Population

The population of the United Arab Emirates is estimated to be more than 4.0 million. Major ethnic groups include Arab , Pakistani , India , Iranian , Afghan , Bangladeshi and Filipino. The population growth rate at persent is 5.5 percent per year.

Geographic Location

T he United Arab Emirates is located in the middel of the Arabian Gulf north of the equator between latitudes 22 26.30 and longitudes 51 56.30 east of Greenwich mean time (GMT) It is borderd from the North by the Arabian Gulf and from the West by the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and from the South by Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and from the East by the Gulf of Oman. The strategic geographical location of U.A.E to the east of the Arab world is very important for the security and stability of this vital part of the Arab world The total area of the country is 83600 Sq.km .

Political System:

Established in 1971 by ex president H.H Sheikh; Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan , the UAE is a federation of seven emirates , In accordance with the UAE Constitution, the seven emirates rulers comprise a Federal Supreme Council, the highest legislative and excutive body , The Council selects a president and Vice president from its membership , the president in turn appoints the Prime Minister and the Cabinet . On 2 November 2004 Sheikh Zayed passed in his late eighties and had been Ruler of Abu Dhabi since 1966 .He was succeeded as Ruler of Abu Dhabi by his eldest son and Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,who on 3 November , was also elected unanimously by the Supreme Council of Rulers of the UAE as the country's second president ..

•  Ruler of Dubai and UAE Vice president and prime Minister is HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

•  Ruler of Sharjah is H H Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi

•  Ruler of Ra'as Al Khaimah is HH Sheikh Saqer bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,

•  Ruler of Ajman is H H Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi

•  Ruler of Umm Al Quwain is HH Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mu'alla is

•  Ruler of Fujairah HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi

Local Time : GMT + 4 hours

Currency : U.A.E. Dirhem (AED)

Dh.100=100 fils

$ 1.00=Dhs. 3.67

Public Holidays

Jan 1st New Years Day

Eid Al Adha

Al Hijrah new Year

The Holy Prophet s Birthday

Aug 6th Accession , Ruler of Abu Dhabi

Lailat Al Mi raj

Dec 2nd National Day

Eid Al Fitr

Language : The Language of business is English and Arabic

Transportation : Taxis are common and inexpensive .Limousine services are also available .

Working hours : The regular working days for local government department is from Saturday to Wednesday . W orking hours 7:30 - 2:30 commercial offices from 8-1 and from 4:00 8:00 .