Introduction to the Emirati Society PDF

Introduction to the Emirati Society Ajman University Outline: Introduction to the Emirati Society: 1- History A. Overview of the past B. Formation of the 7 Emirates 2- Culture A. Its origin and importance in the country. 3- Geography “He who does not know hi...

Introduction to the Emirati Society Ajman University Outline: Introduction to the Emirati Society: 1- History A. Overview of the past B. Formation of the 7 Emirates 2- Culture A. Its origin and importance in the country. 3- Geography “He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn.” ― Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan  Early History of the UAE The United Arab Emirates is an Arab and Muslim country. Its people became Muslims after Prophet Mohammed – Peace Be Upon Him- sent messengers to invite the people to Islam. During the Prophet (PBUH) days, the area that is now known as the UAE was called Oman and Bahrain.  Early History of the UAE The United Arab Emirates is an Arab and Muslim country. Its people became Muslims after Prophet Mohammed – Peace Be Upon Him- sent messengers to invite the people to Islam. During the Prophet (PBUH) days, the area that is now known as the UAE was called Oman and Bahrain.  Early History of the UAE The beginning of the Portuguese Invasion Arab traders and maritime businessmen became an attraction to many nations around the global. After the dominance of the Ottoman Empire, the Turks abolished the land routs linking Europe to India. Looking for alternate routes to ship their goods, the Europeans looked to the Portuguese for answers. European access to the economically important Silk Road (red) and spice trade routes (blue) was blocked by the Seljuk Empire c. 1090, causing the Crusades, and by the Ottoman Empire c. 1453, which spurred the Age of Discovery and European Colonialism.  Early History of the UAE The beginning of the Portuguese Invasion Historically speaking, Vasco Da Gama and General Bu Kirk, as well as many others who came after them, they all committed terrible massacres against Arabs and Muslims. The Portuguese burned Khour Fakkan and destroyed it. Location of Fujairah in the UAE  Early History of the UAE The beginning of the Portuguese Invasion The presence of the Portuguese in the area caused the loss of many lives and the loss of many assets belonging to the Arabs. The Portuguese dominated the Arabian Gulf most of the 16th century. The Portuguese power decreased as a result of the strong resistance of the people and the conflict with the other European countries over controlling the eastern seas. The existence of the Portuguese in the region came to an end by the British in 1766 AD.  Early History of the UAE The Emergence of Power Emergence of Powers: -The people of the Emirates fought back. They loved their country and the desert. -Three famous tribes who formed the resistance include: Al Nahyan tribe, AL Maktoum and AL Qassimi. -This power started to confront the British fleets and ships from their base in their capital Ras Al-Khaimah.  Early History of the UAE The Emergence of Power -As a result of the resistance of the people, Britain called for a series of agreements to reinforce its presence in the region. -In 1968, the British announced its decision to end the treaty relationships with the seven Emirates.  The Role of Sheikh Zayed In 1966, his Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan (may Allah bless his soul) came to power in Abu Dhabi at a time of growing demand to establish the UAE as a sovereign nation. (independent gov.) The intent and the will of the people helped in the journey to independence. Other Arab countries followed the same act as many Arab Nations were hungry for the same freedom and independence.  The Nonagon Union (union of the 9 Emirates) In 1968, Sheikh Zayed met with Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed AL Maktoum in Al Samha in Abu Dhabi and discussed the idea of the union. Abu Dhabi and Dubai joined. They decided to invite the other emirates to join the union including Qatar and Bahrain.  The Nonagon Union (union of the 9 Emirates) The nine attempted to form a union of Arab emirates, but by mid- 1971 they were unable to agree on terms of union. Some Arab countries such as: Syria, Algeria and Yemen, were against the union of the Emirates. They thought that the Emirates wanted to take over the Arab region. Iran also opposed the Union. Bahrain became independent on August and Qatar on September, 1971. On December 2, 1971, six of Gulf Emirate entered into a union called the United Arab Emirates. Ras al-Khaimah, joined in early 1972.  Reasons for the failure of the Nonagon Union 1- The ambiguity of the union. Some countries wondered, how can 9 (Qatar& Bahrain) emirates be joined while each had its own ruler? 2- Bahrain became independent on August and Qatar on September, 1971.  The First President of the UAE - In 1971, Abu Dhabi’s ruler, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan was elected by the Supreme Council as President and Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Rashid bin Said al Maktoum, became Prime Minister. - In 2004, the U.A.E.'s first and only president until that time, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, passed a way. His eldest son and Crown Prince, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , succeeded him as Ruler of Abu Dhabi in accordance with the constitution. And Know ruler is : Crown Prince Shikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan  Government Type: Federation with specified powers reserved for the U.A.E. federal government and other powers reserved to each individual emirate. Independence: December 2, 1971. Provisional constitution: December 2, 1971. Branches: Executive --7-member Supreme Council of Rulers (comprising the hereditary rulers of each Emirate), which elects president and vice president; the prime minister is selected by the president. Legislative ‫السلطة التشريعية‬--40-member Federal National Council (consultative only).  The role of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan AL Nahyan - May Allah Bless His Soul- The role of Sheikh Zayed cannot be summarized in a single lecture, video or article. Throughout the course, we will keep referring to Sheikh Zayed. Why? What has Sheikh Zayed done to the UAE? Do an internet search, then share your answer in the lecture. You have 15 minutes to prepare a list of points and share it in the class discussion. Group formulation (5-7 students). Assignment (1) Remember to take notes during the lecture’s discussion.  The geography of the UAE Introduction: Geography is an essential part of the makeup of any country. Geography determines : the type and nature of business, investments, and international business that can be attracted into a country. Geography is relevant to any decision taken by the international partners; there can be no economical or political decisions outside the scope of geography Location of the UAE is extremely important and strategically located within the region The Geographic Features UAE Location & The Rest of The World: Over 2/3 of the world’s population lives within 8 hours flight from Dubai. 8 1/3 lives within 4 hrs Hours 4 Hour s Abu Dhabi Ruler: His Highness Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Now: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE & forms 86.77% of the total area of the UAE. Reason for its name: Many antelopes lived there. Famous for: Federal Institution and embassies. Dubai Its ruler is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum Dubai’s old name is AL Wasl Dubai is known as the Capital of Islamic Finance.. because it has the first Islamic bank which is Dubai Islamic Bank. Sharjah Ruler: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Alqassimi Reason for it’s name (Al Shariqa): because it is located in the East (Sharq in Arabic). Sharjah is known as the Capital of Islamic culture and is famous for culture, planting and Islamic architecture.  Ajman Ruler: His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashed Alnuaimi Ajman is the smallest of the 7 Emirates. Reason for it’s name: because of AlAjmani family that used to live in it. Known for: culture and real estate projects. Umm al-Quwain -(OAQ) Ruler: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashed Al Mualla Reason for its name: during the Portuguese invasion, UAQ had two armies one on the land and the other in the sea. Known as the “mother of war” or “the two powers”. Known for: Museums and planting.  Ras Al-Khaimah: Ras al-Khaimah Ruler: His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi Ras Al Khaima was called Jalfar in the past. Ras AL Khaimah has one of the biggest Medicine factories in the Arab region. The medicine factory is called Jalfar. Known for: Manufacturing and fishing.  Fujairah: Ruler: His Higness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi Reason for its name: because it has fountains and valleys. Known for: planting, manufacturing and tourism because it has sulfur water which is known to have many healing effects. UAE culture Regarding clothing, the UAE is a Muslim and Arab country. Its traditional clothes for men and women are modest. Men’s outfit is called “Kandoora” and Recently, Women’s black cloak is called “abaya” colored abayas became fashionable. The main purpose of the abaya is to cover the woman’s figure. Emirati Culture Tips Visits: Emiratis love gatherings. Unless it is a family gathering, men and women have their own gatherings. Men gather at a special men’s guest room called “majlis” The men’s majlis has its own entrance so that male visitors do not see the females of the house. Women gather for many occasions as well. What every Emirati gathering has: Coffee is referred to as “gahwa” in Emirati Arabic A host will usually pour very little coffee in the guest’s finjan (small coffee cup). This means that the guest is welcome. If the host fills the cup, it means that the guest is not welcome. What every Emirati gathering has: Usually at the end of a house gathering, Bukhoor and perfumes are served. Emiratis love pleasant smells. They serve it to their guests at the end of a gathering so that the guests smell pleasant when they leave. Buknoor and perfumes are also offered at weddings.