UAE Society Class - Complete Lectures (Demographics, Economy, and Society)

• The document provides essential demographic, economic, social, and governance information about the UAE.

Introduction and Society

• The UAE is a sovereign state governed under a single authority, within a specific geographic region.
• UAE society consists of individuals in continuous social interactions, sharing cultural norms, institutions, and relationships.

Leadership

• The President of the UAE is Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

Demographics

• The population increased from 1.83 million in 1990 to approximately 9.7-9.8 million in 2024.
• Population growth peaked at 7.7% annually around 2010 and has since stabilized at about 1.5%.
• The population density is 135.6 people per square kilometer.

Economy

• Gross National Income (GNI) grew from $98.42 billion in 2000 to around $410 billion in 2024.
• GNI per capita has risen to $40,880 in recent data.
• Significant economic growth is reflected by increases in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

Quality of Life and Development Indicators

• Life expectancy improved from 72 years in 2000 to 78 years in 2023.
• Fertility rates decreased from 4.5 births per woman in 1990 to 1.4 recently.
• Young fertility rates decreased from 55 births per 1000 women (ages 15-19) to just 6.
• Under-5 mortality rates substantially decreased from 17 to 8 per 1,000 live births.
• Measles immunization coverage improved from 80% to 99%.
• School enrollment rates have significantly increased at both primary (108.4%) and secondary (105%) levels.

Emirates Breakdown

• Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest emirate by area (86.7%), and second largest by population (28.4%).
• Dubai is the most populous emirate (42.6%) and a major global economic hub.
• Sharjah is the third-largest emirate by population (24.2%).
• Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain have smaller portions of the population and area, and unique contributions to the federation.

Rankings and Indexes

• Happiness Index: The UAE ranks first regionally.
• Innovation Index rank: Around 32 globally.
• Transparency Index: Recent rank at 26 globally, indicating good governance transparency.

UAE Geography - General Information

• The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain.
• Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah are the largest in terms of population.
• Abu Dhabi covers the largest land area

Emirates Statistics

• Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate by area (86.7%) and significant for its coastline, islands, deserts, and oil fields.
• Dubai is the most populous emirate (42.6%) and known for its man-made developments, deserts, and the mountainous region of Hatta.
• Sharjah is known for beaches, mountains (Hajar range), cultural centers, and historical forts.
• Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain have unique characteristics like high population density, mountainous terrains, and coastal beauty.

Key Natural Features

• Al Ain Oasis (Abu Dhabi), Hatta Oasis (Dubai), and Liwa Oasis (Abu Dhabi) are key cultural and agricultural centers and are UNESCO heritage sites.
• Falaj irrigation systems are ancient water management methods essential for agriculture, preserving water, and culturally significant.
• Strategic islands near the Strait of Hormuz are currently disputed with Iran and are historically important for trade and geopolitical reasons.
• Wadis are natural valleys for water flow, tourism, agriculture, and recreation (e.g., Wadi Alweraiah in Fujairah).
• Wetlands include marshes and swamps and are important ecological zones (e.g., Wadi Al Wurayah in Fujairah).

Ecosystems & Regions by Emirate

• Abu Dhabi has coastal plains with mangroves, islands (Sir Bani Yas), deserts, and oases.
• Dubai has coastal urban landscapes, desert areas for recreation, and mountain regions (Hatta).
• Sharjah has coastal, mountainous (Hajar), and fertile central plains (Al Dhaid).
• Ras Al Khaimah has coastal mangroves, historic forts, rugged mountains, and for adventure tourism in the Hajar range.
• Fujairah has beaches and mountainous regions with coral reefs, waterfalls, and historical forts.
• Ajman has a dense urban environment, agricultural plains, and mountainous areas for hiking.
• Umm Al Quwain has a quiet coastal environment with mangroves, marshes, and historical sites.

UAE History - Prehistoric Period

• Neolithic Age (6000 BC – 3500 BC): Early human communities were involved in fishing and plant gathering.
• Archaeological sites from this period include Jebel Al Buhais in Sharjah and Marawah Island in Abu Dhabi.
• Bronze Age (3200 BC – 1300 BC): Sub-periods include Jebel Hafeet, Umm Al Nar, and Wadi Suq.
• Key sites include Jebel Hafeet tombs and Umm Al Nar settlements, indicating trade links with Mesopotamia and Indus civilizations.

Iron Age to Formation of the UAE

• Iron Age (1300 BC – 300 BC): Peak of ancient prosperity using aflaj (irrigation) systems and fortified settlements like Muwaileh and Tell Abraq.
• Islamic Period: Arrival of Islam in the 7th century, with sites like Al Bidya Mosque (1446 AD) in Fujairah.
• Post-Prophet Muhammad's Ridda Wars affected local tribes, with the Battle of Dibba near Fujairah reaffirming Islamic rule.
• Western Domination Periods:
  • Portuguese Era (1498-1650): Portuguese military dominance after Vasco da Gama's voyages.
  • Dutch Era (1622 – 1750): Dutch involvement after capturing Hormuz, active in trade in Bandar Abbas.
  • British Era (1720 – 1971): British dominance following treaties with local sheikhs, culminating in a 1971 withdrawal.
• Formation of the UAE: Initiated through Union Accord (1968) by Sheikh Zayed (Abu Dhabi) and Sheikh Rashid (Dubai).
• The UAE was formed on December 2, 1971 with six emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah), with Ras Al Khaimah joining in 1972.
• Sheikh Zayed became the first president, and Dubai's ruler served as vice president.
• Key historical sites include Al Ain, Hili, Ed-Dur, Jebel Hafeet, Jebel Buhais, Jebel Faya, and strategic islands.
• UAE Constitution: Initially provisional with 152 articles, later made permanent in 1996, defining federal and emirate powers.

UAE Government and Constitution

• The UAE is a federation consisting of one federal government and seven local governments (one for each emirate).
• The UAE Constitution consists of 152 articles divided into 10 major areas, including:
  • Federation structure and objectives
  • Fundamental social and economic foundations
  • Public freedoms, rights, and duties
  • Federal authorities
  • Legislation and authorities
  • The Emirates and their jurisdiction
  • Jurisdictional division between federation and emirates
  • Federal financial matters
  • Armed and security forces
  • Final and transitional provisions

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 1: The UAE is an independent, sovereign federal state, open to other Arab countries joining upon unanimous Supreme Council approval.
• Article 7: Islam is the official religion, Arabic is the official language, and Shari'ah is a principal source of legislation.
• Article 11: Establishment of an economic and customs union, ensuring free movement of goods and capital within the UAE.
• Article 12: Foreign policy is based on Arab/Islamic solidarity and international cooperation aligned with UN principles
• Fundamental Social and Economic Principles:
  • Article 14: Ensures equality, social justice, and security.
  • Article 15: Protection and strengthening of family institutions.
  • Article 17: Free education at all stages, compulsory at the primary level.
  • Article 21-22: Protection of private and public property.

Rights and Freedoms

• Article 25: Equality before the law, prohibiting discrimination.
• Articles 26 & 28: Guarantee personal freedom, protection against unlawful detention, and the right to a fair trial.
• Articles 29, 30, 32: Guarantee freedoms of movement, expression, and religion.
• Federal Authorities (Article 45):
  • Supreme Council: Highest authority, consisting of emirate rulers, elects President and Deputy President.
  • President and Deputy President: Five-year terms, responsible for federal unity and constitutional integrity
  • Council of Ministers (Cabinet): Led by Prime Minister; handles daily administration
  • Federal National Council (FNC): Consultative parliamentary body; 40 members (20 elected, 20 appointed).
  • Federal Judiciary: Independent judiciary, includes Federal Supreme Court and Public Prosecution. The FNC distributes representation among emirates.
• Abu Dhabi and Dubai have 8 seats each, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have 6 each, and the remaining emirates have 4 each.
• Since 2006 the FNC has been empowered through elections, marking significant political reforms for greater public participation.
• The Judiciary is fully independent and responsible for enforcing laws and ensuring justice.
• Local emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah) maintain independent judicial departments for matters outside federal jurisdiction.
• The federal government exclusively manages areas such as foreign affairs, defense, public health, currency, education, and immigration.
• Emirates retain some autonomy for local administrative agreements (Article 123).

Civil Society & NGOs

• The UAE has various federal and local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) categorized as:
  • Theaters and Cultural Clubs
  • Women's Associations
  • Folkloric Arts Groups
  • Cultural and Public Service Organizations
  • Occupational and Professional Associations
  • Humanitarian and Charity Organizations
• NGO founders must be Emirati citizens, at least 18 years old
• NGOs typically require at least 20 founding members, with exceptions allowing as few as 5 for special societies.
• NGOs operate as non-profit entities for public benefit and are governed by a Managing Board of at least 5 members aged 21 or older. The General Assembly holds annual meetings.
• Notable Categories and Examples:
  • Folklore and Cultural Organizations are dedicated to preserving Emirati heritage, arts, and culture (e.g., Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah folklore associations).
  • Occupational Associations include the UAE Teachers Association, Society of Accountants and Auditors, Lawyers, and Sociological Associations.
  • Humanitarian Organizations include Red Crescent, Al Maktoum Foundation, Bayt Al Khair, and various Emirate-specific charity groups.
  • Women's Organizations include Umm Al Moumineen in Ajman, supporting women’s social and community roles.
  • Cultural & Educational Associations host cultural events and book fairs (e.g., Sharjah International Book Fair, Abu Dhabi Book Fair).
• The UAE supports cultural engagement through book fairs, awards, and clubs for expatriate communities.
• The establishment and operation of NGOs are regulated by UAE law, ensuring their activities align with national interests and public welfare.

UAE Education - Historical Development

• Early Education (Pre-1953): Neolithic and traditional learning, informal education focused on fishing and gathering, and early structured schools like Alahmadiyah in Dubai.
• Structured Education (1953–1971): Introduction of structured educational systems, supported by neighboring countries and curriculums influenced by Kuwaiti and Bahraini systems.
• Post-Union Era (1971-Present): Major expansion and modernization of education after the formation of the UAE.

Structure of the UAE Education System

• The system has four tiers:
  • Kindergarten (KG1-KG2, ages 4-5)
  • Primary (Grades 1-6, ages 6-11)
  • Preparatory Stage (Grades 7-9, ages 12-14)
  • Secondary School (Grades 9-12, ages 15-17)
• There is high private sector involvement and rapid private school growth due to increasing demand.
• In Dubai, about 90% of school seats were expected to be private by 2020.

Student Statistics (2019/2020)

• There were 1,099,331 total students (810,537 private, 288,794 public).
• Private schools dominate student enrollments (71% of total teachers, 51% of total schools).

Higher Education (HE)

• Federal Institutions: UAE University, Zayed University, and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).
• Private Institutions: Majority for-profit, and mainly branch campuses of international universities.
• International Students: Significant rise from 48,653 (2011) to 77,463 (2016).
• Emirati students are increasingly studying abroad, primarily in the U.S. and UK.
• The UAE dedicates a significant percentage of its federal budget to education (17-20% annually).
• The UAE per-student expenditure is high ($22,000+ per student), higher than OECD averages.
• UAE education performance on international tests remains below OECD averages, highlighting areas needing improvement.
• Notable Trends:
  • Increased participation of Emirati nationals in private education.
  • Female students dominate enrollments in higher education (60%+ of HCT students).
  • Significant rise in international students studying in UAE institutions.

Economic Information

• Key Economic Activities in the UAE: Oil and Gas, Manufacturing, Fishing, Agriculture, Re-export trade, Tourism, Banking and Financial services, Electricity and water production.
• The UAE had the second-largest economy in the Arab region and ranked #22 globally.
• There is heavy GDP diversification, with the non-oil sector comprising around 70% of total GDP.
• Non-oil sectors contributed significantly to the economic composition in 2018 (70.7%).
• Dominant sectors include non-financial corporations without oil (57.2%), mining and quarrying (29.3%), financial and insurance services (8.1%), and public administration and defense (5.3%).

Manufacturing Sector (2017)

• Total production value: 407.7 billion AED.
• Major industries include petroleum refining, chemicals, basic metals, and non-metallic mineral products.

Fishing Industry (2018)

• Total fish caught: 76,615 tons/year.
• Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are leading emirates in fish production.

Agriculture (2018)

• Major crops inlcude vegetables, dates, and fruits.
• Abu Dhabi has the largest agricultural production.
• Dates represent a significant portion of fruit production.

Livestock (2018)

• Total livestock: Approximately 5 million animals.
• Predominantly goats and sheep, especially in Abu Dhabi.
• The UAE is a major regional hub for re-exporting goods.

Tourism (2018)

• UAE hosted about 25.5 million hotel guests.
• There is high growth of tourists from Asian and European countries.

Banking and Financial Sector

• The UAE hosts numerous local and Gulf-based banks.
• Top Banks: First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
• UAE Stock Markets (ADX, Dubai Financial Market) list major companies.

Health Services in the UAE - Historical Development

• Pre-1960s: UAE had limited health facilities relying on traditional remedies.
• Early 1900s-1950s: Missionaries began medical services, opening clinics such as Lootah Hospital.
• 1960s: Kuwait and Iran significantly contributed by opening hospitals and clinics across various emirates.

Modern Health Administration

• Managed by three primary bodies:
  • Federal Ministry of Health and Prevention
  • Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
  • Abu Dhabi Department of Health

Health Statistics in the UAE

• Life expectancy: Increased from 43.9 years (1950) to 78.5 years (2020)
• Fertility rate: Decreased from 7 births per woman (1950) to 1.4 (2020)
• Health Infrastructure (as of 2017):
  • Total hospitals: 143 (45 public, 98 private)
  • Total hospital beds: 13,312 (54% public, 46% private)
  • Clinics & health centers: 4,968, mostly private (97%)
• The Health Workforce (2017) includes physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and paramedics
• Most health facilities are concentrated in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.

Demographics

• UAE's population reached approximately 9.37 million.
• There was significant historical growth from about 95,000 in 1963. Population by Emirate (2018):
• Dubai: 4,177,059
• Sharjah: 2,374,132
• Abu Dhabi: 2,784,490
• Ajman: 504,846
• Ras Al Khaimah: 416,600
• Fujairah: 152,000
• Umm Al Quwain: 72,000

UAE Cultural Dances:

• Al-Ayyala: UNESCO-recognized traditional folk dance symbolizing unity and courage.
  • Two rows of men face each other, moving in unison, and carrying thin bamboo sticks or symbolic weapons.
• Al-Razfa: Traditional Emirati folk performance featuring rhythmic poetry, dance, and music. Performed during celebrations, and symbols social cohesion, and tribal pride.
  • Two rows of participants hold sticks or symbolic weapons accompanied by rhythmic drumming.
• Al-Yolah: Traditional Emirati performance of spinning and tossing a mock rifle, common during festive events, expressing courage and warrior spirit.
• Al-Wannah: Traditional style of vocal singing and chanting common in Omani culture characterized by emotional depth and distinctive character
• Al-Maled: Traditional cultural and religious ceremony common in Gulf countries, especially in the UAE and Oman. Often associated with marriage traditions.
• Nadbat Al-Shuhuh: Traditional cultural practice associated with the Shuhuh tribe in Ras Al Khaimah, typically performed during wedding celebrations.