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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formed as a federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain), which came together as one state on the 2nd of December 1971. The federal capital of UAE is Abu Dhabi and it is ruled by the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

UAE Timeline

1760 The Baniyas Tribe finds fresh water on the island of Abu Dhabi and decides to settle there.
1790 The Old Fort is built (also known as the White Fort).
1820 Britain and local rulers sign a treaty to combat piracy along the Gulf coast. From this, and later agreements, the area becomes known as the Trucial Coast.
1892 Deal between the Trucial States and Britain gives Britain control over foreign affairs and each emirate control over internal affairs.
1948 Sheikh Saqr Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi becomes Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
1950 Oil is discovered.
1952 The seven emirates form a Trucial Council.
1958 Oil production begins on Das Island.
1961 Abu Dhabi’s first paved road is constructed.
1962 Oil is exported for the first time from Abu Dhabi.
1966 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan takes over as Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Dubai struck oil.
1968 As independence looms, Bahrain and Qatar join the Trucial States. Differences cause the union to crumble in 1971.
1971 Britain withdraws from the Gulf. The UAE joins the Arab League. Iran occupies the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.
1972 Ras Al Khaimah joins the federation. Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi becomes Ruler of Sharjah. Federal National Council (FNC) is created; it is a 40 member consultative body appointed by the seven rulers.
1973 The UAE launches a single currency, the UAE dirham.
1974 Sheikh Hamad Bin Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Sharqi becomes Ruler of Fujairah.
1981 UAE is a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council; its first summit is held in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla becomes Ruler of Umm Al Quwain. Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaymi becomes Ruler of Ajman.
1986 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan is re-elected as UAE president for his fourth term. Abu Dhabi Duty Free opens.
1987 Attempted coup in Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi abdicates in favour of his brother after admitting financial mismanagement but is reinstated by the Supreme Council of Rulers.
1990 Sheikh Rashid Bin Said Al Maktoum dies and is succeeded by his son Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as ruler of Dubai and UAE vice-president.
1991 UAE forces join the allies against Iraq after the invasion of Kuwait.
1992 Iran angers the UAE by saying visitors to Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb must have Iranian visas.
1996 Iran fuels the dispute over Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb by building an airport on Abu Musa and a power station on Greater Tunb.
1998 UAE restores diplomatic relations with Iraq; they were severed at the outbreak of the 1991 Gulf War.
1999 Gulf Cooperation Council backs the UAE in its dispute with Iran over Greater and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.
2024 Etihad, Abu Dhabi’s official airline, is launched.
2024 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan dies and is succeeded as ruler of the UAE by his son, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Emirates Palace Hotel opens in Abu Dhabi.
2024 Sheikh Khalifa announces plans for the UAE’s first elections. Half of the members of the consultative Federal National Council will be elected by a limited number of citizens.
2024 Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE PM and vice-president and ruler of Dubai, dies during a visit to Australia. He is succeeded by his brother, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Political storm in the US forces state-owned Dubai Ports World to relinquish control of terminals at six major American ports. Critics of the ports deal feared an increased risk of terrorist attack, saying the UAE was home to two of the 9/11 hijackers. Economic changes announced. They include bringing the days of the official weekend into line with Western nations, introducing laws to reduce the dependence on foreign workers and allowing labourers to form trade unions. First-ever national elections are held. A small number of hand-picked voters choose half of the members of the Federal National Council.
2024 UAE unveils a national development strategy aimed at making it a world leader. Dubai and Qatar become the two biggest shareholders of the London Stock Exchange, the world’s third largest stock exchange.

Important Information About the UAE

Climate
The climate in the United Arab Emirates is sub-tropical and arid. During summer (April to September) the weather is hot (around 50 degrees C) and extremely humid. At other times the humidity is less and the temperature generally ranges from 20-35 degrees C. Rainfall is infrequent and usually occurs between November and March, with an average annual rainfall of 152mm (6 in.). There can be occasional sandstorms from the desert and some winter mornings bring fog, although this usually dissipates fairly quickly.

Abu Dhabi Temperature
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Mean 18.4 19.6 22.4 26.4 30.8 32.7 34.6 34.9 32.5 28.8 24.4 20.3
Mean Max. 24.6 26.0 29.0 34.5 39.2 41.4 41.8 43.2 40.6 36.6 31.0 27.0
Mean Min 13.4 14.3 16.5 19.5 23.1 25.7 28.4 29.1 26.4 22.5 18.5 15.2

Humidity in Abu Dhabi is highest in the winter months, averaging 69 percent in December and 67 percent in January, falling to a low of 49 percent in May and an average of 53 percent in June through August.

Population
The United Arab Emirates has a population of 4.4 million with the population of Abu Dhabi having grown by a compounded average of 4.57% annually between 2024 and 2024. A similar growth is expected in Abu Dhabi until 2024, when the emirate’s population is forcasted to reach over 1.75 million.

In addition to the locals, the population figures include many expatriate residents that live and work in the emirate. Across the UAE, Emirati nationals comprise roughly 20% of total population, while expatriate workers’ nationalities include Asians, Africans, Europeans as well as from both North and Latin Americas.

Culture, Lifestyle and Traditions
The Islamic religion governs all aspects of the society in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the Emirates from the local dress to the method in which financial affairs are conducted.

Local men wear their traditional dress called a Dishdasha, which is an ankle-length, collarless gown that is usually white along with a headdress called a guthra. The local women wear a black Abaya over their clothing and some elderly married women wear the burkha, which is a special facial covering when they are in public.

Visitors are free to dress according to their personal choice but it is recommended to dress sensibly; in public venues women should not wear short skirts and should keep their shoulders covered. Lightweight summer clothing is ideal with a wrap, sweater or jacket for cooler winter nights and air- conditioned premises.

It is custom for Emaratis to be warm, extremely hospitable and respectful. It is common for them to offer their guests refreshments or to invite them for a meal during a visit and it is considered rude to decline.

Openly admiring an object in the host’s house renders him or her honor-bound to present the same as a gift to the guest, which begets a gift of similar value from the guest at a later stage.

Sport
The UAE hosts many of the world’s major events in a wide range of sports, from horse raising to motor racing, golf, tennis, football, rugby, cricket, sailing, powerboat racing and almost every other competitive sport.

Aside from the international circuit events, the UAE has a healthy indigenous sporting environment with the local community participating in a wide variety of clubs and establishments.

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum led the UAE team to win the gold medal in the skeet event at the Asian Shooting Championships in September 2024.

The Emirates’ other key sports sponsorships include the GB£100 million (Dh662.2 million) deal with Arsenal Football Club, which is also one of the biggest club sponsorship deals in English football history.

With sun, sea and sand in abundance, the UAE provides the perfect venue for Beach Soccer, which is now part of the FIFA family

Robot jockeys are controlled by their owners who communicate over a wireless network. Previously, a contesting camel had to carry the jockey, weighing at least 45 kilograms.

As part of the European Formula X Sport Series, drivers voted to race at the new Dubai Autodrome instead of taking the challenge to Silverstone in the UK. In all, 15 drivers competed, seven of whom entered from the UAE.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is one of the most prestigious international sporting events ever staged in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE powerboat Victory team is classed as the most successful in the history of UIM World Championships, with driving legend Ali Nasser himself picking up 14 world titles in 13 years.

The 2024 World Aerobatics Show, held in Al Ain, attracted competitors from 40 countries, including 83 parachutists and sky divers.

Currency
The unit of currency in the UAE is the Dirham. The Dirham has been officially pegged to the US dollar since 2024. The rate is Dh 3.67 = US$ 1.

The Dirham divides into 100 fils. Notes come in denominations of Dh 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000; coins in denominations of Dh1 and 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils.

Tipping
Restaurants: Many restaurants include service charge, but it is unlikely to end up with the waiter or waitress, so try to leave at least 10 percent in cash.

Taxis: Round fair up to the nearest Dirham.
Hotel Porter: Dh 5
Valet Parking: Dh 5 – 10

Working Hours
Take note that the weekdays in Abu Dhabi are Sunday to Thursday, the weekend beginning on Friday.

Banks: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday to Thursday
Businesses: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 7 p.m. Saturday to Thursday
Government: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday to Thursday
Restaurants: Lunch Noon – 3 p.m., dinner 7 – 11 p.m.
Shops: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday to Tuesday; 10 a.m. – Midnight Wednesday to Friday

Business Practice and Etiquette Tips
Business cards are essential; always carry a small stack with you. They are usually handed out at the beginning of the meeting, after shaking hands.
Only use your right hand when offering or receiving things.
The Arabic handshake involves touching the heart with the palm of the right hand after each shake, although visitors should note that when greeting Arab women they should not offer their hand unless the woman extends hers first.
Strict Muslim men will not shake hands with women they are not related to. As an alternative, press your palm lightly over your heart.
It is also very important for visitors never to sit in such a way that the soles of their feet are pointing directly at someone else.
Do not arrange appointments on Fridays, the Muslim day of prayer and rest. Avoid making calls between 2 and 5 p.m. on weekdays, when many Arabs take an afternoon break.
With tensions high in the Middle East, visitors are strongly advised not to bring up political matters and, if prompted, to veer on the side of caution, not assuming any common beliefs or options.
Business socializing in Abu Dhabi can be quite formal. Lunch meetings are more common than evening meetings and visitors should note that sometimes business meals will be served at venues that do not serve alcohol. Asking for it may cause embarrassment and even insult.
If dining with Muslims, never eat or offer pork, even if it is on the menu – this is very offensive.
Mobile phone network
GSM – Phone must be activated for international calls.

Ahlan is a new service being offered to short-term visitors by Etisalat at their counters or payment machines. The Dhs 90 package gives a local mobile phone number for 90 days. The first three minute international call, 90 minutes of local talk time and nine national or international SMS messages are free. If you dial a local number from an international mobile you will have to dial 009712 before the number.

Important General Phone Numbers
Mobile SIM cards for visitors: 633 3111 Local directory: 181
Emergency: 999
Fire: 997
Ambulance: 998
Taxi: 622 3300
Airport Information: 505 5555

Health/Medical Emergencies
New Medical Centre Hospital & Pharmacy
Tel: +971 (0)2 633 2255

Gulf Diagnostic Centre
Tel: +971 (0)2 665 8090

Al Noor Hospital & Pharmacy
Tel: 971 (0)2 626 5265

Swedish Medical Centre
Tel: 971 (02) 681 1122

Franco-Emirien Hospital
Tel: 971 (02) 626 5722

About the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, offers of a wide variety of business and leisure facilities ranging from the state-if-the-art convention center (ADNEC) to the magnificent hotels, spas, & golf courses. Very soon, Abu Dhabi will be home to some of the world’s most famous museums including the Guggenheim and Louvre.

Abu Dhabi is also a great shopping destination with its modern shopping malls offering internationally famous brands without the sales tax, and traditional native souks which offer local handicrafts.

During your stay in Abu Dhabi, try to see some of its top attractions, such as; the Cultural Foundation – home to the National Archives, the National Library and the Institution of Culture and Art (02 619 5349) . Qasr Al Hosn is another must see as it is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, dating back to 1793 when it was the official residence of the rulers of Abu Dhabi. The fort is part of the Cultural Foundation, and although it is not open to the public you can wander around the outside (02 621 5300). The Heritage Village is the closest you will get to travelling back in time with its displays of Bedouin life. Try to visit the Bateen Dhow Yard in the early evening and not only will you be able to get some wonderful photos of the sun setting behind the hulls, but you may also be able to talk to the craftsmen who use traditional techniques to construct the dhows, which are still used for racing and for trade throughout the Gulf region and Indian Ocean. Futaisi Island (02 666 6601) is famed for its wildlife, including some rare species, an authentic Arabian fort, an ancient mosque and a mangrove lagoon

If you have the time, to try to visit Al Ain; the capital of the eastern region and Abu Dhabi’s second city. Its greenery and the fact that it is the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the former ruler of the UAE, gives it special status in the hearts and minds of the people. Today it only takes an hour and a half to drive from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, but in the days before the discovery of oil, the journey took five days by camel. Throughout his life, Sheikh Zayed pursued his vision of creating an oasis of greenery in the desert by initiating a series of ‘greening’ projects. As a result, Al Ain’s seven natural oases are now surrounded by tree-lined streets and beautiful urban parks. The main Al Ain Oasis is home to palm plantations, many of which are working farms. The Old Prison is also worth a visit simply for the stunning view of the surrounding town and oasis. Al Ain’s unique archaeological heritage and history is displayed at Al Ain Museum, on the edge of the main Al Ain Oasis. The museum has an interesting collection of photographs along with Bedouin jewellery, musical instruments, and a reconstruction of a traditional majilis. The archaeological section houses many of the finds from nearby Hili Gardens and it’s helpful to visit the museum before heading out to the gardens. The gift section houses an unusual collection of items that Sheikh Zayed received during his lifetime, including golden swords and a golden palm tree. Al Ain is home to the last camel market of its kind in the UAE. The market is always busy and the exciting atmosphere builds up as traders discuss the value of each animal. Al Ain’s biggest attraction, literally, is Jebel Hafeet. At 1,180 metres, the views from the top of this mountain are spectacular. The Green Mubazzarah Park is at the foot of the mountain, and is home to hot springs, swimming pools and numerous chalets. Al Ain Zoo is one of the Gulf region’s better and larger zoos, stretching over 400 hectares. It has a special breeding programme for endangered species.

About the Other Emirates

If your stay in Abu Dhabi is long enough to permit exploration of the other emirates, you should definitely make the effort to see their unique characteristics. Dubai is the place the whole world is talking about. Although it is a super-busy construction hotspot, it is a fascinating place to visit. Among the cranes and almost completed high-rises you will find a selection of the world’s most luxurious hotels, some amazing leisure facilities (an indoor ski slope, with real snow, to name just one) and several stunning beaches. Dubai is also home to the Burj Al Arab; the world’s tallest hotel. In Dubai, you can visit the Gold Souk, Dubai Museum and Bastakiya. Bastakiya is a bustling market and cultural center of Dubai. The original, old city of Dubai is just one per cent of the modern city we see today. The district is filled with traditional courtyard houses and classic wind towers, which offer a charming glimpse of how Dubai once looked. Take a ride on an abra before heading to the more modern attractions in Dubai such as the many malls, Golf Courses and Wild Wadi, a water amusement park.

If you are interested in the history of the UAE, visit Ajman and Sharjah. You can see the working dhow yards in Ajman (the smallest emirate) and the famous museums and souks in Sharjah. Sharjah is the only emirate with territory on both the west and east coasts. If you get to see both coasts, you will appreciate the contrast between the bustling city and attractive beaches on the west, and beautiful mountains and lagoons on the east.

You might also want to travel up the ‘pirate coast’ to the oldest seaport in the region to visit Ras Al Khaimah museum and the beautiful Hajar Mountains. The town is the entry point to the amazing Mussandam Peninsula in Oman and boasts what is probably the best scenery in the country.

Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is a quiet emirate where life has not changed much over the years. But quiet does not necessarily mean boring, since the sheltered waters of the large lagoon are popular for watersports, and UAQ is home to flying clubs, shooting clubs and car racing associations. The natural mangroves also attract an abundance of local wildlife.

A trip over to the east coast is well worth the effort. The area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, with craggy mountains perfect for rock climbing, and clear, calm waters perfect for diving or snorkeling. The main settlements along the coast begin at Dibba, the starting or finishing point of the stunning drive through Wadi Bih. Badiyah is home to the oldest mosque in the UAE. Khor Fakkann (part of Sharjah), has some of the area’s best dive sites just minutes from the coast, and the Al Hisn Fort in Kalba houses the town’s museum.

Fujairah is the youngest of the seven emirates and is the only city on the east coast. The fort overlooking the town is around 300 years old and with others forts and watchtowers in the surrounding hills, the area has an air of mystery and charm.

About the Emirates Palace

Dining Facilities
Sayad
European seafood cuisine with an Asian touch
Mezzaluna Mediterranean kitchen with a collection of flavours from Italy
Le Vendôme Brasserie All day dining restaurant with oriental buffet and international à la carte menu
Café Viennese style “Café – House” serving pastries, cakes, sandwiches and salads
Al Majlis Meet, greet and mingle place. Serving coffee, tea, cakes, cocktails and snacks
Havana Club Cuban lounge offering a wide selection of cigars, extensive cocktail and spirits selection
Las Brisas Exclusive “Al Fresco” dining on the beautiful eastern poolside
Cascades Casual dining by the West Pool
Caviar Bar The best Iranian caviar and an extensive champagne list in an elegant yet relaxed setting

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