11 Facts About United Arab Emirates (UAE)

UAE Flag Map (credit: commons.wikimedia)

The perception of the United Arab Emirates can frequently be biased by its imposing skyscrapers, upscale retail establishments, and never-ending desert adventures. However, when the sparkle is removed, a fascinating and surprising narrative is revealed. I was astounded to learn how much more there was to explore in the United Arab Emirates, as I had previously assumed it was simply a region with upscale hotels and the Burj Khalifa. You are certainly not by yourself if you have ever found yourself believing that the UAE is simply pertaining to the skyline of Dubai or extravagant vehicles. The combination of this nation's firmly established culture and highly advanced aspiration, however, is what truly makes it remarkable. These 11 facts could influence your perception of the United Arab Emirates, as they did for me.

1. United Arab Emirates Was Formed on December 2, 1971, Initially With 6 Emirates: Formerly composed of six emirates, the United Arab Emirates was established on December 2, 1971. A year afterwards, in 1972, the seventh, Ras Al Khaimah, became a member. It is amazing how these separate areas, each ruled by a different set of people, united to create a single nation while maintaining a distinct personality.

2. United Arab Emirates Was Once a Major Center For The Natural Pearl Trade: The UAE's economy was based on the production of natural pearls until oil turned it into a major international economic powerhouse. Without any equipment, divers would dive into the Gulf and hold their breath in the hopes of finding pearls that could transform their luck. Although the labor was hazardous and draining, it helped shape the local economy and culture for many years.

3. United Arab Emirates is a Federation of Monarchies: The UAE is not governed by one king like many other nations. A sheikh from a royal family leads every single of the seven passed down ruling classes that make up this union. It is similar to seven kingdoms co-operating, each contributing customs and regulations of its own.

4. United Arab Emirates Has The World’s Tallest Building: This particular instance you have undoubtedly heard about before, however it is always remarkable. Dubai's Burj Khalifa is an astounding 828 meters tall. It is nearly three times higher than the Eiffel Tower, to put that into context. Not only is it incredibly tall, it additionally also serves as an icon of what the United Arab Emirates is willing to dream of and practically construct.

5. United Arab Emirates Appointed The World’s First Minister of Artificial Intelligence: Omar Sultan Al Olama was appointed as the first-ever Minister of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by the United Arab Emirates in 2017. It is not merely a speculative phrase for publicity purposes. It demonstrates how much the nation is spending on technology, innovation, and data management. The UAE has begun advancing policy through an official position, while a lot of countries are still trying to figure out how to manage AI.

6. United Arab Emirates Has No Natural Rivers: The United Arab Emirates has no trace of any natural rivers. Think about attempting to provide drinking water or raise plants in such an environment. The nation mostly depends on the costly and energy-intensive process of desalination, which converts saltwater into freshwater. It helps you value each and every drop of water you utilize on an everyday basis.

7. United Arab Emirates is Home to The Longest Urban Zipline in The World: Do not assume Dubai is solely pertaining to shopping malls and towers. The longest urban zipline in the world is located at XLine Dubai Marina. You can actually travel up to 80 km/h between buildings. Indeed, it is extremely high, however it is equally the sort of unanticipated excitement that embodies the UAE's adventurous nature.

8. United Arab Emirates Renamed The Burj Dubai to Burj Khalifa: In recognition of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the emir of Abu Dhabi and the second president of UAE, the tower, which was once known as Burj Dubai, was given the new name Burj Khalifa. Following the financial crisis of 2009, he assisted in saving Dubai. This serves as an acknowledgment of the emirates' inter-dependence and goes beyond simple renaming.

9. United Arab Emirates Does Not Levy Income Tax on Individuals: Yes, citizens of the United Arab Emirates enjoy exemption from personal income tax. This is a huge attraction for experts and businesspeople. It is among the reasons that about 90% of the population is foreign-born. It is not all sunshine and roses, though; living expenses may be high, particularly in Dubai.

10. United Arab Emirates Operates Under a Dual Legal System: Sharia law, civil law, and ancient tribal norms are all incorporated into the UAE's legal system. It is therefore among the most distinctive legal systems in the world. It could be perplexing for visitors because what is permitted in one emirate may not be in a different one. However, it additionally illustrates how the nation strikes a balance between custom and contemporary law.

11. United Arab Emirates is Home to Qasr Al Watan, The Presidential Palace, Open to The Public: Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, is accessible to the general public in addition to serving as the place of authority. Furthermore, it is beautiful. It tells a narrative of Emirati history, diplomacy, and governance through magnificent mosaics and gigantic chandeliers. Avoid missing Abu Dhabi if you eventually travel there.

Summary: There is More to it Than Meets The Eye

The UAE is frequently depicted as forward-thinking fast-moving, and incredibly wealthy. However, those news stories exclude the details which contribute to its true level of detail, such as the history, the thoughtful balancing act between tradition and aspiration, and the unexpected realities. Since I had seen images of the Burj Khalifa or read articles regarding zero taxes, I tended to believe that I understood the UAE. However, really? I was unaware. You are currently viewing the nation in a new light if this story has even slightly impressed you. The United Arab Emirates is a nation that is always changing its own narrative, whether you are thinking of visiting, relocating there, or simply enjoy reading about extraordinary destinations. And it is interesting to observe since it has not stopped impressing us to date.