Property frontiers

United Arab Emirates:
Country Guide

united arab emirates - general country guide

Sample

Map

^{Source:
CIA World Factbook}

Summary Data

summary data
Total Area (km²)	83,600
Land (km²)	83,600
Water (km²)	0
Population	4,621,399
Population Density (/km²)	55
Capital	Abu Dhabi
Religion (%)	Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Other (includes Christian, Hindu) 4%
Time	GMT +4
Climate	Desert; cooler in eastern mountains.

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Geography

A unique amalgamation of mountains, beaches, deserts, oases and thriving city centres, the seven state United Arab Emirates sits along the Arabian Peninsular. Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain comprise the UAE, each bringing to it their own individual influence. As the biggest state, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the federation whilst Dubai is undoubtedly the most well known, commercialised and developed state.

Government

The United Arab Emirates is a federation with power split between the UAE federal government and the rulers of the seven emirates. The chief of state is President Khalifa bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan. There is a federal court system that all emirates have joined, apart from Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah. All emirates use both secular and Islamic law in all levels of court proceedings.

Language

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu.

Electricity

220V, 50Hz. Plugs are of two varieties: the rounded two prong, or the squared three prong similar to the English variety.

Passports/Visa

All visitors should have a valid return travel ticket and a passport valid for a minimum period of three months for tourists, and six months for those seeking employment.

Visas

Passport holders of certain countries do not require a visa to enter the UAE for business or tourist visits of up to 30 days (can be extended up to 90 days upon request). Check the website for details of which countries are included in this list.

Passport/Visa Information

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates,

30 Princes Gate,

London, SW7 1PT

Tel : 0044 (0) 207 581-1281

Fax : 0044 (207) 581-9616

http://www.uaeembassyuk.net/

Airports and Airlines

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Location: Dubai
Time: GMT +4
Contacts: + 9714 2162525
Transfer between terminals: Airport shuttle service between terminals 1 and 2. A bus service is also available.
Transfer to the city: 24 hour taxi service is available to and from the city. The taxi rank is located in the arrivals terminal. Bus service linking airport with most popular city areas.
Car rental: Many rental companies to chose from, located in terminal 1, arrivals.
Facilities: Option of 25 food and drink outlets, shopping and duty free, 5* on-site hotel, banking and business facilities, internet services, medical centre, prayer rooms, dedicated special needs facilities.
Parking: Various parking facilities available.
Website: http://www.dubaiairport.com/dia/english/home/

The construction of a new airport in Dubai has been announced, named the Dubai World Central International Airport with completion planned for 2017. It will be the fourth largest airport in terms of size and will be able to accommodate the new Airbus A380.

Standard of Living

The people of the UAE enjoy a high standard of living thanks to the wealth that oil exportation brings. For most the of the year the emirates enjoy agreeable weather and the year round sunshine is one of the many reasons the country receives as many daily visitors as it does. The summer months, however, can become unbearable. Infrastructure within the cities is very good. According to the Mercer Human Resource Consulting's 2007 Worldwide Quality of Living Survey the UAE performed well on a global scale, with both Abu Dhabi and Dubai ranking higher than London and Prague in terms of health and cleanliness. The emirates tend to be a very tolerant culture as long as due respect is paid, and women are not restricted in any part of daily life.