If you are considering a move to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are some things you should know. Whilst the UAE is located in the Middle East, the majority of the population (4.1Million) is foreign, and the prevalent business language is English. The local population of Emirates represent just 20% of the population, the remainder of the population made up of Europeans, Arabs and Asians. The local language is Arabic.
The UAE comprises seven Emirates including: Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ajman. Business and administrative activities are primarily focused within Abu Dhabi, as are the foreign embassies. By comparison, the vibrant city of Dubai is known for its trade and high profile sporting events.
Geography
The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is located in the Middle East, in the south eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar and Saudi Arabia are to the west, Saudi Arabia and Oman to the south, Oman to the east, and the Arabian Gulf to the north. The U.A.E. has an area of approximately 84,000 square kilometres.
The United Arab Emirates is a confederation of seven sheikhdoms, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ajman. Abu Dhabi is by far the largest making up over 80% of the country. Dubai is the second largest and regarded as the business centre. The U.A.E. was established on December 2, 1971 following Great Britain’s withdrawal from the Arabian Gulf’s coastal region.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai, are 160 kilometers apart (100 miles). Abu Dhabi, the more sedate city of the two, is the country’s capital and administrative centre it is also the centre for the administration of oil and gas operations. Dubai, with its slightly faster pace of life, has acquired international acclaim thanks to its trade-related achievements, tourism and world class sporting events.
The U.A.E. is one of the Gulf Co-operation Council states.