave Britain some control of external relations
in exchange for protection and friendship. Treaties guaranteeing
peace along the coast were signed in 1853, forming the Trucial
States. Treaties signed in 1892 put all of the Trucial States un-
der British protection. The coastal sheiks began to work toward
a federation on the recommendation of Britain in 1952, leading
to independence as a federation of emirates in 1971. The original
constitution has remained in effect.
The federal government has three branches — executive, legis-
lative, and judicial. The executive branch includes the Supreme
Council, the top decision-making body, and a council of ministers.
The Federal Supreme Council (FSC) comprises the rulers of the
seven emirates and is headed by a president and vice president
who are elected from among its members to 5-year terms. The
president appoints the remaining executive members. The last
presidential election was in 2006. The Federal National Council
(FNC) forms the legislative branch. It has 40 members. Half are
elected, and half are appointed for 2-year terms. The first and most
recent elections were in 2006.
72
Each emirate has an autonomous governing body with a composi-
tion unique to the emirate. Positions within local government are
primarily hereditary, with a ruler and a crown prince holding the
position for life. Modernization and reform for each emirate gov-
ernment is determined from within.
National Level
The federal government is divided into executive, legislative, and
judicial branches. The legislative and judicial branches are not
fully independent in practice due to the extensive influence of the
executive branch. The FSC, the supreme source of power in the
UAE, is led by the president, and has authority to create and de-
pose ministries and prime ministers. It also has influence over the
judicial branch through controlling appointments and visas for ex-
patriates in the judiciary.
The federal government has limited powers. It is responsible for

foreign policy, defense, education, public health, communica-
tions, immigration, and territorial issues. While the constitution
reserves all other powers for the individual emirates, local govern-
ments have relinquished certain additional powers to the federal
government since independence, including water management
and judicial authority. Since independence, the UAE has worked
to strengthen federal institutions with varying degrees of success.
The national government ensures economic and trade cooperation
between emirates. The individual emirates support the national
government by giving it a portion of their annual budgets. The
relationship between federal and local governments continues to
change and develop, with an increasing trend toward involvement
of the federal system in local affairs.
73
Executive Branch
The executive branch com-
prises the Federal Supreme
Council (FSC), or Supreme
Council of the Union, and
the Council of Ministers. The
FSC, formed by the seven rul-
ers of the emirates, is the su-
preme governing body and has
legislative and executive func-
tions. The FSC holds presiden-
tial elections every 5 years.
Only two presidents have
served since UAE attained its
independence. Sheikh Zayid
bin Sultan al-Nuhayyan, the
ruler of Abu Dhabi, served as Khalifa bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan
president from 1971 until his
death in 2004. His son, Crown
Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan, suc-
ceeded him.
The president is responsible for appointing government officials
and diplomats. The president also signs bills into law. The FSC
ratifies federal laws, formulates general policy, and has the author-
ity to relieve cabinet ministers under the order of the president.
The FSC also has final authority in fiscal matters.
Each emirate has one vote in the FSC, and decisions are made
by majority, provided that the majority includes the vote of Abu
Dhabi and Dubai. The president and the FSC have the ability to
rule by decree during times of emergency, as long as they do not
suspend the constitution.
74
The prime minister, who is appointed by the president, is the
head of government and leads the Council of Ministers. A
24-member cabinet was appointed in February 2006, with a
ministry of foreign trade added in February 2008. The prime
minister can be the vice president as well. The Council of
Ministers has authority to draft legislation and create policy
and is responsible for their implementation. The Council also
prepares the annual budget.
Legislative Branch
The Federal National Council (FNC), or national assembly, is the
legislative body. It has 40 members. Half are elected, and half are
appointed for renewable 2-year terms. The goal is to eventually
have an entirely elected body. Membership is proportionate to the
population of the individual emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the
largest emirates, each have eight members. Ash Shariqah and Ra’s
al-Khaymah have six members, while the other three emirates
each have four members. The first elections were in 2006. The rul-
ers of each emirate appointed an electoral college to participate in
the elections. The speaker and two deputy speakers are appointed
from the members. Ordinary sessions are held once a year for at
least 6 months.
The FNC is responsible for evaluating and amending, if necessary,
all proposed legislation. It can examine and question federal min-
isters. It can also request hearings to determine the effectiveness of
policies. Such discussions can be followed by recommendations,
which are either implemented or rejected by the cabinet.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch consists of the Union Supreme Court and vari-
ous civil and criminal courts. The Supreme Court consists of a
75
president and no more than five judges, all appointed for life by the
President of the UAE. The Supreme Court settles disputes between
the emirates, interprets the constitution, and determines constitu-
tionality of laws. The Court also resolves disputes between lower
courts and oversees cases regarding misconduct of government
officials. Decisions by the Supreme Court are final and binding.
The UAE has a dual-court system. The constitution states that

Shari’a is law of the land. Shari’a courts handle criminal and family
law cases based upon each emirate’s interpretation of Shari’a. The
federal courts handle civil matters. Federal courts include courts
of first instance, federal appeals courts, and the Supreme Court.
Federal courts handle most cases. The entire judiciary is appointed,
and many judges are foreign nationals. The majority of the emirates
are part of the federal system, but Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ra’s al-
Khaymah have opted to maintain independent court systems.
Local Level
Each emirate maintains an autonomous government that exists par-
allel to, and interacts with, the federal government. Any powers not
specifically designated for the federal government are reserved for
the individual emirate governments. These include some important
provisions such as control over mineral rights. Individual emirates
may conclude limited agreements with foreign nations, provided
such agreements do not undermine the interests of the UAE.
The composition of each government differs. Abu Dhabi, the larg-

est and wealthiest emirate, has its own government overseeing an
eastern and western administrative region. The Executive Council
heads the government. A crown prince rules the Council. Rulers
maintain power through dynasty and tribal consensus.
76
United Arab Emirates Oman
Emirate capital
3
1. 'Ajman (Ajman) 4
2. Ash Shariqah (Sharjah) 5
3. Ra's al Khaymah (Ras al Khaimah) 1 2
4. Al Fujayrah (Fujairah) 1
5. Umm al Qaywayn (Umm al Qaiwain) Persian 4
Gulf 2 3 2
Dubayy 4/2
QATAR (Dubai) 1 2 4
Dubayy
(Dubai)
Abu Zaby
OMAN
(Abu Dhabi)
SAUDI ARABIA
Administrative Districts
The Council has various departments for both regions. Major cit-
ies, Abu Dhabi and Al Ayn, are administered by municipalities,
and each is headed by a nominated municipal council. Abu Dhabi
also has a legislative National Consultative Council, similar to the
FNC, with 60 members selected from families nationwide. The
council is managed by a secretary-general and implements and ex-
amines legislation. Local departments govern smaller settlements.
Similar structures involving executive and legislative councils that
delegate to municipalities and departments form the governments
of the rest of the emirates. Smaller emirates have less complexity
in their governance. Ash Shariqah, an emirate with three enclaves
77
on the east coast, delegates some authority to the traditional tribal
level but still maintains Executive and Consultative Councils to
govern the emirate. Remote settlements are often governed by a
local representative selected by the ruler and government of the
emirate. These are typically local tribal leaders. Giving them pow-
er has facilitated cohesion within the individual emirates.
Key Government Officials

Federal Government Officials
■■ President, Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayid
al-Nahyan
■■ Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai Sheikh
Muhammad bin Rashid al-Maktum
■■ Ruler of Ash Shariqah, Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad
al-Qasim
■■ Ruler of Ra’s al-Khaymah, Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad al-Qasimi
■■ Ruler of Al Fujayrah, Sheikh Hamad bin Muhammad al-Sharqui
■■ Ruler of Umm Al-Qaiwan, Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed al-Mualla
■■ Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid al-Nuaimi
■■ Deputy Prime Minister, Sultan bin Zayid al-Nuhayan
■■ Ambassador to the United States, Sheikh Yousef al-Otaiba
Local Government Officials
■■ Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, General Sheikh Muhammad bin
Zayed al-Nahyan
■■ Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Muhammad bin
Rashid al-Maktoum
■■ Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ash Shariqah, Sheikh
Sultan bin Muhammad al-Qasimi
78
■■ Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ra’s al-Khaymah, Sheikh
Saud bin Saqr al-Qasimi
■■ Crown Prince of Al Fujayrah, Sheikh Muhammad bin Hamed
al-Sharqi
■■ Crown Prince of Umm al-Qaywayn, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid
al-Mu’alla
■■ Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid al-Nuaimi
Politics
While some traditional rivalries exist between emirates and tribal
leaders, the ruling families and centralized government remain
firmly in control. There is no organized opposition, and the ruling
families remain popular. Political reforms begun in 2004 led to
the first national elections in the UAE in 2006, where direct elec-
tion was introduced for half the members of the FNC. The rulers
chose electors to represent each emirate.
Rulers maintain power primarily through dynasty and tribal con-

sensus, ensuring that some degree of popular political participa-
tion exists. This is traditionally accomplished through the maji-
lis, an open council in which all members of the tribe are free
to express concerns. Group consensus from the majilis will often
result in policy changes. In larger emirates, the ruler and various
members of the government and ruling family continue to hold
regular majilis. The majilis system remains of higher importance
in the smaller emirates, such as Al Fujayrah, whose ruler holds an
open majilis weekly.
Political Parties
Political parties do not exist in the UAE.
79
Foreign Relations
The UAE’s primary foreign policy concerns since independence
have been security, stability, and economic prosperity for all
emirates. The UAE consistently has worked for greater regional
cooperation, peaceful solutions of conflict, greater collaboration
between Arab nations, relief for nations in need, and general sup-
port of Arab causes. Its policies are generally pro-western. The
UAE has close relations with most of its Arab neighbors.
As an oil-dependent nation strategically located on the mouth of
the Straits of Hormuz, through which the majority of the world’s
oil exports travel, the UAE has worked to position itself as a vital
part of the world’s economy. The UAE strongly identifies with the
shared culture, history, and religion of the Arab world. Regional
cooperation, especially in economics and security, is vitally im-
portant to the UAE, given that it was the founding member of
the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981. While the UAE desires re-
gional consensus, it is not afraid to act alone in the interests of
stability and security. It was an active part of coalition forces dur-
ing OPERATION DESERT STORM in 1991, and during the 2003
conflict in Iraq it was the first Arab country to offer support to the
United States.
Despite its efforts at regional cooperation, the UAE has remained
firm on ongoing border disputes with its neighbors. Its dispute
over the Musandam Peninsula with Oman was settled in 2003,
but disputes with Saudi Arabia and Iran are ongoing. Iran con-
tinues to occupy and develop facilities on the disputed islands of
Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb, despite UAE protests.
The dispute with Saudi Arabia is the result of an oil field on the
Abu Dhabi-Saudi Arabia border. A 1974 agreement would have
settled the issue, but Saudi Arabia refuses to recognize it.
80
Extensive foreign aid is a central part of the UAE’s foreign poli-
cy. The UAE leadership believes that foreign aid is a duty of all
Muslims and intends to use its wealth to help those in need. The
UAE provides substantial foreign aid to countries such as Iraq,
Lebanon, and other nations throughout the Middle East and Africa.
The UAE launched the “Dubai Cares” campaign in 2007, which
seeks to provide primary education for a million school children
in poor countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
The UAE pledged immediate humanitarian aid and US$300 mil-

lion in loans to Lebanon in 2007 to rebuild. The UAE also pro-
vides substantial humanitarian and financial aid to Iraq, including
forgiving most of Iraq’s US$3.8 billion debt. The UAE also gives
aid to various hospitals and charities throughout the region. The
UAE Red Crescent provides disaster relief and works with refugee
camps, rural hospitals and schools.
United States
The United States and the UAE have had good relations since inde-
pendence in 1971. Relations include extensive economic and military
cooperation, along with shared security and strategic interests. The
UAE is the United States’ largest export market in the Arab world
and is a primary source of petroleum. More than 750 U.S. firms have
a presence in the UAE. Relations strengthened considerably during
the coalition effort to end the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, and in
2002 both nations participated in a strategic dialogue on all aspects
of their relationship. The UAE continues to be a key partner in the
Global War on Terror (GWOT) and hosts more U.S. Navy ships than
any port outside of the United States. The United States and the UAE
have signed numerous bilateral agreements on aviation, defense, en-
vironment, international finance, trade, and taxation.
81
Iran
Relations between the UAE and Iran have been strained by Iran’s
refusal to resolve a border dispute centering on several islands in the
Arabian Gulf. The UAE fears Iran’s regional ambitions. However,
the two Arabian Gulf nations cooperate economically and share cul-
ture and history. The UAE is Iran’s top trade partner, with bilateral
trade amounting to US$14 billion. The UAE promotes Iran’s right
to peaceful nuclear technology and opposes economic sanctions.
Oman
Oman and the UAE have good relations that are a priority for both.
Relations are based on common interests, shared culture and his-
tory, and economic cooperation. Joint ventures in the public and
private sectors, as well as scientific and cultural cooperation, have
strengthened bilateral relations. The UAE and Oman settled their
border demarcation in July 2008. Oman is an active member of the
GCC and supports greater regional cooperation.
Saudi Arabia
UAE relations with Saudi Arabia have been close despite contin-
ued unresolved border tensions. Relations are strong due to com-
mon interests, similar pro-Western policies, shared culture and
history, and economic cooperation. Saudi Arabia is the largest
member of the GCC and supports greater regional cooperation.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE share travel and security agreements.
Qatar
Qatar and the UAE have good relations. Qatar was a founding
member of the GCC and continues to work toward greater region-
al cooperation.
82
Yemen
Yemen and the UAE have close relations based upon economic and
cultural cooperation. Relations improved since 2000 due to a series
of bilateral meetings. The UAE supports Yemen joining the GCC and
has worked to facilitate its membership process. The UAE and Yemen
have signed agreements on economic and aviation cooperation.
Bahrain
Relations between Bahrain and the UAE are very close. Bahrain
was part of the UAE until declaring independence separately in
1971, and Bahrain has continued a close consultative relationship
with the emirates. Bahrain and the UAE share close economic and
cultural ties. Bahrain helped form the GCC and has continued to
work toward closer regional cooperation.
Iraq
Relations between Iraq and the UAE are excellent. The UAE has
remained a major supporter of Iraqi stability, providing foreign aid
and loan forgiveness in an effort to promote the new government.
The UAE was the first Gulf country to normalize relations with
the post-U.S. intervention government, appointing an ambassador
to Baghdad in August 2008. Iraq and the UAE have close eco-
nomic and cultural ties.
Britain
The UAE and Britain share a long history of good relations, and
bilateral relations continue to be good. The UAE remains the
largest export market for British non-military goods, and a large
number of British nationals reside in the UAE. Cultural relations
remain strong as well, and the British Council maintains offices in
several cities. Economic ties continue to develop.
83
International Organizations
The UAE participates in numerous international organizations, to
include:
■■ Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa
■■ Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development
■■ Arab League
■■ Group of 77
■■ Gulf Cooperation Council
■■ International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
■■ International Monetary Fund
■■ Interpol
■■ Non-Aligned Movement
■■ Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries
■■ Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
■■ United Nations
■■ World Trade Organization
Non-governmental Organizations
Local nongovernmental organizations (NGO) are required to reg-
ister with the Ministry of Social Affairs. Governmental subsidies
are awarded based on size. The UAE does not allow international
NGOs to base operations within its borders but has cooperated
with international human rights and environmental NGOs.
Corruption
The UAE ranked 34 out of 179 countries in the 2007 Transparency
International Corruption Perception Index, with 1 representing the
lowest level of corruption and 179 the highest. There were reports
of corruption at the administrative level, but there were no pros-
ecutions reported during 2007. Corruption is illegal and carries
84
criminal penalties. The government lacks transparency and does
not effectively ensure the right to information. Dubai’s govern-
ment increased anti-corruption investigations in 2008, specifically
targeting bribery in the government.
ECONOMY
General Description
The UAE has a diverse and free-market economy, high per capita
incomes, and a large trade surplus. However, it remains heavily
dependent on the petroleum sector, which accounts for nearly 40
percent of gross domestic product (GDP). UAE has the second
largest economy in the Middle East. The UAE has the fifth larg-
est proven oil reserves and the fourth largest proven natural gas
reserves in the Middle East. The UAE also has the fifth largest
Loading Barrels of Oil

85
proven natural gas reserves in the world. UAE is the fifth larg-
est oil exporter in the world. More than 90 percent of its oil and
natural gas is in Abu Dhabi. UAE has liberal economic policies
designed to encourage investment in other sectors to reduce heavy
reliance on petroleum.
Economic Aid
The UAE has received more than US$2 million from the United
States between 2005 and 2007. The assistance was for nonprolif-
eration, antiterrorism, de-mining, and related projects (NADR).
More than US$300,000 was requested for 2008 to assist with in-
ternational military training and education (IMET) and interna-
tional narcotics and law enforcement (INCLE).
Banking Services
The banking sector consists of the Central Bank of the UAE and
more than 50 commercial and investment banks. As of 31 March
2008, there were 23 domestic banks with 558 branches and 28
foreign banks with 141 branches throughout the country.
Economic Statistics
GDP US$167.3 billion (2007 estimates)
GDP Growth Rate 7.4%
Per Capita GDP US$37,300
Inflation Rate 11%
Budget Revenues US$58.9 billion
Budget Expenditures US$38 billion
National Debt US$57.5 billion
Unemployment Rate 2.4% (2001 est.)
Total Value of Imports US$97.9 billion (2006 est.)
86
Import Commodities Manufactured goods: 81%;
Agricultural products: 9%; Fuels and
mining products: 5.9%; Other: 4.1%
(2006 est.)
Import Partners EU27: 24.8%; India: 10.8%; China:
8.5%; United States: 6.3%; Japan:
5.8; Other: 43.8% (2006 est.)
Total Value of Exports US$142.5 billion (2006 est.)
Export Commodities Fuels and mining products: 53%;
Manufactured goods: 35.4%;
Agricultural products: 2.6%; Other:
9% (2006 est.)
Export Partners Japan: 24.2%; South Korea: 10.3%;
Taiwan: 10.2%; Thailand: 5%; India:
4.6%; Iran: 3.5%; EU27: 2.6%;
Other: 39.6% (2006 est.)
Labor Force Agriculture: 7%; Industry: 36%;
Composition Services: 57% (2005 est.)
Resources
Petroleum is the primary natural resource. Oil and gas account
for nearly 40 percent of GDP and in 2006 accounted for nearly 70
percent of total export revenue. The UAE has 97.8 billion barrels
of oil and 213.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, of which
92.2 billion barrels and 198.5 trillion cubic feet are in Abu Dhabi.
UAE produces more than 2 million barrels per day. Beach pollu-
tion from oil spills is a primary issue.
Industry
UAE’s services sector consists of business, social, private, house-
hold, financial, government, and real estate; wholesale, retail, trade,
and maintenance; transportation, storage, and communications; and
87
restaurants and hotels. Services represent 57 percent of the labor
force (2005 est.) and 39 percent of GDP (2006 est.). The industry
sector consists of oil; construction; manufacturing; mining and
quarrying; and electricity, gas, and water. Industry represents 36
percent of the labor force (2005 est.) and 59 percent of GDP (2006
est.). Agriculture, livestock, and fisheries employ 7 percent of the
labor force (2005 est.) and account for 2 percent of GDP (2006 est.).
Petroleum refining Light Industry

(building materials,
Iran
Chemicals (petrochemicals furniture, and paper)
and ferilizer)
Food processing
Liquified natural gas Jazireh-ye
Tourism Qeshm
Heavy industry
(drilling equipment) Major pipeline
Persian
Oil Gulf Khawr
Metal processing Gas Khuwayr
(iron and steel) Oman
Mineral deposit
Cement Oilfield Ra's al
Umm al Khaymah
Textiles Qaywayn Diba
Gasfield al Hisn
Gypsum Ajman
Gy Ash Shariqah
Dubayy Al
Das offshore Fujayrah
facilities
Mina
Jabal Ali
Qatar
ABU DHABI
Gy
Al 'Ayn
Ar Ruways
Oman
Saudi Arabia
Industry
88
The petroleum sector is primarily in Abu Dhabi. The UAE has
several free trade and industrial zones designed to diversify its
economy and promote investment in the nonoil sector. Each of
these free zones contains thousands of companies that receive spe-
cial benefits. Each zone has an independent Free Zone Authority
(FZA) that issues licenses and assists companies get established.
Utilities
UAE had 12,800 megawatts of installed electricity generation ca-
pacity at the end of 2004. Ninety percent of all generation capacity
is in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ash Shariqah while 97 percent of all
electricity is produced from natural gas. The remaining 3 percent
comes from diesel generation and steam turbines, primarily in the
Northern Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), Dubai
Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Ash Shariqah Electricity
and Water Authority (SEWA), and the Federal Electricity and
Water Authority (FEWA) are separate entities that generate elec-
tricity through gas-fired power plants throughout the country. The
UAE is expanding older plants and building new plants to keep up
with electricity demand.
UAE has 220-volt current at 50 Hz frequency and uses types D

and G plugs. Type D has three large round pins in a triangular
pattern. Type G is a large plug with a fuse inside for protection
and three rectangular blades. The top blade is centered above the
fuse and is vertical. The bottom two blades are below the fuse
and are horizontal.
89
Water
The UAE produces most of
its water through desalina-
tion, often in the same plants
that produce electricity. Water
treatment facilities include the
Abu Dhabi Steam Turbines, Al
Mirfa Umm Al-Nar, and S1
power plants under ADWEA;
numerous Jabel Ali and Aweer
power and desalination sta-
tions under DEWA; and the
Wasit, Layyah, Khawr Fakkan,
and Kalba desalination plants
under SEWA. About half of
desalinated water is produced Pottery Shop
in Abu Dhabi. The UAE also
constructed more than 130 recharge and storage dams to capture
seasonal river flow from 15 catchment areas. The entire UAE pop-
ulation has access to improved water sources and 98 percent have
access to improved sanitation (2004 est.). The UAE is expanding
older plants and building new plants to keep up with demand.
Agriculture
Agriculture is a small portion of the UAE’s economy, accounting
for seven percent of the labor force (2005 est.) and two percent
of GDP (2006 est.). Principle crops include dates, green fodder,
vegetables, citrus fruits and mangos. Livestock includes goats,
sheep, camels, cows, and horses. Produce includes meat, poultry,
eggs, and milk. The UAE has more than 35,000 farms. More than
20,000 are in Abu Dhabi. Almost 68 percent of all agricultural
land is used for palm trees.
90
Ash Sha'm
Irigated farming Oman
Rough grazing/
nomadic herding Falaj al
Mu'alla
Wasteland Persian (oasis)
Dates Gulf Dubayy Adh

Dhayd Al
Oasis Fujayrah
Qatar
ABU DHABI
Al Al Ayn
Buraymi
(oasis)
Ar Ruways
Oman
Quduf
Liwa
(oasis)
Saudi Arabia
Land Use
The UAE uses organic agricultural techniques and provides farm-

ers with equipment, training, fertilizer, seeds, and fresh water, es-
pecially fodder farms, which supply most of the animal feed. UAE
also provides free veterinary services and vaccines for livestock.
Foreign Investment
The UAE received foreign direct investment (FDI) of nearly US$10.9
billion in 2005, US$12.8 billion in 2006, and US$14.2 billion in
2007. This accounted for 8.2 percent, 7.5 percent, and 7.1 percent of
GDP, respectively. FDI stocks as a percentage of GDP rose from 1.5
91
percent in 2000 to 22 percent in 2006. Total U.S. investment in the
UAE was US$2.3 billion in 2004 and $US2.6 billion in 2005.
The UAE was the third largest recipient of FDI in West Asia in
2005 behind Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The UAE also has several
free trade and industrial zones designed to diversify its economy
and spur investment in the nonoil sector. These zones are respon-
sible for a significant portion of foreign investment. Most of the in-
vestment is in oil and gas field machinery and services; power and
water; computer/peripherals; medical equipment and supplies;
airport development and ground equipment; telecommunications;
and franchising.
Economic Outlook
The UAE has three strong eco-
nomic pillars — large petro-
leum revenue, diverse nonoil
sector, and consistent budget
surpluses. These have con-
tributed to strong economic
growth the past several years.
Average growth between 2003
and 2007 was more than 9
percent. Economic forecasts
predict average growth during
the next 5 years will be more
than 7.5 percent.
As a country with 10 percent
of the world’s proven oil re-
serves, oil revenue that ac-
counts for nearly 70 percent
of export earnings, and petro-
Gold Souq
92
leum revenue that accounts for nearly 40 percent of GDP, UAE
benefits from high oil prices.
The UAE has set up free zones and provides special incentives to
attract foreign investment into the nonoil sector. Incentives include
complete foreign ownership and repatriation of capital and profits.
There also is total exemption from import and export taxes and
personal income taxes. Corporations are tax exempt for 15 years,
and they can renew the exemption for an additional 15 years.
Inflation could present challenges if it remains high or increases. It
reached 11 percent in 2007. According to The Economist, it aver-
aged 9.9 percent between 2003 and 2007. Inflation can be a con-
cern when economies grow at such a fast pace because of increased
demand for goods and services and rising standards of living.
A significant challenge is to increase private-sector employment
among Emiratis. Currently, they account for only 2 percent of all pri-
vate-sector employees and 80 percent of the public sector. Emiratis
generally seek public-sector employment because of higher salaries,
better benefits, and shorter working hours. If the UAE can reverse
this trend, then it will become less dependent upon immigrant labor.
THREAT
Crime
The UAE is relatively safe, but sexual assaults and petty crimes do
occur. Women should never travel alone because physical and ver-
bal harassment of women is common, especially at night. Violent
crime is low, but standard precautions should be practiced. Most
reports of crime occur in the expatriate community, which is pre-
dominantly South Asian. U.S. Embassy officials believe crime is
93
higher than the media reports. The UAE does not release official
crime statistics.
Geographical location and free-trade zones provide criminal enti-

ties operating in Southwest Asia easy access to manipulate mon-
etary exchanges. The most common commercial fraud involves
money laundering. The real estate and commodities sectors (most-
ly diamonds and gold) along with the hawala (traditional infor-
mal money transfer system) are used for money laundering and
financing terrorist activities. Embezzlement, fraud, and bribery
adversely affect business.
Human trafficking is a serious problem, for which the UAE is

a destination and transit country. Women from countries such
as Afghanistan, Armenia, China, Ethiopia, Georgia, Iran, Iraq,
Russia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan are traf-
ficked to the UAE for commercial sexual exploitation. Third-
country recruiters seek foreign women to work as secretaries or
hotel staff, and these women sometimes are coerced into prostitu-
tion and domestic servitude. The UAE is also a transit country for
women who are trafficked for forced labor in Oman; men are co-
erced into involuntary work in Iraq. Children are also trafficked.
Women and girls from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Eritrea, India,

Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, and Sri Lanka travel to the UAE to
work as domestic servants. They may face involuntary servitude,
nonpayment, unlawful withholding of passports, restriction of
movement, and physical or sexual abuse. Men from Bangladesh,
India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka travel to the UAE to work
in the construction industry and can be subjected to similar condi-
tions as women.
94
Drug Trafficking
The UAE is a trans-shipment point for narcotic traffickers.
Amphetamines, opium, cannabis, Ecstasy, hashish, heroin, and
precursor chemicals are trafficked through the UAE. Most drugs
arriving in the UAE are destined for Europe, Africa, and the
United States.
Hashish and opiates reportedly arrive by sea from Afghanistan,
Iran, Pakistan, and other Southwest Asia countries. Precursor
chemicals, Ecstasy, bumorpriphine, and other psychotropic drugs
are smuggled through the UAE to Pakistan. Cannabis is trafficked
into the UAE from Afghanistan and Lebanon. In 2006, there was
a cannabis resin seizure in the amount of 1,245 kilograms (2,745
pounds). Fewer than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of amphetamines
were seized during the same period.
Organized crime in the UAE is linked to narcotics, arms, and hu-
man trafficking; business, government, and insurance fraud; art
and cultural theft; computer crimes, extortion; bribery; murder;
terrorism; money laundering; and kidnapping. The UAE uses se-
vere punishment — such as lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines,
and the death penalty — to deter drug trafficking.
The UAE Drug Enforcement Administration (UAE DEA), a sub-
ordinate of the Ministry of Interior (MOI), is the lead agency for
combating domestic narcotics trafficking. The UAE DEA is tasked
with coordinating drug enforcement efforts of all emirates. The
UAE devotes resources to fighting drug abuse and participates in
regional and international initiatives. The U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration (U.S. DEA) works with UAE authorities to combat
drug smuggling and narcotics-related money laundering. The U.S.
DEA established an office in Dubai in 2005. The UAE has pub-
95
lic awareness campaigns and drug addict rehabilitation centers in
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Ash Shariqah.
Major Intelligence Services

Each emirate has a police force that is responsible for gathering
and acting upon intelligence related to security, crime, and drug
trafficking. The police forces of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have depart-
ments responsible for investigations. These include the General
Department of Investigation in Dubai and the Department of
Security Affairs of the Abu Dhabi Police. The Abu Dhabi Police
have modern intelligence capabilities and cooperate with other in-
ternational forces in counterterrorism and counternarcotics.
Armed Forces
Army
The principal role of the army is to defend the UAE against exter-
nal aggressors until the forces of treaty-obligated allies are able to
deploy. The UAE’s well-equipped military is an all-volunteer force
comprising some 65,500 personnel, of whom 59,000 are serving
in the Army. Approximately 30 percent of armed forces personnel
are expatriates. Women also serve in the military.
Organization
In times of war, the three military regional headquarters function
as federal commands. In peacetime, the military forces of Abu
Dhabi and Dubai operate separately. The wartime order of battle
consists of two mechanized infantry brigades with two motorized
infantry and one armored brigade, as well as an artillery brigade
in the integrated structure. Additionally, Dubai has two infantry
96
Commander of UAE Armed Forces
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan
Defense Council
Emirate Rulers
Deputy Supreme Commander

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan
Assistant Supreme Commander

Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum
Defense Minister
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum
Chief of Staff General Headquarters
Intelligence and Security Air Force

Col Sheikh Muhammed bin Zayed al Nahyan
Navy Army
Brigadier Suhail Shaheen al Murar
Northern Central Western

Military Military Military
Command Command Command
Military Structure
brigades under independent national command. Support elements
include a combat engineer group and logistics.
The order of battle is controlled from three military region HQs,

which in times of war function as federal commands. In peace-
time, the Abu Dhabi and Dubai forces tend to operate separately.
The wartime order of battle consists of one royal guard brigade,

two armored brigades, three mechanized infantry brigades, with
two motorized infantry brigades and an artillery brigade in the
integrated structure. In addition, Dubai has two infantry brigades
97
Ground Forces (1) (1)
Enlisted
Rank Insignia
Jundi Mustajidd Jundi Jundi Awwal 'Arif Raqib
U.S. Equivalent Basic Private Private Private 1st Class Corporal Sergeant
(3)
Raqib Awwal Wakil

Command Sergeant Major
Staff Sergeant Sergeant First Class Master Sergeant First Sergeant Sergeant Major of the Army
Ground Forces
Officer
Rank Insignia
Mulazim Thani Mulazim Awwal Naqib Ra'id Muqaddam
U.S. Equivalent 2d Lieutenant 1st Lieutenant Captain Major Lieutenant Colonel
(2) (5) (5) (5)
'Aqid 'Amid Liwa'
Colonel Brigadier General Major General Lieutenant General General General of the Army
(1) No Insignia (2) Insignia Not Known (3) Worn on Wrist Band (4) Cap Insignia (5) No Rank
Army Insignia
under national command. Support elements include technical en-
gineering, a combat engineer group, and logistics.
The artillery brigade consists of three fully operational artillery
regiments, with the 155 mm M109L47 Self-Propelled Howitzer.
Each regiment has 24 howitzers organized into three batteries.
In 2000, the UAE decided to purchase the Russian-made Pantsir
S1 anti-aircraft system in a deal covering 50 systems. It was sub-
98
sequently reported in October 2006 that the Russians would begin
assembly of the first system in November 2006. Deliveries of the
system to the UAE were expected to start in 2007 with 12 addi-
tional units in 2007; 24 in 2008; and 14 in 2009.
The Dubai Brigade is an independent formation operating under
local command and control, except in time of mass mobilization.
The UAE has contributed its 3rd (Hazza bin Zayed) Battalion to
join the GCC’s Peninsula Shield Force, based in eastern Saudi
Arabia at Hafr al-Batin. The Peninsula Shield Force, under the
command of a Saudi officer, is designed to be a rapid deployment
force for the six GCC states. Most of its complement is supplied by
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, only small units being supplied by the
other four members. The force returned home in December 2005.
In 2006, the UAE army gained control of its own aviation branch.
The UAE Air Force and Air Defense’s Boeing AH-64A Apache
and Eurocopter AS550C3 Fennec were transferred to the 10th
Army Aviation Group at Al Dhafra Airbase.
Bases
The UAE has the following army bases:
■■ Al Ayn Camp
■■ Al Maqam Camp - Royal Guard
■■ Al Fujayrah Camp
■■ Infantry Command School - Al Ayn
■■ Madina Zayed
■■ Manama Camp
■■ Masafi Camp
■■ Tarif Camp
99
IRAN
BAHRAIN
Ras Al Kahaymah OMAN

Arabian Gulf
Sharjah Khor
Fakkan
QATAR Dubai
Al
Fujayarah
Al Qaffey ABU DHABI

Al Shrafra
Al Bateem
Tarif
OMAN
UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES
SAUDI ARABIA Road
Air Force Base
Army Base
Boundary representations are not necessarily authoritative. Naval Base
Military Bases
The General Headquarters is located in Abu Dhabi and the
Ministry of Defense in Dubai. The UAE has garrisons in Abu
Dhabi, Dubai, and Ash Shariqah.
Personnel
The UAE army has 59,000 personnel. The composition of the
armed forces reflects a high dependence on foreign expatriates, with
Egyptians, Moroccans, Baluchis, and Sudanese personnel serving
in relatively high numbers. Thirty percent is composed of European
100
and South Asian expatriates. In a step during 2007 to encourage
UAE citizens to join the police and armed forces, the government
announced a 70-percent increase in security force salaries.
Deployments
The UAE sent forces to assist Kuwait during the 1990-1991 Gulf
War. A UAE infantry battalion went with the United Nations
force to Somalia in 1993, and the UAE 35th Mechanized Infantry
Battalion served in Kosovo. A UAE regiment went to Kuwait dur-
ing the Iraq War. In September 2007, UAE military field engi-
neers arrived in Beirut to clear areas of south Lebanon from mines
and cluster bombs. In 2007, the UAE peacekeepers deployment in
Afghanistan started.
Equipment
Armor
Type Role Quantity
Leclerc MBT 436
AMX-30 MBT 95
OF-40 Mk2 Lion MBT 36
BMP-3 AIFV 653
AMX-10P AIFV 15
AMX-13/VCI AIFV 15
FNSS ACV Armored Combat Vehicle 136
Scorpion Light Tank 76
AML-90 Reconnaissance 90
Saladin Reconnaissance 20
Ferret Reconnaissance 20
VCR APC 80
VAB APC 20
101
Type Role Quantity
EE-11 APC 100
Panhard M3/VTS APC 240
RG-31 Mine-protected APC 28
TPz 1 Fuchs NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle 32
Guardian APC (Amphibious) 90
Nimr II High Mobility Tactical Vehicle 500
Artillery
Type Role Quantity
105 mm ROF Light Gun Gun 62
130 mm PRC Type 59-1 Field Gun 20
155 mm Mk F3 Self-Propelled Gun 18
155 mm G-6 SPG-Howitzer 78
155 mm M109L47 Self-Propelled Howitzer 85
300 mm Splav BM 9A52 Multiple Rocket Launcher 6
Smerch
70 mm LAU-97 Multiple Rocket Launcher 18
122 mm FIROS-25 Multiple Rocket Launcher 48
120 mm Brandt Mortar 21
81 mm L16 Mortar 114
81 mm Brandt Mortar 20
Anti-tank Weapons
Type Role Quantity
Milan Anti Tank Guided Weapon 230
TOW Anti Tank Guided Weapon 25
HOT Anti-tank Guided Weapon 20
9K113 Konkurs Anti-tank Guided Weapon 180
106 mm M40 Recoilless Rifle 12
102
Type Role Quantity
84 mm Carl Gustav Rocket Launcher 250
Air Defense Weapons
Type Role Quantity
20 mm Former Yugoslavian Light Anti-Aircraft N/A
M55 Triple Barreled ADA (Towed)
35 mm (twin) Swiss GDF- Radar Guided Anti- 30
001 through -003 and -005 Aircraft (Towed)
ADA
20 mm (twin) Panhard Self-Propelled Anti- 42
VDAA Aircraft Gun
M55A1, M55A2
Mistral Manportable SAM 20
Blowpipe Manportable SAM 20
Igla-1 (SA-16 ‘Gimlet’) Manportable SAM 10
Dzhigit SAM Twin Launchers for 40
Igla-1 missiles
Crotale Low-Altitude SAM System 3
30 mm Russian Pantisr-S1 Gun-Missile Air Defense < 50
System
30 mm GCF-BM Light Anti-Aircraft Gun 20
Infantry Weapons
Type Role
9 mm FN 35 Pistol
9 mm H&K P7M13 Pistol
9 mm H&K MP5 Sub-Machine Gun
5.56 mm HK53 Sub-Machine Gun
5.56 mm M16A1 Assault Rifle
5.56 mm FAMAS Assault Rifle
103
Type Role
7.62 mm AKM Assault Rifle
7.62 mm G3 Assault Rifle
7.62 mm FN FAL Assault Rifle
5.56 mm HK23E Light Machine Gun
5.56 mm Minimi Light Machine Gun
7.62 mm FN MAG General-Purpose Machine Gun
12.7 mm Browning M2HB Heavy Machine Gun
40 mm M203 Grenade Launcher
Air Force
Organization
The UAE Air Force (UAEAF) was formed in 1976 through a con-
solidation of assets from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the other emir-
ates. Its tactical doctrine is an adaptation of British, French, and
U.S. doctrine. The UAEAF has approximately 4,000 personnel.
Mission
The mission of the UAEAF is moving away from a defensive role
toward one of deterrence. The UAEAF focuses on offensive ca-
pabilities with recent purchases of the Block 60 F-16E/F and up-
grades to the Mirage 2000 aircraft.
Bases
The UAEAF is headquartered at Al Bateen AFB, Abu Dhabi and
is divided among two commands: one in Abu Dhabi (Western
Command); and one in Dubai (Central Command). The UAEAF air-
craft inventory is dispersed among five bases. Al Dhafra, Al Bateen
104
and Al Ayn are all in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Dubai International
is in Dubai, and Minhad is in the emirate of Ash Shariqah.
Equipment
Fixed Wing
Aircraft Quantity
80
F-16E/F
(60E, 20F)
Mirage 2000-9 68
Mirage V 5
Hawk (trainer) 46
PC-7 30
C-130H 6
Cessna 208B 7
Rotary
Aircraft Quantity
AH-64A 30
Bell 214B 4
Bell 412 6
IAR-330L 10
SA 330C 10
CH-47 12
Navy
The United Arab Emirates Navy is primarily a coastal defense
force with limited conventional combat capability. Priorities in-
clude patrolling territorial waters, combating illegal smuggling,
and protecting offshore oil platforms. A small force of about 2,400
personnel, the UAE Navy moves to improve its blue water pres-
105
ence with the acquisition of six Baynunah-class corvettes (FFL).
The U.S. Navy makes more port calls in the UAE than in any
country other than the United States.
Organization
The UAE’s moves in the maritime environment are motivated by a
desire to protect the flow of oil to international customers. Profits
from oil exports form the foundation of the Emirates’ economy.
Shipments primarily are transported through the strategic Strait of
Hormuz. In light of Iran’s presence on three Arabian Gulf islands
claimed by the UAE, and threats to close the Strait of Hormuz to
shipping in the event of a conflict, the UAE’s naval modernization
program addresses these concerns about national security. The
UAE’s fast attack and patrol craft are organized in various flotillas
and squadrons. One marine battalion also falls under navy control.
U.S. and British naval tactics for small-attack craft heavily have in-
fluenced UAE operations, as have French missile tactics. Training
occurs in country with allied navies, including the British Royal
Navy and French Marine National. The range and endurance of
Emirati naval deployments is limited.
Bases
The primary naval base is located at Taweelah, between the UAE’s
main cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Other facilities are spread
throughout the UAE’s seven emirates.
Personnel
The UAE Navy has 2,400 personnel.
106
Equipment
Surface Fleet
Type Role Quantity
Muray Jib (MGB 62) Fast Attack Craft-missile 2
Ban Yas (TNC 45) Fast Attack Craft-missile 6
Mubarraz Fast Attack Craft-missile 2
Ardhana Patrol Craft 6
Frankenthal (Type 332) Minehunter-coastal 2
L64, L65, L66, L67 Landing Craft-tank N/A
L 41, L42 Landing Craft-tank 2
L 62 +2 Landing Craft-vehicle 3
Al-Feyi Landing Ship-logistics 3
Serna Landing Craft-utility 2
D 1051 Diving Tender 1
Al-Shaali Transport Craft 12
Arctic 28 Rigid Inflatable 8
Transportbåt 2000 Landing Craft 12
Naval Aviation
Type Role Quantity
SA 316/319S Alouette Reconnaissance 4
AS565 Panther Anti-Ship 7
AS535 Cougar/Super Puma Anti-Ship 7
Force Requirements and Modernization

The UAE Navy’s acquisition of six Baynunah-class corvettes rep-
resents a significant upgrade in naval capability. These corvettes
will focus on patrol and surveillance in the UAE’s territorial wa-
ters and economic exclusion zone. Additionally, the Baynunah-
107
class vessels are to carry eight MM40 block 3 Exocet surface-to-
surface missiles and Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles.
The corvettes also will be capable of mine laying and detection.
The first unit in the new class will be commissioned in 2010. The
UAE may acquire submarines in the future.
Coastal Defense
UAE maintains a national coast guard, the UAE Border and Coast
Guard Directorate, organized under the UAE Armed Forces
Command. The directorate is responsible for search and rescue,
counternarcotics, and preventing illegal immigration.
Paramilitary
UAE’s Emirates maintain several internal security units. These
include a 50-person special weapons and tactics team under the
Dubai Police and the Amiri Guards under the Ash Shariqah po-
lice department, responsible for protecting public buildings and
the emir of Ash Shariqah.
National Police
UAE does not maintain a national police force; instead, each emir-
ate maintains an autonomous police department under the national
Interior Ministry. Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s police forces are the
largest, best-funded, and most technically proficient in UAE.
108
APPENDIX A:
Equipment Recognition
INFANTRY WEAPONS
9-mm Submachinegun Heckler & Koch Model MP5
Cartridge 9.0 x 19.0 mm

Effective Range 200 m
Maximum Range 1,600 m
Rates of Fire
Cyclic 650 to 800 rounds/minute
Single-Shot 50 to 50 rounds/minute
Method of Operation Delayed blowback, selective fire
Feed Device 30-round box magazine
Weight Unloaded 2.0 to 3.4 kg (varies with model and optional
equipment)
Length 325 to 780 mm (varies with model)
A-1
5.56-mm Assault Rifle M16A1
Cartridge 5.56 x 45 mm
Cyclic Rate of Fire 700 rounds/minute
Method of Operation Gas blowback, direct action, selective fire
Feed Device 20- or 30-round box magazine
Weight Unloaded 3.40 kg
Length 990 mm
5.56-mm Heckler & Koch Model 53
Method of Operation Delayed blowback, selective-fire
Feed Device 25- or 30-round detachable box magazine
Weight Unloaded 3 kg
Length 780 mm
A-2
5.56-mm General Purpose Machinegun Heckler & Koch Model 23
Cartridge 7.62 x 45 mm NATO

Effective Range 1,500 m
Method of Operation Delayed blowback, automatic
Feed Device Metal link belt
Weight Loaded 8.75 kg (with butt stock and bipod)
Overall Length 1,030 mm
40-mm M203 Grenade Launcher
Cartridge 40 x 46 mm
Method of Operation Breech loaded, sliding barrel
Effective Range Point target 150 m; area target 350 m
Weight (Loaded) 1.63 kg
Overall Length 380 mm
NOTE: The M203 grenade launcher was originally designed for attachment to the
M16-series assault rifles. The M203 can be used attached to an M16 assault rifle or
M4 carbine, or as a standalone weapon attached to a modified stock.
A-3
5.56-mm FAMAS
Method of Operation Delayed blowback, selective fire, and 3-rd burst
capability
Feed Device 25-round detachable box magazine
Weight Unloaded 3.3.61 kg
Length 757 mm
A-4
7.62-mm Automatic Rifle Heckler & Koch Model G3A3
Cyclic Rate of Fire 500 to 600 rounds/minute
Method of Operation Delayed blowback, selective fire
Feed Device 30-round box magazine
Weight Unloaded 4.3 kg
Length 1,025 mm
Overall Length 1,025 mm (fixed butt); 840 mm (retracted butt)
7.62-mm General Purpose Machinegun FN MAG

Cyclic Rate of Fire 650 to 1,000 rounds/minute
Method of Operation Gas, automatic
Feed Device Disintegrating metal link belt
A-5
0.50-in. (12.7-mm) Heavy Machinegun Browning M2 HB
Caliber 12.7 x 99 mm
Ranges
Effective 1,500 m
Maximum 6,800 m
Cyclic Rate of Fire 450 to 600 rounds/minute
Method of Operation Short recoil
Feed Device Disintegrating-link belt
Weight 38 kg
A-6
5.56-mm FN Herstal Minimi Light Machinegun

Cyclic Rate of Fire 700 to 1,000 rounds/minute
Method of Operation Gas, automatic only
Feed Device Disintegrating metallic link belt or box magazine
(M16 type)
7.62-mm AK-47/AKM
Cartridge 7.62 x 39 mm M1943

Cyclic Rate of Fire 600rounds/minute
Method of Operation Gas, selective-fire
Feed Device Detachable box magazine
Weight Loaded 3.86 kg
A-7
7.62-mm FN FAL
Cartridge 7.62 × 51 mm NATO

Cyclic Rate of Fire 600 - 700 rounds/minute
Method of Operation Gas, selective-fire
Feed Device Detachable box magazine
Weight Loaded 4.45 kg
A-8
ARMOR
Leclerc MBT
Crew 3
Armament
Main 1x 120-mm gun
Coaxial 1x 12.7-mm machinegun
Antiaircraft 1x 7.63-mm machinegun
Maximum Speed 72 km/h
Maximum Range 450 km (with internal fuel)
550 km (with external fuel)
Gradient 60 percent
Vertical Obstacle 1.25 m
Trench 3.0 m
Fording 1.0 m (4 m with preparation)
Combat Weight 54,600 kg
Length x Width x Height 9.87 x 3.71 x 2.92 m
Fuel Capacity 1,300 liters of diesel (2x 200-liter external tanks
optional)
A-9
AMX-30
Crew 4
Armament
Main 1x 105-mm gun
Coaxial 1x 20-mm cannon or 1x 12.7-mm machinegun
Maximum Range 500 - 600 km
Gradient/Slide Slope 60 percent/30 percent
Vertical Obstacle .93 m
Trench 2.9 m
Fording 1.3 m (4 m with snorkel)
Fuel Capacity 1,090 liters (can operate on oil, gas, or parafin)
A-10
Oto Melara OF-40 MBT
Crew 4
Armament
Main 1x 105-mm gun
Coaxial 1x 7.62 mm machinegun
Antiaircraft 1x 7.62-mm machinegun or optional 12.7-mm
machinegun
Maximum Range 600 km
Trench 3m
Fording 1.2 m (4 m with snorkel)
Fuel Capacity 1,000 liters of diesel
A-11
BMP-3
Crew; Troops 3; 7
Armament
Main 1x 100-mm 2A70 gun
Coaxial 1x 30-mm dual-feed cannon
Coaxial 1x 7.62-mm PKT machinegun
Bow 2x 7.62-mm PKT machinegun
Smoke Grenade 2x3 81-mm
Maximum Speed 70 km/h (10 km/h on water)
Trench 2.5 m
Fording Amphibious
Fuel Capacity 690 liters (Multifuel capability)
A-12
AMX-10P
Crew; Troops 3; 8
Armament
Main 1x 20-mm M693 cannon
Trench 2.1 m
Fording Amphibious
Fuel Capacity 528 liters of diesel
A-13
AMX VCI
Crew; Troops 3; 10
Armament
Main 1x 20-mm cannon, or 1x 12.7-mm M2 HB, or 1x
7.62-mm machinegun
Maximum Range 500 - 550 km
Trench 1.6 m
Fording 1.0 m
A-14
FNSS ACV
Crew; Troops 2; 11
Armament
Main 1 25-mm cannon
Maximum Speed 65 km/h (6.3 km/h on water)
Vertical Obstacle .74 m
Trench 1.83 m
Fording Amphibious
Fuel Capacity 416 liters
A-15
Scorpion 90
Crew 3
Armament
Main 1x 90-mm Cockerill Mk III M693 cannon
Trench 2.05 m
Fording 1.07 m
A-16
AML-90
Crew 3
Armament
Main 1x 90-mm cannon
Trench 3.1 m
Fording 1.1 m
Combat Weight 5,500
Fuel Capacity 156 liters of gasoline
A-17
Saladin
Crew 6
Armament
Main 1x 76-mm L5A1 gun
Coaxial 1x 7.62-mm machinegun
Gradient 46 percent
Trench 1.52 m
Fording 1.07 m
A-18
Ferret Mk II
Crew 2
Armament
Main 1x 7.62-mm machinegun
Maximum Range 306 km (160 km cross-country)
Trench 1.22 m
Fording 0.91 m
A-19
Panhard VCR/TT
Crew; Troops 3; 9
Armament
Main 1x 7.62-mm machinegun or 1x 20-mm cannon
Trench 1.1 m
Fording Amphibious
A-20
VAB APC (VMO Type)
Crew; Troops 2; 10
Armament
Main 1x 12.7-mm machinegun
Maximum Range 1,000 km
Trench 1.50 m
Fording Amphibious
A-21
EE-11 Urutu
Crew; Troops 1; 12
Armament
Main 1x 7.62- or 12.7-mm M2 HB machinegun
Trench 1.0 m
Fording Amphibious
A-22
Panhard M3
Crew; Troops 2; 10
Armament
Main 2x 7.62-mm machineguns
Trench 0.8 m
Fording Amphibious
A-23
RG-31 APC
Crew; Troops 2; 10
Armament
Main Various, including: 5.56-mm, 7.62-mm, or .50
(12.7 mm) M2 HB machine guns or a 40-mm
automatic grenade launcher
Maximum Range >1,000 km
Fuel Type Diesel
A-24
TPz 1 Fuchs
Crew; Troops 2; 10
Armament
Main 1x 20-mm cannon or 1x 7.62-mm machinegun
Maximum Speed 105 km/h (road)/10.5 km/h (water)
Maximum Range 800 km (road)
Trench 1.2 m
Fording Amphibious
A-25
Guardian (BTR-3U) APC
Crew; Troops 3; 6
Armament
Main 1 × 30-mm KBA-3 cannon
Secondary 1 × 30-mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher
Secondary 1 × 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine gun
Maximum Speed 100 km/h (road)/9 km/h (water)
Maximum Range 600-800 km (road)
Trench 2m
Fording Amphibious
A-26
NIMR II High Mobility Tactical Vehicle
Crew; Troops 2; up to 6
Armament
Main 1 × medium machine gun
Maximum Range 1,000 km (road)
Trench 2m
Fording 1.2 m
A-27
ARTILLERY
130-mm PRC Type 59-1
Gun Caliber 130.0 mm x 52.0

Types of Rounds HE-frag., HE-frag.-incendiary, DPICM, illumina-
tion, smoke
Range, Direct Fire 1,170 m
Range, Indirect Fire 7,800 to 27,150 m (38,000 m extended)
Rates of Fire
Burst 8 to 10 rounds per minute
Normal 6 rounds per minute
Traverse Limits Left 30.0 degrees, right 28.0 degrees
Elevation Limits –2.5 to +45.0 degrees
Travel Weight 6,300 kg
Travel Length x Width x Height 10.8 x 2.4 x 2.8 m
A-28
155-mm Mk F3
Crew 2 (on weapon), 8 (on follow-on vehicle)

Configuration Tracked
Armament 1 x 155-mm howitzer
Rates of Fire 3 rds/min
Armor 10 - 20-mm
Night Vision Yes
NBC Capable No
Maximum Road Range 300 km (gas engine), 450 km (diesel engine)
Maximum Road Speed 60 km/h (gas engine), 64 km/h (diesel engine)
Fuel Capacity 450 liters
Fording 1m
Gradient 40%
Vertical Obstacle (forwards) 0.6 m; (reverse) 0.4 m
Height 2.085 m (traveling)
Length 6.22 m (gun forward)
Width 2.7m
Comments: The hull of the F3 is of all-welded steel with the driver’s compartment at
the front on the left, the engine compartment to his right, and the armament to the rear.
The F3 is recognizable by its five rubber-type road wheels, three return rollers and the
exposed crew positions. The other eight members of the crew follow the F3 in a sepa-
rate vehicle. For short distances, four crew members can ride on the F3.
A-29
155-mm Self-propelled Gun-Howitzer G-6
Crew; Section Size 2 to 5; 7

Caliber 155.0 mm x 45.0
Ammunition Types HE-Frag, DPICM, illumination, smoke
Range
Direct Fire 3,000 m
Conventional 30,000 m
Extended Up to 50,000 m
Rate of Fire 3 rounds/minute
Traverse Limits 40.0 degrees left or right
Vehicle Maximum Speed 85 km/h
Road Range 700 km
Grade 40 percent
Trench 1.0 m
Fording 1.0 m
Travel Weight 47,000 kg
Travel Length x Width x Height 10.4 x 3.4 x 3.5 m
Emplacement/Displacement Time 1 minute/30 seconds
A-30
155-mm Self-propelled Howitzer M109L47
Crew; Section 6; 8
Configuration Tracked
Armament (main) 1 x 155-mm howitzer
(anit-aircraft) ; 1 x 12.7mm or 7.62 mm MG
Maximum Range 22,000 m (conventional); 38,000 (extended)
Rates of Fire 4 rds/min
Armor 20-mm
Traverse LImits 360 degrees
Maximum Road Range 350 km
Maximum Road Speed 35 km/h
Emplacement/Displacement time 30 sec / 30 sec
Fording/Vertical Obstacle 1 m / .5 m
Gradient 60%
Height x Length x Width 3.2 x 11.3 x 3.2 m
Comments: The M109L47 is an upgraded M109A2/A3 assembled in the Netherlands
specifically for export to the UAE. The “L47” portion of the nomenclature is from the
Swiss cannon upgrade, a new 47-caliber cannon. Other upgrades include better armor
protection, increased ammunition storage, and enhanced onboard electronics.
A-31
120-mm Brandt
Minimum Range 500 m

Ammunition Types HE, HE-RA, smoke, illum, practice, marker
Traverse Limits 17 degrees
Elevation +45 to +80 degrees
Travel Weight 402 kg
Barrel Length with breech cap, 1.746 m
Rate of Fire 12 rds/min
A-32
81-mm MO-81-61 Mortar
Crew 3
Caliber 81-mm
Rate of Fire 10 rds/min (normal)
15 rds/min (burst)
8 rds/min (sustained)
Barrel Length 1.115 m (MO-81-61C)
1.450 m (MO-81-61L)
Weight 42 kg
A-33
122-mm FIROS Rocket Launcher
Crew 3
Configuration 6x6
Armament 122-mm rocket; smoke; HE
Length x Width x Height 7.3 x 2.5 x 3.0 m (travelling)
Fording 1.5 m
A-34
9A52 Smerch 300-mm MRL
Crew; Section 3; 5
Armament 12 x 300-mm rockets
Maximum Range 90 km
Rates of Fire 12 rds/38 sec
Elevation Limits 0 to +55.0 degrees
Traverse LImits 30 degrees left/right; 60 degrees total
Maximum Road Range 1,000 km
Maximum Road Speed 60 km/h
Emplacement/Displacement time 3 min / 1 min
Fording 1.25 m
Gradient 70%
Height x Length x Width 3.4 x 12.4 x 3.0 m
A-35
ANTIARMOR
MILAN Ground Launcher
Maximum Range and Flight Time 2,000 m in 12.5 seconds

Night Vision Device Thermal Imaging
Warhead Type Unitary Shaped Charge
Warhead Penetration 1,000-mm of RHA
Guidance/Command Link SACLOS/Wire
Attack Profile Direct LOS
Launch Platforms Ground Tripod, Compact Turret
A-36
84-mm Carls Gustav Rocket Launcher
Crew 2
Length 1.3 m
A-37
TOW Ground Tripod Launcher
Maximum Range and Flight Time 3,750 m in 20 seconds

Night Vision Device Thermal Imaging
Warhead Type Unitary Shaped Charge
Warhead Penetration 750-mm of RHA
Guidance/Command Link SACLOS/Wire
Attack Profile Direct LOS
A-38
AIR DEFENSE
M55 20-mm
Crew 5-7
Maximum Ranges
Horizontal 5,500 m
Vertical under 80 degrees 4,000 m
Tactical antiaircraft 1,500 m
Rate of Fire 700 rds/min/barrel (cyclic)
A-39
Swiss GDF 35-mm Twin
Crew 3
Maximum Ranges
Vertical 8,500 m
Horizontal 11,200 m
Antiaircraft 4,000 m
Rate of Fire 550 rds/min/barrel
Emplacement/Displacement Time 3 min / 5 min
Traverse Limits Unlimited
Elevation -5 to +92 degrees
Maximum Travel Speed (towed) 60 km/h
Platform Hydraulically operated two-axle carriage
A-40
RBS-70
Crew 2
Combat Weight 26.5 kg
Length 1.745m
A-41
SA-14
Guidance Passive IR homing FM tracking logic seeker

Maximum Range 2,000 m (approaching jet) 4,500 m (approach-
ing prop A/C or helicopter)
Combat Weight 16 kg
Length 1.5 m
SA-16
Guidance Passive IR homing FM tracking logic seeker

Maximum Range 4,500 m (approaching target) 5,200 m (receding
target))
Combat Weight 16.65 kg
Length 1.7 m
A-42
Javelin
Crew 2
Combat Weight 43 kg
Length 1.39 m
A-43
Mistral
Crew 1
Type two-stage, low altitude
Warhead 3 kg HE
Maximum Effective Range 6,000 m
Minimum Effective Range 300 m
Guidance Infrared passive homing
Length 1.86 m (missile); 2 m (tube)
Weight 24 kg (launcher plus missile)
Launcher Man-portable or vehicle-mounted single-
round disposable; vehicle-mounted twin-round
disposable
A-44
AIRCRAFT
F-16E/F
Mission Multirole fighter

Crew 1 (E) or 2 in two tandem cockpits (F)
Maximum Level Speed > Mach 2.0 at 12,200 m
Ferry Range 2,415 nmi (with external fuel, without CFTs)
Combat Radius Up to approximately 1,000 nmi
Service Ceiling >15,240 m
Armament
Primary 20-mm multibarrel cannon, wingtip air-to-air missiles
Secondary Combination of precision guided or unguided
air-to-surface weapons, antiship missiles, anti-
radiation missiles, air-to-air missiles
Max. Ext. Load 8,742 (9,190) kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight 22,679 kg (with full external load)
Weight Empty
F-16E (with CFTs) 9,017 (9,466) kg
F-16F (with CFTs) 9,419 (9,867) kg
Length x Wingspan x Height 15.03 x 9.45 x 5.09 m
NOTE: Originally known as Block 60; redesignated as F-16E (single-seat) and F-16F
(two-seat) in late 2003, this is the most advanced version and has Northrop Grumman
AN/APG-80 multimode agile beam radar with active electronically scanned array
(AESA) antenna; also has internal Northrop Grumman AN/AAQ-32 internal FLIR navi-
gation and targeting system, plus advanced cockpit layout, with three 127 × 178 mm (5 ×
7 in) colour liquid crystal displays having picture-in-picture and moving map capability.
A-45
Mirage 2000-9RAD; -9DAD; Mirage V
Mission Multirole fighter

Crew 1 (RAD) and 2 in two tandem cockpits (DAD)
Maximum Level Speed >Mach 1.6
Ferry Range 1,000 nmi (with external fuel, without CFTs)
Combat Radius >500 nmi
Service Ceiling >18,290 m
Armament
Air-to-air 2x 275 kg Super 530D or 2x 250 kg 530F mis-
siles, 2x 90 kg 550 Magic or Magic 2 missiles.
Air-to-ground U.S. Mk 20, Mk 82, GBU-24 and GBU-12
bombs; 2x 520 kg AS 30L, Armat anti-radar,
or anti-ship missiles; 4x 185 kg MBDA LR F4
rocket launchers.
Maximum External Load 6,200 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight 17,500 kg
Weight Empty 7,600 kg
A-46
C-130H, C-130HE
Type
C-130H Multimission transport
C-130HE Signals Intelligence
Crew 4 or 5
Passengers, C-130H/E 92 troops, 64 paratroopers, or 74 litter patients
with 2 attendants
Maximum Cruise Speed 325 kn
Economy Cruise Speed 300 kn
Range, with reserves
With Maximum Payload 2,046 nmi
With Standard Load, Max. Fuel 4,250 nmi
Service Ceiling 10,060 m
Maximum Payload 19,356 kg
Maximum Normal Takeoff Weight 70,310 kg
Maximum Overload Takeoff 79,380 kg
Weight
Operating Weight Empty 34,686 kg
A-47
AH-64A Apache Attack Helicopter
Crew 2 tandem
Armament 30-mm automatic cannon; combination of up to
16x ATGMs (Hellfire) and 76x 2.75-in rockets;
air-to-air missiles
Maximum Speed 197 kn
Range with Typical Weapons 286 nmi at 154 kn
Maximum Design Takeoff Weight 9,525 kg
Basic Weight Empty Approximately 5,165 kg
Main Rotor
Number of Blades 4
Diameter 14.6 m
Wingspan 5.0 m
Fuselage Length x Width x Height 15.0 x 3.0 x 4.6 m
A-48
Medium Transport, SAR Helicopter Bell 214A, 214B, 214C
Crew; Passengers 2; 14
Range 245 nmi at 140 kn, 6,260-kg takeoff weight
Armament Possibly door-mounted crew-served weapons
Cargo Handling or Sling Load 3,628.8 kg
Maximum Design Takeoff Weight 7,257.6 kg
Rotor Diameter (No. Blades) Main 15.2 m (2); tail 2.9 m (2)
A-49
Medium-Lift Utility Helicopter Bell 412
Armament Provisions for door-mounted weapons;
unguided rockets
Cruising Speed 260 km/h
Range 745 km
Maximum Payload 2,095.8 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight 5,397.8 kg
Basic Empty Weight 3,090.7 kg
Rotor Diameter (No. Blades) Main 14.0 m (4); tail 2.6 m (2)
A-50
SA 330L Puma
Type Medium multimission helicopter

Armament Possibly a side-firing 20-mm gun, axial-firing
7.62-mm machineguns, rockets, ATGMs
Range, Full Load 310 nmi at 120 kn
Service Ceiling 4,800 m
Maximum Payload 3,448.0 kg
Cargo Handling or Sling Load 3,200 kg
Normal Design Takeoff Weight 7,400 kg
Basic Weight Empty 3,536 kg
Main Rotor
Number of Blades 4
Diameter 15.0 m
Tail Rotor
Number of Blades 5
Diameter 3.04 m
NOTE: The SA-330L is the military export variant of the SA-330J medium lift multi-
purpose helicopter produced by Aerospatiale of France as an all weather helicopter.
It is produced in Romania as the IAR 330L and in Indonesia as the NAS 330L. UAE
upgrades its fleet of IAR 330L’s to the SM standard. The IAR-330SM standard included
Turbomeca Makila 1A1 engines and Rockwell Collins avionics.
SHIPS
KORTENAER Class FRIGATE (FF)
LOA x Beam x Draft 130.5 x 14.6 x 6.1 m

Displacement, Full Load 3,556 metric tons
Complement 140
Speed, Full Power 30 kn
Range 4,100 nmi at 22 kn
Armament 8 RGM-84 Harpoon SSM
16 RIM-7M NATO Sea Sparrow
Guns 1x 76-mm x 62; 1x 30-mm x 75 GOALKEEPER
Radar Systems
Surface Search ZW-06/00; SCOUT
Early Warning LW08/00
Fire Control GOALKEEPER; STIR-2.4M; WM-20
Acoustic Systems
Acoustic Countermeasure SLQ-25, towed
Navigation Echo Sounder
Search and Attack SQS-505, hull-mounted
Underwater Communication ATR-504
A-52
LURSSEN FPB 62 Class PGG
LOA x Beam x Draft 63 x 9.3 x 2.6 m

Complement 41
Speed, Full Power 34.7 kn
Armament 8 x MM 40 EXOCET
8 x CROTALE NAVAL
Guns 1x 76-mm x 62; 1x 30-mm GOALKEEPER
Radar Systems
Surface Search DECCA-1226; SCOUT
Early Warning SEA GIRAFFE
Fire Control CASTOR II J/C; CEROS-200; GOALKEEPER;
NOTE: Other LURSSEN variants include the LURSSEN FPB 44 PTG and the LURSSEN
TNC 45.
A-53
COMBATTANTE BR 71 Class CORVETTE
LOA x Beam x Draft 71.3 x 11 x 2.8 m

Complement 44
Range 900 nmi at 35 kn
Armament 8 MM 40 EXOCET
8 EOLVED SEA SPARROW
Guns 1x 27-mm; 1x 76-mm
Radar Systems
Surface Search TERMA-1A
Fire Control RTN-25X
IFF MK XII
Acoustic Systems
Navigation Echo Sounder
A-54
VOSPER 110-FT PC
LOA x Beam x Draft 33.5 x 6.4 x 1.9 m

Displacement, Full Load 134 metric tons
Complement 26
Range 1,800 nmi at 18 kn
Armament 1x 20-mm x 70; 1x 30-mm x 75
Radar Systems DECCA-916 RM
Acoustic Systems MS 32F
A-55
ANTISHIP MISSILES
RGM-84 SERIES HARPOON SSM
Type Long-range radar-guided antiship missile

Launch Platform
RGM-84C Ship
UGM-84C Submarine
Range 67 nmi
Warhead 222-kg HE blast-penetration
Guidance Inertial with active radar
Fuze Delayed-action impact
Launch Weight 681.9 kg
Wingspan 0.83 m
Missile Length x Diameter 4.63 x 0.34 m
NOTE: Lengths and weights include a booster.
A-56
M 39, MM 40 Block 2 Exocet
Type
AM 39 (shown above) Air-launched medium-range antiship missile
MM 40 Block 2 Ship-launched medium-range antiship missile
Range 38 nmi
Warhead 165-kg blast-fragmentation warhead with de-
layed-impact and radar proximity fuzing
Guidance Inertial and active radar
Flight Profile Sea-skimming
Launch Weight
AM 39 670 kg
MM 40 Block 2 870 kg
Wingspan Approximately 1 m
Missile Length x Diameter
AM 39 4.69 x 0.35 m
MM 40 Block 2 5.8 x 0.35 m
NOTE: Maximum range is achieved with the aid of over-the-horizon targeting data from
aircraft or another ship. After launch, the AM 39 (shown above on Super Puma) report-
edly chooses a cruise altitude of 9 to 15 m; at 12 to 15 km from the target, it descends
to between 3 and 8 m, depending on Sea State, for its terminal approach. The MM
40 can fly at an altitude of 2 to 3 m, depending on Sea State. The MM 40 also can be
preprogrammed to follow a specific route to the target area and carry out specific flight
maneuvers.
A-57
APPENDIX B:
Holidays
Holiday Description Traditional
Date(s)
New Year’s Celebration of the begin- 1 January
Day ning of the calendar year
Al-Hijra Celebrates Muhammad’s 20 January 2009
(Islamic New journey from Mecca to 7 December 2010
Year) Medina; time of reflec- 26 November 2011
tion; cards sometimes 15 November 2012
exchanged between fam- (varies)
ily and friends
Moulid Commemorates the 9 March 2009
El Nabi birth of Muhammad; 26 February 2009
(Prophet special candles are 15 February 2011
Muhammad’s made and people dress 5 February 2012
Birthday) well and have family (varies)
gatherings
Leilat Al- Celebrates the night 20 July 2009
Meiraj journey and ascent 9 July 2010
(Ascension of of Muhammad from 28 June 2011
the Prophet) Mecca to Jerusalem; 16 June 2012
Muhammad ascent (varies)
into heaven and is told
about salat (Muslim
ritual prayers)
Eid al-Fitr Celebrates the end of 2 October 2008
(end of the Ramadan fast 21 September 2009
Ramadan) 10 September 2010
30 August 2011
19 August 2012
(varies)
B-1
National Day Celebration of inde- 2 December
pendence for the seven
Trucial States
Eid al-Adha Commemorates 20 December 2008
(Celebration Abraham’s willingness 27 November 2009
of Sacrifice) to sacrifice his son; a 12 November 2010
Muslim offers a quarba- 6 November 2011
ni (sacrifice) and divides 26 October 2012
it into three portions: (varies)
for the poor; friends
and family; and his own
household
B-2
APPENDIX C
Language
Arabic Alphabet
Arabic, considered by Muslims to be the language of Allah, is
spoken by more than 197 million people worldwide. English is
widely spoken in official and business circles. Farsi is common-
ly heard in Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE, while Urdu/Hindi is
common throughout the Gulf due to the large number of Pakistani
and Indian expatriates who work there.
The Arabic alphabet is written from right to left but numerals are
written from left to right. There are 28 characters, all of which
are consonants, and 10 numerals. Vowels are unwritten, although
three markers are used to ensure proper pronunciation. While
there is no capitalization in Arabic, each letter has a different form
depending on where it falls in the word -- at the beginning, middle,
end, or standing alone.
Arabic is a Semitic language; its structure and grammar are dif-
ferent from English. Words are formed from roots by changing the
vowels between the consonants, which usually begin and end the
word. For example, the word for book is Ketab and the word for
library is Maktabah. The root is K-T-B.
Key phrases in Arabic

English Arabic
Yes. aywaa
No. laa
Please. min faadlaak
Welcome. aahlaan wa saahlaan
C-1
English Arabic
Thank you. shokran
Hello. marhaba
How are you? keef halaak?
Good morning. sobah alKher
Good morning. (reply) sobah an noor
Good evening. maasa alKher
Good evening. (reply) maasa an noor
Good night. laylaa saaidaa
Goodbye. maa al saalamaa
With the grace of God. al hamdu allah
Where? aayn?
When? maati?
What? ma?
How? kayf?
How much/many? kaam?
Who? maan?
Why? limaza?
Which? ay?
What is this? ma esm haaza?
What does this mean? ma maa’ni haaza?
Do you speak English? haal taataakaalaam Englizi?
I understand. aana aafhaam.
I don’t understand. aana laa aafhaam.
Can you help me? momkin tisa’idini?
I’m hungry. aana gaa’anaa.
I’m thirsty. aana aatshan.
I’m tired. aana taa’aabanaa.
I’m lost. aana toht.
Hurry! bisor’aa!
No smoking! maamnoo’ al taadkheen!
C-2
Vocabulary
English Arabic
Arm (body) zaara’
Bandage aasaabe
Beach al shati
Blanket Baataniye
Book ketab
Boots boot
Bridge al koobri
Building al maabni
Coat mi’taf
Entrance Dokhool
Exit khorooj
First Aid Kit ilbah is’aafaat aawaalliyaa
Flashlight baatariyaa
Gloves jowanti
Gulf al khaalij
Harbor al mina
Hat kobaa’aa
Head raa’aas
Highway taarig
Hospital mostaashfi
Insect Repellent tarid lilhaashaarat
Knife saakin
Leg sag
Map khaarita
Market Sook
Matches ood sagab
Medicine Daava’
Mosque al jami’
C-3
English Arabic
Police bolis
Radio radyo
River al naahr
Sea al baahr
Seacoast shati al Baahr
Shoes hiza
Soap saboon
Taxi taaksi
Toilet al twaaleet
Tower al borj
Watch sa’aah
Big kaabir
Small saagir
Fast saari’
Slow bati
Early mobaakir
Late mit’akher
Near Kaarib
Far baa’id
Hot sakhen
Cold Barid
Heavy taagil
Light khaafif
Open maaftuh
Shut maa’ful
Right sahh
Wrong gaalaat
Old gaadim
New Jaadid
C-4
Military Vocabulary
English Arabic
Aircraft ta’ereh
Aircraft Carrier hameleh ta’erat
Air Defense defa’ javi
Airfield motar
Ammunition zaakhireh
Amphibious baar ma’i
Anti-air artillery maadfa’iyeh modade al-ta’erat
Antilanding Defense defa’ zed al-aabrar
Antitank artillery maadfa’iyeh modade al-daababat
Army jish
Artillery maadfa’iyeh
Aviation tiran
Battalion kaatibeh
Battleship baraajeh
Bomb gaanbaaleh
Camouflage taamooyeh
Cruiser (ship) torad
Chemical Weapon saalah Kimavi
Coastal Defense defa’ saheli
Corps filg
Destroyer (ship) maadmor
Division faaraageh
Engineer mohandes
Garrison hamieh
Gun maadfa’
Hand grenade gaanbeleh baadwiyeh
Headquarters giadeh
Helicopter helicoopter
Howitzer hawetzer
C-5
English Arabic
Infantry mosha’e
Latitude khat al-aarad
Longitude khat al-tool
Machinegun reshash
Map khaariteh
Military aaskaari
Mine al-laagam
Minefield haagl al-laagam
Mortar haven
Nuclear Weapon saalah noovi
Platoon faasileh
Radar radar
Reconnaissance ‘estaatla’
Rifle bandgiyeh
Submachinegun reshash gaasir
Tank daababeh
Tactics taktiki
Torpedo toorpid
Topography toboografia
Weapon saalah
Weather al-taages
C-6
APPENDIX D:
Dangerous Plants and Animals
Snakes
Gasperetti’s
Horned Desert
Viper
Description:
Adult length usually
0.3 to 0.6 meter, maxi-
mum of 0.85 meter.
Background generally
yellowish, yellow-
ish brown, pale gray,
pinkish, or pale brown with rows of dark spots along the back.
Belly whitish. Tip of tail may be black. May have a long spine-like
horn above each eye.
Habitat:
Found in deserts with rock outcroppings and fine sand. Often in
very arid places, however, may be found near oases.
Activity and behavioral patterns:
Nocturnal. Can make itself almost invisible by wriggling down
into loose sand. Hides in rodent holes and under stones. When
angered, rubs inflated loops of body together to make rasping hiss.
Can strike quickly if disturbed.
Venom’s effects:
Venom primarily hemotoxic. Local symptoms include pain,
edema, redness, possible hematoma at site of bite.No fatalities
reported.
D-1
Central Asian
Saw-scaled Viper
Description:
Adult length usually 0.4
to 0.6 meter, maximum of
0.85 meter. Background
color grayish, greenish,
or yellowish brown; bel-
ly white, speckled with
brown or black. Well-defined pale continuous undulating line
along flanks. Distinctive cruciform white marking on top of head
appears like imprint of bird’s foot.
Habitat:
Found in open scrubby, dry, sandy, and rocky areas.
Mainly nocturnal in hot weather; sometimes diurnal in cool
weather. When alarmed, throws itself into double coil somewhat
like figure eight and rubs sides of body together, producing violent
rustling sound. Very nervous; quick to strike at slightest provoca-
tion. Often climbs shrubs and low-lying trees during rainy season.
Venom’s effects:
Little known about venom. Characteristics likely similar to other
Echis spp. Likely hemotoxic. Fangs relatively large compared to
size of snake. Local symptoms likely include pain, swelling, and
enlarged tender lymph glands. Fatalities recorded.
Sochurek’s Saw-scaled Viper

No Photograph Available
Description:
Maximum length of 0.8 meter. Background color gray-beige; belly
whitish, usually with dark gray spots. Series of pale, dark-edged
D-2
dorsal spots, which may connect in zig-zag line. Incomplete un-
dulating pale line along sides. Distinctive gray cross pattern on
top of head.
Habitat:
Very adaptable. Found in sandy, rocky, and cultivated areas. Avoids
wet terrain, but may enter water if necessary.
Primarily nocturnal and terrestrial; but climbs low bushes and trees.
Venom’s effects:
Potent hemotoxin. Pain and swelling start soon after bite. Systemic
bleeding may start within 6 hours after bite. Other symptoms may
include vomiting, abdominal pain, regional lymph node enlarge-
ment, hematuria, and shock. Deaths recorded.
False-horned Viper
Description:
Adult length usually
0.5 to 0.7 meter, maxi-
mum of 0.9 meter.
Background generally
pale or bluish gray to
khaki; gray or brown-
gray blotches or cross-
bands on back. Alternating faint spots on throat and body sides.
Ventral side white; tail black. Head very broad; distinct from neck.
Horn, composed of several overlapping scales, above each eye.
Habitat:
Most often found in desert bush. Also found in sandy, rocky terrain,
as well as burrows and crevices in elevations of up to 2,000 meters.
D-3
Nocturnal. Sluggish, placid, less likely to bite during the day.
Dangerously active and aggressive at night. When disturbed, hisses
loudly but not particularly vicious. Locomotion characteristically
sidewinding. Frequently hides in rodent tunnels and beneath rocks.
Venom’s effects:
Primarily neurotoxic. May produce a few local symptoms such
as minor pain, mild tingling of the local area, stiffness; more seri-
ous bite causes weakness followed by ptosis. Victim may be con-
scious, but be unable to respond due to paralysis.
Dangerous Invertebrates
Scorpions
Although scorpions in
the region are capable of
inflicting a painful sting,
none are known to be
life-threatening.
Spiders
Although there are several spider species found in the region
that are capable of inflicting a painful bite, including some very
large and physically imposing tarantulas, none are known to be
life-threatening.
Millipedes
Millipedes do not bite and in general are harmless to humans. If
handled, some larger millipedes (may be more than 50 centimeters
long) secrete a very noxious fluid that can cause severe blistering
upon contact; some can squirt this fluid at least 2 feet.
D-4
Centipedes
Although area centipedes
are capable of inflicting a
painful bite, none are known
to be life-threatening.
Insects
There is little specific information of medical importance re-
garding insects. However, nearly all countries have at least one
species of moth having venomous/urticating hairs and/or whose
larva (caterpillar) has venomous spines. Some caterpillars are
very hairy (such as puss moths and flannel moths) and almost
unrecognizable as caterpillars, with long silky hairs completely
covering the shorter venomous spines. Others bear prominent
clumps of still, venomous spines on an otherwise smooth body.
Contact with these caterpillars can be very painful. Some are
brightly colored.
Paederus are small (usually 4 to 7 millimeters), slender rove bee-
tles that do not look like typical beetles and have very short wing
covers that expose most of their flexible abdomens. When crushed,
their body fluid contains an agent that will blister skin on contact.
The lesions take about a week to heal, and the area remains pain-
ful for several weeks. The substance is extremely irritating if it
gets into the eyes; temporary blindness has been reported.
Dangerous Plants
Velvet Bean
Other names:
Cowitch, cowhage, pica-pica, ox eye bean, horse-eye bean.
D-5
Mechanisms of toxicity:
Many of the species’ pods
and flowers are covered
with irritant hairs (pro-
teolytic enzymes). Can be
dangerous if they become
embedded in the eye.
Beans tend to be foul tast-
ing, even after thorough
boiling, so little danger of ingestion exists.
Comments:
Many species are widely naturalized.
Bushman’s Poison
Other name:
Poison tree, wintersweet.
Seeds have a high con-
centration of toxin (car-
diac glycosides); fruit
pulp contains only traces.
Wood extract is easily ab-
sorbed through the skin; can be mixed with latex from one of the
Euphorbia family and gum from Acacia to make arrow poison;
also used as an ordeal poison. Extracts applied to prickly fruits
and laid in paths of barefoot enemy to kill. Symptoms of toxicity
include pain, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea. Variable
latent period (interval between exposure and symptoms) with
cardiac conduction defects and sinus bradycardia; hyperkalemia.
Some species cause dermatitis, but this is not a common problem.
D-6
Comments:
Dense evergreen shrubs or small trees with a milky sap found in
Arabia and tropical eastern and southern Africa. Fruit resembles
an olive or small ellipsoidal plum and turns reddish to purple-black
at maturity (one to two seeds). Fruit exudes a milky sap when cut.
Aromatic flowers are tubular, white/pink, in dense clusters in the
forks of the leaves.
Panama Tree
Other names:
Castano, tartargum.
Seeds are edible, but pods
have internal stiff bristles
that easily penetrate skin,
causing intense irritation.
Comments:
There are 200 tropical
species.
Desert Rose
Other names:
Monkey poison, mock
azalea, impala lily.
Cardiac glycosides; used
for ordeals, arrow poison,
and as a fish stupifier.
Comments:
Five species; shrubs or trees; tropical and subtropical African and
Arabian distribution. Thrive best in dry areas; have thick stems.
D-7
Gomboge Tree
No Photograph Available.
The bark exudate is a drastic purgative. Can be fatal.
Comments:
The gum resin is called gomboge; used in lacquers, metal fin-
ishes, and watercolors in China since the 13th century. A non-
toxic plant; aril is delicious; one of the best tropical fruits; only in
Malaysia/Thailand.
Heliotrope
Other names:
Cherry pie, scorpion’s tail,
Indian heliotrope.
Contains pyrrolizidine alka-
loids. Cause of large epidem-
ics (Afghanistan, India) of
illness following ingestion of
bread made with flour contam-
inated with members of this
genus. The pathologic effects
(Budd-Chiari syndrome) take
weeks to months, and death
comes slowly over years.
Chronic copper poisoning has
occurred associated with this plant.
Comments:
A large genus of worldwide distribution (250 tropical and temper-
ate trees and shrubs).
D-8
English Yew
Other names:
Ground hemlock, American
yew, Japanese yew.
Taxine A and B, classed
as steroid alkaloids, are
present in all plant parts
except the aril. A single
chewed seed is deadly. An hour after ingestion, nausea, dizziness,
and abdominal pain begin. This is followed by reddening of the
lips, dilatation of the pupils, shallow breathing, tachycardia, and
coma. Then the pulse slows, blood pressure drops, and death oc-
curs through respiratory paralysis. No proven treatment exists.
Emptying the stomach hours after ingestion may be helpful as
leaves may not pass through the GI tract expeditiously. Various
clinical measures (circulatory stimulants, artificial respiration,
cardiac pacemaker) have not prevented death in suicide cases.
Comments:
An evergreen shrub or small tree bearing a characteristic fleshy,
red, sweet-tasting aril with a single green to black, partly exposed,
hard-shelled seed within. In North America, the Japanese yew, the
toxicity of which may exceed that of the English yew, has repeat-
edly caused fatal animal poisonings. Was once known as the “tree
of death.”
D-9
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes

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United Arab Emirates Country Handbook

This handbook provides basic reference information on the United Arab

Local Level ............................................................. 76

Air Force ...................................................................... 104

United Arab Emirates

General Embassy Information

Police Police Hospital

Dalma Street Al Karamah Street Defence Street

U.S. Embassy – Abu Dhabi

General Consulate Information

Dubai City Map

Al Dhafra Air Base

Mina Jabal Ali

The closest permanent U.S. military facility to the UAE is Al

Driving is dangerous, particularly outside urban areas, as drivers

UAE’s Offshore and land reclamation projects are extending the

Area Comparative Slightly smaller than Maine

Highest Elevation: Jabal Yibir 1,527 meters (5,010 feet)

Abu Dhabi and Ra’s al Khaymah Weather

The UAE has numerous policies regarding pollution, desertifica-

The UAE is also a party to many international agreements regard-

Roads Lane Information Connections Cities

Buses and taxis are public ground transportation available in the

The RTA plans to introduce bus services exclusively for women.

Taxis are readily available and inexpensive. They can be reserved

Camels are Common Transportation

Al-Shindagha Tunnel is a four-lane road, two per direction, run-

Dubai Municipality is financing the US$4.2 billion construction

Primary Air Facilities

Airlines regularly serving the UAE include Air India, Alitalia,

Abu Dhabi Ports

Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) is building a new major facil-

The second port is on the east coast. Khawr Fakkan Container

Another expansion approved by the Ash Shariqah government

Ra’s al-Khaymah Ports

King Fayssal Road

Hamad Bin Abdullah SAFAD

Radio and Television

Primary Television Stations City

Emirates Telecom Corporation (Etisalat)

Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du)

UAE cellular technology allows for media streaming and data

Internet services available include dial-up, broadband, and satellite

The UAE blocks websites deemed inconsistent with its religious,

United Arab Emirates Internet Statistics (2007)

Thuraya provides a range of satellite telecommunications services

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) is a wholly

Many leading figures believe that technology, economic develop-

The Bani Yas were Bedouin, agricultural, and pastoral people in

The ratio of males to females is more than 2 to 1 — 68 percent

Roles of Men and Women

Customs and Courtesies

Education and Literacy

University of Ash Shariqah

Grand Mosque Dubai Photo by Christian Horcel

Initial meetings are for getting acquainted so conducting business

It is customary to greet first the person with the highest status in

Food- or Waterborne Diseases

Sexually Transmitted and/or Bloodborne Diseases

Key Medical Facilities