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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.
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 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.
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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.
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 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.
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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.
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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.
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 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.
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