With National Day here in the UAE approaching – celebrated on Dec 2nd & 3rd – I thought it might be a good idea to include some information on the UAE in my blog. I know that I knew nothing of this area before Leon started traveling here in 2008. Anything I thought I knew, was what I heard on the TV about the Middle East. While the UAE is part of the Middle East I have found that it is not what we hear about on the TV!
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman. The coastline touches both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The total area of the country is about 32,300 sq miles, about the size of the state of Maine. The country is made up of 7 different emirates ( like our states) – Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate occupying over 80% of the country. There are over 200 uninhabited islands dotting the coastline, which stretches for over 435 miles. The inland area features salt flats, stretches of gravel plain, and large areas of desert. But there are the Hajar mountains which also run through the country.
The city of Abu Dhabi, also the country’s capital, is actually located on a low lying island, surrounded by the bright blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. The capital was named by the leader of a Bedouin tribe in the late 1700‘s. The island was abundant with wildlife hence the name, Abu Dhabi, which means ‘father of the gazelle’.
The population of the UAE is approximately 6 million, with Emirati citizens making up only about 15% of this. (Abu Dhabi has a population of about 1.5 million.) Expatriates comprise the remaining 85%. The largest of this group are from South Asia – India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Expatriates are a valued member of society but have no political power or citizenship rights.
Arabic is the country’s official language, but English is widely used in the business and the public sector. Much to our happiness all street signs, restaurant menus, and store information is written in English as well as Arabic! It is a very difficult language to learn, and I have only learned to say “Thank You” – “shukran”!
Islam is the official religion. Here religion influences most aspects of life and Islamic law is state law. But non-muslims are free to practice their own religions. “The basis of Islam is the belief that there is only one God and that Prophet Mohammed is his messenger. Their holy day is Friday. There are five pillars of the faith which all Muslims must follow: the Profession of Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage. A Muslim is required to pray -facing Mecca – five times a day. These times vary according to the position of the sun.” Many people pray in a mosque but this is not required. We have actually seen people on the side of the road praying. Mosques can be found everywhere. We have been told that a Muslim must be able to reach a mosque within five minutes of his home which is why there are so many. Many gated communities have their own mosques. And we have seen many in the city in between high rise buildings!
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was a real treat and where learned a lot about this country and it’s religion. I think it’s very important to understand the people of this country. They are a very proud people. And even though expats make up about 85% of the population, we all have to live and work together!
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