Geography and Culture of the UAE

Geography of the UAE

• Located in the Arabian Gulf, bordered by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Gulf of Oman
• Coastline of 1,318 km
• Area: 77,700 km² without islands, 83,600 km² including islands; 3rd largest in GCC
• Primarily desert landscape
• Oases: Al-Ain formed by Jebel Hafeet, (aflaj) irrigation systems
• Mountains: Jebel Hafeet and Hajar, reaching 80km, crossing into Oman
• Coastal areas mainly sandy, with Musandam peninsula
• Gulf waters average depth 35m, deepest 145m, hottest in world at 45°C; rich in fish and shellfish
• 200+ islands, most important are Delma, Das, Um al-Nar, near Ras Al Khaimah, and Tonb Al Kobra/Al-Sogha
• Climate: hot and humid summers (April-September), rainy season (October-March), high evaporation rates
• Abu Dhabi has the bulk of UAE's oil reserves (92 billion barrels)

UAE Society and Culture

• Before oil discovery, society was tied to the desert and sea
• After oil discovery, industrial environment emerged
• Three environmental factors impacted society: desert, sea, and newer urban/industrial areas
• Desert environment: lack of water led to animal husbandry and trade, trade links to other countries
• Sea environment: maritime skills, trade, and shipbuilding
• Effect of trade: ship building materials came from India, trading with Asia and Africa
• Significant pearl diving and trading period affecting the economy
• Families and society were focused on the male head of family
• Characteristics of the industrial environment: growth of cities, new markets, jobs, culture shared with females, improving standard of living, increase in income

UAE History

• Historical roots: civilizations from Mesopotamia, and Iran. Decline around 2000BC because of climate changes
• Embracing Islam: inhabitants embraced Islam before becoming part of the state; after joining Islam, the tribe overcame Persian Sassanids
• Arabian Gulf after Islam: Trade and navigation center during Umayyad Caliphate
• Portuguese colonization: took over the Arabian Gulf in 16th century
• British involvement: British East India Company gained control in early 1800s and managed removal of Portuguese; British ruled until 1971
• Economic influence, trade, and development after British involvement
• Tribes, like Bani Yas, emerged as more powerful during 1800s, leading to the development of the modern UAE
• Unification and establishment of the UAE in 1971

Political Development

• Projects and experiment toward unification (1952-1971) (e.g., Dubai-Abu Dhabi agreement)
• The British supported the movement toward unification to secure interests
• Union creation was in December 1971, with Sheikh Zayed becoming the first president and Abu Dhabi as capital

UAE Society and Culture: (Continued)

• UAE's experience in social & economic development: short period of time and successful results
• Important elements for development: method of managing resources, circumstances surrounding implementation

UAE's Non-Oil Policy

• Industry: relies on modern technology, use of natural resources, support from the government
• UAE diversifying its economy by not overly relying on oil

Economic Development

• Macroeconomics: national/ regional/global economies
• GDP: total market value of goods and services; measures productivity; indicator of economic health
• Oil policy focused on reserves (Abu Dhabi controls most of the oil)
• Other sectors: growing sectors (e.g., tourism, agriculture, fishery) aimed to diversify the economy

Export & Employment

• Export grew from 5.3 Billion Dirhams (`1972) to 112 Billion Dirhams (1998)
• Employment grew from approximately 145,000 workers in 1972, to 395,000 in 1998
• Workforce participation increased based on national interests in raising labor standards.

Education

• Semi-formal education: Schools increased with increased interest in education, using religious teaching combined with science
• Modern Education: Expansion starting in 1953 after oil discovery, leading to schools in every district. Increased quality/quantity of education starting with the introduction of Arab world curricula
• Formal Education: Aims to wipe out illiteracy, universal educational access. Expansion in enrollment in primary and secondary education after 1971

Domestic Courts (Civil and Religious)

• UAE's foreign policy: relationships based on religion, interests and circumstances of various regions, and financial support.
• Gulf Circle, Arab League, Islamic Countries, and United Nations are involved areas of diplomatic connections

Formal Education After Statehood (After 1971)

• Private education: focused on maintaining standards in relation to state schools. Also aimed to help private schools achieve national goals
• K-12 system and additional institutions: kindergartens, and increased government spending on all education levels

Principal Issues in Education

• Different educational systems in Abu Dhabi and across the emirates before 1973.
• Expansion in educational resources (increased enrollments).
• Introduction of a new system in educational stages.

Economic development

• The UAE's economy was based primarily on subsistence (in the 1960's), now relying on a variety of income sources (including oil and non-oil sectors)
• Steps towards economic development: establishment of institutions, regulations, studies , plans and a five-year plan that focuses on human resources.

Social Development Issues in the UAE

• Social Welfare: assists individuals, families and marginalized groups in society
• Solidarity and volunteering: essential for society cohesion due to population density/ cultural diversity
• Tribal social services: pre-oil society was based on tribal ties, now with increasing urbanization, traditional services are evolving

Population Structure in the UAE and its Effects

• Instability, urbanization, census data, expatriates, and localization impact population structure. Demographic imbalance: significant impact on society. Growth rate was faster compared to other countries
• Age distribution: age group percentages and proportions for both men and women
• Economic imbalance (wealth disparity): factors like income, ownership of businesses, employment affect social aspects of UAE.

Other Issues/ Additional Notes

• The government seeks to diversify its economy, to reduce its dependence on oil profits, for the long term economic success.
• The UAE has a robust growth rate. The rate of growth increased with an associated high growth in worker productivity.

Explore the fascinating geography and cultural evolution of the UAE. From its vast deserts and coastal areas to the impact of oil discovery on society, this quiz covers key aspects that define this unique region. Test your knowledge on the UAE's landscape, climate, and cultural heritage.