Introduction
The United Arab Emirates
(UAE) consists of the seven small emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras
Al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, and Fujairah, which were united as a federal
state on 2nd December 1971. In the modern community of Nations, UAE has emerged
over few years as the rising economy attracting the world over investors and
Entrepreneurs with their huge investments, generating employment opportunities
and boosting robust economic growth.
Before the
establishment of the oil economy in the early 1960s, the Emirates culture
consisted of nomadic desert-oriented Bedouins with small oasis farming within
the broader context of the desert economy and culture, and the sea-oriented culture that revolved around pearling and sea trading. The greater and higher
interdependence of these two subcultures politically, socially, economically,
created a common culture and social identity of UAE, which is now known to the
outer world. The UAE shares significant aspects of its culture with neighboring
Arab countries and the larger Arab culture.
Location and geography
UAE shares its land borders
with Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. It has an area of 32,278 square miles
(83,600 square kilometers) and is located on the Arabian (Persian) Gulf.
The seven emirates vary
greatly in size. Abu Dhabi represents 85 percent of the land, and the smallest
emirate is Ajman. Each emirate is named after its capital city and Abu Dhabi The city is the permanent capital of the nation. The inland area is mostly desert
with a few oases, and the barren Hajar Mountains run through the country. The
UAE has a dry climate with very high temperatures and humidity in the summer.
Demography
The UAE has a population, estimated at 9.77 million as on
2019 made up of 72% males and 28% females. The Expatriates make up the majority of the population. Before 1970, the local population was tiny (estimated at eighty-six
thousand in 1961) and lacked most of the technical skills needed for a modern
society.
The commercial production
of oil triggered rapid population growth as a result of an increase in the
national population from improvements in diet, health care, and living
standards and the importation on a large scale of mostly male foreign laborers
changed the demography of UAE leading to a multiethnic society accounting for
majority of foreign Nationals. This has also created an imbalanced population
composition in favor of males.
About two-thirds of the
immigrants are Asians, mainly from India, Pakistan, Iran, Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The remainder are Arabs, Europeans, and
Americans.
Linguistic Affiliation
The official language is
Arabic. Among the immigrant population, English, Hindi, Urdu, Farsi, and
Filipino is spoken. English is the language of commerce that is widely
written and used in international business relations. This diversity of
languages has made it attractive for business people.
Symbolism.
National Day symbolizes one
of the most successful experiments in unity in the modern Arab world. The main
metaphor is that of the family, with the president referred to as a father. The
colors of the national flag—green, red, white, and black—are shared with other
Arab countries. Other cultural symbols are the falcon, camel, Arabian horse,
pearling boat, coffee pot, and date palm. They are used to invoke a historical
community that survived harsh conditions and now enjoys the benefits of unity
and prosperity. These emblems appear on banknotes, coins, and stamps.
Historical Emergence
Before 1971, the seven
emirates were collectively known as the Trucial States, a name that originated
from maritime agreements between the British and the leading sheiks of the
tribes inhabiting the southern coast between Qatar and Oman in the first half
of the nineteenth century. The economic life of the UAE depended heavily on
pearl diving and sea trade in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. This led to the
settlement of different ethnic groups from countries along the trade routes, such
as Iran and India. Trade activities with east Africa led to the importation of
Africans as laborers in the pearling industry in the late nineteenth century.
The African and Iranian ethnic populations have been fully integrated as
citizens.
Urbanization
Before 1960, the only
settlements were small towns and villages. Oil resources have enabled massive
modernization and transformed society. Towns have been converted from mud-walled communities into commercial
capitals integrated into the global economy
Urbanization has been characterized by unparalleled growth. Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world. UAE cities have been heavily influenced by the global city type. Dominant urban features include skyscrapers in the commercial city centers, multistory residential buildings, large shopping malls, wide boulevards, an extensive network of highways, and sprawling new suburbs.
The cities have a
multiethnic composition, with segregated housing areas for nationals and immigrants. Housing is subdivided further according to class, social power,
ethnicity, and nationality.
To create a balance between
their global and local aspects, municipalities have adopted policies
projecting Arab-Islamic architectural design, particularly arched windows,
gates, and decorative stucco. Recently, more urban settings have exhibited
decorative designs with local themes related to the national heritage.
Preservation of the urban heritage also is seen in the renovation of old forts,
palaces, souks (marketplaces), and mosques. Date palm trees, symbols of the
local culture, have been planted extensively along city roadsides.
Food and economy
After the 1970s, food which
earlier consisted mainly of fish, rice, bread, dates, yogurt, homegrown
vegetables and meat from sheep, goats, and camels have improved in quality and variety, with modern
supermarkets offering imported foods also cater to the food needs of
majority of foreign nationals residing there.
Lunch is the main family
meal and is eaten at home at around two o'clock. It usually consists of fish,
rice, meat, and a vegetable dish. Many Emiratis prefer the traditional style of
eating with the right hand. There are strict Muslim taboos against pork and
alcohol, and meat must be slaughtered according to the Islamic halal method.
Emiratis are known for
their hospitality; they feel honored when receiving guests and socializing with
friends and relatives. Guests are welcomed with coffee and fresh dates. Incense
is passed around so that guests can catch the fragrance in their headwear. With
the influx of the immigrant population, restaurants have come up offering a wide variety of ethnic foods, and with it, International chains of fast-food restaurants have also emerged and become
popular.
Income is among the highest
in the world, but there are large differences between the emirates, with Abu
Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah producing the most oil. The other emirates have
benefitted from oil wealth through the federal welfare system and employment in
state institutions.
The large-scale
diversification of industry has led to
the growth of construction, commerce, free trade zones, transportation,
tourism, farming, fisheries, and communications owing to timely effective, and
proactive Government policies in the wake of declining oil prices. The rapid
development of these sectors has reduced the nation's dependence on oil. In
2018, the gross domestic product was estimated at $414 Billion, which accounts
70 percent from the nonoil sector. The national currency name is called the
Emirian Dirham. The UAE is the third-largest exporter of crude oil and gas in
the Gulf. It is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OPEC).
Social Stratification
Citizens account for 10
percent of the total labor force. Almost all nationals (99 percent) work in the
state sector because of the attractive benefits and are employed mainly in
nontechnical jobs in education, the army, the police, and the civil service.
They also own all Emirati businesses. Immigrants are employed in both the
public and private sectors in manual, technical, and professional occupations.
Emirati society is divided
into two social categories: the nationals (Al-Muwateneen ) and the foreign immigrants,
referred to as the incomers ( Al-Wafedeen ). Citizens are subdivided into four
main social classes: (1) the ruling sheik families, whose members hold the
highest political positions and power and have immense wealth and prestige, (2)
the merchant class, known as al-Gujjar, traditionally pearling merchants who
now sell international consumer goods, (3) the new middle class, represented by
increasing numbers of professionals who have benefitted from free state
education, and (4) the low-income groups, represented by newly settled Bedouin
nomads and former pearl divers and oasis farmers.
Among the immigrants there
are hierarchical groups that receive different economic and social rewards: (1)
top professionals and technocrats with international contracts, who earn high
salaries and other benefits, (2) middle-range professionals such as school
teachers, skilled technicians, and company salesmen, and (3) low-paid
semi-skilled and unskilled workers, primarily Asian. In general, nationals are
a privileged minority, and benefit from state laws and business regulations.
The symbol of a male national as a distinct social category is seen most visibly in the traditional dress of a white robe ( candor ) and white head cloth ( ghutrah ) with a black rope ( aqal ). Men grow short beards and mustaches. Women wear long dresses with a headcover ( hijab ) and black cloak ( abaya )
Political Life
The UAE has a federal government that made up of several organs: the president and his deputy, the
Supreme Council, the cabinet, the Federal National Council, and an independent
judiciary with a federal supreme court. The Supreme Council has both
legislative and executive powers and includes the rulers of the seven emirates.
The cabinet consists of ministers drawn mainly from the ruling families of the
emirates.
The fact that the
traditional tribal system of government each emirate was based on similar
political principles facilitated the establishment of the UAE. The hereditary dynastic family rule still operates in each emirate like a local government
system under the umbrella of the federal system. Members of the ruling families
occupy the most important positions in their political administrations. While
the political system continues to retain some of its traditional values at
formal and informal levels, it has been able to keep pace with economic and
social change. The sheiks are highly regarded for performing the dual roles of
modernizers and guardians of the cultural heritage. They still have traditional
majlis where citizens have access to their leaders.
Gender-specific role
Modern economic roles and
social status reflect both change and continuity for women. Schools and
universities are segregated, and the levels of enrollment of girls and their
performance are impressive. In higher education, female students outnumber
males two to one. However, women's participation in the labor force remains one
of the lowest in the world at 6 percent in 1990. Despite new employment
opportunities, most women opt for marriage and raising children. UAE society
places a high value on those roles. Conservative cultural attitudes lead women
to seek jobs that do not involve mixing with men or commuting far from home.
Subsequently, most women are employed in education, health, and civil service.
Official statements affirm
that men and women have equal rights and opportunities to advance themselves
and the nation, yet patriarchy as a generalized ideology is still visible in
social life. Men continue to receive employment preferences in high state
administration and private businesses. Women do not play a significant role in
politics and religious life, as these areas are considered male domains.
Marriage and
Family
Arranged endogamous
marriage within the kinship (tribal) units was the preferred pattern in the
pre-oil period, but this pattern has changed somewhat. Individuals now have
greater choice, yet many nationals still prefer arranged marriages. Emiratis
are strongly discouraged from marrying nonnationals, and a young man receives
$19,000 from the Marriage Fund if he marries a national. As prescribed by
Islam, a man is allowed up to four wives, but most men have only one wife.
The traditional household
unit of the extended family has been undermined, as over 80 percent of national
households live as nuclear families in their own houses. Large families are
encouraged by the state as a national policy, and family size is six to eight
children. The husband's authority is declining, while the wife is gaining
importance as a mother and the manager of the domestic unit. On average, each
household employs two live-in domestic servants, usually Asian.
UAE society is family- and
kin-oriented. Tribal kinship units play a significant role in social
identification and one's standing in the community. Most families prefer to
live in the same neighborhood as their kin.
Socialization
Children are showered with
care, affection, and physical contact. They are raised to be respectful toward
their parents and elders and grow up to be skilled in interaction with a large
number of relatives. There is a tolerant attitude toward children's behavior.
Most families employ maids to share child caretaking, and this has introduced a
foreign cultural element to child socialization, although a maid's influence is
viewed as negative. The school system has undertaken a greater role in
children's socialization, significantly reducing the family's role in this
process.
The government views higher
education as a major instrument for development. The UAE has one of the highest
ratios of students entering higher education in the world. There are seven
universities and eleven higher colleges of technology.
Moralities and Islamic Religion
Islam is the dominant
religion in the UAR, so mosques can be found everywhere. It dominates all
aspects of life. Most Emirates are members of the Sunni sect. Matters relating
to marriage, divorce, inheritance, economics, politics, and personal conduct
are affected by Sharia (Islamic) law.
Emarites are tolerant
toward other religions, and immigrants of other faiths are allowed to have
their own places of worship. Large numbers of Asian and Arab immigrants also
follow Islam.
The main Muslim religious
ritual is prayer five times a day. This requires Vodou (ablution) for
purification. Usually, people go to the nearest mosque or pray at home. The
rituals involved in the pilgrimage ( Haj ) to Mecca are the most elaborate. One
must remove the shoes before entering a mosque. In large mosques, there are
separate areas for women.
Social customs are shared throughout the Gulf Arab countries derived from basic tenets of Islam. An Islamic greeting ( al-salam Alaykum )is the most appropriate, and men follow this with a quick nose-to-nose touch while shaking hands. Women greet each other by kissing several times on both cheeks. Men normally do not shake hands with women in public. It is customary to ask about the health of a person and his or her family several times before beginning the light conversation. Refreshments usually are served before serious matters are discussed.
It is customary not to use
first names but to say "father or mother of (oldest son)." Respect
and courtesy are shown to elders, and in their presence young men are expected
to listen more and speak less. Sex segregation is still evident in social life.
Men are entertained in the majlis (large living rooms, often with a separate
entrance), while women entertain friends in the home. It is customary to take
off one's shoes before entering a private house.
Emirates stand close to
each other when interacting. It is acceptable for men or women to hold hands.
The presence of many ethnic groups has led Emiratis to be tolerant of other
social customs, yet they remain conscious of their own customs as markers of
cultural identity.
Medicine and Health Care
After the emergence of
modern city-states of UAE, modern health care system with numerous hospitals,
primary health care centers, and private clinics staffed primarily by
immigrants, With improved diet and health care, life expectancy is now
seventy-two years, and there has been a reduction in infant mortality. The
extended family provides its sick members with support in the form of frequent
hospital visits, and traditional medical practices are still used to deal with
mental illnesses. All this has replaced years old few hospitals, and the
populations' reliance on traditional folk medicine. Cautery, bloodletting, and
the common use of herbs, and a religious teacher ( muttawe ) dealt with cases
of mental illness. Life expectancy was around forty-five years which is now
seventy-two.
Secular Celebrations
The UAE national day, 2
December is the most important secular celebration. Cities are decorated with
colored lights, and folklore troops perform in heritage villages. 1 January is
a holiday but is not celebrated by nationals. Expatriate communities celebrate
their own religious and secular holidays.
Arts, Humanities and Literature
The state generously
supports writers, painters, actors, and folk dancers. Sharjah is particularly
active in promoting culture and was chosen by UNESCO as the Arab Cultural
Capital in 1998. The oral tradition remains strong, particularly storytelling
and poetry, and most state events are accompanied by poetry readings. Written
literature is increasing in popularity.
Conservative elements of society still impede women's participation in performance arts. In 1999,
the first college for theater arts opened in Sharjah. Emiratis rely on theater
and television programs produced in other Arab countries.
New Horizon of UAE
UAE has the second-largest economy in the Arab world (after Saudi Arabia),[26] with a gross domestic
product (GDP) of USD 414 billion (AED 1.52 trillion) in 2018.[27] A third of
the GDP is from oil revenues.[26] The economy was expected to grow 4–4.5% in
2013, compared to 2.3–3.5% over the previous five years. The UAE's economy is
one of the most open worldwide.
Although UAE has the most
diversified economy in the GCC. The UAE government has worked towards reducing
the economy's dependence on oil exports by 2030.[34] Various projects are
underway to help achieve this, the most recent being the Khalifa Port, which opened
in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi at the end of 2012. The UAE has also won the right
to host the World Expo 2020, which is believed to have a positive effect on
future growth.
Over the decades, the
Emirate of Dubai has started to look for additional sources of revenue.
High-class tourism and international finance continue to be developed. In line
with this initiative, the Dubai International Financial Centre was announced,
offering 55.5% foreign ownership, no withholding tax, freehold land, and office
space, and a tailor-made financial regulatory system with laws taken from best
practice in other leading financial centers like New York, London, Zürich and
Singapore. A new stock market for regional companies and other initiatives were
announced in DIFC. Dubai has also developed the Internet and Media free zones,
offering 100% foreign ownership, no tax office space for the world's leading
ICT and media companies, with the latest communications infrastructure to
service them. Many of the world's leading companies have now set up branch
offices, and even changed headquarters to, there.
Recent liberalization in
the property market allowing noncitizens to buy freehold land has resulted in
a major boom in the construction and real estate sectors, with several
signature developments such as the 2 Palm Islands, the World (archipelago),
Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and several other developments,
offering villas and high-rise apartments, and office space. Emirates (part of
the Emirates Group) was formed by the Dubai Government in the 1980s and is
presently one of the few airlines to witness strong levels of growth. Emirates
is also the largest operator of the Airbus A380 aircraft. Also, to
find new ways of sustaining the national economy, the UAE has made
progress in installing new, sustainable methods of generating electricity. This
is evidenced by various solar energy initiatives at Masdar City and by other
renewable energy developments in parts of the country.
Besides, the UAE is
starting to see the emergence of local manufacturing as a new source of economic
development, examples of significant government-led investments such as Strata
in the aerospace industry, under Mubadala are successful, while there are also
small scale entrepreneurial ventures picking up, such as Zarooq Motors in the
automotive industry.
In short, UAE is fastly
emerging growth economy oriented towards development through ever new
initiatives and land of welcome for all foreign nationals with increased
potential for business development and creating greater employment opportunities
with all the due respect and regard for practicing religious beliefs and
cultural, social, and economic cohesion.
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