INDEPENDENT ISLAMIC STATES

United Arab Emirates

Official Name: United Arab Emirates (AE)

Capital city: Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi).

Other Important Cities: Dubai, Ajman, al-Ayn.

Area: 83,600 km2.

Population        : 11,416,000 (2021)[1]

81 per cent of the population lives in cities. 40 per cent of the population is under 14 years of age.

Ethnic Structure: The population of the country has increased rapidly with the foreign immigration that accelerated after the discovery of oil. According to the determinations made, half of the current population in the country is made up of immigrants of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin, while 18 per cent is Iranian. Arabs constitute the majority of the remaining population.

Language: The official language is Arabic.

Religion: The official religion is Islam. 96% of the population is Muslim. 83% of the Muslims are Sunni and 17% are Shiite. 4 per cent of the population belongs to eastern religions.

Geographical Situation: The UAE, a gulf country, is surrounded by the Persian Gulf from the north, the Arabian Sea from the east, and Saudi Arabia from the south. It generally has a land consisting of desert plains. Some of the lands of al-Ayn emirate and the lands of the emirate of Fujairah on the coast of the Sea of Oman on the slopes of the Hajar al-Garbi mountains are suitable for agriculture. However, with the technology developed in recent years, agriculture is carried out in some places with water purified from sea water. The UAE has no rivers other than the small streams flowing from the Hajar al-Garbi mountains. The peninsula between the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf and extending towards the Strait of Hormuz is called the Musandam peninsula. The tip of the peninsula facing the Strait of Hormuz belongs to the Sultanate of Oman. The coasts facing the Persian Gulf are generally covered with shallow rocks. It has a very hot and humid climate. In summer, temperatures sometimes exceed 50 degrees centigrade. 

Mode of Government: The UAE is a monarchical federation. It consists of seven emirates. Among these seven emirates, the emir of Abu Zaby is the president of the federation. The other emirates are subordinate to this president in matters such as foreign affairs and defence. They are independent in domestic affairs. There is also a federal government. This government is headed by a prime minister. Emirs come to power by succession, not by election. In other words, the administration of each emirate is in the hands of a certain family. Decisions concerning the whole country are taken by voting in the Supreme Federal Assembly, which is made up of seven emirates. However, the emirates of Abu Zaby and Dubai have veto rights. The decisions of the Supreme Federal Assembly are binding on the government. The government is obliged to implement the decisions of this assembly. The Union has a parliamentary Federal National Assembly of 40 members. Members of the Assembly are appointed by the emirates according to the quotas allocated to them and each member serves for two years. Courts are independent. In court decisions, it is requested not to act contrary to the rules set by Islamic law. However, it cannot be said that Islamic law is fully implemented. The highest judicial body is the Supreme Court. Legal issues concerning the Federation are resolved here. The United Arab Emirates is a member of international organisations such as the UN, the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), the League of Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council, OPEC, the IMF and the Islamic Development Bank.

History: It was conquered by Amr bin As (r.a.) during the time of Hz. Umar (r.a.) and joined the lands of the Islamic state. Until the 16th century, this place remained under Islamic rule. As a centre of trade and shipbuilding throughout history, the people living in this region have always been financially prosperous. Although the Ottomans increased their influence, the Portuguese captured Muscat, today the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, and began to harass the people in the neighbourhood in an unimaginable way. After the Portuguese, the British stepped in. Since the early 19th century, the British, who had a presence in the region, followed a different policy and signed trade and non-aggression agreements with the leaders of some Arab tribes. The British-owned East India Company increased its trade activities in the Persian Gulf based on the agreements made with the heads of Arab tribes. However, after some groups from the coast attacked British ships, British forces attacked Re'su'l-Hayme in 1819.  This attack forced the heads of the Arab tribes on the coast to make an agreement with the British, and in 1820 a new non-aggression treaty was signed between the heads of these tribes and the British. This agreement gave the British the opportunity to act a little more freely. The Ottoman Empire regained control of the Arabian peninsula up to Qatar. However, the fact that the Ottoman Empire was squeezed from all fronts and the internal turmoil did not allow the British to completely remove the British from the region. In 1892, the British made a new agreement with the Arab emirates along the coast and increased their influence in the region. According to this agreement, these emirates were to be independent in their internal affairs and dependent on the British in their foreign affairs and defence. These emirates remained under the British East India Company until 1947. Although the British withdrew from the Indian subcontinent in 1947, they continued to hold the Gulf emirates. After this date, the Gulf emirates were subordinated to the British Foreign Office. The most important reason for Britain not to leave these regions was oil. In 1952, Britain established the Council of Contracted Emirates under its own authority. The British announced that they would withdraw from the Gulf in 1968. Thereupon, on 30 March 1968, the emirates in the region decided to form a union among themselves. This union initially included Qatar and Bahrain. However, in October 1969, Qatar, Bahrain and Fujairah decided to leave the union. The remaining six emirates formed the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971, independent of the United Kingdom. Fujairah rejoined this federation in February 1972, bringing the number of emirates to seven. After independence, Zayed bin Sultan Ali Naheyân, Emir of Abu Zaby, was appointed Emir of the federation. Zayed bin Sultan still holds this position.

Internal Problems: The settlement of a large number of foreigners in the country due to the need for foreign labour brought along some economic and social problems. The inability of foreigners to integrate with the local population led to some ethnic problems. The presence of a considerable number of non-Muslims, especially among Asian immigrants, is also a problem. Some Hindus are also causing problems in the United Arab Emirates. Some experts are concerned that the problem of foreigners will only grow in the future. Some locals are also worried that foreigners are being given all the service jobs and even police duties. The economic problem stems from the fact that most foreigners are employed in menial jobs with low wages. This situation leads to economic and social imbalance in society and also to economic categorisation. In the future, foreigners may be uncomfortable with being seen as "lower class" and this may cause some social turmoil.

External Problems: Abu Musa is in dispute with Iran over the Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb islands. The United Arab Emirates claims that these islands, which are still in Iranian hands, belong to it.

Islamism in the country: Islamic activities are mostly carried out through associations and charitable organisations. The most prominent and most comprehensive of these organisations is the Society for Reform and Social Guidance. This organisation is generally led by people who have adopted the Muslim Brotherhood's approach and are affiliated with this organisation. The organisation has branches in all emirates. The organisation carries out various educational and cultural activities. It opens kindergartens and other special schools. It organises summer courses and camps. It organises large-scale book fairs across the country every year. In addition to various Islamic books, it publishes a monthly magazine called al-Islah. It carries out charity work. However, since the country is under monarchical rule and the members of parliament are appointed rather than elected, it is not possible to carry out political activities. Nevertheless, it has activities aiming at politically awakening the public, especially the youth, and enabling them to interpret current issues from an Islamic perspective. The organisation also has links with Islah organisations in other Gulf countries. There are also many charitable organisations in the country. These organisations not only work to establish mosques and Islamic institutions in the country, but also pay attention to providing aid to Muslims in many Islamic countries, especially in Africa, and to establish mosques and Islamic institutions there. One of the most prominent of such charitable organisations is the Charity Amalları Institution, which is also affiliated with the aforementioned Islah and Social Guidance Society. Missionary organisations also carry out various activities in the UAE. These organisations focus more on education. There are many private schools opened by missionary organisations in the country.[2]

Economy: The most important source of income of the United Arab Emirates is oil. Daily oil production after the agreement between OPEC countries in 1993 is 2 million 160 thousand barrels. Natural gas also makes a significant contribution to the national economy. In 1992, 25.5 billion m3 of natural gas was produced. The share of income from oil and natural gas in the gross domestic product is 47 per cent.

The fact that the UAE has a long coastline along both the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman provides fishing and pearl fishing opportunities. Although pearl trade has partially lost its former importance, fishing is still a source of income. Although the land is generally desert, agriculture is partially carried out with modern methods in the country. In 1992, 240 thousand tonnes of fruits, mainly dates, and 365 thousand tonnes of vegetables were produced. The share of income from agriculture and animal husbandry in national income is 2%. Those working in agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries constitute 6.4 per cent of the entire working population. A significant amount of income is also generated from foreign trade. The city of Dubai, the centre of the emirate of Dubai, is also a commercial centre. The presence of two large ports in this city, namely Rashid and Jabali Ali ports, brings commercial vitality to the city. Through these ports, the country's maritime connection with the world is provided. The economic policy of the government of Dubai has also played a role in Dubai's becoming a trade centre. Dubai administration provides all kinds of facilities to foreign capital owners and traders. In addition to Dubai, there are two international ports with large capacity and modern equipment in Abu Zaby. Giving importance to foreign trade and facilitating foreign capital owners have also enabled the development of the banking sector in the country. It was determined that two thirds of the employees were Asians. The use of foreigners as a cheap labour force in the country has led to the deterioration of the social balance in the society.

Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham.

National Income Per Capita: 50.348USD[3].

Foreign Trade: The UAE exports oil, petroleum products and natural gas as well as aluminium, pearls, dates and dried fish. The main imported goods are machinery, transport vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment, durable consumer goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, foodstuffs and live animals. Foreign trade is mostly with the USA, France, the Netherlands and Japan. There is no deficit in foreign trade. In 1990, exports were about 8.5 billion dollars more than imports.

Industry: The most important industrial establishments of the country are oil refining plants. The refining plants in Ruveys can process 300.000 barrels of oil per day. There are also petro-chemical plants in Ruweiss, which produce petroleum by-products. Natural gas processing plants have also been established in the same area, producing protane and butane gas. The refining plants in Ummunnar can process 60,000 barrels of oil per day. UAE develops its national industry by utilising oil revenues in other industrial fields. For this purpose, many factories and industrial facilities have been established. The industrial facilities are focused on the production of cement, aluminium, cables and roof tiles. Small industrial plants have also been established. The share of manufacturing industry in gross domestic product is 7 per cent. Approximately 14 per cent of the working population is in the industrial sector.

Energy: In 1991, 13 billion 790 million kw/h of electricity was produced in the UAE. Electricity consumption in the same year is equal to this figure. All of the electrical energy is obtained from thermal power plants.

Transportation: The UAE has four airports, all of which are open to international traffic. Previously a partner of Gulf Air, the country separated from the Gulf Airways in 1985 and established its own airline (Emirates).

The country has many ports used for import and export. The UAE has 276 ships capable of carrying cargoes over 100 gph. (See also the section "Economy" on ports and maritime transport.) The United Arab Emirates has 4,500 km. of highways. On average, there is one motorised transport for every 4 inhabitants.

Health: 35 hospitals, 3220 doctors, 190 dentists, 7250 nurses are available. There is one doctor for 615 people. Health care services are at a good level. Health institutions are equipped with modern equipment.

Education: Primary education lasts six years, starting at the age of six, and is compulsory. Education is free of charge. Primary and general secondary education institutions coexist. There are 360 educational institutions of this type and 10 vocational secondary education institutions. All primary school children and 60 per cent of secondary school children benefit from this education. The only university in the country is the United Arab Emirates University. The rate of university enrolment among university-age youth is 9%. The most important education centre of the country is al-Ayn city. The university, important research institutions, institutes and cultural centres are in this city. The literacy rate is 100 per cent.

Administrative division: It is a federation of seven autonomous emirates. These emirates are: Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), Dubai, al-Shārika, Re'su al-Hayme, Fujayrah, Ucmān, Umm al-Qaywān. These names are also the names of the cities where the administrative centres of these emirates are located.

[1]   www.ticaret.gov.tr(September-2021 Access)

[2]   Encyclopaedia of Islam, TDV.

[3]   www.ticaret.gov.tr (Accessed April-2022)

Official Name: United Arab Emirates (AE)

Capital city: Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi).

Other Important Cities: Dubai, Ajman, al-Ayn.

Area: 83,600 km2.

Population        : 11,416,000 (2021)[1]

81 per cent of the population lives in cities. 40 per cent of the population is under 14 years of age.

Ethnic Structure: The population of the country has increased rapidly with the foreign immigration that accelerated after the discovery of oil. According to the determinations made, half of the current population in the country is made up of immigrants of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin, while 18 per cent is Iranian. Arabs constitute the majority of the remaining population.

Language: The official language is Arabic.

Religion: The official religion is Islam. 96% of the population is Muslim. 83% of the Muslims are Sunni and 17% are Shiite. 4 per cent of the population belongs to eastern religions.

Geographical Situation: The UAE, a gulf country, is surrounded by the Persian Gulf from the north, the Arabian Sea from the east, and Saudi Arabia from the south. It generally has a land consisting of desert plains. Some of the lands of al-Ayn emirate and the lands of the emirate of Fujairah on the coast of the Sea of Oman on the slopes of the Hajar al-Garbi mountains are suitable for agriculture. However, with the technology developed in recent years, agriculture is carried out in some places with water purified from sea water. The UAE has no rivers other than the small streams flowing from the Hajar al-Garbi mountains. The peninsula between the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf and extending towards the Strait of Hormuz is called the Musandam peninsula. The tip of the peninsula facing the Strait of Hormuz belongs to the Sultanate of Oman. The coasts facing the Persian Gulf are generally covered with shallow rocks. It has a very hot and humid climate. In summer, temperatures sometimes exceed 50 degrees centigrade. 

Mode of Government: The UAE is a monarchical federation. It consists of seven emirates. Among these seven emirates, the emir of Abu Zaby is the president of the federation. The other emirates are subordinate to this president in matters such as foreign affairs and defence. They are independent in domestic affairs. There is also a federal government. This government is headed by a prime minister. Emirs come to power by succession, not by election. In other words, the administration of each emirate is in the hands of a certain family. Decisions concerning the whole country are taken by voting in the Supreme Federal Assembly, which is made up of seven emirates. However, the emirates of Abu Zaby and Dubai have veto rights. The decisions of the Supreme Federal Assembly are binding on the government. The government is obliged to implement the decisions of this assembly. The Union has a parliamentary Federal National Assembly of 40 members. Members of the Assembly are appointed by the emirates according to the quotas allocated to them and each member serves for two years. Courts are independent. In court decisions, it is requested not to act contrary to the rules set by Islamic law. However, it cannot be said that Islamic law is fully implemented. The highest judicial body is the Supreme Court. Legal issues concerning the Federation are resolved here. The United Arab Emirates is a member of international organisations such as the UN, the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), the League of Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council, OPEC, the IMF and the Islamic Development Bank.

History: It was conquered by Amr bin As (r.a.) during the time of Hz. Umar (r.a.) and joined the lands of the Islamic state. Until the 16th century, this place remained under Islamic rule. As a centre of trade and shipbuilding throughout history, the people living in this region have always been financially prosperous. Although the Ottomans increased their influence, the Portuguese captured Muscat, today the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, and began to harass the people in the neighbourhood in an unimaginable way. After the Portuguese, the British stepped in. Since the early 19th century, the British, who had a presence in the region, followed a different policy and signed trade and non-aggression agreements with the leaders of some Arab tribes. The British-owned East India Company increased its trade activities in the Persian Gulf based on the agreements made with the heads of Arab tribes. However, after some groups from the coast attacked British ships, British forces attacked Re'su'l-Hayme in 1819.  This attack forced the heads of the Arab tribes on the coast to make an agreement with the British, and in 1820 a new non-aggression treaty was signed between the heads of these tribes and the British. This agreement gave the British the opportunity to act a little more freely. The Ottoman Empire regained control of the Arabian peninsula up to Qatar. However, the fact that the Ottoman Empire was squeezed from all fronts and the internal turmoil did not allow the British to completely remove the British from the region. In 1892, the British made a new agreement with the Arab emirates along the coast and increased their influence in the region. According to this agreement, these emirates were to be independent in their internal affairs and dependent on the British in their foreign affairs and defence. These emirates remained under the British East India Company until 1947. Although the British withdrew from the Indian subcontinent in 1947, they continued to hold the Gulf emirates. After this date, the Gulf emirates were subordinated to the British Foreign Office. The most important reason for Britain not to leave these regions was oil. In 1952, Britain established the Council of Contracted Emirates under its own authority. The British announced that they would withdraw from the Gulf in 1968. Thereupon, on 30 March 1968, the emirates in the region decided to form a union among themselves. This union initially included Qatar and Bahrain. However, in October 1969, Qatar, Bahrain and Fujairah decided to leave the union. The remaining six emirates formed the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971, independent of the United Kingdom. Fujairah rejoined this federation in February 1972, bringing the number of emirates to seven. After independence, Zayed bin Sultan Ali Naheyân, Emir of Abu Zaby, was appointed Emir of the federation. Zayed bin Sultan still holds this position.

Internal Problems: The settlement of a large number of foreigners in the country due to the need for foreign labour brought along some economic and social problems. The inability of foreigners to integrate with the local population led to some ethnic problems. The presence of a considerable number of non-Muslims, especially among Asian immigrants, is also a problem. Some Hindus are also causing problems in the United Arab Emirates. Some experts are concerned that the problem of foreigners will only grow in the future. Some locals are also worried that foreigners are being given all the service jobs and even police duties. The economic problem stems from the fact that most foreigners are employed in menial jobs with low wages. This situation leads to economic and social imbalance in society and also to economic categorisation. In the future, foreigners may be uncomfortable with being seen as "lower class" and this may cause some social turmoil.

External Problems: Abu Musa is in dispute with Iran over the Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb islands. The United Arab Emirates claims that these islands, which are still in Iranian hands, belong to it.

Islamism in the country: Islamic activities are mostly carried out through associations and charitable organisations. The most prominent and most comprehensive of these organisations is the Society for Reform and Social Guidance. This organisation is generally led by people who have adopted the Muslim Brotherhood's approach and are affiliated with this organisation. The organisation has branches in all emirates. The organisation carries out various educational and cultural activities. It opens kindergartens and other special schools. It organises summer courses and camps. It organises large-scale book fairs across the country every year. In addition to various Islamic books, it publishes a monthly magazine called al-Islah. It carries out charity work. However, since the country is under monarchical rule and the members of parliament are appointed rather than elected, it is not possible to carry out political activities. Nevertheless, it has activities aiming at politically awakening the public, especially the youth, and enabling them to interpret current issues from an Islamic perspective. The organisation also has links with Islah organisations in other Gulf countries. There are also many charitable organisations in the country. These organisations not only work to establish mosques and Islamic institutions in the country, but also pay attention to providing aid to Muslims in many Islamic countries, especially in Africa, and to establish mosques and Islamic institutions there. One of the most prominent of such charitable organisations is the Charity Amalları Institution, which is also affiliated with the aforementioned Islah and Social Guidance Society. Missionary organisations also carry out various activities in the UAE. These organisations focus more on education. There are many private schools opened by missionary organisations in the country.[2]

Economy: The most important source of income of the United Arab Emirates is oil. Daily oil production after the agreement between OPEC countries in 1993 is 2 million 160 thousand barrels. Natural gas also makes a significant contribution to the national economy. In 1992, 25.5 billion m3 of natural gas was produced. The share of income from oil and natural gas in the gross domestic product is 47 per cent.

The fact that the UAE has a long coastline along both the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman provides fishing and pearl fishing opportunities. Although pearl trade has partially lost its former importance, fishing is still a source of income. Although the land is generally desert, agriculture is partially carried out with modern methods in the country. In 1992, 240 thousand tonnes of fruits, mainly dates, and 365 thousand tonnes of vegetables were produced. The share of income from agriculture and animal husbandry in national income is 2%. Those working in agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries constitute 6.4 per cent of the entire working population. A significant amount of income is also generated from foreign trade. The city of Dubai, the centre of the emirate of Dubai, is also a commercial centre. The presence of two large ports in this city, namely Rashid and Jabali Ali ports, brings commercial vitality to the city. Through these ports, the country's maritime connection with the world is provided. The economic policy of the government of Dubai has also played a role in Dubai's becoming a trade centre. Dubai administration provides all kinds of facilities to foreign capital owners and traders. In addition to Dubai, there are two international ports with large capacity and modern equipment in Abu Zaby. Giving importance to foreign trade and facilitating foreign capital owners have also enabled the development of the banking sector in the country. It was determined that two thirds of the employees were Asians. The use of foreigners as a cheap labour force in the country has led to the deterioration of the social balance in the society.

Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham.

National Income Per Capita: 50.348USD[3].

Foreign Trade: The UAE exports oil, petroleum products and natural gas as well as aluminium, pearls, dates and dried fish. The main imported goods are machinery, transport vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment, durable consumer goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, foodstuffs and live animals. Foreign trade is mostly with the USA, France, the Netherlands and Japan. There is no deficit in foreign trade. In 1990, exports were about 8.5 billion dollars more than imports.

Industry: The most important industrial establishments of the country are oil refining plants. The refining plants in Ruveys can process 300.000 barrels of oil per day. There are also petro-chemical plants in Ruweiss, which produce petroleum by-products. Natural gas processing plants have also been established in the same area, producing protane and butane gas. The refining plants in Ummunnar can process 60,000 barrels of oil per day. UAE develops its national industry by utilising oil revenues in other industrial fields. For this purpose, many factories and industrial facilities have been established. The industrial facilities are focused on the production of cement, aluminium, cables and roof tiles. Small industrial plants have also been established. The share of manufacturing industry in gross domestic product is 7 per cent. Approximately 14 per cent of the working population is in the industrial sector.

Energy: In 1991, 13 billion 790 million kw/h of electricity was produced in the UAE. Electricity consumption in the same year is equal to this figure. All of the electrical energy is obtained from thermal power plants.

Transportation: The UAE has four airports, all of which are open to international traffic. Previously a partner of Gulf Air, the country separated from the Gulf Airways in 1985 and established its own airline (Emirates).

The country has many ports used for import and export. The UAE has 276 ships capable of carrying cargoes over 100 gph. (See also the section "Economy" on ports and maritime transport.) The United Arab Emirates has 4,500 km. of highways. On average, there is one motorised transport for every 4 inhabitants.

Health: 35 hospitals, 3220 doctors, 190 dentists, 7250 nurses are available. There is one doctor for 615 people. Health care services are at a good level. Health institutions are equipped with modern equipment.

Education: Primary education lasts six years, starting at the age of six, and is compulsory. Education is free of charge. Primary and general secondary education institutions coexist. There are 360 educational institutions of this type and 10 vocational secondary education institutions. All primary school children and 60 per cent of secondary school children benefit from this education. The only university in the country is the United Arab Emirates University. The rate of university enrolment among university-age youth is 9%. The most important education centre of the country is al-Ayn city. The university, important research institutions, institutes and cultural centres are in this city. The literacy rate is 100 per cent.

Administrative division: It is a federation of seven autonomous emirates. These emirates are: Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), Dubai, al-Shārika, Re'su al-Hayme, Fujayrah, Ucmān, Umm al-Qaywān. These names are also the names of the cities where the administrative centres of these emirates are located.

[1]   www.ticaret.gov.tr(September-2021 Access)

[2]   Encyclopaedia of Islam, TDV.

[3]   www.ticaret.gov.tr (Accessed April-2022)