Good day! In this section, we consider the countries of the world, and now we will talk about one more of the many countries, which is called the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There are many interesting things in this country, so let's get started and study everything carefully.

The name of this state is due to the name of the administrative-territorial units that form the federation.

Full title: United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as UAE.

Capital: Abu Dhabi.

Area: The territory of the state, according to various calculations, occupies 77,830 km2 and 83,600 km2. This difference is due to the fact that some sections of the borders passing through the deserts are not exactly marked.

Population: 2,407 thousand people

Location: The UAE is located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, it is in the West. Most of the country is an oil-bearing but barren desert. In the north, the UAE is washed by the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf; in the east - it borders on the Sultan of Oman; in the west - with Qatar; in the south - with Saudi Arabia.

Administrative division: The Federation of the Arab Emirates consists of 7 emirates: Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Qaiwann and Al Fujairah. Previously, these emirates were small settlements on the coast Persian Gulf.

Flag and coat of arms of the UAE:

Form of government: Monarchical (the federation includes 7 subjects).

Head of State: President, who is elected for 5 years.

supreme body state power: Supreme Council of Emirs.

Supreme advisory body: Federal National Council.

Higher executive agency: Council of Ministers.

Major cities: Ras al-Khaimah, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain.

Official language: Arab.

Religion: Most of the population is Muslim.

Ethnic composition: Arabs - 90%; Indians - 6%.

Currency: Dirham = 100 fils.

Climate: Most of the state is desert, and on the coast of the Persian Gulf - subtropical. T air temperature during the year fluctuates from +10°С to +48°С, and the water temperature in coastal waters does not fall below 20°C. The number per year is 100 mm, and in the mountains - 300-400 mm.

Flora: The UAE is a flat rocky desert, among which there are rare oases with acacias, date palms, lemon trees, grapes, tamarisk, etc.

Fauna: Animal world countries are also poor. Here you can meet jerboas, hares, gazelles, snakes and lizards. In winter, they find shelter here migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia.

Rivers and: No permanent ones.

Attractions: Oil exhibition, modern architecture, duty-free shops, famous oriental bazaars, Kornichi shipyard.

The ancient history of the emirates is reflected in numerous archaeological monuments. There are old fortresses and palaces of rulers in each of the capitals of the emirates. And the ocean coast, which is especially beautiful in Fujairah, attracts tourists.

The United Arab Emirates is a wealthy state whose ruler invests a lot of money in its infrastructure. Thanks to this, we can observe many skyscrapers here, which are the highest in the world, as well as many other beautiful architectural masterpieces...

The United Arab Emirates is a relatively young federal state. The Federation was established on December 2, 1971. The structure includes 6 emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Fujairah. The Emirate of Ras al Khaimah became part of a year later, in 1972. Thus, the history of the United Arab Emirates covers the last 50 years. This story is fast and impetuous, unparalleled in terms of speed and pace of development. In a very short period of time, the country has turned from a desert into a developed state, where the most daring dreams and ideas come true. But more on that later.

Historical finds

Now I would like to go back many centuries and see what the territory of the modern United Arab Emirates was like in the past, who inhabited these lands, and what interesting history can bring us.

Let me start with an amazing discovery made by a group of German scientists from the University of Tübingen in the northeast of the United Arab Emirates. This discovery has expanded our understanding of the prehistoric period in the UAE. In the hilly range of Jebel Faya, an hour's drive from the Emirate of Sharjah, stone tools were found. The age of these tools is estimated at 120-130 thousand years. The owners of the found tools are modern people - Homo Sapiens, who penetrated the Arabian Peninsula through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Scientists attributed these finds to the prehistoric period " Homo sapiens Middle Paleolithic". Also, not far from the Emirate of Sharjah, archaeologists have found artifacts dating back to the Neolithic, Iron and Bronze Ages.

The discoveries made on the territory of the United Arab Emirates turned the ideas of modern scientists about the path of human migration from the African continent upside down. Previously, most scientists believed that the first migration to Asia occurred 40-60 thousand years ago. Now this time period has doubled, reaching the figure of 120 thousand years ago.

From the depths of centuries

Now let's fast forward to ancient times. The United Arab Emirates is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, the coast of which was inhabited as early as the 5th millennium BC. e. Presumably, these were pastoral tribes from northern Arabia and the Syrian desert.

In the third millennium BC. The United Arab Emirates became part of the Magan civilization, which at the moment is practically not studied by modern historians. Presumably, this civilization was originally from Iran or Pakistan. The state of Magan actively traded copper with Mesopotamia.

Later, in the I-II centuries BC. on the territory of the modern United Arab Emirates lived ancient Semitic tribes, from which the ancient Arab people subsequently developed.

The territory of the United Arab Emirates is sandy desert where it is difficult to find water, where there is practically no vegetation. Only in rare green oases can you find water and grow date palms , where of the animals there are only camels. It was camels that became the basis for the survival of the inhabitants of these lands. Camels made it possible for the Bedouins to lead a nomadic life, helping them to travel long distances in search of water and food. Clothing was made from camel hair. Camel meat and milk were the main food of the Arabs.

The ancient history of the United Arab Emirates before the adoption of Islam is called by the locals “the time of jahiliyyah”, which means “time of ignorance” in Arabic. Islam came to these lands in the Middle Ages. In the 7th century AD small sheikhdoms, located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf and the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Oman, became part of the Arab Caliphate, which spread Islam among the locals. During this period, the cities of Dubai, Sharjah, El Fujairah arose.

As the Caliphate weakened, the sheikhs received more and more autonomy. In the 8th century, many territories left the Arab Caliphate, becoming at different times either completely independent or partially dependent states. It was at this moment that the emirates, small states, were formed.

So the local sheikhs (emirates) lived until the 16th century, when they began to fall under the control of European powers. Initially, the territory of the UAE was captured by the Portuguese, and then by the British. European powers controlled maritime trade and port cities.

Bedouins, caravans, desert

While the world was developing, the local people mostly lived in the desert and traded with the help of camel caravans. The Bedouins survived as best they could and no one, in a rapidly developing world, did not care about them. They suffered from a very high temperature, they were tormented by thirst, they ate very simple, meager, monotonous food. The Bedouins had practically no educational institutions, there was no health care system, life expectancy was very short. During these times, Dubai was a small village, where the height of the houses did not exceed two floors.

The pearl trade helped the Arabs to survive. It was the pearl trade that occupied the lion's share in the economy of the emirates, accounting for approximately 95% of all revenues to the treasury. Dubai has been called the "pearl coast". But only divers for pearls know how hard it was to get it. The danger of being eaten by predatory fish in the Persian Gulf, sea salt that corroded the eyes, pressure drops, all this affected the health of the diver, leading to deafness and blindness. The life of a pearl diver was short, and the profession passed from generation to generation.

The two world wars, the crisis of 1929 and the introduction of synthetic Japanese pearls took a toll on the pearl industry in the United Arab Emirates.

Oil changed everything

In the 50s of the twentieth century, oil was found on the territory of the United Arab Emirates. It was the second key moment in the history of the country. No one even imagined that there was at least a drop of oil on the territory of the United Arab Emirates. But there was oil. And it was enough to exist comfortably.

By this time, the League of Arab States was actively fighting for the right of all Arab peoples for independence. International pressure forced the British to withdraw. But the British left these territories only by 1971. It was at this moment that the history of the UAE began as independent state. In 1971, 6 emirates announced the creation of an independent state - the United Arab Emirates.

The rapid growth of the UAE economy, the sharp rise in prices for "black gold" in 1973 gave impetus to the country's unprecedented rapid development. The UAE has become one of the countries with the highest level life.

With a barrel price of $75, oil revenues were about $150 million a day. The government of the United Arab Emirates, headed by Sheikh Zayed, used this money very wisely. First of all, a course was taken to improve the lives of local residents. In the Emirates, they began to build houses, hospitals, schools, and began to import food. Enormous funds were spent on the construction of desalination plants. The United Arab Emirates is now in second place after Saudi Arabia volume of desalinated water produced.

Harmonious oasis of the future

The United Arab Emirates can be safely called a country of millionaires. It is simply impossible for a local resident to become poor, only in the case of a conscious rejection of all the benefits that the state provides him. Free water and electricity in homes, $100,000 wedding gifts for newlyweds, a piece of land, and a $20,000 birth subsidy for each child are just some of the examples of how the UAE government cares about its citizens.

The country has shown itself financially and militarily on the world stage. The latter made it possible to prevent military encroachments from neighboring countries. Iran once took advantage of education united states The UAE took three oil-rich islands for itself and never returned them to the Emirates.

In order to avoid dependence on the “oil needle”, the government of the United Arab Emirates made a wise decision to differentiate the economy and invest Money V different projects Worldwide.

Huge investments are directed to the construction and tourism sectors, to the development Agriculture and in the field of trade. Many international companies have opened subsidiaries and representative offices in the United Arab Emirates.

At the moment, oil revenues account for 18% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates, tourism brings about the same amount to the country. The main source of income for the UAE is trade and financial transactions.

Differentiating the country's economy, the United Arab Emirates wanted to create something durable and stable, and, it must be admitted, they succeeded in this.

High revenues from oil exports and far-sighted management of money ensured the prosperity and development of the UAE in all areas of the economy. Now the United Arab Emirates is one of the richest countries in the world. And although the majority of the population of the United Arab Emirates at the moment are immigrants, local residents control all sources of income in the country.

Now it’s hard for all of us to imagine that just recently, instead of roads with multi-level interchanges, luxury hotels, beautiful parks and unique sights, there was an endless desert and lonely Bedouin villages.

Behind the distant seas, behind the high mountains, where there is almost no rain, and the sun creates unbearable heat all year round, there is a small country ruled by wise men from ancient times. And what has been said is not a fairy tale, but the real truth, the truth of which you will see for yourself. We are talking about the state of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the Middle East and is a federation.

Its rulers in matters domestic policy actually follow the suras of Islam. Sheikhs of the UAE are one of the richest people in the world, they are educated, cultured, prone to oriental luxury and supernova technology and gadgets. The rulers do not put on the mask of the servants of the people, while remaining rich, but their subjects live comfortably, and feel needed by their country, and glorify their emirs.

Geography

First, let's briefly present some statistics for this state. The territory of the UAE is 83.6 thousand km 2, it is approximately equal to the Leningrad region. The state of the United Arab Emirates neighbors Oman and Saudi Arabia. Geography, its geology is characterized by its location on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

The country, located on the slope of the tectonic plate, is rich in minerals. The main oil reserves, estimated at 12.3 million tons and gas 5.6 trillion m 3 , lie in the depths of the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The gently sloping sedimentary mountain ranges of Khodjar, rising in the east, are rich in mineral springs. Aluminum is mined here.

The geographical space of the country is heterogeneous in terms of relief. The main tourist centers are on the sandy and rocky ground off the coast. The sea near the coast is exceptionally transparent, and the sand is golden. However, going deep into the peninsula, the traveler will find only total saline soils, replaced by sand dunes and stone plateaus, occupying more than 60% of the country's area.

The northern and eastern regions of the country are fertile, but not because of nature, but because they are planted with greenery in accordance with the program outlined by the Council of Emirs.

Thus, the climate of the UAE is mostly desert, only a narrow seaside strip is distinguished by favorable tropical weather.

Ancient and colonial history

There is no harm without good, it was during this period that Islam became the titular religion here, which appealed to the locals. The teaching of the Prophet hardened them spiritually.

Since the 15th century, Portugal has been pursuing its rather unsuccessful colonial policy in what is now the UAE, robbing the people and forcing them to engage in piracy. In the 19th century, it was pushed out of here by the Queen of the Seas - Britain, which has its own civilizational plan and created the rudiments of industrial infrastructure in the UAE.

History of Independence of the Emirates

However, all this time, not foreign colonialists, but local sheikhs remained the leaders of their people. It would seem that for three hundred years the emirates were forced, for three centuries they remained the servants of the colonialists on their land. However, having heard the call of the Bani-Yaz clan of the Maktoum dynasty, they followed the family of the sheikh in 1833, captured Dubai, bringing it independence from foreigners. How can one not recall here the Arabic proverb that a lion at the head of a herd of sheep will defeat a herd of lions led by a ram. By the way, the direct ancestor of the current head of state commanded that army.

The British then frivolously did not attach any importance to this. In the 20s of the 20th century they discovered oil deposits on the peninsula and from the 50s began its mass production. However, by that time the Arab countries had become a world power, and the precedent of the Maktoum dynasty still took effect. In 1964, the League of Arab States opposed the English protectorate, demanding recognition of the independence of the Arab countries, and the British were forced to retreat.

In 1971, six states united to form the United Arab Emirates, the seventh emirate of Ras al-Khaimah joined them the following year. The Emir of the new country was its founder, Sheikh of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, an outstanding personality.

He was a man of clear mind and amazing foresight. He took on the burden of leadership and managed to unite and convince his then impoverished and demoralized people in the prospect of a decent life: “If at least one flowering branch remains in your soul, a songbird will certainly sit on it.” The sheikh appealed to the pride of his people, to their faith, which was confirmed in the flag of the new state.

And he was right, fulfilling his promises in abundance. The children and grandchildren of these people, who are fighting for existence and ending their lives at just 40 years old, today live in the richest country, using all the modern set of benefits. And this is without wars, without revolutions, without the extermination of the "fifth columns".

“The wise will understand as soon as you wink at him, but it’s not enough for a fool when he is pushed,” says an Arabic proverb about the properties of the mind. One of his 19 sons, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, today rules the country as skillfully as his ancestors, and his subjects bless him.

Each of the emirates (Shurja, Fujairah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah, Dubai, Ajman, Abu Dhabi) is solely controlled by its own emir.

The President of the UAE is the emir of the largest of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, the capital of which and, at the same time, of the entire federation, the city of Abu Dhabi. The office of president is passed down from father to son. In the short history of the country, there were actually two presidents. When the first president-sheikh died, and the second only entered the ritual of taking power, the prime minister performed the duties for two days.

The President of the UAE is the head of the Supreme Council of the country, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the head of the Supreme Council for Petroleum. The seven emirs make up supreme body state power - the Supreme Council of the UAE.

These are amazing rulers who have a lot to learn from the western ones. How do these seven people manage to rule the country without revolutions? Why are their supercars parked in the parking lot with the key in the ignition, and none of the fellow citizens even think about the bad?

And how could it be otherwise in a believing country, whose citizens their rulers give work, provide decent life, provide an impressive welfare package, provide free (but organized far from our model) medicine and education, and even abundantly produce fresh water for them.

How can sheikhs under such circumstances not be leaders of their people? After all, as the Arabs say, with the help of kindness and affection, even an elephant can be led by a thread.

language, flag

The official language in the UAE is Arabic. It shows films, prints newspapers, books, and publishes legal acts. This language is quite flexible. Having a primordially Arabic core, it is modified in accordance with the progress of society.

At the same time, English is widely used by local businesses for business correspondence and communication with contractors. In the country, British is the lingua franca. Also, among labor emigrants, their native languages ​​are used.

UAE flag like state symbol, adopted on December 2, 2017, on the day of the unification of the emirates into one state. Its four-color panel has a rectangular shape with an aspect ratio of 2 to 1.

A single vertical (others are horizontal) red stripe runs along the pole. To the right of it are green, white, black stripes. Each color carries a symbolic meaning. The red stripe, as it were, consolidates the flag of the UAE, it means the pride, strength and freedom of civil society. Green top - Islam, the state religion. White - morality and purity of the inhabitants of the country and, finally, black - its natural resources, in particular - oil.

Capital

The capital of the UAE - the millionth city of Abu Dhabi - is economic (56% of GDP), political, religious and cultural center states. It is built on an island connected to the mainland by three highways. The business district of the metropolis is located in its northern part, adjacent to the ultra-modern Corniche. The city is landscaped, it has more than two dozen parks, the greenery of which is fed with desalinated sea water. Abu Dhabi is built up mainly with modern low-rise buildings and villas.

The largest petrochemical, pipe-rolling, shipbuilding, cement production is located in the suburbs of the capital.

Economy

Words in the countries of Islam (unlike domestic politicians) are not just thrown into the wind. Once upon a time, the Supreme Council of the country, where there are no rivers, and instead of fertile lands - salt marshes, sands and rocks, announced that it would gradually turn it into an oasis. And the sheikhs, never tired of surprising the world with ambitious infrastructure facilities, are gradually fulfilling their promises. The advice of the wise emirs is really effective, adequate to the present. Speaking figuratively, the dynamic Eastern monarchs understood the time, because it can only be comprehended by being in motion.

In the UAE, there are no fewer representations of international corporations than in New York, London or Tokyo. According to the rating of countries, the economy of the UAE, a tiny country, ranks 31st in the world in terms of GDP produced, which in 2016 amounted to $ 375 billion, the value of goods and services produced in a year in this state.

The amount per capita per year is 67.7 thousand dollars, this is the ninth figure in the world. According to IMF experts, the country will maintain its growth dynamics until 2020.

The national currency of the UAE is called the Arab Dirham (AED). 100 fils equals one dirham. Until 1978, the dirham was pegged to the US dollar and is 0.27 of it. It is noteworthy that this rate has been maintained since the date of the introduction of the Emirati currency, that is, since 1973. And is it surprising? After all, Arabic wisdom from time immemorial says that good money should be like birds: fly away and fly in, which means that the country's exchange rate should be stable.

Industry

In the UAE, the industry has a pronounced oil and gas focus. However, state programs for its diversification still have their effect: 67% of the country's GDP is other goods and services, and not black gold or its products.

The UAE has developed aluminum production, light industry, the manufacture of metal structures and building materials, the energy industry, water desalination, dairy, meat, and fish industries.

The traditional (pre-oil) crafts of this country are the cultivation of date palms, pearl fishing, breeding of horses and camels, and fishing.

Since 2004, the Emirates has been a country of free trade with the United States, the domestic market is full of good, branded goods. The law of sheikhs forbids merchants from buying fakes. How can one not recall the words of the oldest Persian poet and scholar Abu Rudaki: "A wise man is drawn to good and peace, a fool is drawn to war and strife."

Tourism

High tourist season here it lasts from May to September. The air at this time warms up to 50 0 C in the shade. However, through the efforts of cunning sheikhs, an amazing infrastructure for tourism has been created here. The sages consistently fulfill their own task - to transform the climate, to make an oasis out of the desert.

Note that it is preferable for people who are sensitive to heat to visit the Land of the Sheikhs from October to April. At that time average monthly temperature is 21 0 C. The UAE is dynamically developing tourism as a branch of its economy. Arriving guests seem to plunge into a fairy tale on the land of the emirs. The largest cities and at the same time beach centers are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman and Sharjah. The best public beaches in the UAE, according to tourists, are Jumeirah Beach Park, Mamzer Beach, Burj Beach, Ghantoot Beach.

Guests of the country are amazed at how organically the traditions of Islam flow into the form of high-tech here, and how high-tech is filled with its content. This small country has the largest mosques in the world and the largest skyscrapers.

The majestic, domed marble Sheikh Zayed Mosque, built in honor of the first president of the UAE, amazes with its marble purity and whiteness. In ancient times, it would certainly be called a wonder of the world. Also surprises with its architecture largest temple Middle East - King Faisal Mosque.

Younger tourists are attracted by other wonders of the world: skyscrapers exclusively built by the world's best architects, as well as the most picturesque islands artificially created according to intricate designs. East and through the millennium faithful to the tradition: to build new wonders of the world. Here you can see the largest artificial stalagmite in the world - the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, which has risen 800 meters high. Also unique is the Arabic analogy of the Leaning Tower of Pisa - the “falling” Capital Gate skyscraper. Famous in the world as the most expensive and most luxurious hotel "Sail" (Burj Al Arab Jumeirah), built by the brilliant British Thomas Wright.

The legendary gardens of Babylon would obviously pale in front of the greenery planted on the artificial Isles of Palms and lavishly watered with desalinated water.

Even the most charismatic fashionistas in the world do not consider it shameful to look at the most unique gold market located in Dubai. By the way, here, even in the hotel machine, you can exchange currency for gold.

Here are truly collected wonders of the world. Those who wish can go skiing in an indoor complex designed for the rest of 1,500 people, and the megamall in Sharjah is rightfully considered one of the largest in the world. Don't believe? Here, even an aquarium with five-meter sharks, stingrays and other marine life is not striking.

Labor migrants

It would seem: the richest people are these sheikhs. How do they manage to live in such a way that their subjects love them? Most likely, this is the royal oriental nobility and wisdom is really in their blood: do not neglect small people, because they help to rise.

The demographic policy of the UAE is of interest. The population of the country with an area of ​​83.6 thousand km 2 is 8.5 million people. If in 1975 a little more than half a million people lived here, then the 16-fold dynamics social development on the face. The moral foundations of the country of emirs prevent Arab citizens from doing menial work.

Almost 89% of the population are foreigners who have come for employment, they are happy to take on the poorly paid work here. They have a status that does not allow them to become citizens of this country, but they can pursue a career in the non-state sector. The UAE is considered one of the most liberal Arab powers. The population of the country, in proof of this thesis, is actively increasing.

Thus, less than every ninth person you meet in the Land of Sheikhs is its citizen. People from South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh) make up more than half of the inhabitants of the UAE. The population of the state is also represented by:

• other immigrants from Asia (Arab countries, Thailand, China, Philippines);
• Europeans, Americans, Australians;
• Africans.

Not all Arabs in this country are its citizens. After all, many of them are labor emigrants in the UAE. The Arab population of the Country of Emirs, in addition to the indigenous people, is represented by people from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, and Bedouins.

Note: labor emigrants are grateful to the sheikhs for human conditions at work and for a decent amount of wages.

Indigenous people

There are about 950 thousand indigenous people, i.e. citizens, in the country, they work in the public sector, and many of them have their own business. Thus, the sheikhs implemented the fundamental formula: the citizens of the country dispose of its wealth as civil servants. And they get a very decent salary.

An Arab citizen of the Land of Sheikhs is guaranteed to receive at least 4,000 dollars in his first job. He, if he graduates from high school, is already paid 10 thousand greens a month. This amount is not yet the limit. What our civil servants call categories and ranks, which, interspersed with diplomas, are awarded for diligent work, in the UAE translates into a significant increase in the salaries of civil servants.

The most successful powers in the performance of power functions receive (for comparison) salaries of the same order as the heads of major structural divisions of Gazprom.

The economic and political power of the sheikhs is based on the well-being of the subjects, generated by the fair distribution of the GDP of this country. The richest reserves of oil are in its bowels, and the wise rulers are able to reasonably share with their fellow citizens the proceeds from its sale, stimulate their progress.

society

For us, this would be a paradox: the activities of political parties and trade unions are prohibited in the state. However, in this aspect, there is also wisdom that says, "Do not open a door that you cannot close." After all, often parties (and in the West - trade unions) initiate destructive consequences in society. Slogans like "What to do?" and "Who's to blame?" sometimes a killer is released from a bottle of bloody gin. Sheikhs initially ruled out such a possibility. However, they did this, initially ensuring the steady progress of the state. This scheme is ideal if the monarch manages to create a socially responsible society. And it works in the UAE.

Emirates social politics paid directly by the sheikhs, and not with the help of "gray funds" from which dishonest intermediaries pull money. This shows the strategic wisdom of their rulers. Petrodollars are directly poured into health care, into education, which are free for the indigenous citizens of this country.

The local army is also financed from a separate fund, without prejudice to the welfare of the people.

Religion

Legal system and way of life public life defines the religion of Islam in the UAE. For the inhabitants of the Country of Emirs, the suras of the Koran leave a significant imprint on the state structure, social and cultural life. The five commandments of Islam are sacredly observed by Muslims.

Wherever there is an Arab - five times a day at the set time, the loudspeakers on the minarets call him to prayer. Business Muslims even install prayer applications on smartphones. Prayer rooms are equipped here and in supermarkets.

The laws of this Islamic state are based on the principles set forth in the Koran, and the Sharia court in the Land of Sheikhs also follows non-western classics - Roman law.

Citizens of this country celebrate the holidays of the UAE of two types: secular and related to religious tradition. The first few are:

• 1st of January - New Year.
• August 6 - Throne Day of Zayed Al Nahyan.
• December 12 is the day of the formation of the state.

Some religious holidays are associated with certain events in the life of the Prophet Mohammed:

• migration from Mecca;
• birth;
• ascension.

Others are defined by other Muslim traditions:

• associated with the holy month of Ramadan, with its fasting and pacification of passions;
• spring (navruz);
• sacrifices (Eid-al-Adha);
• sorrow (Ashura).

The most significant holidays for Muslims in the UAE are the day of breaking the fast after Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr), the day of sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) and, of course, the holy month of Ramadan itself.

Conclusion

Worthy of respect is the wisdom of the rulers of the UAE, which led their people to prosperity. The emirs do not seek to strengthen the country in order to conquer foreign lands and expand power. They do not dream of a "nuclear club". The rulers simply seek the well-being of their people, rationally using natural resources. They are connected with the Western world mainly by economics.

The GDP of the UAE is really wisely distributed. The indigenous population is stimulated by him in all spheres of their life, and labor migrants are grateful to the sheikhs for the grateful work and its conditions. There are no state-level thieves in the Land of Sheikhs. The seven wise emirs will not allow a cunning oligarch to appear thanks to their money.

This is an extremely interesting experience of Muslim rule, giving the population promising jobs and free social benefits.

Tatyana Solomatina

Country UAE: luxury in the desert

If you are going to visit the country for the first time, you just need to know the initial information, so I recommend that you read the article to the end.

UAE stands for United Arab Emirates. The name speaks for itself, the state consists of seven emirates. Abu Dhabi is the largest of them, its emir is the president of this country, and the city of Abu Dhabi is the capital of the state. The country of the UAE has good oil reserves, which is the main source of income for the country.

The UAE is located in the east of the Arabian Peninsula, partly washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. The main part of the country is occupied by the largest desert, Rub al-Khale. The northern and eastern regions are dominated by mountainous terrain.

The government has developed special program on the creation of green oases, which is being successfully implemented. In large cities, there is a lot of green vegetation brought here from municipal parks.

Climate

It is very hot in the UAE, there are often sandstorms. In summer, the air temperature is about +45 degrees, in winter +20 - +22 degrees. Precipitation is rare, mostly in winter. At night, the temperature drops slightly.

Population and religion

The UAE is a Muslim country with a population of 9 million people, while the indigenous population is only 11%. The rest of the residents are immigrants from Pakistan, India, Nepal and other countries who came here to work. Most of the people living here are not citizens of the state.

Language and currency

The official language of the UAE country is Arabic. However, many residents communicate in Hindi, Farsi and English. Due to the abundance of Russian tourists, the employees of some shops and hotels know a little Russian.

Since 1973, the official currency has been the dirham (Dh).

Visa

In order to enter the country, a visa is required and it is expensive. Moreover, the price directly depends on the time of stay in the country. A regular tourist visa for a trip up to 30 days will cost 8,000 rubles. The transit card is valid for 96 hours and costs 5,500 rubles.

Get the coveted stamp at the UAE Embassy (website http://www.uae-embassy.ru/rco01.htm), is possible only for holders of a diplomatic passport. Ordinary citizens draw up documents through visa centers, special services of airlines or use the help of a travel operator.

When processing documents, it should be borne in mind that single girls under 30 years old, unaccompanied by male relatives, will not be given permission to enter the country.

Important addition!

From February 1, 2017, citizens of the Russian Federation planning tourist trips to the United Arab Emirates do not need to apply for visas in advance.

Upon arrival at any airport in the UAE, citizens of the Russian Federation issue a visa on arrival for a period of 30 days free of charge. A visa can be extended once for 30 days by contacting the immigration department in the UAE in advance, for an additional fee.