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The United Arab Emirates www.schoollinksprogramme.org

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United Arab Emirates - UAE

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United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates can be abbreviated to the UAE or shorted to The Emirates Nationals of the UAE are called Emiratis The population is approximately 4 million The flag contains the Pan- Arab colours red, green, white and black, which symbolize Arabian unity The colours also have the following meanings: Green: fertility White: neutrality Black: Petroleum Red: strength and bravery

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UAE In 1971 the UAE was established when the British rulers withdrew. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the ruler The UAE is made up of 7 emirates Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ajman Ras al-Khaimah. The capital is Abu Dhabi, which is also the state's centre of political, industrial, and cultural activities

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Building a nation Between his accession in 1971 and his death in 2004 Sheikh Zayed transformed the UAE to an oil-rich developed nation Abu Dhabi has 95% of the UAE oil reserves. It has 9% of the world oil The UAE has 5% of the world natural gas reserves

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Bedouin Culture Prior to 1960 the majority of UAE inhabitants were Bedouin Bedu is the Arabic word from which the name Bedouin is derived It means "inhabitant of the desert" The Bedouins are a nomadic people who move from oasis to oasis raising camels, sheep or goats.

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Bedouin Culture in UAE today In most present day Arabic restaurants and hotels a majlis (or meeting place) is present. This practice has been handed down from the Bedouin chieftain of olden times.

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Pearl Industry Diving for pearls was an occupation for many in the first half of the 20 th century It is estimated that 1,200 pearling boats were engaged in the trade during the summer months in search of pearl-bearing oysters (lulu).

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Islam is the official religion of the UAE Friday is the holy day, most people will visit a mosque to pray A Muslim can pray up to 5 times a day The UAE constitution allows people to follow any religion Religion

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Acknowledgements Many thanks to the following artists, photographers, falconers and writers for images and text used in this PowerPoint : Andrew Lopez Sanchez Anna Zacharia Rob Palmer Andrew Lopez Peinado