About UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formed as a federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain), which came together as one state on the 2nd of December 1971. The federal capital of UAE is Abu Dhabi and it is ruled by the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan. The Vice-President and Prime Minister is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai.
Where is it Located
It is located in the Middle East at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula between 22° 50 and 26° north latitude and between 51° and 56° 25 east longitude (23 49 N, 54 20 E). It is one of the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council states) and has borders with Saudi Arabia, Oman. It occupies a total of about 83,600 square kilometers (32,400 square miles) and contains 200 islands.
Population and Religion
The United Arab Emirates has approximately 4.1 million people (2006 estimate) from all over the Arab world, Asia, Europe, Africa and America. Approximately 80% of the population is non-UAE nationals. The religion that the majority of the population have is Islam but Christianity, Hinduism, etc. are also found. The official language of the UAE is Arabic though other languages like English, Hindi and Farsi are also spoken.
Currency
United Arab Emirates Dirham [AED] Bank Notes The currency used in the United Arab Emirates is called the Dirham and is abbreviated as Dh, Dhs or AED. The sub unit of a Dirham is a fil and 100 fils equal 1 Dirham. The Dirham is tied to the US Dollar at a steady exchange rate of US$ 1 = AED 3.671 though banks, hotels, and airports normally exchange it at 3.65.
Weather / Climate
In the summer (April to September), temperatures in the UAE will very between 38-48°C (100-118°F) in the daytime while at night it will very between 26-30°C (79-86°F) with high humidity levels. In the winter (October to March), the days are sunny and pleasant with an average of 26°C (79°F), while nights are cool with an average of 15°C (59°F).
Holidays
- Friday and Saturday are the weekend (since Sept. 7, 2006)
- UAE National Day (2nd December)
- Zayed's Accession (6th August, celebrated in Abu Dhabi)
- Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr (date varies each year)
- Islamic New Year (date varies each year)
- New Year's Day (1st January)
- Christmas Day (25th December, for non-muslims).