United Arab Emirates

History• Trucial States

– Between 1892 and 1971, the British protected the Trucial states (Modern UAE) and ruled them to various degrees.

• Pearl Industry– The industry of the Trucial States was

primarily pearling.– This industry declined with the

invention of Japanese culture pearls, which destroyed the economy of the Trucial states and led to some poverty.

History• Independence

– In 1971, the British left the states and, under the leadership of the Sheikh Zayed bin Aultan Al Nahyan the United Arab Emirates was established.

• Creation of UAE– The seven Trucial States formed a government in which Sheikh Zayed, ruler of

Abu Dhabi, ruled as president.

Government• Rulers

– The UAE is divided into 7 Emirates which are ruled by hereditary monarchs. The country has a President and a Prime Minister who are the Sheikhs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively.

• Other parts of government– The Federal National Council is a semi-elected consulting body.

Economy

• Oil– In 1962, the Trucial States exported

their first barrel of oil and its exportation became the primary driver of the economy of the UAE.

• Diversification– Most of the Emirates, especially Dubai,

used their oil resources to diversify their economy to such a degree that 85% of the economy in 2009 was oil reliant.

– Other energy fields and tourism are large components of the diversification efforts.

Modern UAE• Abu Dhabi

– Abu Dhabi has the largest oil reserves of all the seven Emirates. It has also partnered with Museums such as the Louvre and Guggenheim as well as with the Cleveland Clinic.

• Dubai– The Emirate of Dubai has an increasing tourism industry and has such

sights as the Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest building) & the Burj al-Arab (7-Star Hotel).