Question: Ever wondered how a desert nation transformed into a global hub? Today, we explore the United Arab Emirates. It is a fascinating country. This federation of seven emirates boasts a rich history. It has a vibrant culture and a modern outlook.
The United Arab Emirates is often called the U.A.E. It sits on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula. Its location is at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. The U.A.E. has coastlines on both the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia borders it to the west and southwest. Oman is to the southeast and on the eastern tip of the Musandam Peninsula.
The U.A.E.’s culture is a melting pot. Emirati Arab culture blends with influences from Southeast and South Asia. It also includes African and other immigrant traditions.
Abu Dhabi is the capital emirate. It covers about 70% of the nation’s land. Each emirate has considerable autonomy. This is especially true over oil revenues. The rulers or Sheikhs of each emirate are revered. They greatly affect life in their emirate. Each emirate acts like a city-state. It is like a collection of seven Singapores.
The U.A.E. is extraordinarily dry. It gets only a few days of rain a year. Despite this, Emiratis use water at a high rate. They have broad grass lawns in public parks. Landscaping is extensive in resorts. Most of this water comes from desalinization.
The population is incredibly diverse. Only about 11% of the Emirates’ population are ethnic Emiratis. Around 60% come from South Asia including India and Pakistan. About 15% come from other parts of Asia. Five to six percent come from Western countries. The rest come from all over the world. On any given day in Abu Dhabi, you can see people from every continent.
English is the lingua franca. Nearly all signs are in English and Arabic. English is widely spoken, especially in the hospitality industry. Hindi-Urdu is the second most common language. It is used by most South Asians to communicate.
The U.A.E. offers many familiar aspects to Western tourists. The malls are modern. They are filled with products available in the West. The U.A.E. also has remote desert dunes and awe-inspiring wadis.
Alcohol is widely available at many restaurants and bars. However, the emirate of Sharjah remains completely dry.
The roads and public facilities are modern. They can be extremely crowded. Supermarkets offer products from Europe and the U.S. Major international chains have a presence. Fast-food chains operate widely.
The weather is pleasant from late October through mid-March. High temperatures range from 27 \u00b0C to lows around 15\u00b0C. It is almost always sunny. Rain can happen between November and February. It can cause road hazards. In the summer, temperatures can reach 50 \u00b0C. Dressing appropriately for both extremes is important. You need to add and remove layers as needed.
The U.A.E. has a modern road system. Driving requires an international driver’s license. The road system is based on European standards. Signs are understandable. However, drivers can be aggressive.
So the United Arab Emirates blends tradition and modernity. It offers a unique experience to visitors and residents alike. Its rich history and diverse culture make it a fascinating destination.