UAE Studies - Study Guide - Weeks 1-4 PDF

**Study Guide for SOCL-103: UAE Studies** **Course Introduction (week 1)** 4. **What is society?** - An organized group of persons associated together for various purposes, defined by common culture, beliefs, behaviors, and geographic location. 12 5. **What are the condit...

**Study Guide for SOCL-103: UAE Studies** **Course Introduction (week 1)** 4. **What is society?** - An organized group of persons associated together for various purposes, defined by common culture, beliefs, behaviors, and geographic location. 12 5. **What are the conditions of a society?** - Existence of a group of people (Population). - Geographic Location. - Values, Customs, and Traditions they are characterized by. - A Social system approved for them. - The culture of the society. 13 **The UAE -- An Introduction** 6. **What is the date of unity for the UAE?** - December 2, 1971. 16 7. **What are the seven emirates that make up the UAE?** - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah. 16 **History of the UAE** 8. **What are the historical periods of the UAE?** - The Ancient Period - Post-Islam Era - The Colonization Period (from 1560-1970) - UAE Foundation 20 9. **What three ancient civilizations were mentioned in the UAE\'s history?** - (You will need to read the article "Ancient History of the UAE" for specific details.) 21 10. **When did Islam arrive in the UAE?** - After the opening of Mecca, messengers from Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) arrived in the region in A.D. 630. 23 11. **How did European colonialism treat the people of the UAE?** - They treated the people brutally, tortured them, and destroyed mosques. They controlled navigation and blocked routes against Arab ships. 28 12. **What marked the end of the British era in the Gulf region?** - The role played by the Arab League in condemning the British presence, increased cultural and political awareness among the people, and the independence of Pakistan and India led to the withdrawal of British forces from the Gulf in 1968. 31 **The Union** 13. **What was the roadmap to unity for the UAE?** - The experience of joint relations between Abu Dhabi and Dubai began on February 18, 1968, leading to the formation of a federation overseeing foreign affairs and other coordination among emirates. 34 14. **What were the key factors contributing to the establishment of the UAE federation?** - Common language, common religion, similar customs and traditions, complementing topography, similar resources, and shared interests and aspirations. 39 15. **What significant changes occurred in UAE society after independence?** - Changes in political, economic, demographic, social, and cultural aspects, including a focus on education and health, and a shift in loyalty from tribal to national identity. 40 **Closing Quiz** 16. **True or False: Islam entered the region by the Islamic Leader Khalid Bin Al-Walid.** - False. 43 17. **The first number of Emirates that participated in the formation of a union was:** - b- Six emirates. 43 18. **How did European colonialism treat the people?** - They treated the people brutally, tortured them, and destroyed mosques, while controlling navigation and blocking Arab ships. 28 **Week 2 -- Learning Objectives** **What is Geography?** 4. **Define Geography.** - Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments, including both physical properties of the Earth's surface and human societies 10. 5. **What are the two main types of Geography?** - Physical Geography: Study of Earth's seasons, climate, atmosphere, soil, streams, landforms, and oceans. - Human Geography: Study of the distribution of networks of people and cultures on Earth's surface 11. **Importance of Geography** 6. **Why is studying Geography important?** - To gain a holistic understanding of our planet and its systems, comprehend political issues across countries, and understand the impacts of human activities on the planet 13. **Geographical Features** 7. **What are the two ways geographers can describe the location of a place?** - Absolute Location and Relative Location 16. 8. **What is the absolute location of the UAE?** - The UAE is situated at Longitude: 51°35' -- 57°10' and Latitude: 22°35' -- 26°25' 17. 9. **What is the area of the UAE?** - The area of the UAE, including some islands in the Arabian Gulf, is about 71,023.6 sq km, plus 27,624 sq km of territorial water 19. 10. **Describe the terrain of the UAE.** - The UAE consists mostly of deserts, particularly in the inner western region, with - oases like Al-Ain and Liwa 20. **Climate** 11. **What is the difference between climate and weather?** - Weather refers to day-to-day temperature and precipitation, while climate is the average atmospheric condition over long periods 22. 12. **What is the climate of the UAE?** - The UAE has extremely hot and humid summers with temperatures reaching up to 51.8°C, while winters are mild with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 25°C 23. 13. **How much rainfall does the UAE typically receive?** - The average annual rainfall in the UAE is 140-200 millimeters, varying by region 24. **Advantages of the UAE Location** 14. **What are the advantages of the UAE\'s location?** - Stable relationships with neighboring countries, which enhances the economy and societal prosperity 26. **Comparison of Coastal Plains** 15. **What are the key differences between the Western Coastal Plain and the Eastern Coastal Plain?** - Western Coastal Plain: 18.8% of total area, includes 81.2% of population, long (640 km), rich in resources, near Arabian Gulf. - Eastern Coastal Plain: 1.6% of total area, includes 4.5% of population, short (90 km), limited resources, near Gulf of Oman 30. **Geological History** 16. **Describe the geological history of the UAE.** - The UAE occupies a stable corner of the Arabian Platform, with a history that includes the creation of the Hajar Mountains and the region\'s geological stability since the Cambrian Period 32. **Quiz Questions from Document** **Multiple Choice** 1. The UAE is bordered from the South by: - A. Qatar - **B. Saudi Arabia and Sultanate of Oman. (Correct Answer)** - C. Gulf of Oman and Oman - D. Arabian Gulf 2. The Zagros Mountains are located in: - A. Oman - **B. Iran (Correct Answer)** - C. The UAE - D. Qatar 3. Describes the location of a place based on a fixed point on earth: - A. Relative location - B. Geographical location - **C. Absolute location (Correct Answer)** - D. Political location **True/False** 1. Sharjah is the largest part of the UAE, with 80% of the total area. (False) 2. The most important Non-metallic Ores in the UAE is zinc. (False) 3. Coastal plain enables the country to establish many commercial ports. (True) **Short Answer** 1. **What underground resources is the UAE endowed with?** - The UAE has important non-metallic ores, primarily petroleum, and metallic ores such as Zinc, Lead, Copper, Iron, and Manganese 35. 2. **Discuss the impacts of the astrological location of the UAE.** - The UAE\'s astrological location results in hot weather year-round, high humidity, rare rainfall, and limited agricultural production 27. **Different Forms of Land in the UAE** - The UAE features various forms of land including Western Coastal Plain, Eastern Coastal Plain, Mountains, Desert, Stony Plains, and Islands 40. **Study Guide: WEEK 3 - UAE Society and Heritage** **Section 1: UAE Society** **Questions:** 1. What are the three settings that have affected the UAE community? - **Answer:** The three settings are the desert, the marine environment, and the industrial sector (oil) 8. 2. Describe the classification of Bedouins. - **Answer:** Bedouins are classified into three groups: Nomads (move to different places throughout the year), Semi-nomadic (gather around oases), and Nomadic (move between mountains and adjacent grasslands) 8. **Section 2: UAE Culture** **Questions:** 3. What is the definition of culture as discussed in the document? - **Answer:** Culture is described as a complex whole that includes shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group of people or society. It encompasses both tangible and intangible aspects 12. 4. How can culture be categorized? - **Answer:** Culture can be categorized into Material Culture (tangible aspects such as buildings, clothing, and transportation) and Non-material Culture (intangible aspects such as religion, beliefs, norms, and values) 12. **Section 3: Components of the UAE Culture** 1. **cation of the UAE and the region attracted the interest of foreign forces.** - **Answer: a. True 7** 2. **Complete the sentence:** - **The sea-oriented culture revolved around trade and fishing, which are activities closely linked to the UAE\'s maritime heritage. (This completion is inferred as it is not explicitly stated in the document.)** 3. **What were the reasons behind the withdrawal of the British forces from the UAE?** - **Answer: a. The increase of cultural and political awareness of people in the Emirates. 9** 4. **One of the following is considered as non-material culture:** - **Answer: b. Language 10** 5. **The UAE is broadly divided into different geographical regions but economically are similar.** - **Answer: a. True 11** 6. **The sea played the role of only formatting the nature of art in the UAE.** - **Answer: b. False 12** 7. **What are the main components of the UAE Community?** - **This question requires an inferred answer, as the document does not specify. A possible answer could include diverse cultural backgrounds, family structures, and social networks. (This completion is inferred as it is not explicitly stated in the document.)** 8. **What are the main factors that affect the culture, traditions, and customs of the UAE?** - **This question also requires an inferred answer, as the document does not specify. Possible factors could include geography, historical events, and globalization. (This completion is inferred as it is not explicitly stated in the document.)** 5. What role does religion play in UAE culture? - **Answer:** The UAE community is an Islamic community, and Islam impacts all aspects of social life, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and personal conduct 13. 6. Describe the harmonious coexistence of religions in the UAE. - **Answer:** The Abrahamic Family House symbolizes shared values of coexistence among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, featuring a mosque, church, and synagogue 14. 7. What is the official language of the UAE, and what other languages are commonly spoken? - **Answer:** Arabic is the official language, while English is widely spoken. Other languages include Persian, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and Chinese 15. **Section 4: Discussion Questions** **Questions:** 8. What are the main factors that affect the culture, traditions, and customs of the UAE? - **Answer:** The factors include the transitional civilized shift, developmental influences, and the diversity of the people living in the UAE 24. 9. Do you think that the UAE still maintains its identity with all the cultural diversity that lives in it? Explain. - **Answer:** This question is subjective and requires personal opinion. The document suggests that despite cultural diversity, the core values of the UAE remain intact, indicating that it may maintain its identity 24. 10. What are the main components of the UAE community? - **Answer:** The components include religious unity, humanistic homogeneity, linguistic unity, geographical unity, customs & traditions unity, and historical unity 26. 11. Discuss three non-material culture and three physical culture. Provide examples. - **Answer:** Non-material culture examples: Religion (Islam), Traditions (Ramadan practices), and Language (Arabic). Physical culture examples: Buildings (mosques), Clothing (Kandura for men), and Transportation (traditional dhows) 12, 16. **Study Guide for SOCL-103: UAE Studies** **Week 4 -- Session 1: Cultural and Educational Development in the UAE** **Key Questions and Answers** **1. What is the general concept of culture?** **Answer:** Culture is defined as the "customary beliefs, social norms, and material traits of a particular social group." It encompasses the arts, customs, beliefs, values, behavior, and material objects that characterize a society or nation 9. **2. What are the cultural developmental tools mentioned?** **Answer:** The cultural developmental tools include: - **Religion:** A major force in shaping values and norms. - **Education:** Key in shaping individual culture. - **Leadership:** Necessary for creating change and establishing cultural institutions. - **Parenting:** An effective mechanism for transferring culture. - **Media:** Influences behavior and culture. - **Arts:** A component of culture 12. **3. Describe the foundation of governance culture in the UAE.** **Answer:** The foundation of governance culture in the UAE is characterized by a culture of sharing and participation intrinsic to Emirati culture. Historically, ruling Sheikhs held informal meetings known as Barza or Majlis, where they engaged with the community to discuss and resolve local issues 17. **4. What were the factors that affected cultural development in the UAE?** **Answer:** Significant factors include: 1. Economic prosperity from pearl trade. 2. Connections with cultural movements in Egypt and the Syrian coast post-Suez Canal opening. 3. Regular shipping routes enhancing trade and cultural exchange. 4. The role of Arab merchants and intellectuals in fostering cultural reform 19. **5. What was the first newspaper in the UAE and what type of news did it cover?** **Answer:** The first newspaper was \"AL Nakhi,\" issued in 1934 by Musabeh Obaid Al Dhahiri. It covered a wide range of local news, including births, deaths, weddings, divorces, and the arrival of commercial convoys 22. **6. Describe the evolution of education in the UAE.** **Answer:** Education in the UAE has evolved through several stages: 1. **The Mutawa and the Katateeb**: Early forms of education focusing on religious instruction. 2. **Educational Circles**: Informal gatherings for learning. 3. **Semi-Organized Education**: Emergence of schools with varying quality influenced by scholars. 4. **Modern Education System**: Established post-1971, with education becoming compulsory and free for Emiratis 35. **Closing Questions** 1. **How can a multi-cultural society like the UAE balance the preservation of local traditions with the integration of diverse cultural influences?** - **Answer (inferred):** The UAE can balance this by promoting cultural awareness through education, community events, and policies that celebrate both local traditions and the diverse cultures present in society. 2. **Which early bulletin, issued in 1934 by Musabeh Obaid Al Dhahiri, covered a wide variety of news, including births, deaths, weddings, and the arrival of commercial convoys in Al Ain?** - **Answer:** d) Al Nakhi 44. **Study Guide: Features of Economic Development in the UAE** **Week 5 -- Session 1** **Questions and Answers** **Q1: What are the key concepts of economic development as discussed in the UAE Studies?** **A1:** The key concepts include the transition from a traditional economy reliant on pearl diving and agriculture to a modern economy dominated by oil and gas, and now diversifying into knowledge-based sectors and sustainable energy 13 - 14. **Q2: What were the primary reasons for economic changes in the UAE?** **A2:** The primary reasons include: - The formation of the UAE as a modern state. - The discovery and revenue generation from oil. - The export of oil, which transformed the economic structure 15. **Q3: What are the significant changes identified in the pattern of the UAE\'s economy?** **A3:** Significant changes include: - Establishing institutions and developing regulations for private and public sectors. - Implementing planning studies like 5-year plans 18. **Q4: How does the traditional economy differ from the modern economy in the UAE?** **A4:** Key differences include: - Traditional economy focuses on production for consumption, while modern economy emphasizes both consumption and exports. - Modern economies utilize advanced technology and have a formal wage labor system, while traditional economies do not 19. **Q5: What are the four factors determining economic development in the UAE?** **A5:** The four factors are: 1. Human Resources 2. Physical Capital 3. Natural Resources 4. Technology 22. **Q6: Describe the first stage of UAE development (1971-1980).** **A6:** This stage focused on infrastructure establishment, including airports, government buildings, and housing. Construction was the primary economic activity, absorbing many migrants and leading to increased income levels 26. **Q7: What was the focus during the second stage of UAE development (1981-1990)?** **A7:** The main focus was on the diversification of economic activities and industries, which significantly increased the GDP 27. **Q8: What does GDP stand for, and why is it significant?** **A8:** GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product. It measures the economic performance of a country and shows the value of goods and services produced over a specific period 28. **Q9: What are some features of the UAE\'s solid economy?** **A9:** Features include: - Strategic location - Strong financial reserves - Large sovereign wealth fund - Progressive economic diversification policies 30. **Q10: What is the UAE\'s Post-oil Strategy?** **A10:** The Post-oil Strategy involves diversifying the economy beyond oil dependence, emphasizing human capital, knowledge, and innovation to ensure sustainability and competitiveness 43. **Q11: What are the future paths for sustainable development in the UAE\'s economy?** **A11:** Future paths include optimal resource use, proper allocation of material and human resources, and leveraging technology to enhance growth and capabilities 45. **Q12: Why is the diversification of the UAE economy considered a demanding task?** **A12:** Diversification is complex as it requires a thorough understanding of economic determinants and the implementation of structural reforms across various sectors 44. This study guide provides a structured overview of key topics related to economic development in the UAE, alongside relevant questions and answers to facilitate learning and review. Week 5 - **Learning Objectives**: Understand economic development concepts, discuss statistics and policies related to economic development in the UAE (Pages 4-5). - **Online Quiz**: Formative assessment covering content from Weeks 1 to 5, scheduled for Week 7 with specific rules for make-up exams and technical issues (Pages 7-10). - **Economic Changes**: Transition from a traditional economy based on pearl diving and fishing to a modern economy driven by oil and diversified sectors (Pages 12-15). - **Differences Between Economic Systems**: Contrasts between traditional and modern economies highlighted (Pages 19). - **Elements of Economic Strategy**: Key factors for economic development include human resources, physical capital, natural resources, and technology (Pages 22). - **UAE Development Stages**: - **First Stage (1971-1980)**: Focus on infrastructure and economic growth (Page 26). - **Second Stage (1981-1990)**: Emphasis on diversification of economic activities and industries (Page 27). - **Gross Domestic Product (GDP)**: Definition and significance as an economic health indicator (Page 28). - **UAE Economy Features**: Strengths include strategic location, strong financial reserves, and a focus on economic diversification (Pages 30-31). - **Global Financial Crisis**: Overview of the 2007-2008 crisis and its impact on the UAE economy (Page 31). - **Industrialization**: Key factor for growth, with a focus on reducing import dependence and creating job opportunities (Pages 35-37). - **Current Economic Status**: The UAE\'s economy is among the fastest-growing in the GCC, with a focus on diversification away from oil (Pages 39-40). - **Post-Oil Strategy**: Discussion of plans for economic sustainability and diversification beyond oil dependence (Page 43). - **Future of Economic Development**: Emphasis on sustainable development and the need for continuous improvement in various sectors (Pages 45-46). 1. **What are the general concepts of economic development and its pillars?** - Economic development involves structural changes that increase productivity and improve individual characteristics. Key pillars include human resources, physical capital, natural resources, and technology 22. 2. **What are the statistics and parameters of economic development in the UAE?** - The UAE has transitioned from a reliance on oil to a diverse economy, with non-oil sectors accounting for 70% of the GDP 41. The GDP has remained strong due to rapid urbanization and industrialization 28. 3. **What economic policies have been implemented in the UAE?** - The UAE has focused on economic diversification, establishing free zones, and creating strategic economic initiatives to enhance competitiveness and sustainability 43. **Economic Changes in the UAE** 1. **What are the reasons for economic changes in the UAE?** - Key reasons include the formation of a modern state, the discovery and export of oil, and a focus on human resources for sustainable development 15. 2. **What significant changes have occurred in the UAE's economic pattern?** - The transition from a traditional economy (focused on local consumption) to a modern economy (focused on production for consumption and exports) 19. 3. **What is the significance of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in evaluating the UAE\'s economy?** - GDP measures the value added through production, indicating the country\'s economic health and growth 28. **UAE Development Stages** 1. **What was the focus of the first stage of UAE development (1971-1980)?** - The focus was on establishing infrastructure, including airports, government buildings, and housing, which helped absorb a large influx of migrants 26. 2. **What was the main focus during the second stage of development (1981-1990)?** - The main focus was on diversifying economic activities and industries, leading to increased GDP 27. 3. **What are some key features of the UAE\'s solid economy?** - Features include a strategic location, strong financial reserves, a large sovereign wealth fund, and a progressive policy of economic diversification 30. **Future Economic Development** 1. **What is the UAE\'s post-oil strategy?** - The strategy aims to diversify the economy and ensure sustainability through human capital, knowledge, and innovation, with a roadmap for future development 43. 2. **What are the prime variables for stimulating diversity and growth in the UAE\'s economy?** - Productive investment, human capital, privatization, and distribution are essential for economic diversification 44. 3. **What role does technology play in economic development?** - Technological advancements significantly impact economic growth by enhancing productivity and efficiency 22. **Additional Activities** 1. **Reflect on the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). What was its significance?** - The GFC (2007-2008) was a severe global economic crisis that highlighted the resilience of the UAE economy, demonstrating its ability to withstand external shocks 31. 2. **Discuss the importance of human resources in economic development.** - Human resources, including the expertise and education of the working population, are critical for achieving sustainable economic growth 22. **Questions and Answers** 1. **In what ways has the UAE prioritized the industrial sector?** - *Answer: The document does not provide specific details on how the UAE has prioritized the industrial sector, but this could include policies promoting industrial growth, investment in infrastructure, and incentives for businesses.* 2. **Natural resources like oil and gas have always dominated the UAE\'s economy.** - **a. True** - **b. False** - *Answer: a. True* 7 3. **During the first stage of economic development (1981-1990), the UAE diversified its economic activities and industries.** - **a. True** - **b. False** - *Answer: a. True* 8 4. **The UAE has not provided any incentives and resources for industrial development.** - **a. True** - **b. False** - *Answer: b. False* 9 5. **Which of the following is NOT a factor that directly determines the development of an economy?** - **a. Human resources** - **b. Physical capital** - **c. Tourism growth** - **d. Technology** - *Answer: c. Tourism growth* 10 6. **Which global event in 2008 demonstrated the strength of the UAE economy?** - **a. The global financial crisis** - **b. The Gulf War** - **c. The European debt crisis** - **d. The Brexit referendum** - *Answer: a. The global financial crisis* 11