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The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the Federal capital
and also the largest of the seven emirates covering more than 85 per cent
of land that constitutes the UAE. Its long coastline extends for more than
400 kilometres and was once the world's best waters for pearling and fishing.
In 1958, oil was first discovered here in commercial quantities. It holds
more than 80 per cent of UAE’s oil reserves and 11 per cent of world’s
reserve. This makes it by far the richest and most politically important
of the UAE's seven emirates.
Abu Dhabi - Foreigners get property ownership rights: GCC nationals and foreigners
have been granted new property rights in Abu Dhabi, as per amendments to the
existing laws issued by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al
Nahyan in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi emirate.
The Emirate of Dubai in the U.A.E. is one of the great
success stories internationally in the process of economic development.
Traditionally the trading hub of the Region, Dubai is now extending
its success into tourism and knowledge based industries. Testament
to Dubai's arrival on the international stage is hosting of the
prestigious IMF/World Bank meetings in September 2003.
Among the architectural wonders coming up in Dubai are: the
world's tallest building, largest mall, biggest theme park,
indoor ski resort, The Palm and The World (two mammoth man-made
islands that will be visible through aerial view), to mention just a
few. Whole clusters of villas and beachside apartment complexes are already
completed
or coming up: The Greens, The Meadows, The Springs, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches,
Jumeirah Beach Residence, The New Dubai, International Chess City, to mention
just a few.
The Emirate of Sharjah is situated between Dubai
and Ajman. Once part of a single emirate with Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah
is ruled by the Al Qasimi family.
The Emirate has some of the most interesting architecture in the country,
an archeological museum, numerous examples of traditional watchtowers,
a natural history museum and souks.
Sharjah comprises some important oases, the most famous of which is Dhaid
where a wide range of vegetables and fruits are cultivated on its rich
and fertile soil.
Khor Fakkan, one such tourism spot, provides Sharjah with
a major east coast
port.
The Emirate of Ajman is situated on the coast of the
Arabian Gulf, between the emirates of Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah.
It is a small emirate
in terms of its physical size, covering about 259 square kilometres,
which is equivalent to 0.3 per cent of the country's total area, excluding
the
islands.
The town of Ajman, the capital of the emirate, lies on the coast
of the Arabian Gulf and has an historic fort that has been recently
renovated housing a fascinating museum.
The Emirate Ras Al Khaimah is the furthest north of
the UAE's seven emirates and is in terms of population the fourth largest.
The emirate
is endowed with a wealth of natural
resources and occupies a prime position on some of the world's most important
trade routes. This location, together with its stunning landscape and endless
beaches, has ensured it has become a genuine attraction for tourists.
The city
of Ras Al Khaimah, the capital of the emirate, is divided into two parts
by a water gill named Khour Ras Al Khaimah. The western part is known
as the Old Ras Al Khaimah and the eastern part, known as Al Nakheel.
The two parts are connected via a large bridge built across Al Khour that
facilitates traffic between them.
Recently, Ras Al Khaimah began an ambitious phase of development including
investments in infrastructure improvement, tourism, shopping, and efforts
to attract industrial and commercial enterprises.
The Emirate Fujairah has developed a stable, well balanced
and diversified economy assisted by its strategic geographical position
that provides easy access to international shipping routes. It is the
only emirate that lies on the eastern side of the UAE, along the Gulf
of Oman,
while the others are along the Arabian Gulf.
Fujairah’s main industries in the past were fishing and agriculture.
Pearl diving was non-existent because the waters of the Gulf of Oman
are deeper and colder than the Arabian Gulf, and unsuitable for the
growth of
pearl oysters.
Its Ruler, His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi,
realised the potential of Fujairah’s geographical importance and
utilised it to make Fujairah one of the most important ports for container
ships
and livestock
shipping companies.
The emirate of Umm Al Quwain is located on the western
coast of the UAE, with Sharjah to the west and Ras Al Khaimah to the east.
The total area of the emirate is equivalent to one per cent of the country's
total area. It is ruled by His Highness Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmad Al Mu’alla,
who came to power in 1981.
The city of Umm Al Quwain, capital of the Emirate,
houses the Ruler's office, administrative and commercial centres, the
main port and a Mariculture Research
Centre.
The Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and Free Zone located in Umm Al Quwain offers great
incentives to investors.
Language: Arabic (official); English is also predominant
Religion: Islam
Currency: Dirhams
Exchange: Rate:$1 = Dhs 3.6
Climate: Winter 15-25C Summer 27-45C
Time Zone: GMT +4 hrs
Added
Benefit: Tax Free
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