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INTRODUCTION
The new federation state had its basis in the Provisional Constitution. Adopted by the rulers on behalf of their emirates, it represented a consensus on the form of the state which they agreed to establish, and on the concessions that they agreed to make with relation to a surrender of part of their sovereign powers to the new federal body. In July 1996, the Supreme Council of the Federation decided unanimously to drop the word 'Provisional' from the Constitution. Since the establishment of the Federation, the UAE has become a member in regional and international organisations. It has joined the Arab League and the United Nations. The country is also a member of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC) and a number of other international organisations. The United Arab Emirates is now entering its 27th year and celebrated its Silver Jubilee in December, 2nd 1996. Since its birth as a federation of seven Emirates, the UAE has developed at a rate guaranteed to stagger even the most hardened of international commentators. The success of the diplomatic efforts that gave birth to the Federation, and which have continued to nurture it throughout its growth, owe much to astute leadership that has enabled a surge of progress hardly equaled anywhere in the world. It has witnessed a remarkable and swift economic development, which is very difficult to attain even in the most developed communities. The UAE has rapidly maximised the benefits obtained through its immense oil proceeds to cater for the basic requirements of the society. The UAE has lived up to the expectations of the international community, and generously stood by Arab World countries, and other developing countries in the rest of the world. Much of this site is a catalogue of development and a celebration of achievements, and the UAE's citizens have every right to be proud of the many areas of progress that can be seen in the country today. CLIMATE CLOTHING Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, U.A.E. has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing, for example low-cut dresses, very short skirts, or tight shirt or top in public. At the pool or on the
beaches, trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality
sunglasses are advised, and photochromatic lenses for those who wear
spectacles. Hats, or some protection for the head, are advisable when in
direct sunlight.
The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto. While Abu Dhabi is the centre of federal government activities, most ministerial departments also maintain offices in Dubai. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ECONOMIC
POLICY CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE Despite rapid economic development in recent years, U.A.E. remains close to its heritage. Local citizens dress in traditional robes and headress. Arab culture and folklore find expression in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art. Weddings and other celebrations are colourful occasions of feasting and music. Traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing and dhow racing at sea continue to thrive. LANGUAGE
RELIGION RAMADAN It is a month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food, drinks and cigarettes during from dawn to dusk. Visitors are also required to refrain from consuming these items in public places during this time as a sign of respect. The of official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood Both languages commonly used in business and commerce. ALCOHOL PHOTOGRAPHY HEALTH
REQUIREMENTS CUSTOMS EDUCATION The Ministry of Education runs 34 boys' schools, 32 girls' schools and 10 kindergartens. These work to an Arabic curriculum.
EXCHANGE
CONTROL BANKING
AND FINANCE TRADEMARKS AND PATENTS LEGAL
SYSTEM Dubai has civil, criminal and Shariah (Islamic) Courts of first instance. All court decisions may be brought to the Dubai Court of Appeal. Thereafter, a final appeal may be made to the Dubai Court of Cassation. The Civil Court (as opposed to the Shaiah Court) has jurisdiction over labour, civil and commercial transactions, as well as personal matters (e.g. wills, divorces etc.) relating to non-Muslims. The language of the Courts is Arabic and advocates admitted to plead are Arab nationals. source: asiatravel.com Top |
The United Arab Emirates was
established on 2 December 1971 as a result of two distinct, but related,
events. One was the signature by the Government of the United Kingdom and
the rulers of the seven emirates (formerly known as the Trucial States or
Trucial Oman) of separate instruments bringing to an end the treaty
relationship that had existed between other was the them since the early
nineteenth century. 
The Supreme Council
of the UAE, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates, is the
highest federal authority. It is responsible for general policy matters
involving communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and
development, and for ratifying federal laws. The President, HH Sheikh
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the
Vice-President, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler
of Dubai, are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.
U.A.E.'s culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of
Arabia. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of
virtues, and the visitor is sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and
friendliness of the people. U.A.E.society is marked by a high degree of
tolerance for different lifestyles. Foreigners are free to practice their
own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and, provided reasonable
discretion is shown, the dress code is liberal. Women face no
discrimination and may drive and walk around unescorted.
There is a
comprehensive network of government schools throughout the emirate,
providing free primary and secondary education to UAE nationals.
There are no exchange controls in the UAE and its currency,
the UAE dirham, is freely convertible. The dirham is linked to the USA
dollar, the currency in which oil revenues are paid. The current exchange
rate is Dh. 3.675 - US$ 1 and no revaluation has occurred since 1977.