UAE: Federation, Geography, and Culture

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Questions and Answers

What role does the 7-member Supreme Council of Rulers play in the UAE government structure?

They establish the federal laws.

They provide consultative services to the emirates.

They control the financial policies of the federation.

They elect the president and vice president. (correct)

Which emirate is known for being the capital of Islamic Finance?

Abu Dhabi

Fujairah

Dubai (correct)

Sharjah

What does a full cup at gatherings suggest in Emirati culture?

A celebration

A warm welcome

Generosity

A negative sentiment (correct)

What was one of Sheikh Zayed's contributions to healthcare?

Established the Cleveland Hospital in Abu Dhabi Signup and view all the answers

Which emirate is the smallest in the UAE?

Ajman Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of Fujairah?

Famous for its natural springs and valleys. Signup and view all the answers

Which initiative did Sheikh Khalifa focus on during his presidency?

Enhancing health services Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following environmental actions was taken by Sheikh Zayed?

Established a falcon hospital Signup and view all the answers

What traditional attire do men in the UAE commonly wear?

Kandora Signup and view all the answers

Which emirate is known for its cultural significance and architecture?

Sharjah Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Sheikh Zayed’s actions to improve education in the UAE?

Established UAE University in Al Ain Signup and view all the answers

What important aspect of Emirati hospitality is highlighted in the culture?

Offering gahwa, a type of coffee. Signup and view all the answers

What community-focused approach did Sheikh Zayed take regarding social welfare?

Engaged with the community to understand their needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of the UAE's federal government structure?

Powers are divided between the federal government and individual emirates. Signup and view all the answers

In which area did Sheikh Khalifa contribute significantly during his presidency?

Cancer research initiatives Signup and view all the answers

How did Sheikh Zayed promote environmental sustainability?

Planted over 140 million trees Signup and view all the answers

Which initiative is Sheikh Zayed most recognized for?

Promoting unity among the Emirates to form a federation Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant aspect of Sheikh Zayed's dedication to humanitarian causes?

Witnessing poverty and resource scarcity in his youth Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the nomadic Bedouin lifestyle?

Constantly on the move seeking resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the influence of the desert environment on Bedouin culture?

Shaping traits such as courage, freedom, and generosity Signup and view all the answers

What were the traditional maritime activities in the UAE largely focused on?

Pearl diving as a source of income Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a semi-nomadic Bedouin tribe in the UAE?

Bani Yas Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor influenced the increase in trade and maritime activities in the UAE?

The significance of the marine environment Signup and view all the answers

Who succeeded Sheikh Zayed as President of the UAE?

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the nature of social services in pre-oil UAE society?

Social services were based on family ties and community needs. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of social services requires mandatory contributions from tribesmen?

Obliged Social Services Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of Optional Social Services in pre-oil UAE?

Assistance for families facing shipwrecks or theft. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle underpins voluntary and humanitarian services in UAE society?

Islamic principles and social solidarity. Signup and view all the answers

What traditional methods were used for health services before the UAE's union?

Traditional herbal remedies and religious practices. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the health practices before UAE's union?

High mortality rates due to lack of modern medicine. Signup and view all the answers

What role did large homeowners play in voluntary services in the UAE?

They hosted public and private parties to foster community ties. Signup and view all the answers

Which group was primarily helped by volunteers in pre-oil UAE society?

Women, children, the elderly, and orphans. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary characteristics of social welfare in the past?

Maintaining cohesion among the wealthy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a non-material culture element in the UAE?

Religion Signup and view all the answers

What factor did not significantly contribute to the changes in modern Emirati society?

Introduction of mobile technology Signup and view all the answers

What model did the UAE adopt after the federation concerning social affairs?

Welfare state model Signup and view all the answers

Which achievement in health services was noted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 1996?

Top health cities in the Middle East by WHO Signup and view all the answers

Improved housing standards in the UAE are characterized by which of the following?

Availability of high-quality modern amenities Signup and view all the answers

What significant health achievement was made in the UAE concerning infant mortality?

Significant reduction in infant mortality rates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a cultural aspect of UAE society?

Integration of popular arts such as music and dance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The UAE: A Federation of Seven Emirates

The UAE is a federation with power divided between the federal government and individual emirates.
Independence was declared on December 2, 1971, with a provisional constitution established on the same day.
The seven emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah.

The Geography of the UAE

The UAE's strategic location enhances its appeal for business and international partnerships.

Emirati Culture

Traditional Emirati attire includes the "Kandora" for men and the "abaya" for women.
Emiratis value social gatherings, with men and women often meeting separately.
Coffee, known as "gahwa," is an important part of Emirati hospitality.
Bukhoor and perfumes are offered to guests, reflecting the Emirati appreciation for pleasant scents.

The Late Presidents of the UAE:

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Sheikh Zayed was the founding father of the UAE, ruling from 1971 to 2004.
He was known for his deep care for his people and humanity.
He founded the Sultan Foundation in 1996, contributing millions of dirhams to international healthcare.
He established the Cleveland Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
He opened the first medical college at UAE University.
He invited Christian doctors to set up the first health center in Al Ain in 1960.
Sheikh Zayed empowered women in the UAE.
He utilized oil revenues to enhance economic and social conditions of Emiratis.
He improved education access, making it free for all.
He sponsored students and opened UAE University in Al Ain.
He encouraged female education by building schools for girls.
He practiced water conservation by performing ablution near trees.
He saved the Arabian Oryx from extinction through a breeding program.
He planted over 140 million trees in Abu Dhabi to promote agriculture.
He revised water ownership rights for equitable access and minimized water waste.
He founded a falcon hospital to protect falcons and initiated local conservation efforts.
He developed projects to stabilize soil and protect cities from sandstorms.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Sheikh Khalifa was the second president of the UAE, serving from 2004 to 2022.
Launched seven major healthcare projects costing over one billion dirhams.
Promoted unity among the Emirates to form a federation.
His passion for falconry showcased his multifaceted interests.

Bedouin Society

Has played a crucial role in shaping the social and cultural landscape of the UAE.
The location of a tribe influences the crafts and lifestyle adopted by families.
Nomadism is declining due to advancements in society and government support.
Bedouins are known for their traits of courage, freedom, generosity, honesty, and religious devotion.

The Marine Environment

The marine environment has significantly influenced trade in the UAE.
Traditional Maritime Activities include:
- Pearl Diving: A historical source of income and cultural development.

UAE society was characterized by tribal ties and marriage relationships.
Social services were provided based on family ties and community needs.

Optional Social Services: Provided in cases of shipwreck, emergency, death, or theft.
Obliged Social Services: Enforced by the leader of the tribe, known as "Al Taraz," gathered from commercial activity.
Voluntary and Humanitarian Services: Provided by motivated individuals based on Islamic principles.

Health Services Before the Union

Health services were limited, relying on traditional herbal medicine and practices.
High mortality rates, especially among children.

Social welfare maintained cohesion and responsibility among the wealthy.
It had an effect on maintaining social cohesion in the society.
It is a moral duty to provide service without discrimination.

Arts and Culture in UAE Society

Popular arts included music, singing, dancing, fine arts, and literature.
Applied arts included construction of ships, architecture, and knitting nets.

Began with the union of the Emirates and the discovery of oil.
Manifestations of change include:
- Emergence of large cities.
- Mass migration of some Gulf, Arab, and foreign communities.
- Development of commercial markets.
- Increased participation of women in the workforce.
- Expansion of educational institutions.

The UAE adopted a welfare state model.
The social affairs sector is one of the key developed departments.
It focuses on the needs of society in income, education, health, food, and housing.

Health Services Development

Dubai and Abu Dhabi were recognized as top health cities in the Middle East by the WHO in 1996.
Significant reduction in infant mortality rates and eradicated polio completely.
Advanced surgical operations available in hospitals.
High doctor-to-bed ratio (1.8 doctors per bed) and 40 government health facilities.

Housing Services

Housing standards have improved significantly.
Modern amenities contribute to a higher quality of life.

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Description

Explore the rich history and culture of the UAE in this quiz. Learn about the federation of seven emirates, notable geographical features, and traditional Emirati customs. Test your knowledge on important figures such as Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.