COUNTRY

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates or states, each with its own unique character and personality but yet united with a common goal and destiny. The seven emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The Federation was formed on 2 December, 1971 and every year the 2nd of December is celebrated as the National Day throughout the country.

The official language of the UAE is Arabic. Other major languages spoken are English, Hindi, Farsi and Malayalam. A large number of the expatriate population are from the sub-continent, and Iran. Expatriates from Philippines, Russia and China have also made U.A.E. as their base and hence Tagalog, Russian and Chinese are also spoken. United Arab Emirates provides a beautiful blend of the East and West. The Eastern culture with the Western outlook is what has enabled the country to be one of the fastes developing country in the world.

GEOGRAPHY

The UAE is strategically located on the trade routes between Asia and Europe and by building a fine tradition of being a good host and trade partner since time immemorial, U.A.E. has been able to develop into a very modern country and achieve one of the highest per capita income in the world. All these in a short span of 35 years. The credit for this all-round development goes to the wise Rulers of the Country. The foresight and vision shown by them has transformed this desert country into an oasis of opportunities, which has resulted in the prosperity.

The United Arab Emirates is situated in the Eastern part of the Arab World. It overlooks the Gulf of Oman to the East and the Persian Gulf to the North. The Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is linked by the Hormuz Strait. Its neighboring countries are Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman and Qatar.

ECONOMY

United Arab Emirates is a vibrant and growing economy. Enjoying a tax free environment for all its residents (both nationals and expatriates), the U.A.E has imposed taxes on only a handful of industries, one of which is banking. Apart from the tax free environment, several Free Trade Zones have also been set-up to enable global business houses to enjoy a free and unrestricted business environment.

Oil revenue plays a prominent role in the contribution to the national economy, along with trading (both wholesale and retail trade). In recent years, several other industries like, construction, tourism, airlines, media houses, software development, manufacturing, ship-building, freight and forwarding, and financial markets have started gaining momentum and their contribution to the national economy is rising, thereby making the country less dependant on oil.