The UAE-A Constellation of 7 Stars. 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
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world. It is the center of government and business life in the UAE, headquarters of the emirates oil operating companies and embassies are based here. The architecture of its modern buildings and sky scrapers is the finest in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi's oil wealth has been wisely utilized to encourage a healthy trade and commerce atmosphere apart from oil industries too. The promotion of tourism and various tourism related projects will elevate Abu Dhabi to a Singaporean status in the region. Large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, state-of-the-art communication services and transport, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, rich shopping malls, cultural centers and events provide tourists a one-of-a-kind experience all the year round.
Dubai
This is the second largest emirate in the U.A.E. Its total area is around 1000 square miles. The city of Dubai is divided by the famous Dubai creek or Khor. This natural harbour, and Dubai's strategic location on the international trading map has made it one of the world's leading trading and commercial centers. The 'Venice of the Arabian Gulf' is concentrated mainly on its exquisite creek, the finest natural shelter in 1600 km of coastline. Dubai-side, the original town, has substantial areas of old buildings, atmospheric alleyways, and suqs (markets) such as Sikket-El-Kheil. There is also a museum. The modern city is on the Deira-side of the creek, and is cosmopolitan and lively with many attractive gardens and first class shopping facilities, ranging from Western-style shops to the ancient suqs where spices, perfume, clothing, antiques, handicrafts and jewels are available. One-fifteth of the world's gold passes through Dubai by air or sea. There are outstanding sporting facilities in Dubai, including powerboat racing, water-skiing, snorkelling and ice-skating.It is a spectacular and varied wilderness of magnificent red dunes and stark mountains with pockets of green oases. It is possible to meet the nomadic Bedu folk, whose hospitality is famous, and to see the camel racing at dawn. Excursions include visits to Bedu villages and to the beautiful white sand dunes at Aweer, where there is a national park.
Sharjah
It is situated between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah interrupted by the small enclave of Ajman. Its coastline runs to approximately thirty kilometres along the Arabian Gulf. Sophisticated highways connect it to the other emirates. Sharjah was once part of a single emirate along with Ras Al Khaimah ruled by the Al Qawasim family. H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi took over as Ruler in 1972 - a scholar in History, he has been conferred with a Ph.D (Doctorate in Philosophy) for his outstanding work. Under his able guidance, Sharjah has made rapid progress. Today, it is known as the Cultural capital of the U.A.E. Sharjah is the headquarters for the UAE Authors' and Writers' Union which has over a hundred publications to its credit. Sharjah was also the first port in the entire middle east to possess fully equipped container facilities at the Sharjah Container Terminal. Its impressive port at Khorfakkan provides important facilities for ships that do not need to enter the Gulf. Sharjah is also the capital of Cricket in the U.A.E. It is now famous in the sub-continent and throughout the cricketing world as a major venue for One Day Internationals. Sharjah was one of the first emirates to promote tourism. The peaceful hamlets of Khorfakkan and Kalba are a major tourist attraction and provide a getaway from the hustle bustle of the city life.
Ajman
The Emirate of Ajman is situated on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, extending over a distance of 16 km, between the emirates of Umm Al-Quwain and Sharjah. The area of the emirate is 259 square kilometers, equivalent to 0.3% of the country's total area, excluding the islands. The town of Ajman, the capital of the emirate, lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It comprises the Ruler's office, companies, banks and commercial markets. The port of Ajman is located along a natural creek (Khor) which penetrates the town. The two major regions in the emirate are Masfout, an agricultural area, lying at a distance of 110 km long at the South east, and Manama located 60 km to the east.
Umm Al Quwain
It is situated between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah on the West coast. The traditional occupation of this emirate has been fishing and date cultivation. The Ruler of Umm Al Quwain is H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mu'alla. He succeeded his father in 1981. Umm Al Quwain's attraction lies in its long clean beaches, an enclosed lagoon and public horse riding stables. Located 50 kilometres south of Umm Al Quwain is Falaj Al Mulla, the agricultural part of the Emirate. Seneyah Island, one kilometre away from the town of Umm Al Quwain, is a natural reserve for a large species of birds, deer and Al Qaram trees. Now tourism in Umm Al Quwain will receive a further boost with "Dreamland" - the world's largest aquapark.
Ras Al Khaimah
It is the northern most emirate of the UAE. The Ruler since 1948 has been H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qassimi. Ras Al Khaimah's history extends into antiquity. Archeological excavations reveal that a settlement with an advanced civilization that carried on trade with the Indian sub-continent existed in this region. Later historical records cite that the town of Ras Al Khaimah , then known as Julfar, belonged to early Muslim Caliphs. In the 18th century, after the invasions of the Persians, Portuguese and the Dutch, it finally became a part of the Al Qawasim State. It was also once the center of the naval strength of the southern Gulf states. The traditional occupations of this emirate are mainly fishing, trading and agriculture which have been heavily modernized to meet the demands of the UAE's economy.
Fujairah
This holds a unique position in the UAE. It is the only emirate that lies on the eastern side of the UAE, along the Gulf of Oman, while all the six other emirates are along the Arabian Gulf. The Hajar mountain range that divides the UAE in two, from Ras Al Khaimah to Al Ain has kept Fujairah separated from the rest of the country. Fujairah's main occupation in the past were fishing and agriculture. Pearl fishing was non-existent because the waters of the Gulf of Oman were much deeper and colder than the Arabian Gulf, not suitable for the growth of pearl oysters. The Ruler of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, succeeded his father in 1974. He has ably administered the land and has been instrumental in the commissioning of several industries.
