7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn.
Population:
2,407,460
note: includes 1,576,472 non-nationals (July 2001 est.)
The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Its wealth is based on oil and gas output (about 33% of GDP), and the fortunes of the economy fluctuate with the prices of those commodities. Since 1973, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. At present levels of production, oil and gas reserves should last for more than 100 years. Despite higher oil revenues in 1999-2000, the government has not drawn back from the economic reforms implemented during the 1998 oil price depression. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up its utilities to greater private-sector involvement.
Industry:
petroleum, fishing, petrochemicals, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, pearling
Ethnicgroups:
Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)
note
less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)
Vaccination requirements:
No vaccination requirements for any international traveller.
Malaria:
Very limited malaria risk in the foothill areas and valleys in the mountainous regions of the northern Emirates bordering Oman Musandam Province.
