UAE Expat Life

History

2009-08-10T03:25:00.000-07:00

I can bore you with the whole history of the UAE, but let us jump to the important stuff.

There is proof suggesting that humans have lived in the UAE since 5,500 BCE. In the early 1960 when oil was discovered, the UAE was under British "control." Primarily in reaction to the ambitions of other European countries, the United Kingdom and the Trucial Sheikhdoms established closer bonds in an 1892 treaty, similar to treaties entered into by the UK with other Persian Gulf principalities. The sheikhs agreed not to dispose of any territory except to the United Kingdom and not to enter into relationships with any foreign government other than the United Kingdom without its consent. In return, the British promised to protect the Trucial Coast from all aggression by sea and to help in case of land attack. (Source wikipedia)

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became president in 1966 and seeking independence started giving out business to other countries (rightfully so) which basically led to the British canceling their security agreement in 1968.

Then 7 of the Trucial Sheikdoms clubbed together and created the UAE.

UAE Location Map

2009-08-09T00:35:00.000-07:00

Map by http://www.wordtravels.com/

The UAE

2009-08-09T00:16:00.000-07:00

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East on the Persian Gulf. The UAE borders Oman in the east and Saudi Arabia to the west.

The UAE consists of seven states, reffered to as emirates, which are:
1.) Abu Dhabi
2.) Dubai
3.) Sharjah
4.) Ajman
5.) Umm al-Quwain
6.) Ras al-Khaimah
7.) Fujairah

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the second largest city next to Dubai.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi etc. is frequently refferred to as countries which is incorrect.

They are seperate states which forms part of the the country called the United Arab Emirates. Just like Texas is a state of the United States of America, so is Dubai a state (emirate) of the UAE.

About the author

2009-07-30T01:59:00.000-07:00

I originally came to the UAE in 2002 on a two year contract and nearly 7 years later I’m still here. It has been a bitter sweet ride but one well worth the experience. In my time here I have learned to "navigate" my way around this very interesting place and I would be honoured to share my experience with you.