United Arab Emirates Armed Forces - United Arab Emirates Armed Forces. Uae army - history, features and interesting facts United Arab Emirates

At the Dubai Airshow 2017, which ended in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates signed agreements to modernize both types of combat aircraft of their air force - the Lockheed Martin F-16E / F Block 60 Desert Falcon and Dassault Mirage multi-role fighters, the Defense News reported. 2000-9.

UAE Air Force Dassault Mirage 2000-9RAD fighters during the Red Flag multinational exercise at Nellis Air Force Base (USA), 01/23/2013 (c) US Air Force

Lockheed Martin has received a $1.6 billion contract to modernize the F-16E/F Block 60 fighter jets of the UAE Air Force. From 2004 to 2009, the Emirates received 80 fighters of the F-16 Block 60 version specially developed for them - in the amount of 55 single F-16Es and 25 double F-16Fs, of which 77 aircraft now remain in service. These aircraft, called the Desert Falcon and equipped with a Northrop Grumman AN / APG-80 radar with an active phased antenna array and engines of a specially developed General Electric F110-GE-132 modification with an afterburner thrust of up to 15,000 kg, remain the most "advanced" serial modification to date. aircraft F-16. Details of the program of their upcoming modernization are unknown.

In turn, the French company Dassault Aviation and the Thales group signed a contract (according to other sources, only a preliminary agreement) in the amount of about $ 350 million for the modernization of 42 Mirage 2000-9 fighters out of 55 aircraft of this type remaining in the UAE Air Force. Details of the upgrade are also not reported. Emirates in 1986-1989 received 22 Dassault Mirage 2000EAD fighters, six Mirage 2000DAD combat trainers and eight Mirage 2000RAD reconnaissance aircraft, all of which were designated Mirage 2000-8. In 2003 - 2007, the UAE received another 32 aircraft in the most "advanced" modification of the Mirage 2000-9 at that time (20 single Mirage 2000-9RAD and 12 double Mirage 2000-9DAD), and at the same time Dassault Aviation was also upgraded to this version 31 Mirage 2000-8 vehicles remaining in service with the UAE Air Force.

In addition, at the Dubai Airshow 2017, the American corporation Raytheon received a $684.4 million contract to supply the UAE Air Force with a large batch of GBU-10 and GBU-12 Paveway II guided bombs with a semi-active laser guidance system.

Finally, a contract was signed with Airbus Defense and Space (the military division of the Airbus Group) to supply the UAE Air Force with five C295W light twin-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The cost of the contract was not disclosed, but, according to some reports, reaches $ 250 million. Deliveries should begin at the end of 2018, and it is reported that the new C295W should replace the UAE Air Force's seven similar-type CN-235 transport aircraft received in early 1990 -s. The UAE has become the 29th customer for the C295 family aircraft.

Original taken from

Equipment and weapons No. 8,12 /2005

modern structure, armed and long-term plans.

Vladimir Shcherbakov

The United Arab Emirates is an independent state located in the northeast of the Arabian Peninsula and is one of the leaders of the Muslim world. This country is quite popular in Russia and is one of the most favorite vacation spots of Russian citizens. However, along with a well-developed tourism industry and the oil sector, to which the UAE owes mainly its prosperity, this state also has a fairly powerful and well-trained armed forces.

The UAE is organizationally a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. The powers of authority are strictly delineated: the main ones are transferred to the central leadership, and the rest - to the authorities of individual emirates. The executive power in the country belongs to the Supreme Council of Emirs, which consists of the heads of the emirates and from whose members the president and vice president of the UAE are elected for a period of 5 years. Usually the vice president is also the prime minister of the country.The government of the UAE is represented by the cabinet of ministers.Legislative power belongs to the unicameral national council, and the judiciary - to the unified supreme court.It should be noted that in the UAE, along with secular legislation, there is also Islamic law.Although strict legislative provisions vary quite a lot in individual emirates.

Armed Forces (AF) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE Armed Forces) organizationally include ground forces, air forces and air defense forces, as well as naval forces. Currently, the possibility of forming a separate national guard with giving it the status of a branch of the Armed Forces is being actively discussed. In addition, there are coast guards and separate military units reporting directly to the heads of individual emirates.

The general leadership of the UAE Armed Forces is carried out by the Minister of Defense of the country, and the direct leadership is carried out by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces through the commanders of the Armed Forces. Service in the armed forces is only on a voluntary basis, there is no compulsory military service.

It should be noted that the states that are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) have concluded a collective defense treaty. The latter provides for the unification of efforts to repel aggression directed against one of the members of the council. Within the framework of this agreement, a joint rapid reaction force (the “Peninsular Shield”) has already been created, the number of which reaches 5 thousand people. The possibility of bringing them up to 20 thousand people is being discussed.

The total strength of the UAE Armed Forces in 2004 was about 44,000 people, of which about 40,000 land forces, and 1,500 air and air defense forces. and the Navy - 1900 people.

Ground troops organizationally consist of a headquarters, one brigade of the Emir Guard, two armored brigades, two (according to some sources, three) mechanized infantry brigades, one motorized brigade consisting of five battalions equipped with light armored vehicles, one artillery brigade, one air defense brigade, one "ranger" battalion and several separate units and support units. There are also separate infantry units of the central subordination, deployed on the territory of the emirate of Dubai. Operationally, the UAE Army is divided into three territorial military commands (Western, Central and Northern) with headquarters in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras al-Khaiman.

The SV is armed with various models of weapons and military equipment, ranging from light guns to main tanks:

Six launchers of operational-tactical missiles;

390 Leclerc main battle tanks;

80 Scorpion light tanks;

More than 1000 infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers and armored vehicles, including 700 BMP-3, 300 M-3 Panhard, 30 Saracen, 11 AMX-13, 23 AMX-10R, 70 Saladin (in storage), 60 AML-90/60 , 30 Ferret (in storage), 20 VAB, 53 Fuch NBC, 136 FNSS AIFV;

More than 200 artillery pieces of 105-155 mm caliber, including 12 155 mm towed Ml98, 20 155 mm self-propelled AMX MkRZ, 76 155 mm self-propelled LIW G6 and 85 155 mm self-propelled M-109L47 (upgraded by the Dutch company RDM) ;

73 MLRS types ASTROS II, FIROS 25 and Smerch (six vehicles);

46 ARVs based on the Leclerc MBT;

More than 150 mortars of 81 mm caliber;

Over 300 ATGMs (Vigilant, TOW and Milan);

SAM Improved Hawk (five batteries), Rapier, Crotale, RBS-70, SA-14;

More than 50 ZAK;

More than 40 MANPADS.

Currently, one of the main programs of the UAE Army is the adoption of several hundred AB17 Tiger armored vehicles with a 4x4 wheel arrangement. This machine is a joint development of Bin Jabr Enterprises (UAE) and King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB, Jordan). Work on the project began in 2000, the first prototypes were demonstrated at the international arms exhibition and military equipment IDEX-2001. At the same time, it was officially announced that Jordan and the UAE jointly decided to produce 1,500 cars of this type (the contract value is estimated at 45 million US dollars). The production of machines has been established in Jordan. Most of the one and a half thousand vehicles will go into service with the UAE, while the rest are intended for the Jordanian army. There are two versions of the Tiger: armored and conventional transport. In addition, more than 1,100 trucks and about the same number of Russian KamAZ trucks were purchased from the Czech company Tatra, which satisfied the needs of army units for a long time.

In the coming years, no large-scale programs for the rearmament of the UAE military forces are foreseen, since quite recently (over the past 5-10 years) they received almost four hundred modern tanks, several hundred infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers (Russian BMP-3, Turkish AIFVs from FNSS in versions of both the BMP itself and the armored recovery vehicle and armored artillery fire adjustment vehicle, German-Italian Terrier 4x4, etc.), as well as the latest cannon and rocket artillery systems. In addition, the Russian BMP-3 has already managed to even undergo modernization. So, additional protective equipment (explosive-reactive armor panels and spall liners) was installed on some of the vehicles, on almost all infantry fighting vehicles - a high-speed system for collecting and processing information, navigation and control (Fast Information, Navigation, Decision and Reporting System - FINDERS) of the French Giat Industries, new Sozh sights, etc. In fact, according to the statement of the SV command, all attention in the coming years will be paid only to the modernization of the existing fleet of armored vehicles. So, for example, all Leclerc tanks are planned to be carried out through a practically overhaul procedure and new equipment is installed on them, which also applies to the power plant of the vehicle. The contract for the last part of the work will most likely be issued to the German company Renk, which has its representative in the UAE - Al Masaoud (source - Haseeb Haider. Al Masaoud, Renk plans aggressive growth in UAE. Khaleej Times newspaper. 15.02.2005).

It is also planned to strengthen the army air defense systems by adopting 50 96K6 Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems, the development and production of which is carried out in Russia, but within the framework of a joint agreement with the UAE and in conditions of priority financing by the customer.

Considering the ground forces of the UAE, one cannot ignore the fact that the command of the national armed forces in recent years has paid increased attention to the use of army units in the framework of international humanitarian and peacekeeping operations. In 1999, for the first time, a special task force of the UAE Army, consisting of a company of Leclerc tanks, three companies of BMP-3, a battery of 155-mm G6 self-propelled gun mounts, several infantry companies of the Emir Guard and an army aviation unit, took part in an operation under the auspices of NATO-UN in Kosovo . This experience was recognized as quite successful and worthy of continuation.

In conclusion, we also add that on a permanent basis the 3rd Battalion of the Army (Hazza bin Zayed) is included in the rapid reaction forces created by the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (the so-called "Peninsula Shield").

Ending to be

UAE Armed Forces: modern structure, weapons and long-term plans

Vladimir Shcherbakov

The ending. See the beginning in TiV No. 8/2005.

Naval Forces organizationally include headquarters, fleet, marines, naval aviation and coast guards (the latter is actually a paramilitary formation and is operationally subordinate to the Navy). The leadership of this type of aircraft is carried out by the commander of the Navy in the rank of brigadier.

Currently, the UAE Navy is armed with:

Two frigates (Abu Dhabi class, ex-Dutch FR Kortenaer class);

Two corvettes (Muray Jib type, designed and built by the German company Luerssen);

Eight fast missile boats (two Mubarraz and six Ban Yas built by Luerssen);

Nine large patrol boats (six Ardhana and three Kawkab);

Four landing ships and boats;

Four BPA aircraft (S-295M);

18 naval aviation helicopters (including five AS.332F / L Super Puma armed with AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, and seven AS.365 Panthers with AS-15TT missiles).

In service with the Coast Guard, in addition, there are 40-50 patrol boats of various displacements, both armed and not.

The main naval bases are Mina Jebel Ali and Mina Zayed (Abu Dhabi), as well as Mina Rashid (Dubai).

The elite branch of the Navy is the recently created marines, which are armed with, among other things, 90 wheeled Guardian armored personnel carriers developed by Ukraine on the basis of the BTR-80 and supplied through ADCOM Military Industries.

It should be noted that due to the presence of a fairly long coastline, numerous islands and a large area of ​​the EEZ, the military-political leadership of the UAE pays increased attention to the development of this type of national armed forces. The Navy's weapons program is one of the largest among the three branches of the UAE Armed Forces.

The most ambitious project is the purchase of four Al Baynunah-class URO corvettes (plus two optional ships), which were designed by the French company Constructions Mecaniques de Normandie (CMN) based on an earlier development - the BR67 project. The construction of the first ship will be carried out in France (in the city of Cherbourg), and the rest will be built in Abu Dhabi at the shipyard of the national company Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding (ADSB) in the so-called Mussa-fa industrial area. The UAE Defense Ministry signed a contract worth more than 520 million US dollars at the beginning of 2004 with the last Defense Ministry, the transfer of the first national-built ship to the Navy is scheduled for 2008 (the French should transfer the corvette as early as 2007). In addition to building the lead ship of the series, the French company will then supply components and materials for the construction of other corvettes in the UAE.

According to experts, in the end, the French will perform up to a quarter of the total amount of work under the program, which will be expressed in the amount of 165 million euros (this will provide France with 450 thousand additional man-hours and 450 additional jobs). In fact, this program pulled the French CMN out of a severe protracted crisis. It should be emphasized that this will be the first example of the construction of such a sufficiently large ship in the state of the Persian Gulf region, before such ships were purchased only abroad. This fact testifies to the rapid development of the local shipbuilding industry and the desire of the states located on the Arabian Peninsula to gradually move away from the "buyer-seller" formula and begin to meet the needs of the national armed forces at the expense of their own military industry.

The new corvette will have a maximum length of about 70 m, the shape of the hull will be deep V, sharp-chinned, which, along with the use of water jets, will provide the ship with fairly good seaworthiness and propulsion. The estimated full speed of the corvette should be at least 32 knots, and the cruising range at an economic speed of 15 knots should be about 2400 miles (autonomy 14 days). The main power plant will be based on four MTU 12V595 TE90 diesel engines. Having a shallow draft, the new ships will be able to feel quite comfortable in the shallow coastal areas of the Persian Gulf.

The main armament of the corvette will be the Oto Melara 76 / 62mm Super Rapid single-barrel gun mount, eight MBDA Exocet MM40 Block 2 anti-ship missiles, two Mauser MLG 27 small-caliber automatic cannons, eight Mk48 Evolved Sea Sparrow missile launchers, and a ship-based PLO helicopter. The crew of the ship is 37 people, plus an air group for servicing a helicopter.

Radio engineering and hydroacoustic weapons will be presented by the most modern systems, already tested on warships of the fleets of other states. Among them will be a winged sonar, a remotely controlled anti-mine underwater vehicle, a three-coordinate radar station OVNTs, electronic warfare systems, etc.

In addition to the above program, ADSB is currently implementing a project for the construction of three large landing craft of its own design of the LCVP type for the national navies (contract value is about 40 million dirhams). These boats will have a crew of 19 people and the ability to carry up to 56 servicemen in full uniform and with personal weapons. The second "landing" program of the national shipbuilding company is the construction of nine LCP landing craft (land craft personnel) with aluminum hull structures designed by the Swedish company Swedeship Marine. The latter is also building the first three boats of this type in Sweden. These boats have a speed of more than 33 knots and provide landings on the shore of up to 42 paratroopers with weapons. Also, this company received a contract worth about 50 million US dollars to repair two missile boats of the UAE Navy.

The shipbuilding industry of the UAE does not lag behind in the development of special-purpose equipment. So, even at the IDEX-2001 exhibition, the national company Emirates Marine Technologies presented a three-meter two-seat underwater tug of SDV combat swimmers of its own design. To date, ten such devices have already entered service with the special forces of the UAE Navy, and two more have been sold abroad.

One of the most recent naval aviation programs of the UAE Navy was the acquisition of four S-295M Persuader UAVs from EADS CASA for $140 million (the contract was signed in March 2001, all aircraft have already been delivered to the customer).

Judging by the interest shown by the command of the UAE Navy in the course of previous IDEX exhibitions of non-nuclear submarines offered for export by some countries, the military-political leadership of this country has plans to acquire them. However, no real steps in this direction have been taken so far.

Air Force and Air Defense Forces organizationally consist of headquarters (VVB Batin, Abu Dhabi), Western (Abu Dhabi) and Central (Dubai) aviation commands. The leadership of this type of aircraft is carried out by the commander of the Air Force and Air Defense with the rank of major general. Main air bases: Batin, Al-Dhafra, Al-Ain, Minhad. Air Force aircraft and helicopters are also based at the international airports in Sharjah and Dubai. Work is underway to build another base, which will mainly be based on F-16E / F aircraft.

All aircraft and helicopters of combat and auxiliary aviation of the UAE Air Force are consolidated into aviation squadrons, of which there are at least 17.

Western Air Command:

1st and 2nd fighter-assault aeros (VVB Al-Dafra, Abu Dhabi; 11 Mirage 2000EAD fighters and three Mirage 2000DAD aircraft each);

Reconnaissance Air Force (VVB Minhad, Dubai; five Mirage 2000RAD and three Mirage 2000-5RAD aircraft);

69th Combat Air Group consisting of two helicopter air units (VVB Al-Dharda, Abu Dhabi; 30 AN-64A Apache helicopters);

Assault helicopter AE "Al Gazelle" (A1 Ghezelle; based in the area of ​​​​Al Ain Sharjah International Airport; 12 SA.342L Gazelle helicopters armed with HOT anti-tank systems);

Transport Helicopter Aircraft (VVB Al-Dhafra, Abu Dhabi; Puma helicopters);

PLO helicopter air defense (VVB Al-Dharfa, Abu Dhabi; five AS.332F Super Puma and seven AS.565A Panther helicopters armed with AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles);

Transport AE (VVB Batin, Abu Dhabi; four C-130H, 11 CN-235M and four C-212-200 Aviocar);

Royal Air Squadron (VVB Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi; two Beech King Air 350VIPs, two Airbus A300-620s, two Boeing 707-3L6Bs, one Boeing 747 SP-Z5, two Boeing 747-2P6s, one BAE 146-100 , three Falcon 900s and two AS.332L Super Puma VIP helicopters).

Central Aviation Command:

3rd fighter-assault aero (VVB Minhad, Dubai; 15 Mirage 2000-5AD / DAD aircraft);

Light assault / training aero (VVB Minhad, Dubai; 17 Hawk 100 aircraft);

Light assault / training air force (VVB Minhad, Dubai; eight MB.339 and five MB.326KD / LD);

Transport Air (VVB Minhad, Dubai; four Il-76s (leased from Russia in 1998), one BN-2T Turbine Islander MP, two C-130L-100-30s, 23 RS-7 Turbotrainers);

Transport Helicopter Aircraft (VVB Minhad, Dubai; 10 SA.330 Puma, eight AB.206B/L, six АВ.205А1, six АВ.412, three BO-105SAR, four Bell 214В, two АВ.212 and one Bell 407);

Special air squadron for servicing VIPs (VVB Minhad, Dubai; one Boeing 747SP-31, two Gulfsream II / TV, five AB.206V VIP helicopters, one S-76A and one AS.365N 1 Dophine 23VIP).

Economic and geographical characteristics of the UAE

The area of ​​the land................................................ ...................... 83600 km2

Cultivated territories ................ ……………………………………. 2%

Desert Lands .............................................................. ......................................... 98 %

Low-lying plains predominate, and mountains in the east

The length of the coastline .............................................................. ............. 1448 km

Territorial waters .............................................. …………………………….. 12 miles

Exclusive Economic Zone .................................................................. ......... 200 miles

Population................................................. ................................ more than 2485 thousand people

Annual population growth .............................................................. ................... 1,57%

Religion..................................... Muslims (96%), Christians, Hindus, etc. (4%)

Official language...................... ……………………………………… Arab

Literacy rate................... ……………………………………………..79%

GDP ................................................. ......................... $53 billion (2003)

Income per capita .............................................................. 22 thousand US dollars (2003)

Annual defense budget ............................................... 3.4 - 3.7 billion. USD

Basis of the economy .................................................. extraction and sale of oil and gas

Membership in international organizations: UN, Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council, OPEC, etc.

The air defense units are armed with Mistral, Rapire (12 air defense systems), Crotal (nine air defense systems) and RBS-70 (13 air defense systems), 35-mm Skyguard twin anti-aircraft gun mounts, as well as TPS-70, DR162 and DR172 RAS.

The initial training of the UAE Air Force personnel is carried out at the flight school located at the Minhad VVB on training aircraft MB-339A (four machines), MB-326 (16 machines), SF260 (five machines) and AS.350B Ecureuie helicopters (14 helicopters). Subsequently, the pilots are trained at the Air Force Academy, located in the area of ​​​​Al Ain Sharjah International Airport and having at its disposal 20 Hawk Mk63 and 18 Hawk Mk102 trainers.

The police of the Emirate of Dubai are armed with helicopters AB.412EP (two cars), AB.212 (seven helicopters), A-109K2, AB.206B Jet Ranger (one helicopter), BO-105CBS (four cars), etc.

All existing Mirage 2000 EAD / DAD and Mirage 2000-5 aircraft are being upgraded to the Mirage 2000-9 level (a multi-purpose version of the more well-known Mirage 2000-5 with enhanced ground attack capabilities). In addition, in January 1998, an additional 30 Mirage 2000-9 aircraft (both new and overhauled aircraft retired from the French Air Force) were purchased, the deliveries of which are almost completed, and 80 new American aircraft F-16E/F Block 60 Desert Falcon (previously designated F-16C/D), which began deliveries in May 2005 and should be completed no later than 2007.

The total value of the contract, signed in May 2000, is estimated at between $6.4 billion and $8 billion (the exact amount is closed and not made public by any of the parties to the deal). Must be delivered 55 single aircraft and 25 "sparks". The Desert Falcons are equipped with overhead conformal fuel tanks, which significantly increase their flight range, and the new Agile Beam radar. Pilot training for these aircraft began in November 2001 and is being conducted by the Americans in Turkey. The training of pilots, technicians, simulator personnel and electronic warfare specialists for the purchased French Mirage 2000-9 aircraft was carried out by the French state company AIRCO, which is the aviation division of the French organization Defense Conseil International (DCI).

This type of armed forces also has 46 transport aircraft, more than 40 training aircraft and about 100 helicopters for various purposes (including 30 AN-64A Apache fire support helicopters).

In order to improve the quality of pilot training, 14 AS-350B Ecureuil helicopters and new training aircraft have been purchased in recent years.

Air defense systems are represented by Skyguard rapid-fire anti-aircraft artillery systems, stationary and portable air defense systems, which are combined into one air defense brigade (three divisions / battalions) and five Hawk air defense batteries. In order to increase the combat potential of the national air defense system, it was decided to form an additional 20 to 24 air defense batteries. The type of the complex itself, which will be purchased, has not yet been determined, and in the foreign press it is noted that it can be either the American Patriot PAC-3 or the Russian S-300PMU1V. In the meantime, the military of the UAE is waiting for the start of the entry into the troops of anti-aircraft missile and gun systems "Pan-tsir-S1". The contract for its development was signed in 2000, the declared cost is 720 million US dollars.

According to many analysts, the UAE aviation command allocates quite large sums for the purchase of modern missiles and other aviation weapons. So, for example, a large batch of Black Shaheen SD was acquired, which is a variant of the more well-known Storm Shadow SD, developed by the European company MBDA.

Given that the production and sale of oil brings huge profits to the UAE, the military-political leadership of the country does not skimp on the acquisition of the most modern weapons and military equipment for the national armed forces. According to experts, only for the period 1997-2001. about 6 billion US dollars were spent for these purposes. In total, more than 15 billion US dollars were allocated for the ten-year modernization program of the UAE Armed Forces, designed for the period from 1995 to 2005. The amount is quite large and far exceeding, for example, the costs for similar purposes of a country like Russia.

At the same time, the UAE leadership does not forget to provide comprehensive assistance to friendly states such as Iraq. Last year, 44 lightly armored Panhard M3 vehicles and other equipment and equipment were donated to the resurgent army of the last UAE last year.

The content of the article

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)(Arabic Al-Amirat al-Arabiya al-Muttakhida), a federal state in Southwest Asia, in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, on the coast of the Persian and Oman gulfs. It borders Qatar to the north, Saudi Arabia to the south and southwest, and Oman to the northeast and southeast. In the north it is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, in the east by the Gulf of Oman. The total length of the border is 867 km, the coastline is 1318 km. The UAE includes the emirates: Abu Dhabi (Abu Zabi; an area of ​​67,350 sq. km, or 87% of the country), Dubai (Dibai; 3,900 sq. km, or 5%), Sharjah (2,600 sq. km, or 3.3%), Ajman (259 sq. km, or 0.3%), Ras al-Khaimah (1,700 sq. km, or 2.2%), Umm al-Qaiwain (750 sq. km, or 1%), Al-Fujairah (1150 sq. km, or 1.5%). Land borders run through deserts and are not clearly defined. Total area - approx. 83,600 sq. km (including the islands of Abu Musa, Big and Small Tomb). Population - about 3.13 million people, incl. 2.05 million non-citizens (2002). The capital is Abu Dhabi (420 thousand).

NATURE

Relief.

Most of the territory of the UAE is occupied by salt marshes and sandy deserts, in the west there are sandy and rocky deserts, in the east and northeast - the Hajar Mountains (the highest point is the city of Adan, 1127 m). The highest point in the country is Mount Jabal Yibir (1527 m). To the east of the Gulf of El Udayd, located at the base of the Qatar Peninsula, moving sand dunes extend, along the coast there are flat, barren salt marshes. The shores are mostly low, the coast is indented by small bays, framed by islets and coral reefs protruding above the surface of shallow waters.

The main minerals are oil and natural gas. Oil reserves are estimated at 12,330 million tons (about 10% of world reserves). The main oil fields in Abu Dhabi are Asab, Beb, Bu Khasa, Al-Zakum, in Dubai - Fallah, Fateh, South-West Fateh, Margham, in Sharjah - Mubarak. Natural gas reserves amount to 5794 billion cubic meters. m. In terms of natural gas reserves, the UAE ranks 4th in the world after Russia, Iran and Qatar. There are also deposits of uranium, chromium and nickel ores and bauxites.

Climate

dry, transitional from tropical to subtropical. Air temperature from November to May ranges from 18 to 25°C, from June to August - from 30 to 35°C (maximum up to 50°C), average monthly temperatures range from 20° to 35°C. Summer, except for mountainous areas , very hot, in winter the weather becomes cooler. Precipitation falls approx. 100 mm, in the mountains 300–400 mm per year (maximum in winter). Occasionally there are heavy downpours that cause great damage, washing away roads and interrupting communications. There are no permanent rivers, temporary streams flow through the valleys, most of the year they are dry channels - wadis. Sources of fresh water along the flat coast of the Persian Gulf are very few. There is no agriculture west of Abu Dhabi. Intensive water intake from underground sources has led to a significant decrease in the level of groundwater and its salinization.

Vegetation and fauna.

On the western slopes of the mountains there are large oases with vineyards, date palm, acacia, tamarisk; cereals, mangoes, bananas, lemons, and tobacco are also cultivated. In the mountains - savanna type vegetation. Hares, jerboas, gazelles, one-humped Arabian camels, some species of lizards and snakes are found in desert areas. The coastal waters of the Persian Gulf are rich in fish (sardines, herring, etc.) and pearls.

POPULATION

Demography.

From 1968 to 2003, the country's population increased 20 times, primarily due to the influx of foreign work force. In 2003, the total population of the UAE was 3.75 million people, incl. Abu Dhabi (1,186 thousand people, or 39% of the population, in 2000), Dubai (913 thousand inhabitants, or 28%), Sharjah (520 thousand), Ajman (174 thousand), Ras al- Khaimah (171 thousand), Umm al-Qaiwain (46 thousand), Al-Fujairah (98 thousand). As a result of immigration, there are serious disproportions in the sex structure of the population. Women now make up approximately 33% of the population as many workers choose to come to the UAE without their families. In the 1990s, the natural movement of the population was characterized by high births and low deaths. The average annual population growth in 1990-1995 was 5.3%, in 2003 - 1.57% (with a birth rate of 18.48, a death rate of 4.02 per 1000 people). Average life expectancy is 74 years (72 years for men, 77 years for women).

ethnic groups.

About 80% of the population are from other countries. In 2000, ethnic Arabs made up 48.1% of the total population (of which UAE Arabs - 12.2%, Bedouins - 9.4%, Egyptian Arabs - 6.2%, Omani Arabs - 4.1%, Saudi Arabs - 4% ), South Asians - 35.7%, Iranians - 5%, Filipinos - 3.4%, Europeans - 2.4%, others - 5.4%. The number of UAE citizens, according to various estimates, has not exceeded 25% of the population in recent decades. At the same time, the most numerous ethnic groups are (as of 2003) people from India (about 30%, or 1.2 million) and Pakistan (about 20%).

Work force.

The economically active population is 1.6 million people. (2000), of which 73.9% is foreign labor (2002). About 78% are employed in the service sector, 15% in industry, and 7% in agriculture (2000). In general, since the late 1990s, there has been a trend towards a reduction in the number of people employed in industry and agriculture. The most significant role in the local economy is played by foreign workers from India and Pakistan. Since 2002, the government has been taking measures to “emiratize personnel” (it should be noted that a very small number of local residents work in the industrial sector). As part of the personnel reforms, it is envisaged that up to 90% of government agencies, 80% of economic and financial organizations, and 60% of justice bodies will be staffed by UAE nationals. At the same time, the struggle to limit the influx of foreign labor is intensifying. In 1996, as part of an amnesty declared for illegal immigrants and foreign citizens with expired visas and documents, 150,000 people left the country; during the amnesty in 2003, approx. 80 thousand people Unemployment in 1996 reached 2.6%.

Urbanization.

Most of the population is concentrated on the coast and in oases. Citizens make up 84% of the country's population (1996). In the interior desert regions there is a very rare nomadic, semi-nomadic and settled indigenous Arab population (Emirati Arabs, Bedouins), which retains tribal division. The largest tribes among nomads and semi-nomads are the beni-kitab, among the settled population - avamir, beni hajir, beni mura, beniyaz, davasir, kavasim, menasir, naim, us, shamis. Largest cities: Dubai (710 thousand), Abu Dhabi (928 thousand), Sharjah (325 thousand), Al Ain (240 thousand), Ajman (120 thousand), Ras Al Khaimah (80 thousand) . Average density - 38 people / sq. km (2003); the average density in the emirates is: in Abu Dhabi - 12.7 people / sq. km, Umm al-Qaywaine - 45.1 people / sq. km, El Fujairah - 58.7 people / sq. km, Ras al-Khaimah - 84.9 people / sq. km, Sharjah - 154 people / sq. km, Dubai - 172.8 people / sq. km, Ajman - 456.9 people / sq. km (as of 1996).

Language.

The official language is Arabic (native only for 40% of the population). The dialect of the locals is as close as possible to classical Arabic, with small inclusions of Bedouin words and expressions. The most spoken languages ​​in immigrant communities are Hindi and Urdu, as well as Malay (13%), Balochi (8%), Pashto (6%), Farsi (5%), Telugu (5%), Somali (4%), Bengali (3%). Most residents speak spoken English.

Religion.

The state religion is Islam, mostly Sunni. Muslims make up 96% of believers (approx. 16% of the population are Shiites, living mainly in Dubai); Christians, Hindus, etc. - approx. 4% (1995). According to the laws, the spread of other religions and the conversion of Muslims to another faith is prohibited, which is punishable by a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years. Muslim (lunar Hijra) and Gregorian calendars are used.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

Federal authorities.

The UAE is a federal state. Each of the emirates included in the federation is an absolute monarchy and retains significant independence. The federal authorities consist of: the Federal Supreme Council, the head of state and his deputy, the Council of Ministers, the Federal National Assembly, the Supreme Federal Court.

According to the constitution of 1971 (as amended in 1976; provisional until 1996), the highest body of state power is the Federal Supreme Council (FSC), consisting of the rulers of the seven emirates. The Council meets 4 times a year and has broad powers. In its exclusive jurisdiction, the ratification of international treaties and agreements; introduction and lifting of a state of emergency; declaration of war; appointment of the chairman and members of the Supreme Federal Court. Along with this, the Supreme Council determines the general federal policy and exercises supreme control over the affairs of the federation; approves federal legislation; appointment of the President, Vice President, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Chairman of the Supreme Court and its members and accepting the resignation of each of them. For all decisions made, except for procedural matters, a majority of 5 votes is required in the Supreme Council, subject to the consent of the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, who have the right of veto.

Every 5 years, from among its members, the Supreme Council elects the head of the federation and his deputy - the president and vice president. The constitution gives the head of state broad legislative and executive powers. While exercising executive power through the ministers, the president at the same time presides over meetings of the FVS and has the right to veto any of its decisions. He can issue decrees and acts on any issues other than those within the exclusive competence of the FVS; appoint and remove the prime minister, his deputy and the cabinet of ministers. The head of state has the right (with the consent of the Supreme Council) to dissolve the national assembly. It issues federal laws and supervises the implementation by the Council of Ministers and individual ministers of federal laws, decrees and acts; approves death sentences and also has the power to pardon and commute sentences.

The permanent president of the UAE (since 1971) is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the vice president (since October 8, 1990) is the Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum ibn Rashid Al Maktoum (last elections were held on December 2, 2001).

executive power belongs to the Council of Ministers (consists of 21 ministers and one vice-premier), appointed by the head of state. The Council of Ministers directly manages all internal and external affairs of the federation under the supervision of the head of state and the Federal Supreme Assembly. The Council of Ministers may legislate in all areas of ordinary jurisdiction, except in matters relating to the ratification of international treaties and agreements, the imposition or repeal of martial law, the declaration of war, and the like.

Since 1990, the post of prime minister has been occupied by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the first deputy prime minister is Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Role deliberative body belongs to the unicameral Federal National Assembly (FNC, Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani). It consists of 40 representatives appointed by the rulers of the emirates for 2 years: 8 deputies each from Abu Dhabi and Dubai (with the right of veto), 6 from Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, 4 from Ajman, Umm El Qaiwain and Fujairah. There is no electoral legislation, each emirate independently determines the method of electing deputies to parliament. From among its members, the Federal Tax Service elects the presidium and the chairman of the National Assembly. Al-Haj Abdullah Al Mohairabi from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is currently the Chairman of the Federal Tax Service.

The National Assembly has neither legislative power nor even legislative initiative. The Federal Tax Service has the right only to consider draft laws prepared by the Council of Ministers, propose amendments to them and even reject them, but the decisions of the meeting have no legal force. It has the right to discuss any issue, provided that the Council of Ministers does not consider the discussion of this issue contrary to the highest interests of the federal state. In addition, the National Assembly may make recommendations, which are also non-binding and may be rejected by the Council of Ministers.

The constitution guarantees independence judiciary. The federal judiciary has been in existence since 1971; all emirates joined it, with the exception of Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah. All emirates have secular and Islamic (Sharia) legislation for civil, criminal and high courts. The highest body of judicial power is the Federal Supreme Court (consists of 6 members), whose judges are appointed by the President.

Local authorities.

In parallel with the federal institutions, each of the emirates has its own governing bodies.

The emirates are led by hereditary monarchs (sheikhs or emirs). Power usually passes through the male line to the eldest son of the ruler, but the ruler may appoint another senior relative from this dynasty as heir. Each ruler has the highest legislative and executive power and directly conducts all internal and external affairs that are not within the competence of the federal authorities.

The largest and most populous emirate, Abu Dhabi, has its own government, which is formed on the same principle as the federal government and is headed by Crown Prince Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Advisory functions belong to the National Advisory Council, which has the same powers as the Federal National Assembly. It consists of 60 members representing the main tribes and influential families of the emirate.

Various administrative functions in all emirates are carried out by many local departments (police and security, public works, health, education, water and electricity, finance, customs, etc.). Some of the departments are subordinate to federal ministries. The broadest administrative system has been created in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It covers almost all spheres of life in these emirates.

There is no official administrative-territorial division in the emirates. Only Abu Dhabi is administratively divided into three districts. Along with this, in Abu Dhabi there is a system of representatives of the ruler. At present, there are five such representatives: in the Eastern and Western regions, on Das Island, where an important oil terminal is located, and others.

Currently, all the capitals of the emirates, as well as the cities of Al Ain (Abu Dhabi), For Fakkan and Kalba (Sharjah), have municipalities. All municipalities are headed by members of the ruling dynasties. In the capitals of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah, municipal councils have been established under the municipalities, including various departments. Their members are also appointed by the rulers. The functions of municipalities include issues of local government (organization of water and electricity supply, improvement of streets, etc.).

In small and remote settlements, the ruler and the government of each emirate may appoint a local representative, emir or wali, through whom the inhabitants can address the government with their own requests. In most cases, local tribal leaders are appointed as local representatives of the emir.

Political parties.

There is no organized opposition, the activities of political parties and trade unions are prohibited. The majority of the non-Emirati Arab population has neither civil nor political rights. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch are trying to convince the government of the need for legislative reform.

Foreign policy.

The UAE is a member of the UN, the League of Arab States, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, etc. Since its formation, the UAE has officially joined the group of non-aligned countries and acted in it from the position of "absolute neutrality", which allowed them to maintain "equidistance" from the West and the East . In matters of a Middle East settlement, the UAE advocates the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from all occupied Arab territories. They also demand that all legitimate rights of the Arab people of Palestine be secured, incl. his right to establish his own state. With regard to the Iran-Iraq war, the UAE supported Iraq, providing it with material and moral assistance, and at the same time maintained economic ties with Iran. Great importance is attached to participation in the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), in which the UAE sees an effective mechanism for ensuring regional stability and cooperation.

Territorial disputes.

In 1999, a border agreement was signed with Oman, but the final definition of the border between the two countries was postponed until 2002. Separate sections of the border between the emirates of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, including the Musandam peninsula, remain undefined. The status of the UAE border with Saudi Arabia has not been finally established (details of the 1974 and 1977 agreements have not been made public). The conflict with Iran continues over the islands of Abu Musa, Big and Small Tomb, occupied by Iranian troops in November 1971. In 2000, Tehran declared the islands an integral part of its territory, and the issue of them was closed.

Armed forces.

The united armed forces of the UAE were created in 1976, but in 1978 the armed forces of Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah left their structure (the latter subsequently returned back). Dubai still retains significant independence in the military field.

The national armed forces consist of the ground forces, the air force and the navy. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is the head of state, the direct command of the armed forces is carried out by the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. The Ministry of Defense is located in Dubai, the General Staff is in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Minister of Defense of the United Arab Emirates.

The total strength of the armed forces is about approx. 65 thousand people (2000). The ground forces (59 thousand people, including 12-15 thousand of the Emirate of Dubai) have 2 armored, 2 motorized infantry, 2 infantry, artillery brigades, 2 combined brigades (Dubai) and a royal guard brigade. It is armed with 487 tanks, 620 armored personnel carriers, 615 infantry fighting vehicles, as well as rockets and artillery mounts. The Air Force (4 thousand people) includes 10 air squadrons, is armed with 108 combat aircraft, 42 helicopters and up to 80 military transport aircraft and helicopters. The Navy (2.4 thousand people, including 200 officers) consists of units of combat and auxiliary ships. They are armed with 27 ships. The main naval bases are Dalma, Mina Zayed (Abu Dhabi), Mina Khalid, Khor Fakan, Towella (Sharjah). Manning is carried out on the principle of voluntary recruitment, while the number of foreign volunteers reaches 30% of the total number of armed forces.

In addition to the regular armed forces, there is also a coast guard and a maritime police - 1200 people. (including 110 officers). Ensuring internal security and police functions are carried out by the Federal Police Forces (about 6 thousand people) and the National Guard (about 4 thousand people). Each emirate has its own National Guard.

The UAE buys the most modern weapons, mostly Western-made; in the 1990s, a number of major contracts were also concluded with Russia. In March 2000, one of the largest arms deals in world history took place: the UAE purchased 80 F-16 jet fighters from Lockheed Martin for $8 million. Defense spending by the UAE remains among the highest in the Gulf region. All R. In the 1990s, they reached 2 billion dollars, in 1999 - 3.8 billion, in 2000 - 3.9 billion, in 2002 - St. 4 billion

ECONOMY

The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a significant annual surplus. Since 1973, the UAE has evolved from the poorest region of small desert principalities into a modern state with high level life. The largest of the emirates, Abu Dhabi, provides 90% of oil and gas production and 60% of the GDP of the UAE. Due to the smaller oil and gas reserves, Dubai has become a trade, commercial and transport center. The main focus of Sharjah is on light industry and the development of port communications. The rest of the emirates (known as the northern emirates) are considered to be poorer than the others and together account for only 6.6% of GDP (1996). In 2002, the UAE's GDP reached $53 billion. The average annual per capita income increased from $9,635 (1996) to $22,000 (2002).

The plans of the UAE leadership include further diversification of the economy, which today is mainly focused on oil. Analysis of the data shows that the share of non-oil industries in GDP increased from 36.73% in 1980 to 77.64% in 1998, while the share of the manufacturing sector increased from 3.76% in 1980 to 12.4% in 1998. Yet the share of oil in the country's GDP remains quite high.

Oil and gas.

The UAE has huge oil reserves (97.8 billion barrels, or 10% of world reserves). At the current level of production, oil and gas reserves should last until the beginning of the 22nd century. The wealth of the country is based on the export of oil and gas (approx. 33% of GDP) and depends on fluctuations in the prices of these products. Oil production on the shelf off the coast of Abu Dhabi has been carried out since 1962, on the mainland of Abu Dhabi - since 1963. In 1995, the UAE produced an average of 290 thousand tons per day, while Abu Dhabi accounted for 83%, Dubai - 15%, Sharjah - 2%. Abu Dhabi ranks third in terms of oil production in the Middle East (after Saudi Arabia and Iran). In Dubai, the main business center of the UAE, an economic boom associated with oil production began even before it began to be extracted (1969). A small amount of oil is also produced in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. UAE oil production quotas are set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), but the UAE has not always adhered to these limits. For example, in 1990, during Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, oil production in the country doubled the quota. The UAE also has rich natural gas deposits. Its reserves are approx. 5.3 billion cubic meters m (3.8% of world reserves), according to this indicator, the UAE ranks third in the Middle East.

Industry.

Other important sectors of the economy, in addition to oil and gas production, are manufacturing, oil refining, shipbuilding and ship repair. In addition to petroleum products, the country produces steel, aluminum, fertilizers, cement, plastics, machinery and clothing, and handicrafts. Large gas processing facilities are located in Ruweis, Jebel Ali, Das Island, Sharjah. Industry is developing building materials. 9 cement plants produce approx. 5 million tons of cement per year. There is an aluminum plant with a capacity of 240 thousand tons per year.

The number of enterprises with more than 10 employees has almost tripled in 10 years (from 1990 to 1999): from 705 to 1859. Further study of statistical data shows that industrial production is concentrated in cities: Dubai (678 out of 1859 enterprises ), Sharjah (581), Ajman and Abu Dhabi. The largest plants and factories in the country operate in the capital.

Traditional handicrafts are developed - the manufacture of carpets, woolen fabrics, the chasing of gold and silver products, the extraction of pearls and corals.

The industry accounts for approx. 46% of GDP (2000). In 2000 there was an increase industrial production by 4%.

Agriculture.

The UAE is a semi-arid country with little rainfall. Agriculture provides only 3% of GDP and employs 7% of the working population (2000). The main branches of agriculture are fishing, farming and nomadic cattle breeding. The total area of ​​cultivated land is 54.5 thousand hectares (1994). The main areas for the development of agriculture are the eastern part of Ras al-Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, the northeast of Sharjah, part of the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Dates and vegetables are mainly grown. Efforts are being made to achieve self-sufficiency in grain, but this is hampered by the lack of fresh water. Poultry and cattle are bred. Nomads breed sheep, goats and camels. Basic food needs are met through imports.

Transport.

The transport network has been significantly improved due to large oil export revenues. There are no railways in the UAE, domestic transportation is mainly provided by road. All emirates are interconnected by four-lane highways. The main highway runs from Ash Sham through all the major coastal cities to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The total length of highways is 2,000 km, incl. 1,800 km built since 1993. Dubai is the main regional and international hub for maritime and air traffic. Most of the overseas traffic is carried out by sea. Own maritime transport is poorly developed. Merchant navy includes 56 courts (2002). A significant amount of cargo is transported on foreign ships. The most important ports of the UAE are Jabel Api (since 1988) and Port Rashid (in Dubai), Zayed (in Abu Dhabi), El Fujairah. The emirate of Dubai has the world's largest dry dock, designed to repair tankers with a displacement of up to 1 million tons. There are 6 international airports - in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, El Fujairah. About 11 million people used the services of Dubai International Airport in 1999. In total, there are 40 airports for various purposes in the country (1999). The length of oil pipelines is 830 km, gas pipelines - 870 km.

Free economic zones.

In order to attract foreign capital in 1985 in the Emirate of Dubai in the area of ​​the port of Jebel Ali, a free economic zone (FEZ) was created, in which 2,300 companies operate, 1/4 of which are small and medium-sized industrial companies. Main specialization: trading operations (74%), industry (22%), services (4%). The successful experiment at Jebel Ali prompted the UAE governments to create new free economic zones. Currently, there are nine SEZs in the UAE, more than in any other Arab country. According to available data, the percentage of industrial projects in the total number of projects implemented in the SEZ is: in Sharjah - 17.7%, Fujairah - 39.8%, Ajman - 41.3%, Umm al-Qaiwain - 100%.

Trade.

The export of the UAE is represented mainly by oil and oil products (45%). The total volume of exports increased from $22.6 billion (1993) to $44.9 billion (2002). In addition to oil, important export items are liquefied gas, aluminum, fertilizers, cement, fresh and dried fish, dates, pearls. Main exporting countries: Japan (29.1%), South Korea (10.2%), India (5.4%), Oman (3.7%), Singapore (3.1%), Iran (2. 2%) (as of 2001). The UAE imports machinery and equipment, vehicles, electronic equipment and household appliances, finished products, foodstuffs, chemicals, synthetic materials, metal products. The volume of imports in 1999 was 27.5 billion dollars, in 2002 - 30.8 billion dollars. Main trading partners: USA (6.7%), Germany (6.6%), Japan (6.5%) , France (6.3%), China (6.1%), UK (5.9%), South Korea (5.5%) (as of 2001). Trading firms in the UAE, especially in the emirate of Dubai, are widely involved in the re-export trade.

National monetary unit - dirham (AED) = 100 fils (since May 1973).

SOCIETY

Health and welfare.

The creation of the healthcare system dates back to 1943, when the first hospital was opened in Dubai. In 1971 a network of medical institutions existed in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Dibba. Since the formation of the UAE, the health care system has been characterized by rapid growth but lack of coordination. By the early 1990s, cooperation between the emirates in the field of health has intensified, but oil companies and the armed forces still have their own medical facilities. The health system offers free care to all citizens; in 1982, in connection with the reduction of income from oil exports, the government introduced paid services for non-citizens, except in emergency cases. In 1995, 15,361 employees were employed in the health care system, incl. OK. 3 thousand citizens of the UAE; doctors - 3803, incl. 1839 in the private sector. In 1995, there were 1227 people for every doctor and 454 people for every nurse. In 1986 there were 40 hospitals (with 3,900 beds) and 119 clinics in the country, in 1995 there were 51 hospitals (with 6,357 beds). During the health care reforms, infant mortality dropped from 145 per 1,000 births in 1960 to 15.58 in 2000. In 1985, health workers attended 96% of births. Life expectancy increased from 53 years in 1960 to 74.75 years in 2003. The top causes of death reported in Abu Dhabi in 1989 per 100,000 population were: accidents and poisonings, 43.7%; cardiovascular diseases - 34.3%; cancer - 13.7%; respiratory diseases - 8.1%. As of December 1990, there were 8 cases of HIV infection.

The country has an extensive social protection network, which includes family centers aimed at solving domestic problems and teaching women about housekeeping skills. There is psychological assistance for disadvantaged youth; providing assistance to victims of epidemics and disasters. Widows, orphans, the elderly, the disabled and others who are unable to support themselves receive social benefits. In 1975, almost 24,000 citizens received 87.7 million dirhams as part of social assistance; in 1982 about 121,000 people received 275 million dirhams. Other social benefits provided to the citizens of the UAE: free housing and subsidies for the arrangement of an apartment. However, the Department of Public Works and Housing reported in 1992 that 70% of the government's 15,000 low-income homes were found to be uninhabitable.

Education.

The first private schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah were opened in the early 1900s. In sheikhs and sultanates, small study groups functioned at mosques. In the 1920s and 1930s, as a result of the economic crisis, most schools were closed. Secular elementary schools began to appear in the 1950s. The first British school with teachers from Arab countries was opened in Sharjah in 1953 with 450 boys aged 6 to 17. Soon the first elementary school for girls was founded in Sharjah. The British government opened schools in Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah and Hawr Fakkan, founded an agricultural school in Ras al-Khaimah in 1955 and a technical school in Sharjah in 1958. Since 1958, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Egypt have allocated large funds for the construction of schools and the salaries of teachers. The first own education system was created in Abu Dhabi in the early 1960s. By the 1964-1965 academic year, there were 6 schools, where 390 boys and 138 girls studied. In other emirates, 31 schools worked, incl. 12 schools for girls.

After the creation of the UAE, the problems of education became one of the priorities in government programs. In the period 1971–1978, spending on education was second in the federal budget after defense. The law provides for compulsory secondary education for UAE nationals. The education system includes: pre-schools for children aged 4 to 6, primary schools (6 years of education), lower secondary schools (3 years of education) and high schools (3 years of education). Education is separate, in some primary schools co-education is carried out. In rural areas, education in primary schools lasts no more than 2-3 years. In the 1973–1974 academic year, there were about 140 schools with about 50,000 students, incl. 32,000 in elementary schools, 14,000 in junior high schools, 3,000 in high schools. In the 1990-1991 academic year, there were about 760 schools with about 338,000 students, incl. 49 thousand in preschools, 227 thousand in elementary schools and 111 thousand in secondary schools. In the 1995–1996 academic year, there were 1,132 schools in the country with 422,000 students (1994–1995). A third of the students attended private or religious schools.

Vocational training is provided at commercial and agricultural schools, as well as at oil industry training centers in Abu Dhabi. In the 1996-1997 academic year, 1925 people studied in 7 vocational schools and centers.

Higher education, both primary and secondary, is free for all citizens of the UAE. The main institutions of higher education are: Al Ain University of the United Arab Emirates (founded in 1977; over 15,000 students); Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi (founded in 1988), Al Ain (founded in 1988), Dubai (founded in 1989) and Ras Al Khaimah (founded in 1989); Etisalat College of Engineering in Sharjah; Ajman University of Science and Technology (founded in 1988); University of Sharjah (founded in 1997); American University of Sharjah (founded in 1997); Al Bayan University (founded in 1997; first private university in Abu Dhabi); Dubai Aviation College (founded in 1991-1992). Many citizens of the UAE receive higher education in the USA, Great Britain, and other Arab countries.

In addition to educational institutions for children and adolescents, there is a network of educational institutions for adults who have not received the appropriate education. The number of adult education centers grew from 54 (in 1972) to 139 (in 1996-1997) with 18,000 students. In 1993, the number of illiterates fell to 16.8% compared to 79% in 1968. According to the UN, the literate population in 2003 was 77.9% (76.1% men, 81.7% women).

Press, radio, television, internet.

The media operating in the country, subject to loyalty to the ruling dynasties and the government, enjoy relative freedom. There are 5 daily newspapers published in Arabic in the country: Akhbar Dubai (since 1965), Al-Bayan (Dubai, since 1980, circulation 35,000), Al-Wahda (Abu Dhabi, since 1973, circulation 15,000), Al-Ittihad (Abu Dhabi, since 1972, circulation 58,000), Al-Khalij (in the Principality of Sharjah, since 1970, circulation 58,000); 4 newspapers in English: Gulf News (Abu Dhabi, circulation 24.5 thousand), Ricorder (Abu Dhabi and Sharjah), Trade and Industry (Abu Dhabi, since 1975, circulation 9 thousand) , Emirates News (Abu Dhabi). Abu Dhabi is home to the United Arab Emirates News Agency (UAE, founded in 1976). The government radio and television service is located in Dubai. Broadcasting from ser. 1960s, currently operating 22 radio stations (1998). Television since 1968, there are 15 television stations (1997). There is only one Internet Provider, Etisalat company. The number of Internet users is more than 300 thousand (as of 2002).

STORY

From ancient times to the beginning of modern times.

According to the latest archaeological finds, the first traces of human presence in this region date back to 7 thousand BC. In 5 thousand BC. among the peoples inhabiting these areas, agriculture became widespread. In 4 thousand BC. the coast of the bay becomes an important trading point on the route of sea vessels between the Sumerian civilization of Mesopotamia and ancient India. In 3 thousand BC. in the east of the Arabian Peninsula, the ancient state of Dilmun arose, which existed until 2000–1000 BC. The creation of the first settlements and trading posts of the Phoenicians on the coast, which contributed to the development of navigation, the formation of trading centers and colonies, belongs to the same period. In the 6th c. BC. the territory of modern UAE fell under the rule of the Persian Achaemenid dynasty. In the 4th c. BC. As a result of the conquests of Alexander the Great, Greek trading colonies arose here. Starting from the 3rd c. BC. the territory of the southeastern coast was in the sphere of influence of the Parthian kingdom. This period also includes the migration of Arab tribes from the south and from the center of the Arabian Peninsula to the Persian Gulf region. After the fall of the Parthian kingdom in the 3rd-6th centuries. AD the peoples inhabiting the coast became part of the Sassanid state; Persian agricultural colonies were created in the country, Judaism and Christianity became widespread among the local population; there were Christian churches and monasteries. In the 7th century this territory was included in the Arab Caliphate; there were such large cities as Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah; Islam became the dominant religion. In con. 7th c. the bay area became part of the Umayyad Caliphate. In the middle of the 8th c. the population of the country (in particular, the principalities of Sharjah and Dubai) participated in the uprising of the tribes of Oman against the governor of the Umayyad caliph; as a result, in the middle of the 8th–9th centuries. Principalities (emirates) were ruled by virtually independent rulers. At the end of the 9th c. they turned into tributaries of the Baghdat Caliphate. In the 10th century separate principalities became part of the state of the Karmatians, the Muslim Shiite sect of the Ismailis, which existed until the end of the 11th century. In the beginning. 13th c. most of the local rulers (in particular, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah) became vassals of the Hormuz state.

From the beginning of the 16th century to the middle of the 19th century.

After the opening of the sea route to India (1498), the Persian Gulf region became the most important point of European influence in the region. From the beginning of the 16th century and until the middle of the 17th century. part of the coast of the Persian and Gulf of Hormuz was under the rule of the Portuguese, who established a monopoly on all trade between the Far East, India and Southeast Asia. The main rival of Portugal was the Ottoman Empire, which incited the Arab tribes to revolt against the Portuguese invaders. However, soon the Persian Gulf became the object of the struggle between England, France, the Netherlands, Persia and Oman. After the displacement of the Portuguese in the middle. 17th century On the territory of modern UAE and Oman, the state of Yaruba was founded, which extended its influence to the northeastern and western coasts of the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.

In the 2nd floor. 18th century control over the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz was seized by the al-qawasim tribal confederation; their power extended to the sheikhdoms of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, the Musandam peninsula, as well as the southwestern coast of Iran and some islands in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. With a fairly strong fleet, the al-qawasim established complete maritime control over navigation.

In the 2nd half of the 18th century. Oman, especially its coastal regions, became the object of struggle first between Great Britain (represented by the East India Company) and France, and then between the Wahhabi rulers of Central Arabia. In 1798, an agreement was signed between representatives of the East India Company and the Sultan of Muscat, who also sought to establish control over this part of Arabia, which marked the beginning of British expansion. British ships under the slogan of "free navigation" tried to monopolize the traffic between the ports of the Persian Gulf and deprive the locals of their main source of livelihood. This led to conflicts between the East India Company and the local Arab population (the British called it pirates, in connection with which the entire area received the name "Pirate Coast"). The main opponent of the East India Company was al-qawasim, who at that moment fell under the influence of Wahhabism. England used al-qawasim's attacks on individual military and merchant ships as a pretext for starting a war.

In 1801, under the slogan of combating piracy and the slave trade, warships of the East India Company blockaded the coast of the Persian Gulf and attacked Arab merchant ships. In 1800-1803 and in 1805-1806, the British and their ally, the Sultan of Muscat, fought with varying success against the tribes of the "Pirate Coast".

In 1806, the East India Company imposed a treaty on the sheikhs al-qawasim, according to which the latter were obliged to respect the flag and property of the company. However, the agreement was not actually respected.

In 1809, the military forces of the East India Company resumed hostilities, destroying a significant part of the Wahhabi fleet (more than 100 ships) and shelling the fortress of Ras al-Khaimah from the sea. However, already in 1814, the Wahhabis again seized control of the sea routes and for the next two years blocked the approaches to the Persian Gulf.

Taking advantage of the defeat of the Wahhabis on land, the British sent in 1818 a new squadron to the "Pirate Coast" with the goal of putting an end to piracy once and for all. On December 9, 1819, they stormed the fortress of Ras al-Khaimah. All Arab-owned ships, including fishing boats, were burned. The defeat forced the emirs and sheikhs of 9 Arab principalities to sign the so-called. "General Treaty of Peace" (January 8 - March 15, 1820), proclaiming "freedom of navigation" in the Persian Gulf and obliging to stop pirate attacks on English ships, as well as the practice of slavery and the slave trade. England received the right of unlimited dominance in the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs; it was recognized the right to supervise navigation and control the courts of local rulers. In fact, this agreement marked the beginning of the establishment of British control over this territory and the final dismemberment of Oman into 3 parts - the Imamate of Oman, the Sultanate of Muscat and the "Pirate Coast".

In 1821, the fleets of England and Muscat inflicted another defeat on the sheikhs of the Persian Gulf, who had not joined the General Peace Treaty.

Despite the agreement, the attacks of the sheikhs on each other continued. In an effort to control dynastic and tribal strife, the British forced a new agreement on the coastal tribes. In 1835, between representatives of the East India Company and local rulers, the so-called. First maritime agreement about a truce for six months (subsequently, this agreement was annually extended) for the season of pearl fishing, which was then the main source of income for the sheikhs.

In 1838, after several unsuccessful attempts to put an end to the slave trade in the area, the British decided to take full control of the "Pirate Coast", Oman, Muscat, Bahrain and Kuwait and establish a permanent presence of their warships in the bay. In 1839, an agreement was concluded between Great Britain and Muscat on joint actions against piracy and the slave trade, to which the sheikhs of the "Pirate Coast" were attached in the same year.

In 1843, England imposed a new agreement on the rulers of the Pirate Coast, which extended the validity of the First Naval Agreement (1835) by 10 years. In accordance with it, the sheikhs were obliged to obey any decisions of the representatives of the East India Company acting on behalf of the British authorities. Failure or violation of them was considered as a violation of the "First Maritime Agreement".

In 1847, in addition to the agreement of 1835, an agreement was signed that significantly expanded the prerogatives of Great Britain in the Persian Gulf. This agreement gave the East India Company the right to search merchant ships suspected of piracy and the slave trade. He placed responsibility for violating the prohibition of the slave trade on the sheikhs who signed the contract, and also granted the right to representatives of the East India Company to act as an arbitrator in conflicts between local rulers. Economically, the treaty gave the UK a number of benefits and the right to exploit the pearly shoals of Bahrain and the "Pirate Coast".

Negotiated Oman.

With the defeat of the Wahhabis, who tried in 1851-1852 to regain control of the Persian Gulf, England imposed a new agreement on the rulers of the emirates. In May 1853, the sheikhs of Ras al-Khaimah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ajman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi signed the Treaty of Permanent Maritime Peace. In accordance with it, the “Pirate Coast” was renamed “Trucial Oman” (Trucial Oman), or “Treaty Coast”. England assumed the responsibility to mediate in the settlement of land disputes, as well as to protect the emirates from attack by a third party. The representative of the East India Company received the official right to punish all violators of the contract, including sheikhs.

Under an 1869 agreement, the sheikhs of Trucial Oman pledged not to independently conclude agreements with third countries, not to grant them any privileges, and not to lease the territories of their emirates without the consent of England.

In 1892, several more agreements were signed, which led to the establishment of a complete English protectorate over Trucial Oman. In 1898, in addition to this agreement, another treaty was signed that prohibited the sheikhs of Treaty Oman from buying or selling weapons. British military bases were established on the territory of the sheikhs (in particular, on the territory of Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi). Political power was exercised by an English liaison officer for the Persian Gulf zone (headquartered in Sharjah), who was subordinate to the political resident, first in Bushehr (Iran), then in Bahrain.

At the beginning of the 20th century the number of sheikhs has changed. In September 1900, Ras al-Khaimah became part of Sharjah (since 1921, again an independent sheikhship), at the same time, in 1902, Al-Fujairah separated from Sharjah (recognized in March 1952) and in 1903 - Kalba (recognized in 1936, in 1952 re-incorporated into Sharjah).

The main income of the Arab population during this period was still brought by the pearl trade. In 1911, the British entered into an agreement obliging the rulers of the sheikhs not to grant concessions to anyone except England for pearling and sponge fishing in their waters. By the beginning of the First World War, under the Anglo-Turkish Convention of 1913, England received exclusive right to Trucial Oman, and in 1922 the British established their control over the right of sheikhs to grant anyone concessions for oil exploration and production.

Until the early 1930s, British communications with the coast remained extremely limited. The expansion of the Wahhabi rulers of Najd further undermined the position of Great Britain in this region. In the hinterland, where the power of the British was always nominal, the tribes tended to unite with the Wahhabis of Central Arabia. Only in 1932 did British Airways need the territory of Treaty Oman for the construction of intermediate airports (a rest house for passengers and crew in Sharjah) on the way between London and India.

In the late 1920s, an economic crisis broke out on the coast, caused by the appearance of Japanese cultured pearls on the world market.

The discovery of oil changed the strategic and economic importance of this remote corner of the British Empire. Fearing that this area might fall into the hands of competitors, the British quickly created the Petroleum Development of Trushill Coast company. In 1937, British oil companies received concessions for the extraction and exploration of oil in Dubai and Sharjah, in 1938 - in Ras al-Khaimah and Kalba, in 1939 - in Abu Dhabi and Ajman.

Taking into account the increased weight of Treaty Oman in the region, London began to develop a plan to unite the sheikhs subject to it into a federal Arab state, which was also to include Iraq, Transjordan and Palestine. The plans of England seriously alarmed the population of the emirates. Anti-feudal and anti-colonial actions became more frequent there. In Sharjah, it came to open clashes, during which the airfield built by the British was destroyed. The tribes on the border with Muscat and Oman, with weapons in their hands, prevented the cartographic survey. Eventually London was forced to abandon the federation plan.

In 1938–1939 there was an unsuccessful attempt at political reform in Dubai. The ruling dynasty founded the Financial Council, consisting of local nobility, which, however, tried to remove it from power. A year later, the Council was dissolved.

During the Second World War, the sheikhs of Trucial Oman adhered to a policy of neutrality, after the war their status was upgraded to emirates (principalities), at the same time, the first steps were taken to integrate the emirates into a federation. In 1945 and 1950-1951, several meetings of the rulers of the emirates took place, at which issues of unification of the police forces, customs administration, and the monetary system were discussed. In 1951, to protect the personnel of oil companies, local armed forces were created, the so-called. "Scouts of Treaty Oman" (number - 1600 people, led by British officers). In 1952, with the creation of two institutions - the Council of the Trucial States, headed by a British political agent in Dubai, and the Fund for the Development of the Trucial States - the foundations of the future federation were laid.

At the same time, internal and external border conflicts continued, often caused by the economic interests of Western monopolies. In 1947-1949 there were clashes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The internal political situation in the 1940s–1950s was complicated by the rivalry between British and American oil companies. Until the mid-1950s, the most acute subject of dispute between ARAMCO, Iraq Petroleum Company and Royal Dutch-Shell was the oil-bearing lands of the oasis of El Buraimi, claims on which since the 19th century. presented by the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Oman. In 1949, search parties of the American oil company ARAMCO appeared here, acting in the interests of Saudi Arabia; in 1952, Saudi forces established their control over al-Buraimi. Only in October 1955, after the failure of negotiations, the armed forces of Oman and Abu Dhabi, supported by the British, again took possession of the oasis.

In 1953 Abu Dhabi granted an oil concession to an Anglo-French consortium. In 1958, large reserves of oil were discovered here, in the place of Bab, located in the desert, and in 1962, its production and export began. Within a few years, the modest emirate has turned into a great oil-producing state in the Middle East. In 1966 oil fields were discovered in Dubai, and in 1973 in Sharjah and other emirates.

The discovery of oil caused an aggravation of the political situation in the country. In 1961-1963, an anti-imperialist movement developed in a number of emirates, supported by some representatives of the ruling circles. In 1962, the ruler of Sharjah gave the concession to an American oil company, which caused dissatisfaction with official London. The ruler of Sharjah was followed by the sheikh of Ras al-Khaimah. In October 1964, bypassing the British authorities, the commission of the League of Arab States (LAS), with the consent of the rulers of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, visited a number of points in Trucial Oman. In response to these moves, the ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saqr III ibn Sultan al Qasimi (1925–1993), was arrested by the British authorities and declared deposed; An assassination attempt was made on the life of the ruler of Ras al-Khaimah, Sheikh Saqr ibn Mohammed al Qasimi. In an effort to prevent further LAS interference in the affairs of Trucial Oman, the British authorities in July 1965 held a meeting in Dubai of 7 sheikh rulers, at which a decision was made to form an Economic Development Council, and 15 major economic projects were considered that were supposed to contribute to the development of these territories. . However, performances continued, capturing even the relatively prosperous Abu Dhabi in 1966. In response to this, on August 6, 1966, a bloodless coup was organized in Abu Dhabi; As a result of the decision of the sheikhs of the Nahyan family, who removed the ruling emir Sheikh Shahbut, Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al Nahyan (the current head of the UAE) came to power.

Until the middle of 1967, attempts continued to create a federation with its subsequent accession to the so-called. "Islamic pact" (a bloc of countries led by Saudi Arabia).

Modern history of the UAE.

In 1968, the British government announced its intention to withdraw its troops from the region before the end of 1971 and transfer power to local rulers. In the face of difficult economic and international problems, most of the sheikhs spoke in favor of creating an independent federation of sheikhs of Eastern and Southeastern Arabia. Formally, the initiators of the association were Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al Nahyan (Abu Dhabi) and Rashid ibn Said Al Maktoum (Dubai), who on February 18, 1968 signed the corresponding agreement. On February 25, 1968, at a meeting in Dubai, the heads of the 9 British Mandatory Emirates (the seven emirates of Trucial Oman, Qatar and Bahrain) discussed for the first time the possibility of creating a single federal state. On March 1, 1968, the creation (from March 30, 1968) of the Federation of the Arab Emirates (FAE) was announced. According to the agreement, which entered into force on March 30, 1968, the Supreme Council, which included the rulers of all 9 emirates, was determined as the supreme authority of the Federation; the latter were to serve in turn as chairman of the Council for a year. The establishment of other bodies was deferred until the next meeting. However, these plans were not implemented due to the contradictions that arose between the rulers about the place and role of their emirates in the federation being created. As a result of the struggle of interests in the new association, two groups were formed, which were also influenced by neighboring states (Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait). One of the groups included the rulers of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ajman and Bahrain. They were opposed by the rulers of Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Qatar. At the same time, the rulers of Qatar and Bahrain, having a more developed economy and surpassing the rest of the emirates in terms of population, refused to recognize the equality of all members of the federation. As a result of disagreements, the FAE actually collapsed by the end of 1969, without having had time to take shape. An attempt to revive the federation project was made in March 1971, when the temporary creation of the Federation of the Arab Emirates (Treaty Oman together with Qatar and Bahrain) was again announced. However, the merger did not take place. After the withdrawal of British troops in September 1971, Bahrain and Qatar declared themselves independent states.

After a meeting in Dubai on July 18, 1971, six of the seven emirates formed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and signed an interim constitution. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, refused to join, citing other emirates' refusal to grant it veto power over national decisions and equal representation in the federal assembly. In addition, Ras al-Khaimah refused to cede to Iran the islands of Big and Small Tomb, rich in oil reserves. Other emirates did not want to be bound by any obligation to Ras al-Khaimah in the event of a conflict with Iran.

Great Britain and a number of other Arab states hastened to recognize the formation of the UAE. However, Iran and Saudi Arabia refused to recognize the new state, having territorial claims to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. For this reason, the official declaration of independence of the UAE, scheduled for August 1971, was delayed. As a result of subsequent negotiations with the participation of London in November 1971, an agreement was reached between Iran and Sharjah, according to which part of the island of Abu Musa passed to Iran; the oil deposits in the coastal waters of the island were also subject to division.

On November 30, 1971, two days before the UAE declared independence, Iranian troops landed on the island of Abu Musa (completely annexed in 1992) and occupied the strategically important islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb, which belonged to Ras al-Khaimah. Iran's actions provoked protest in the Arab world; A number of countries have filed a complaint against Iran with the UN Security Council. Great Britain limited itself to expressing its disagreement with Iran's actions. On December 2, 1971, at a conference of seven emirates held in Dubai, the creation of the United Arab Emirates was proclaimed. The federal state included only six of the seven emirates of Trucial Oman. The ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was elected President of the UAE, and the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Said Al Maktoum, was elected Vice President. The new president signed a treaty of friendship with the UK, which annulled all previous agreements concluded between the UAE member emirates and the British government. Abu Dhabi was chosen as the temporary capital. A few days later, the UAE was admitted to the Arab League and the United Nations. Having failed to achieve international support on the issue of the islands of Big and Small Tomb, on February 11, 1972, Ras al-Khaimah also joined the UAE.

Only Saudi Arabia did not recognize the new state, setting the solution to the issue of Al Buraimi as a condition for its recognition. As a result of a new round of negotiations in August 1974, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia concluded an agreement between themselves, according to which Saudi Arabia recognized the rights of Abu Dhabi and Oman to an oasis, and in turn received the territory of Sabha Bita in the southern part of Abu Dhabi, two small islands and the right to build a road and an oil pipeline through Abu Dhabi to the coast of the Gulf.

Significant oil revenues have financed much of the development programs and set the UAE's conservative and generally pro-Western course, as well as its close ties to Saudi Arabia. However, political life in the UAE has not been without controversy. Since the creation of the UAE, Abu Dhabi (which advocated the strengthening of a centralized federal authority) and Dubai (which was a supporter of maintaining significant independence for each of the emirates) has not stopped rivalry for leadership in the federation. In the first cabinet of ministers, formed in 1971, the sons of the Emir of Dubai played a key role, occupying the posts of prime minister, deputy prime minister, minister of defense, economy, finance and industry. At the end of December 1973, in connection with the reorganization of the Council of Ministers, the son of the Emir of Abu Dhabi, Hamid bin Zayed al Nahyan, was announced as Deputy Prime Minister. By the end of the 1970s, integrationists led by the ruler of Abu Dhabi won another important victory, having achieved the unification of the armed forces of the emirates under a single command (1976), carried out the transfer of police, security, immigration and information to the central government.

Throughout the 1970s, border disputes between the emirates and their neighbors continued. The ruler of Ras al-Khaimah continued to advocate the separation of the emirate from the federation. In 1978, the military forces of Ras al-Khaimah made an unsuccessful attempt to seize the disputed territory belonging to Oman. The fall of the Shah in Iran in 1979, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and the Iran-Iraq war created an additional threat to the stability of the UAE. In May 1981, in response to emerging threats, the UAE became one of the six founding members of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf, which, against the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war, turned into a military-political alliance.

During the Iran-Iraq war, the rulers of individual principalities supported Iraq, while others (Dubai, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain) maintained friendly relations with Iran. The greatest degree of contradiction between the emirates reached in June 1987, when an attempted palace coup took place in Sharjah: Sheikh Sultan ibn Mohammed Al Qasimi was forced to abdicate in favor of his brother, Abdel Aziz Al Qasimi. President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (Abu Dhabi) backed Abdulaziz's claim to power, while Vice President and Prime Minister Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (Dubai) declared his support for the Sultan. The conflict was resolved only after the Supreme Council of Rulers intervened in the dispute, restoring the powers of the Sheikh Sultan and declaring the applicant the crown prince.

In 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait, the UAE participated in the US-led multinational coalition of forces, contributing $6.5 billion and deploying troops. After the end of the war, the US and British navies continued to use the ports of the UAE.

The last decade of the 20th century generally distinguished by internal political and economic stability. The exception was the closure (on suspicion of financial fraud) in July 1991 of the International Trade and Credit Bank (MTCB), owned for the most part by the ruling family of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In December 1993, Abu Dhabi sued the executive management of the MTKB for damages. In June 1994, 11 of the 12 former MTKB executives accused of fraud were convicted in Abu Dhabi to prison terms and ordered to pay compensation. After lengthy negotiations, in 1995, an agreement was reached with depositors and creditors. In June 1996, two MTKB executives were acquitted of fraud charges after an appeal.

Since the Gulf War, the UAE has increased defense spending and expanded its international contacts and diplomatic relations. In 1994, an agreement on military cooperation was signed with the United States, a year later - with France. Along with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the UAE government recognized the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in 1997. In 1998, the UAE restored diplomatic relations with Iraq, interrupted due to the Gulf War (1991). Much attention was paid to the problems of settling the Arab-Israeli conflict.

UAE in the 21st century

In the same period, the country took steps to solve territorial problems. So, in 1999, during the visit of the Sultan of Oman to Abu Dhabi, border issues with Oman were settled. In November 2000, negotiations were held with Qatar on the border. The only exception is the territorial dispute with Iran. At the end of 1992, Sharjah and Iran reached an agreement on the island of Abu Musa, which completely passed into the jurisdiction of Iran; all foreigners living on the islands, including UAE nationals, have been ordered to obtain Iranian visas. In 1996, Iran further strengthened its position by starting the construction of an airport on the island of Abu Musa and a power plant on the island of Greater Tunb. In 1997, the UAE protested against Iranian military activity in the Persian Gulf. In November 1999, the Gulf Cooperation Council reiterated its support for the UAE in their dispute over the three islands. In 1999, a diplomatic conflict broke out between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over Saudi Arabia's desire to normalize relations with Iran.

The topic of constant debate was the question of the degree of integration of the emirates. By the end of the 1990s, due to tactical differences in the political course pursued by Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the full integration of the country's armed forces did not take place. Emirati integration in many areas is hampered by the ongoing rivalry between the leaders of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the UAE government decided to sever diplomatic relations with the Taliban in Afghanistan, the accounts of 62 organizations and individuals suspected by the United States of financing terrorist movements were frozen, and measures were taken to tighten control over cash flows.

During the Iraq War of 2003, the UAE hosted US troops, and the country provided substantial humanitarian assistance to Iraq after the official announcement of the cessation of hostilities.

November 3, 2004 President Zayed ban Sultan died. On November 3, 2004, the Federal Council of the United Arab Emirates elected the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, as the new president of the country. Sheikh Khalifa, 56, has until today chaired the Abu Dhabi Supreme Oil Council and is Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Since December 3, 2001, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed Al Maktoum has been Vice President. On January 5, 2006, at the age of 62, he died during a visit to Australia.

Literature:

Yaqub Yousef Abdallah. United Arab Emirates. History of political and state development (19th century - early 70s of the 20th century). M., 1978
Isaev V.A., Ozoling V.V. Qatar. M., 1984
Bodyansky V.L. Eastern Arabia: history, geography, population, economy. M., 1986
Markaryan R.V., Mikhin V.L. United Arab Emirates.- In the book. Recent history of the Arab countries of Asia. 1917–1985 M., 1988
Egorin A.Z., Isaev V.A. United Arab Emirates. M., 1997



Today, the United Arab Emirates impresses with its idyll and luxury. There are very strict laws here. The police drive around in luxury cars. And the term of service in the UAE army depends on whether a person graduated from school or not. But things were not always so smooth in this country. In the early 70s of the last century, it was shaken by armed conflicts. In this connection, they had to create their own army.

Historical summaries

The year of creation of the UAE army is 1976. Two years later, a geographical split occurred in the country - Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah left its composition. The second city named subsequently returned. And Dubai to this day retains significant sovereignty in the military sphere.

The history of the UAE armed forces is specific in that they were not united until the designated year. Each represented its own emirate. After the formation of the union, their unity turned out to be only theoretical. In practice, each was controlled by the emirate.

The forces represented the following territories:

1. Abu Dhabi. Year of formation - 1965. The number of soldiers by 1975 amounted to 15,000 people. The army had at its disposal two squadrons of fighters, 135 armored cars and the same number of combat helicopters. In 1996, it transformed into the eastern team of the UDF.
2. Dubai. Year of appearance - 1971. By 1975, the army consisted of 3,000 soldiers. After 20 years, the composition has expanded significantly - up to 20,000 fighters. The technical equipment includes armored vehicles, 105 helicopters, a special attack aircraft. In 1996 it was transformed into the UDF Central Command.
3. Ras Al Kaimah. Year of foundation - 1969. The initial strength of the army - 30 fighters. In the process of development, the composition increased to 9,000 soldiers. In the arsenal there are armored cars and two groups of infantry. In 1996, the UDF Northern Command was created from these forces.

Question of conscription

In the UAE army, according to the law of 2014, all males who are in the age spectrum of 18-30 years must serve.

There are two variations of the length of compulsory service:

1. Minimum 9 months. It is passed by citizens who have graduated from high school and who have presented documentary evidence of this.
2. Maximum 2 years. It is assigned to citizens who do not have a basic secondary education.

There is a third option to stay in the UAE army. It is provided for girls. Service for them is voluntary and lasts 9 months.

About weapons

Its lion's share is produced in the west. And in the 90s of the last century, the country concluded several key agreements with Russia. They concerned the supply of such equipment as infantry fighting vehicles, MLRS and air defense systems.

Between 1998 and 2000, the UAE entered into two solid agreements with France and the United States. Both relate to the supply of aviation equipment. In the first case, this is the Mirage-2000-9 aircraft, in the second - the F-16C / D Block 60. Suppliers created these special orders according to the criteria set by the emirates.

Subtleties of contracts

The armament of the UAE was significantly replenished in the 90s, thanks to cooperation with some European countries, as well as Indonesia and the United States. This process is presented below in chronological order.

Year	Country - partner	Technique	Number of units	Contract period	Amount (in dollars)
1993	France	Tanks "Leclerc"	436	1994-2003	3.6-4.6 billion
1994	Czech	Trucks "Tatra"	1100		180 million
1994	Holland	Frigates "Kortener"	2	1996-1998	350 million
1998…	France…	Aircraft "Mirage-2000-9"	30		5.5 billion
		Modernized modifications of the Mirage-2000-5	33
1999	Indonesia	Patrol aircraft CN-235-200MPA	4		150 million
2000	USA	Aircraft F-16C/D;	80		6.4 billion
2000	Russia	SAM 96K6 "Shell S-1"	50	2003-2005	734 million

UAE Ground Forces

Without them, it is difficult to imagine the army of this country. About 45,000 fighters are involved in them.

The ground forces of the United Arab Emirates are formed by nine brigades. They are reflected in this table:

There are also two special Dubai brigades. They are infantry, mechanized.

Artillery is made up of three regiments. They are formed by three batteries of 8 self-propelled guns М109/L47.

Brigades with special equipment have divisions, each of which is equipped with 24 G-6 self-propelled guns.

In the arsenal of infantry formations there are howitzers with a parameter of 10.5 cm.

Armament of UAE ground structures

Their combat and technical potential is presented in the tables below. They also reflect partner countries.

The review begins with tanks. Here, the leader in purchases is the Leclerc model.

About it and other modifications below:

Name	Production	Purpose	Number of units
	french
		Armored car
		armored personnel carrier
	british
	German	Chemical and biological intelligence
	Russian
	Turkish	armored personnel carrier
	Canadian	Armored car
	brazilian	armored personnel carrier

Armament is not complete without autonomous artillery for field missions. Here is the technique:

There is also a towed analogue of the specified artillery. There are only two modifications here:

1. L-118. This is a light gun with a parameter of 10.5 cm. The supplier is England. The number of units is 73.
2. 59-1 - howitzer with a parameter of 13 cm. Country - China. Number of units - 20.

In the armed potential of the UAE there are reactive technologies of volley shots:

There are also mortars in the arsenal. Their statistics are as follows:

Anti-tank weapons

The armed forces of the UAE provide in their avant-garde and means against tanks. Devices are purchased in Europe and the USA in a solid amount. Their list is shown below:

Air defense and ballistics

Here the armed forces of the United Arab Emirates have a more modest performance. And in this regard, they cooperate only with European partners:

As for ballistic weapons, the UAE army has only one Soviet-made missile, the SS-1C Scud-B. The number of launchers - 6.

About the Air Force

Today it is one of the key sectors of the UAE armed forces. Its staff includes almost 4,000 employees and about 368 units of aircraft. Pride are models "Mirage-2000".

They also love the brainchild of American production in the Emirates - the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It is often abbreviated as the F-16 FF.

As you know, the country is made up of seven emirates. And the Air Force is only in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

To date, only citizens with a UAE passport are allowed to drive combat vehicles. Foreigners serve the bases and are involved in training programs.

The history of the Air Force in the Emirates started in 1968. Then the first forces appeared in Abu Dhabi. Their work was controlled by British services. In 1972, funding improved significantly here, and tangible progress began.

In 1999, the two emirates with military aviation merged. But, despite this, they retained a certain autonomy. And Abu Dhabi became the location of the Western Command, and Dubai - the Central.

Combat potential

As already noted, the basis of the country's military aviation is American and French-made fighters. There are also tankers, patrol, reconnaissance and training equipment.

The table below includes only models for the specified purpose. Modifications to the transport and general profile are not taken into account.

Designation	Production		Number of units
	American
	french	Fighter for multiple tasks
Airbus A330MRTT	European Union
	American	For impact tasks
Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer	Swiss	For educational purposes
Air Tractor AT-802	American
	German
Eurocopter AS 350 Ecureuil	french
Bombardier Dash 8	Canadian	For patrol
	American	For intelligence
Denel Dynamics Seeker	South African

About the UAE Police

1. Officers and privates.
2. Service State.

Key positions can only be held by citizens of that country. The leader and all instructors must have higher education.

Police officers are trained at different levels of training:

1. Protection of objects.
2. Work in general divisions.
3. Service in police departments.

Enlisted and leading sergeants are trained at the police college. The duration of study is 2 years. Graduates are issued a license in the field of "science of law". They can also improve their skills through one-year courses.

In the UAE police, the army is distinguished by ranks. So police officers can have such ranks as:

1. General. There are three variations: armies, divisions and brigades.
2. Colonel.
3. Lieutenant colonel.
4. Major.
5. Captain.
6. Lieutenant. 2 levels: regular and advanced.

Privates and sergeants may have the following ranks:

1. Sergeant major. 3 levels: normal, first and main.
2. Sergeant.
3. Private.

Junior officers are trained at the Police Academy. The study period is 4 years. Graduates receive a diploma with a bachelor's degree.

Authors: A. I. Voropaev (General information, Population, Economy), N. N. Alekseeva (physical and geographical essay), Yu. B. Koryakov (ethnic composition), O. V. Vishlev (Historical essay), G. L. Ghukasyan (Historical essay, Mass media), V. D. Nesterkin ( Armed forces), V. S. Nechaev (Health), V. I. Linder (Sports), E. S. Yakushkina (Architecture and fine arts)Authors: A. I. Voropaev (General Information, Population, Economy), N. N. Alekseeva (physical and geographical essay), Yu. B. Koryakov (ethnic composition), O. V. Vishlev (Historical essay); >>

UNITED ARAB EMIRS YOU (UAE) (arab. Al-Imarat al-Arabiya al-Muttahid).

General information

The UAE is a state in the Southwest. Asia. Located in east. parts of the Arabian Peninsula. In the north it is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, in the east - by the Gulf of Oman. (the length of the coastline is 1318 km). It borders in the northwest with Qatar (by sea), in the west and south with Saudi Arabia, in the southeast and northeast with Oman (the total length of the land border is 867 km). The UAE belongs to several hundreds of islands, preim. small, in the Persian and Oman gulfs. In east. part of the UAE are the Omani enclave of Mada (on its territory the enclave of Nakhwa is allocated as part of the emirate of Sharjah) and a small territory under the joint administration of the emirate of Ajman and Oman. Pl. 83.6 thousand km 2 (official data of the UAE government; according to official data of separate emirates, 77.7 thousand km 2). Us. 8.27 million people (2010, data from the UAE National Bureau of Statistics; according to the separate emirates, approx. 5.37 million people; according to other estimates, approx. 5.31 million people). The capital is Abu Dhabi. Official the language is Arabic, English, Persian (Farsi), Hindi and Urdu are widely spoken. The monetary unit is the UAE dirham. There are 7 emirates in the UAE (table).

Administrative-territorial division
Emirate	Area, km 2	Population* thousand people (year)	Capital
Abu Dhabi	67340	1643,3 (2009)	Abu Dhabi
Ajaman	259	262,2 (2010)	Ajaman
Dubai	3885	2106,2 (2013)	Dubai
Ras Al Khaimah	1684	231,0 (2008)	Ras Al Khaimah
Umm el Quwain	777	53,0 (2008)	Umm el Quwain
Sharjah (El Sharajah)	2590	895,3 (2008)	Sharjah
Fujairah	1165	176,8 (2010)	Fujairah

The UAE is a member of the UN (1971), the Arab League (1971), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (until 2011 the Organization of the Islamic Conference; 1972), the IMF (1972), the IBRD (1972), the Arab Cooperation Council. states of the Persian Hall. (1981), OPEC (1967), WTO (1996).

State structure

The UAE is a federal state. The constitution was adopted on the day of the proclamation of the UAE on 12/2/1971 (at first temporarily, from 20/5/1996 - permanently). Each of the emirates is a constitution. monarchy.

According to the Constitution, the supreme body of power of the federation is the Supreme Federal Council, consisting of the rulers of the emirates. They elect a president from among their members for a term of 5 years.

The supreme body will execute. authorities - the Council of Ministers. The prime minister, appointed by the head of state, forms the government and submits its composition to the president for approval. The Council of Ministers directly supervises the implementation of the internal and foreign policy under the control of the President and the Supreme Federal Council. Government, main legislator member. process, develops draft laws, which, after consultation with the Federal nat. Council sends for approval to the President.

Federal National advice - advise. a parliamentary body that does not have legislators. initiative. Consists of representatives of influential tribes, as well as business circles and intellectuals; it consists of 20 appointed and 20 elected (since 2006) members on the basis of proportional representation from the emirates. The term of office is 4 years.

The Emirates have independence and, in particular, exercise sovereignty over their lands and territorial waters.

Political parties are banned in the UAE.

Nature

The territory of the UAE stretches along the south. coast of the Persian Gulf. at 650 km, along the Gulf of Oman. - 90 km. Coast preim. low, accumulative, indented by shallow bays. Shores of the Persian Gulf. surrounded by coral reefs. Between the coast and coral reefs there are small islands (Abu el-Abyad, Sir Bani Yas, etc.), many of which are sandy. The intertidal zone is characterized by extensive mudflats.

Relief

Low-lying plains with saline (near the coast) and sandy deserts predominate. Large areas are occupied by dune ridges that merge with the sands of Rub al-Khali. In the east - the spurs of the Hajar Mountains (Oman Mountains), consisting of a detachment. plateau-like massifs (height up to 1153 m - the highest in the country). In east. part of the UAE stretches the coastal plain of Al-Batin 3–30 km wide, drained by the time. streams (wadis). In the desert - oases with shallow groundwater.

Geological structure and minerals

The territory is located in the Rub al-Khali depression to the southeast. subsidence of the Precambrian Arabian platform. The depression is filled with a sequence of Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Paleogene sedimentary rocks (6–7 km thick). The section is dominated by sea. carbonate deposits (limestones, dolomites) with horizons of lagoonal evaporites (salt rocks) and coastal marine terrigenous rocks. The structure of the Mesozoic deposits is complicated by gently sloping brachianticlinal and dome-shaped structures grouped into zones of regional swell-like uplifts. Salt domes are noted in the southeast. The extreme north-east of the country (El-Fujairah) is occupied by the spurs of the mountain-folded structure of the Oman Mountains, within which powerful covers of ophiolites are developed.

The most important minerals of the UAE are oil and natural combustible gas. The subsoil of the country contains 7.3% of the world's proven oil reserves and 3.4% of gas (2009). Hydrocarbon deposits are located in the east. parts . The predominant number of deposits was discovered in the emirate of Abu Dhabi: on land - Asab, Bab, Bu-Khasa, Sahil, Shah, Arzanakh, Bida el-Kemzan, Kusakhvira, etc.; on the shelf - Umm-Shaif, Khuff, Bunduk, Zakum, Abu el-Bukhush, Nasr, etc. In the emirate of Dubai there are deposits on land - Margam, on the shelf - Falah, Fateh, South-West. Fateh, Rashid et al.; deposits have also been established in the emirates of Sharjah, Pac al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain. Oils are light, sour, preim. methane. B north-east parts of the country in the Omani mountains are known deposits of chromium ores; small ore occurrences of copper and manganese were also found here; deposits of uranium ores were discovered in the emirate of Fujairah. The country also has deposits of rock salt, gypsum, quartz sand, cement carbonate rocks, etc.

Climate

The climate in the UAE is tropical and dry. Wed January temp approx. 20°C (minimum 10°C); summer 30-35°C (maximum up to 49°C in July). On the plains, precipitation up to 100 mm per year, along the east. coasts 100–140 mm, in mountains up to 350 mm (maximum in February–March). Rain often falls in the form of strong localized downpours. At the end of summer, a humid southeast blows on the coast. wind ("sharks"), significantly increasing the ratio. air humidity. Strong sand and dust storms occur.

Inland waters

There are no permanent rivers, wadis are numerous. Annually renewable water resources are insignificant - 0.2 km3. The lack of fresh water is compensated by groundwater and the construction of desalination plants. water. Water supply is low - 818 m 3 /person per year (2000). Annual water intake composition lays 2.3 km 3.

Soils, flora and fauna

Grows. desert cover is sparse. In some places, along the slopes of the dunes and in depressions, detachments grow. trees and shrubs: tamarix, prosopis, camel's thorn, on compacted soils - capers. On loose sands there are single hard cereals (aristida and wild millet). Woodlands and savannas occupy 3.8% of the territory. In the mountains - savanna woodlands of acacia, ficus, moringa, on the piedmont proluvial plains - acacia savannas. Mangroves grow in places along the Persian and Oman Gulfs. In the desert - rare oases with date palm, acacia, eucalyptus.

The UAE is home to 25 species of mammals (gazelles, many rodents, etc.), 3 species are endangered - leopard, Arabian oryx (gemsbok) and Arabian tahr. More than 300 species of migratory birds have been recorded, 34 species of nesting birds are known; 8 species of birds are endangered, including the white-collared kingfisher, Persian cormorant, beauty bustard. There are 36 species of reptiles, and the spiny tailed lizard is endangered. Coastal waters of the Persian Gulf. rich in fish (sharks, sardines, herring, mackerel, tuna, etc.) and pearls. From sea. mammals found dugong. On about. Sir Bani Yas in the 1970s the implementation of a program to restore the population of rare animals has begun; for example, the Arabian oryx and leopard have been reintroduced. Since 1993, flamingos have been bred in captivity in Abu Dhabi.

State and environmental protection. Main The threat to ecosystems is hunting and poaching, destruction of habitats by the road network, s.-x. projects, as well as as a result of the development of oil and gas fields. The development of the coastal zone and a number of islands is accompanied by the destruction of mangroves and coral reefs. The problem of pollution of the coast of the Persian Gulf is topical. due to oil spills. Coral bleaching has been noted due to rising water temperatures in the Persian Gulf.

The network of protected natural areas includes 5 nat. parks, including one sea. park, 8 reserves, several wildlife sanctuaries, 2 wetlands of world importance.

Population

Arabs make up 46.3% (of which United Arab Emirates Arabs 21.1%, Egyptian 6.3%, Omani Arab 4.1%, Jordanian 3.5%, Palestinian 3.3%, Saudi Arab 2.5%, Lebanese 1.7%, Syrian 1.3%, Sudanese 1%, Yemenis 0.7%, there are also Baluchis (7.2%), Malayalis (7.1%), Pashtuns (7%), Persians (5%), Telugu (3.8%), Filipinos ( 3.7%), Punjabis (3%), Bengalis (3%), Somali (1.8%), Sinhalese (1.8%), Nepali (1.7%), Sindhis (1.5%) and others

According to official data, out of 8.27 million inhabitants. 948 thousand people have UAE citizenship. (11.5% of the population of the country, 2010), the rest approx. 7.32 million people - immigrants (88.5%), among which immigrants from other Arab countries predominate. countries (24.4%), India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal.

During 1968–2010, the population of the country increased almost 46 times (180.2 thousand people in 1968; 557.9 thousand people in 1975; 1622.3 thousand people in 1985; 2377.5 thousand people in 1995; 4106.4 thousand people in 2005). In 2012, the population growth was approx. 3.1%, Ch. arr. due to the influx of labor migrants (16.8 people per 1000 inhabitants; 5th place in the world). Since the 1990s the influx of illegal labor migrants is limited (in 1996, about 150 thousand people were deported, in 2003 - about 80 thousand people). The birth rate among UAE citizens is approx. 15.8 per 1000 inhabitants; mortality - approx. 2.0 (one of the lowest rates in the world); infant mortality - 11.6 per 1000 live births. The fertility rate is 2.4 children per woman. The age structure of the population is dominated by persons aged 15–65 years (78.6%; of which approx. 3/4 are immigrants), the proportion of children (under 15) is 20.5%, persons over 65 years of age are 0.9 %. Wed the age of the population is 30.2 years. Among the citizens of the UAE, there are 102 men for every 100 women (among immigrants - 293). Wed life expectancy is 76.7 years (men - 74.1 years, women - 79.4 years). Wed population density of 98.9 people / km 2 (2010), the vast majority of it is concentrated in large cities located hl. arr. along the coast. Share of mountains us. 97%. The largest cities (thousand people, 2013): Dubai 1843.3, Sharjah 989.3, Abu Dhabi 619.7, Al Ain 518.3, Ajman 265.0. According to the National bureau of statistics, the country's economy employs approx. 6.2 million people, of which approx. 93% are labor migrants. The employment rate of UAE citizens is 45%, immigrants - 79%. Among those employed in the service sector, 59% are employed, in industry - 33%, agriculture, forestry and fishing - 8%. Among those employed in the state sector, the share of UAE citizens is 52% (including in government institutions - up to 90%, in state commercial and financial organizations - up to 80%), in private companies - 4%. Main the sphere of employment of labor migrants is construction (about 48%). The unemployment rate among UAE citizens is estimated at 4.6% (2012; mainly young people under 25). Since 2002, the country's government has been taking measures against the so-called. emiratization of personnel - replacement of foreign. labor migrants by citizens of the UAE.

Religion

The vast majority of the population is Muslim (76%, 2010, estimate), of which 84% are Sunnis, including the indigenous population [mostly Maliki, as well as the Shafiites of Al-Batin and the Hanbalis of the oasis of Al-Ain (El-Buraimi; emirate Abu Dhabi)]; there are Ibadi communities in the east and south of the country (see Kharijites). State. the religion of all 7 emirates is Sunni Islam. Along with secular courts there are Sharia courts. The study of Islam is included in the school curriculum. The state contains up to 95% of all Sunni imams. Thanks to the massive influx of workers from Yuzh. and South East. Asia is growing number of religions. minorities represented by Shiites (16%, Zaidis and Imamis), Hindus (6%), Buddhists (5.9%), Catholics (5%), Protestants (4.1%), Sikhs and Bahais (4%), etc. 1 Hindu temple operates in Dubai; Catholic parishes are part of the Apostolic Vicariate of the South. Arabia; Orthodox are represented by the parishes of the Patriarchate of Antioch in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the parish of St. Ap. Philip of the Russian Orthodox Church in Sharjah (established in 2005, temple - 2011). By prohibiting the preaching of other confessions, except Islam, punishing the transition of Muslims to other faiths, the authorities do not interfere in the internal. foreign affairs communities.

Historical outline

The southern coast of the Persian Gulf from ancient times to ser. 19 in

The territory of modern The UAE and Oman are one of the oldest centers of civilization. In the area of ​​Mount Hafeet (Jebel Hafeet; Emirate of Abu Dhabi), burials dating back to the 5th-4th millennium BC have been found. e. The ancient inhabitants of the region were engaged in hunting, fishing and farming. Period approx. 2500-2000 in the ancient history of the UAE is called the Umm el-Nar culture (Umm-en-Nar; after the name of the island in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, on which numerous burials were found). The presence in the burials of ceramics from Mesopotamia, South. Iran, Balochistan, the Indus Valley testifies to the wide trade relations of the region. In the 3rd–2nd millennium BC. e. on part of the territory of the UAE was located the "kingdom of Magan", mentioned in ancient cuneiform sources from Mesopotamia. Copper, vegetables, reed, pearls were imported there from Magan.

From Ser. 1st millennium BC e. the region was included in Achaemenid state. From con. 4th c. after the conquests Alexander the Great he was drawn into the Hellenistic orbit. culture (state Seleucid). Silver and copper imitation coins were minted here with the image of the head of Alexander on one side and the figure of a seated Zeus on the other (later the inscription “Abiel” appears on these coins, presumably the name of the local ruler). Archaeological finds testify to the widely developed international. trade (amphoras from the Greek island of Rhodes, items made of Phoenician and Egyptian glass).

In con. The 1st millennium began the resettlement of the Arabs. tribes from the south and from the center of the Arabian Peninsula to the region of the Persian and Oman gulfs. In the 2nd century BC e. the region falls into the sphere of influence of the state of Haraken, which arose in the delta of the Tigris and Euphrates, from the middle. 3 in. n. e. belongs to the state Sassanid. Along with local cults, part of the population professed Nestorian Christianity (the ruins of the monastery were found on the island of Sir Bani Yas, the emirate of Abu Dhabi).

In 622, local tribes voluntarily converted to Islam, but after the death of Muhammad in 632, some of them rebelled. Near Dibba, the last battle of the “followers of the prophet” with the “apostates” took place, after which all of Arabia became Islamic, and its southeast. part entered the Arab. Caliphate. All R. 8th c. in the face of the weakening of the power of the caliphs from the Umayyad dynasty, the tribes of the South-East. Arabia overthrew their governor. The principalities that formed after that began to be ruled virtually independently. rulers; with con. 9th c. they were tributaries of the Abbasids. In the 10th century principalities of the south. coast of the Persian Gulf. became part of the Karmatian state, and after its collapse in the 11th century. became the object of the struggle between the Abbasids and the rising Oman, and by the 13th century. became a vassal of the latter. In the 13th century they were subjected to Hulaguid invasions, from the 2nd half. 15th c. were in the sphere of influence of the Ottoman Empire, but the remoteness from Istanbul allowed them to keep the actual. independence and be limited to paying tribute to the Sultan.

In the principalities of the South-East. Arabia maintained patriarchal orders. Fishing, pearling, oasis agriculture and nomadic pastoralism formed the basis of their economy. The pestilence continued to play an important role. trade, construction of small high-speed sailing ships was carried out in coastal centers. The slave trade has been widespread since ancient times. A new phenomenon in the life of the region was piracy, which was considered by the Arabs. tribes as a legitimate means of earning a livelihood. Subsequently, this area began to be designated in Europe. geographical maps like the Pirate Coast.

In the beginning. 16th century The Portuguese invaded the Persian and Oman Gulfs. The struggle between Portugal and the Ottoman Empire for dominance in the Southeast. Arabia continued until ser. 17th century and ended with the expulsion of the Portuguese. In the same period, the British, as well as Iran, joined the rivalry for influence in the region. In the 2nd floor. 17th century Arab. tribes of the Southeast. Arabia was united under its rule by the Omani Yarubid dynasty. Until con. 18th century The Omani imamate successfully resisted the penetration of Europeans. His fleet inflicted serious damage on the Brit fleet. East India Company (cf. East India companies).

In the 18th century from internal regions of Arabia, a new group of Arabs migrated to the coastal regions and to the coast of the Persian and Oman gulfs. tribes. In 1727, a large tribal association, the kawashim (kasimi), moved to the Musandam peninsula. Subduing the local tribes and capturing the nearby islands and part of the coast in southwestern Iran, it switched to settled life and created a sheikhdom (tribal principality) with centers in Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah (the ruling family is Al-Qasimi). Representatives of the Qawasim tribe were actively involved in the pestilence. robbery. By 1780, their fleet, numbering, according to dec. data, from 60 to several hundred small, but distinguished by high seaworthiness of sailing ships, practically paralyzed the sea. trade in Hormuz Strait. Attempts by the Omani imamat to defeat him were unsuccessful.

In the 1760s–90s. to the oases of El Liwa, El Salva and El Ain (El Buraimi), and from them on the coast of the Persian Gulf. 11 clans of the Bani-Yas tribe (Falahi, Falasi, Remeiti, Khameli, Suvaidi, Marar, Mazrui, Mekhairbi, Mehairi, Keamsi, Kubaesi), who were in alliance with the Manasir and Davahir tribes, migrated. In the beginning. 19th century this alliance was joined by the Amavir tribe, which roamed south and west of El Liwa. In 1761, Sheikh Diab ibn Isa al-Nahyan, who belonged to the Falahi, founded on the coastal island. Abu Dhabi in Persian Hall. settlement, which became the center of one. sheikhs [the ruling family is Al-Nahyan (Al-Nahyan)]. In 1793, the Falasi, led by Sheikh Ubayd ibn Said, moved to the coast of Dubai Bay (Dibai) and founded their own. sheikhdom (the ruling family since 1833 - Al-Maktoum). Part of the south coast of the Persian Gulf., between Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, in the 2nd half. 18th century occupied by those who migrated from the interior. regions of Arabia, one of the clans of the Nuaimi tribe and the clan of Mualla from the tribe of al-ali (part of the union of Bani-malik tribes). The Nuaimi founded the sheikhship of Ajman (ruling family - Al-Nuaimi), Mualla - the sheikhdom of Umm al-Qaiwain (ruling family - Al-Mualla).

With the resettlement of tribes from the interior. regions of Arabia widespread in the region to the beginning. 19th century received Wahhabism (see Wahhabis), which promoted, among other things, the idea of ​​uniting all Arabs. tribes and principalities of the peninsula into a single state. In 1800–03, the sheikhs of the Pirate Coast recognized the power over themselves of the Wahhabis of Najd.

In 1792, as a result of an exacerbation of internal contradictions Omani imamate collapsed. The rulers of Nejd, in alliance with the sheikhs of the Pirate Coast, started a war against the Sultanate of Muscat, which separated from its composition. In turn, Muscat received the support of the Brit. East India Company, with which in 1798 he concluded an agreement of friendship and trade. The fleets of Muscat and the British, under the pretext of combating piracy and the slave trade, carried out regular raids against the principalities of the south. coast of the Persian Gulf. In 1806 Brit. The East India Company imposed a treaty on the Qawasim, under which they pledged to respect the flag and property of the company, but this treaty was not respected. With the defeat in 1818 of the Wahhabi state by the troops of Egypt. Pasha Muhammad Ali Brit. The East India Company, fearing an increase in influence in the South-East. Arabia, the Ottomans, significantly intensified the military. actions. In 1819, the British stormed Ras al-Khaimah and destroyed its fortifications. Following this, Umm al-Qaiwain, Sharjah and Dubai were captured and destroyed. In the beginning. 1820 Sheikhs of the Pirate Coast signed with Brit. The East India Company "General Peace Treaty", which marked the beginning of the subordination of the local principalities to the British. control. The stronghold of the British to the south. coast of the Persian Gulf. became Sharjah; from 1829 it also housed the headquarters of the Brit agent. East India Company.

Negotiated Oman

Relations between the sheikhs of the Pirate Coast were complicated. They fought against each other for the lands and areas of pearl fishing, which was the most important source of income. In the sheikhs themselves, the struggle for power did not subside. Using this, Brit. The East India Company tried to consolidate its influence in the region. In 1835, she imposed on the sheikhs the "First Maritime Agreement" on a truce for 6 months (for the pearling season), which was subsequently extended annually. In 1843, a new treaty was concluded, prolonging the term of the "First Naval Agreement" for 10 years and obliging the sheikhs to obey the decisions of the representatives of Brit. East India Company. In 1847, it was supplemented by another treaty, which gave the British the right to search ships suspected of piracy and the slave trade, as well as the right to act as arbitrators in conflicts at sea between local rulers. In May 1853, the British signed with the sheikh of Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah, as well as with the sheikhs of Umm al-Qaiwain, Ajman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the "Treaty of Permanent Maritime Peace". Since that time, the Pirate Coast has become known as the Trucial Oman (DO; English Trucial Oman, lit. - Peaceful Oman), or the Treaty Coast. The agreements concluded in 1869 and 1898 and the "Exceptional Agreement" of 1892 marked the end. the establishment of the British protectorate over DO. Sheikhs pledged not to buy or sell weapons, not to conclude agreements with third countries, not to provide them with Ph.D. privileges and not to lease the territory without the consent of the Brit. government. Great Britain, for its part, undertook to protect the sheikhs from any attack from land and sea. Brits were stationed in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. troops. By agreement of 1911, Great Britain forbade sheikhs from granting concessions to anyone other than the British to fish for pearls and sponges in the waters of the DO. In international legal terms, it will exclude. British rights to DO secured the Anglo Tour. convention 1913.

With the death in 1866 of Sheikh Sultan I ibn Saqr al-Qasimi, the division of the Qawasim's possessions began. As a result of rivalry between his sons, independent families arose. Sheikhs of Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah (1869), Dibba (1871) and Kalba (1871). In 1875, the Shamsi clan, which was related to the Nuaimi who ruled in Ajman, formed on the lands that were part of the Qawasim possessions, the sheikhdom of Hamria (the ruling family was Al-Shamsi). In 1876, Al-Fujairah actually separated from Sharjah, in power in which the sheikh of the Sharkiin tribe, who had previously been in alliance with the Qawasim, had long inhabited the Oman mountains and the Shimailya region on the coast of the Oman Sea, was established. In 1902, the Sheikhdom of Al-Fujairah (the ruling family - Al-Sharqi) officially declared independence from Sharjah. In 1915, the sheikhdom of Hira separated from Sharjah. The senior branch of Al-Qasimi, who ruled in Sharjah, waged a stubborn struggle for the reunification of the Qawasim lands, including the military, under their rule. methods (against Ras al-Khaimah and Al-Fujairah). In 1922, Sharjah returned Hamriya to its composition (retained partial autonomy as part of Sharjah until the 1960s), in 1942 - Hira, in 1951 - Dibba, in 1952 - Kalba. Having subjugated Ras al-Khaimah in 1900, she again lost it in 1912, and after recognizing the independence of Ras al-Khaimah, Brit. the government in 1921 was forced to renounce claims to it (the same applies to El-Fujairah, recognized by the British in 1952). However, despite the territorial losses, Sharjah up to the middle. 20th century remained the richest principality of the DO.

From the 2nd floor. 19th century in rivalry with Sharjah for the role of Ch. mall DO entered Dubai. In the beginning. 20th century he became the main brit.-ind. transit port shipping company. By the 1920s Dubai has become the largest trading center in the south. coast of the Persian Gulf., Dubai merchants monopolized the pearl trade in many cities of the Middle East and India.

From Ser. 19th century the rise of the sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi began. To the beginning 20th century it became the strongest in the military. relation to the principality of the DO, which also had a serious impact on the life of the Arabs. tribes int. regions of Oman and the desert of Rub al-Khali in the south of the Arabian Peninsula. Came to power in Abu Dhabi as a result of internal. Sheikh Zayed (Zaid) ibn Khalifa al-Nahyan (ruled 1855-1909) waged wars with Sharjah, Qatar, Nejd, as a result of which the territory of the sheikhdom increased 3 times.

Sheikhs of Ajman and Umm al-Qaywain in the 19th - 1st half. 20 centuries, despite the fact that they retained the role of Ch. shipbuilding center and Ch. centers of pearling, were the poorest principalities of the DO and were in the relative. isolation. Development of Umm al-Qaiwain in the 1900s–20s complicated by a sharp struggle for the throne between representatives of the ruling family.

A new period in the development of the DO principalities began with the opening in 1908 Persian Gulf oil and gas basin. In 1922, the British imposed an agreement on the sheikhs of the DOs, which limited their right to grant concessions for exploration and production of oil. In an effort to prevent competitors from entering the protectorate, they established the Petroleum Development (Trucial Сoast) Ltd. company. (a subsidiary of the British "Iraq Petroleum Company"), which in 1937-39 received concessions for the exploration and production of oil in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Kalba, Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, exploration work was suspended and resumed only in the 1950s.

In con. 1920s - early. 1940s traditionally. the basis of the economy of the sheikhs DO - fishing and export of pearls - was dealt a crush. hit. First, the global economic the crisis of 1929–33 caused a drop in demand for pearls, and then natural pearls were forced out on the world market by cheap cultured pearls. By 1946, income from pearl fishing in the Persian Hall. fell by 60 times compared to 1925. The economy of the Sheikhs of the Far East was able to get out of the deepest crisis only with the start of oil production in the 1960s.

The intense rivalry between the powers for the oil wealth of the Middle East region prompted the British. the government, in order to strengthen its positions, put forward a plan to create a federal Arab under its control. state-va, which was supposed to include the states of the Persian Gulf., as well as Palestine, Transjordan and Iraq. However, this plan ran into resistance in the Arabs. world, including in DO.

During the years of the 2nd World War, the sheikhs of the DO adhered to a policy of neutrality. Upon graduation, Brit. the authorities began to make efforts to integrate them in order to create a more effective system for managing the protectorate, protecting its territory (the borders of the DO with Oman, Muscat and Saudi Arabia, as well as the borders between the sheikhs, were not clearly defined) and ending the wars between the rulers (the most serious the conflict broke out in 1947-1949 between Abu Dhabi and Dubai). They granted the sheikhs the status of emirates (their rulers, however, retained the traditional title of sheikhs). At the same time, steps were taken to create a unified police, armed. forces, customs service and monetary system DO.

Internal political Since 1949, the situation in the DO has been seriously complicated by rivalry on the territory of the protectorate, especially in the oasis of El Ain (El Buraimi), between the Iraq Petroleum Company and the Anglo-French company that replaced it in 1953. consortium, on the one hand, and California-Arabian Standard Oil Co. [later renamed to "Arabian American Oil Company" ("Aramco")] - on the other, which was Saudi. subsidiary of the Amer. Corporation «Standard Oil Co. of California". In 1952 Saudi troops occupied Al Ain (El Buraimi), after the failure of lengthy negotiations, the troops of Abu Dhabi and Muscat, with the support of the British in October. 1955 forced them out of the oasis.

In 1958, the first oil fields in the DO were discovered in Abu Dhabi: offshore - Umm Shaif (near Das Island) and onshore - in the town of Bab (near the city of Tarif; oil export from Abu Dhabi began in 1962). In subsequent years, a number of large fields were discovered in this emirate (Zakum, Abu el-Bukhush, Mubarraz, Bunduk), which brought it into the category of leading oil-producing states, whose oil reserves, according to con. 1960s, were approx. 10-13% of the world (in 2009 - 7.3%). In 1967, the emirate of Abu Dhabi joined OPEC (subsequently, this membership was transferred to the UAE). In 1966, oil in the commercial. volumes was found in Dubai at sea. Fateh field (in operation since 1969), in the 1970s–1980s. open other sea. deposits - South-West. Fateh, Falah, Rashid and land Margam. However, in terms of the amount of discovered oil reserves, Dubai was almost 25 times inferior to Abu Dhabi. In Sharjah, small oil fields were discovered only in 1972 (offshore field Mubarek-1; in operation since 1974) - beg. 1980s (onshore field Sajaa), in Ras al-Khaimah, oil production is negligible. volumes began in 1985.

The discovery of oil, which coincided with the growth of the independence movement in the Middle East region, caused an aggravation of the political. situations in DO. In 1961-1963, an anti-British movement unfolded in a number of emirates. In 1962, Sheikh Sharjah Saqr III ibn Sultan al-Qasimi (reigned from 1951) granted a concession to carry out geological exploration work on the territory of the emirate of Amer. oil company, he was followed by the Sheikh of Ras al-Khaimah Saqr ibn Mohammed al-Qasimi (reigned 1948–2010). Oct. 1964 bypassing Brit. authorities, the Arab League commission, with the consent of the rulers of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, visited these emirates. Dissatisfied with the actions of local rulers, Brit. the authorities initiated the overthrow of the Sheikh of Sharjah (deposed on 24.6.1965), an attempt was made on the life of the Sheikh of Ras al-Khaimah. In July 1965, the British held a meeting of sheikhs of the DO in Dubai, at which a decision was made to form the Council of Economics. development, and considered projects designed to promote farms. the rise of the emirates. It was planned to lay the costs of project financing on the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which began to receive funds. income from oil exports. However, his sheikh Shahbut II ibn Sultan al-Nahyan (reigned from 1928) refused to allocate funds to his neighbors. On August 6, 1966, he was removed from power, Zayed (Zaid) II ibn Sultan al-Nahyan, who was a supporter of the transformation of the DO into a centralized federal state, was elevated to the throne in Abu Dhabi.

Under conditions of progressive decay british empire On January 16, 1968, the British government announced the withdrawal to the end. 1971 troops from the areas "east of Suez" and the subsequent granting of independence to their Asians. possessions, including in the Persian Hall. At the same time, Brit. the authorities tried to return to the plan of creating a controlled Arab association. states, this time consisting of 7 emirates DO, Bahrain and Qatar. On March 1, 1968, the formation of the Arab Federation was announced. Emirates (FAE). However, due to contradictions between the participants up to Ser. 1971 The FAE was never created: the rulers of Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Qatar insisted on preserving the means. autonomy of states within the federation, while Qatar and Bahrain, having a more developed economy and surpassing the emirates of the DO in terms of population, refused to recognize the equality of all members of the federation. They actively opposed the plans to create the FAE Saud. Arabia, Kuwait and especially Iran. As a result, Bahrain, Qatar and DO have set a course for independent education. states.

UAE since 1971

Sheikh Abu Dhabi Zayed II ibn Sultan al-Nahyan and Sheikh Dubai Rashid II ibn Said al-Maktoum signed an agreement on the union of the two principalities on 18.7.1971, which was to become the core of the future unification of the emirates of the DO. In the following days, the sheikhs of Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Sharjah and Fujairah joined this alliance. The rulers of the 6 emirates signed the provisional constitution (came into force on December 2, 1971; the permanent constitution was adopted on May 20, 1996). The sheikh of Ras al-Khaimah refused to join the alliance. Dr. Arab. state-va and Great Britain declared their readiness to recognize the new state-in. Iran and Saud. Arabia refused to do so, pointing out the existence of territorial claims against Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates. 11/30/1971 Iran occupied the strategically important and oil-rich islands of Big Tomb (Tombe-Bozorg), Small Tomb (Tombe-Kuchek) (belonged to Ras al-Khaimah) and Abu Musa (belonged to Sharjah). Saud. Arabia has begun negotiations with Abu Dhabi on the ownership of the oasis of El Ain (El Buraimi).

At a conference in Dubai on December 2, 1971, an independent state of the UAE was proclaimed, its president was elected by the Supreme Council of Rulers Zayed II ibn Sultan al-Nahyan (later this post was actually assigned to the sheikh of the strongest in economic terms, the largest in area and population of the emirate of Abu Dhabi; with the death in November 2004 of Zayed II ibn Sultan al-Nahyan, his son Khalifa II ibn Zayed ibn Sultan al-Nahyan became the president of the UAE), vice-president and head of government - Rashid II ibn Saeed al-Maktoum (since 1971, this post has actually been assigned to the sheikh of the second in terms of economic potential, area and population of the emirate of Dubai; Rashid II ibn Saeed al-Maktoum, who died in October 1990, was replaced in this post by his son Maktoum III ibn Rashid al-Maktoum, and after his death in Jan. 2006 - Mohammed ibn Rashid al-Maktoum). On Independence Day, the United Kingdom concluded a Treaty of Friendship with the UAE, which annulled all previous agreements concluded between the emirates - members of the UAE and the British. government, and provided for "carrying out, if necessary, mutual consultations on all issues of interest to both parties." On December 6, 1971, the UAE was admitted to the Arab League, and on December 9, 1971, to the UN. On February 11, 1972, the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah joined the United Arab Emirates.

The basis of the economy of the new state-va and Ch. oil became his wealth. In 1971, the national UAE oil company Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. In 1972, the UAE government established for foreign (British, Dutch, French, American, Japanese) companies involved in the exploration and development of oil fields, concession payments for the exploitation of the territory and obliged to transfer 55% of oil revenues to the treasury of the emirates. Since 1974, 25% of the shares of foreign companies have been transferred to the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. companies, by 1982 this share had risen to 51%. Thanks to oil revenues and skillful investment in the development of industry, p. x-va, education numerous. free economic zones of the UAE in the shortest possible time were able to achieve major success in the development of the economy and social sphere, to ensure a high degree of internal political. stability.

Relations between the emirates from the first days of the existence of the UAE have not been without controversy. An intense rivalry for leadership in the federation unfolded between the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi, a supporter of increased centralization and raising the status of the federal government, and the Sheikh of Dubai, who advocated the preservation of meaning. emirates independence. This rivalry was reflected in the ongoing struggle for the distribution of posts in the government, as well as on issues of unification of the armed forces. forces of the emirates and subjugation of their center. government, on the transfer to the federal authorities of police, security, immigration and information. Although to the con. 1970s supporters of centralization managed to achieve some success (full integration of the armed forces of the emirates, however, did not take place), and by 1996 to resolve the issue of the capital of the UAE (it became the city of Abu Dhabi; an article on construction halfway between Dubai was removed from the Constitution and Abu Dhabi, the future capital of the federation, Karama), however, the rivalry between Abu Dhabi and Dubai has not stopped.

The lack of unity between the emirates and ext. looseness of the federation in the 1970s–1980s repeatedly appeared in different spheres. In 1978–79, the question of eliminating the internal borders, the unification of the budgets of the emirates, etc., caused an acute internal political. crisis. It was possible to preserve the unity of the federation only thanks to active intermediaries. the efforts of the Arab League and especially Kuwait. During the period Iran–Iraq War 1980–88 Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah supported Iraq, while Dubai, Umm Al Qaiwain and Sharjah sided with Iran. In June 1987, the dynastic the dispute in Sharjah again almost led to the collapse of the federation.

An important factor influencing the development of the UAE has been and remains the problem of settling territorial disputes with neighboring states. In 1974, as a result of lengthy negotiations, the emirate of Abu Dhabi concluded with Saud. Arabia, an agreement under which the latter recognized the rights of Abu Dhabi and Oman to the oasis of El Ain (El Buraimi), and the authorities of Abu Dhabi provided Saud. Arabia, a land corridor for access to the waters of the Persian Gulf, as well as a share in the development of a disputed oil field. However, these agreements, many of whose points were never made public, apparently did not resolve the entire complex of contradictions between the two states and their mutual territorial claims. In 2004 Saud. Arabia has annexed the corridor granted to it, thereby creating difficulties for overland communication between the UAE and Qatar. Following this, she claimed the rights to the oil-rich part of the Persian Gulf. between the UAE and Qatar, which eventually led in March 2010 to a military clash in the area of ​​​​the navies of the two states.

Up to the beginning 2000s border disputes between the UAE and Oman continued. In 1978 armed. The forces of Ras al-Khaimah attempted to seize the disputed territory belonging to Oman, but were rebuffed by him. In 1999, an agreement on the border was signed between the UAE and Oman, but the line of its passage in the section of the emirates of Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah remained uncertain. Nov. 2000 The UAE and Qatar settled the issue of delimiting their possessions in the Persian Gulf.

The issue of returning the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb under their jurisdiction has become particularly acute for the UAE. In 2000, Iran declared them an integral part of its territory. Attempts by the UAE government, relying on the support of the Arab League and the UN Security Council, to oppose Iran's annexation of these islands have not been successful.

Since its founding, the UAE has been pursuing an active foreign policy, center. place in which is the development of cooperation with the Arab. states of the Persian Gulf., other Arab. countries and the Islamic world as a whole. By disposing means. financial resources, the UAE participates extensively in UN humanitarian assistance programs. After the fall of the Shah's regime in Iran in 1979, Iran-Iraq began. In 1981, the UAE, together with 5 other monarchies in the region, established the Arab Cooperation Council in order to prevent destabilization of the situation. states of the Persian Hall. (SSAGPZ), which turned into a military-political. and economic integration association. During Kuwait Crisis 1990–91 The UAE has severed the diplomatic relations with Iraq (restored in 1998), took part in the US-led anti-Iraq coalition, and after the liberation of Kuwait supported sanctions against Iraq. During the operation of the international coalition against Iraq in 2003, the UAE remained neutral (but provided its territory for the deployment of coalition forces), after its completion, they provided the new government of Iraq with a mean. financial and humanitarian aid. From con. 1970s The UAE supported dec. Afghan groups. Mujahideen, in 1997 along with Pakistan and Saud. Arabia recognized the Taliban regime. After the terrorist On September 11, 2001, in New York and Washington, the UAE government severed relations with the Taliban and allocated units to the International. Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Active support from the UAE was received by Islamist forces in the countries of the Middle East, covered by the movement “Arab. spring." Armament divisions. UAE forces along with the military units of Qatar in 2011 took part in the civil. war in Libya on the side of the National. transition council. The UAE traditionally supports the Palestinian movement, stands for Israel's strict implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, and provides financial assistance on an ongoing basis. Palestinian National administration .

Main Attention in the defense policy of the UAE is paid to strengthening allies. relations with the USA and others. countries. In 1994, the Emirates government signed a military treaty. cooperation with the USA, in 1995 - with France. On the territory of the emirates there is a number of military-sea. and military-air. US, French and British bases.

Diplomatic relations between the USSR and the UAE were established on December 8, 1971; the USSR embassy in Abu Dhabi was opened in 1986, the UAE embassy in Moscow - in 1987. In December. 1991 The UAE officially recognized Russia as the legal successor of the USSR. From the beginning 1990s between the Russian Federation and the UAE is supported by an active political. dialogue, reinforced by rich contacts in dec. lines. On September 10, 2007, the first official meeting in the history of Russian-Emirati relations took place. visit of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin to the United Arab Emirates, 30–31.3.2009 Russia from the official. visited by Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Bilateral economic agreements are actively developing. relations that are governed by intergovernmental. by agreement dated 2.1.1990. In 1994 the Intergovernmental Council was established. Ros.-Emirates Commission on trade, economic. and tech. cooperation (2 meetings were held: in March 1997 in Abu Dhabi, in June 2010 in Moscow), since 2006 the Russian-Emirates Business Council has been operating. UAE are Ch. trade and economic partner of the Russian Federation among the countries of the Persian Hall. (trade turnover between Russia and the UAE in 2010 amounted to 950 million dollars). In 2011, the volume of mutual investments exceeded 22.2 billion dollars (the volume of Emirati investments in the Russian Federation is about 18 billion dollars). Approx. 400 joint firms and companies with the participation of growing. entrepreneurs, a number of important joint projects are being implemented both in the UAE and in Russia.

economy

The UAE is a steadily developing state. The volume of GDP is 271.2 billion dollars (according to purchasing power parity, 2012; since 2002 it has increased almost 3.8 times), per capita of St. $32,000 Human Development Index 0.818 (2013; 42nd among 187 countries). In the structure of GDP, industry accounts for 56.1%, services - 43.1%, agriculture and forestry, fisheries - 0.8% (2012). Real GDP growth 4.0% (2012; 1.3% in 2010; 7.4% in 2008; 8.5% in 2004).

At the turn of the 1950s–60s. the development of oil and natural gas fields has begun, from the end. 1960s hydrocarbon production became the basis of the country's economy. From con. 1970s a policy of diversification was pursued. economy aimed at the development of non-oil industries. By the 1990s the oil and gas industry has lost its leading position in the economy; due to fluctuations in world oil prices, its share changed, but did not exceed 40% (27% of GDP in 2002; 37% in 2008; 29% in 2009; according to plans, by 2020 it will be 20%). In the 2000s revenues of the oil and gas sector were directed to equalize the level of socio-economic. development department emirates, strengthening the country's defense capability (up to 1 / 4 of the national budget expenditures), social needs (primarily for the construction of free housing) and the implementation of international. ecological programs. Part of the proceeds from oil exports were transferred to the "oil" reserve fund (about $ 900 billion by the beginning of the 2010s - one of the largest in the world; managed by the country's leading investment agency Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, ADIA; founded in 1976).

The UAE plays an important role in international the movement of capital. The total volume of accumulated direct foreign investment is approx. 360 billion dollars (according to estimates, in 2003–08 the country was their 3rd recipient in Southwest Asia after Saudi Arabia and Turkey). In 2012, the total amount of investments placed by the UAE abroad was approx. $580 billion and private companies in the country own large stakes in a number of foreign countries. oil and petrochemical companies, pipeline construction companies, airlines, commercial banks, as well as oil refining, chemical. factories, etc.

To the beginning 2010s within the framework of the program of diversification of nat. economy in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the industrial zone "Mussafa", the port-industrial zone "Khalifa" were created; in the emirate of Dubai - industrial zones "El Kuzais", "Ras al Khor", "Jabal Ali" ("Jebel Ali"), "textile city of Dubai"; in the emirate of Sharjah - Sharjah industrial zones, SHAIF and Hamriya free zone. High-tech production is developing in the so-called. the ecologically clean city of Masdar in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and in the El Muhaisna (Sonapur) sector in the Emirate of Dubai (the total cost of the implemented projects is about 350 billion dollars).

Industry

Oil production is 154.4 million tons (2011); OK. 95% falls on the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Main deposits: on land - Bab, Bu-Khasa, Asab, Sahil, Shah; shelf - Umm-Shaif, Zakum, Khuff, Bunduk, Abu el-Bukhush. Production is controlled by the state. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC; with a number of subsidiary specialized units and in cooperation with major foreign oil companies). The second significant oil producer is the Emirate of Dubai (fields: onshore - Margam; offshore - Fateh, Rashid, Falah; production is carried out by a consortium of foreign companies "Dupetco").

OK. 75% of oil is exported (mainly to Japan, European countries and the USA). In terms of export volumes, the UAE is ranked 5th in the world after Saudi Arabia. Arabia, Russia, Iran, Iraq. Large oil export port complexes have been created in the emirates of Abu Dhabi [as part of the mainland ports of Er Ruwais (El Ruwais), Jabal ez Zanna (Jabal Danna) and the island ports of Mubarraz, Az Zarqa (Zirku) and Das] and Dubai (Jabal Ali).

Natural gas is being produced, including associated oil (60.4 billion m 3 in total, 2011). OK. 95% of production falls on the emirate of Abu Dhabi (the main field is the offshore Khuff). Mining does not cover the int. country's needs (82 billion m 3 , 2011); the deficit is made up by imports of natural gas from Qatar (20.7 billion m 3; supplied through the gas pipeline Ras Laffan - Tawila - El Fujairah) and other countries (about 1.1 billion m 3; in liquefied form). At the same time, the UAE exports liquefied natural gas (7.65 bcm, 2011; to Japan, India, Kuwait and Taiwan). Gas liquefaction plants are located on about. Das (capacity 6 million tons of liquefied natural gas, 2.7 million tons of liquefied associated petroleum gas and 1 million tons of other products) and in Jabal Ali. A number of state and private companies of the country (primarily the state-owned industrial conglomerate Mubadala Development Company) are involved in the development of oil and natural gas fields in other countries, including Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Egypt, Turkmenistan, states of the Southeast. Asia.

The UAE has large oil and natural gas processing facilities. Oil refineries operate in the cities of Er Ruwais (capacity 20 million tons of crude oil per year; a new plant with a capacity of 20.85 million tons is being built, the launch is scheduled for 2013), Umm al-Nar (located near Abu Dhabi; 4.5 Mt) (both in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi; owned by Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company), Jabal Ali (Emirate of Dubai; 6 Mt; expanding to 7 Mt; Emirates National Oil Company, ENOC), Hamriya (Emirate of Sharjah; approx. 1.2 Mt) and Fujairah (Emirate of Fujairah; 4.5 Mt). Gas processing plants operate in the cities of Ruwais (capacity 6.75 million tons) and Ras al-Khaimah (small installations).

The installed capacity of power plants is 23.25 thousand MW (2009). Electricity production 83.3 billion kWh (2010), including approx. 100% at thermal power plants (98% run on natural gas), all combined with sea desalination plants. water (over 2/3 of the water demand is provided by its desalination). The largest thermal power plants were built in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, including as part of the Taweelah complex [Taweelah A (capacity 500 MW), Taweelah A1 (1430 MW), Taweelah A2 (710 MW), " Taweelah B (970 MW), Taweelah C (750 MW)]; in the cities of Abu Dhabi ["Shuweihat S1" (1615 MW), "Shuweihat S2" (1500 MW)], Umm Al Nar ["Umm Al Nar I" (850 MW), "Umm Al Nar II" (1550 MW)], Al Mirfa (1100 MW), Ruwais (500 MW), Al Ain (656 MW); 250 km west of Abu Dhabi, the Shuweihat S3 thermal power plant (1600 MW; start-up is scheduled for 2014) is under construction. A large thermal power plant operates in the emirate of Dubai in Jabal Ali (2000 MW); One of the world's largest thermal power plants, Hassyan, is being built in Dubai (9,000 MW; commissioning of the 1st stage in 2014). In the emirate of Fujairah, the Fujairah F2 thermal power plant (2000 MW) was built (2011). Since 2009, with the participation of cor. Korea Electric Power Corporation is building the Braqa nuclear power plant (53 km southwest of the city of Er Ruwais; 4 power units with a capacity of 1400 MW; start-up is scheduled for 2020). 50 km south of the city of Dubai, a solar station named after. Mohammed ibn Rashid al-Maktoum (area 48 km 2; total capacity 1000 MW; completion of construction in 2030).

The leading branches of the manufacturing industry are chemical, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, construction. materials, light and food grade.

Ferrous metallurgy is focused on meeting internal requirements. demand and uses preim. imported raw materials (rolled blanks are imported from Turkey, Qatar and other countries, scrap metal from Iran, India, Pakistan, etc., iron ore concentrate from India, Brazil, Mauritania, etc.). In the 1990s–2000s large steel-rolling plants and blast-furnace metallurgy enterprises have been built. Installed capacity of enterprises approx. 8.9 million tons (2010). Ch. centers: industrial zone "Mussafa" [plants - blast-furnace metallurgy (capacity 1600 thousand tons of sponge iron), steel-smelting (1400 thousand tons) and three rolling (360 thousand tons of rolled billets, 620 thousand tons of building fittings, 480 thousand tons of steel rods and wire) of the Emirates Steel company, blast furnace metallurgy (250 thousand tons of sponge iron) and rolling (400 thousand tons of construction fittings) of the Al Nasser Industrial Enterprises company, rolling companies of the Union Iron & Steel Company "(500 thousand tons of steel bar) and "Al Ghurair Iron & Steel" (350 thousand tons of wire rod, strip and sheet)]; Hamriya Free Zone [rolling mills of Hamriyah Steel FZC (80% stake in the Russian company Metalloinvest; 1 million tons of construction rebar), Star Steel International (360 thousand tons of construction rebar) and ind. Essar Steel (1 million tons of long products, including galvanized steel)]; Jabal-Ali industrial zone [rolling plants of Alam Steel (500 thousand tons of steel beams, construction fittings and wire rod) and Conares Metal Supply (400 thousand tons of steel beams, construction fittings and pipes)] and the port-industrial zone "Khalifa" (rolling plants of the company "Al Nasser Industrial Enterprises"; total capacity of 560 thousand tons of building fittings). A significant part of rolled products is imported (6.7 million tons, 2010).

Non-ferrous metallurgy is represented by the aluminum industry, which develops on the basis of imported raw materials (alumina is imported mainly from Australia) and is oriented towards the export of products (mainly to Japan). There are the Dubai Aluminum Smelter (1979; Jabal Ali industrial zone; capacity of 950 thousand tons of primary aluminum in 2011, expanding to 2.5 million tons by 2015) and the Abu Dhabi Aluminum Plant (2009; port industrial zone " Khalifa"; capacity - 800 thousand tons of primary aluminum in 2011, expanding to 1.3 million tons by 2014). Refineries have been built in the cities of Dubai and Sharjah (with a capacity of 400 tons and 25 tons of pure gold per year, respectively).

Large petrochemical complexes were created in the cities of Er-Ruwais [production of ethylene (capacity 2 million tons; planned to be increased to 4.5 million tons), ethylene dichloride (520 thousand tons), synthetic. resins and plastics, soda (440 thousand tons), ammonia (460 thousand tons), carbamide (800 thousand tons)] and Jabal-Ali [ethane, chlorine, ethylene, propylene, ammonia (330 thousand tons) and urea (30 thousand tons)]. Main part of the production is exported. There are several dozens of enterprises for the production of varnishes and paints with a total capacity of approx. 130 thousand tons (25% of products are exported; the UAE imports some components for their production), a number of pharmaceuticals. factories

Mechanical engineering traditionally specializes in the repair of large (predominantly liquid) and the construction of small seas. courts. The leading enterprise is a dry dock in the port of Mina Rashid in the Emirate of Dubai (one of the largest in the world, repair of ships with a displacement of up to 1 million gross tons). As part of the diversification of the national economy began the development of aviation. prom-sti and automotive industry. In 2010, the plant of the Strata company in Al-Ain (production of components for the European company EADS) and the plant of vehicles indus were put into operation. Ashok Leyland in Ras al-Khaimah (assembly of trucks). The industry has St. 40 small enterprises for the production and repair of air conditioners, will distribute. electrical panels, etc.

Ch. the center for the production of paper and products from it (imported wood pulp and waste paper are used as raw materials) - the Jabal-Ali industrial zone.

Industry is building. materials based on own. raw materials. Numerous are in operation. builds workshops and small manufacturing plants. blocks, marble slabs, plastic pipes and water tanks, tiles, tiles, etc. ceramic. products (RAK Ceramics is one of the world's largest ceramics manufacturers). Builds. the boom that began in the 1990s led to a mean. increasing the volume of cement production (8.0 million tons in 2005; 18.0 million tons in 2008; 26.6 million tons in 2011). The leading producers are Ras al-Khaimah, Abu Dhabi [plants in the cities of Abu Dhabi (2.5 million tons) and Al Ain (2.2 million tons)], Al Fujairah (plant in the city of Abu Dhabi). Dibba - 4.6 million tons). Int. cement consumption is approx. 12.0 million tons (2011; 12.5 million tons in 2005; 21.7 million tons in 2008); its surpluses are exported to Ch. arr. to the neighboring countries of the Persian Gulf.

Light industry is represented by several large and dozens of small textile, clothing, leather and shoe factories. Main the production centers are the emirates of Dubai (“the textile city of Dubai” and the Jabal Ali industrial zone), Sharjah and Ajman. On modern large enterprises employ predominantly. young women from Sri Lanka. Main Part of the production is exported to the USA and Europe. countries.

Among the enterprises of the food industry (a total of approx. 200, with a number of employees over 10 people) is a large sugar refinery in the city of Al-Khalij (Emirate of Dubai; processing of raw sugar from Brazil and India), several. mills, factories for the production of dairy (the largest - in the emirate of Dubai), meat and fish products, grows. and butter, canned vegetables and fruits (the main center is the city of Al-Ain), cools. drinks.

OK. 1 / 2 of the publishing houses and printers of the UAE are based in Dubai, satisfying the needs of the local market for print products and advertising.

Agriculture

The development of the agricultural sector is limited by the shortage of cultivable land and periodic locust invasions. OK. 70% of food is imported, due to domestic production, it means. part of the needs for milk (more than 90%), eggs (70%), vegetables and fruits (50%), poultry meat (45%), fish. Processed approx. 3% of the country's territory (250 thousand hectares in 2008; approx. 92% irrigated), of which approx. 3/4 falls on the share of perennial plantations. Small agricultural enterprises predominate. enterprises (total about 22 thousand farms). Main districts of agricultural production - oases, b. h. of which is located on the Ruus el-Jibal peninsula and along the west. slopes of the Hajar mountains. Ch. s.-x. culture - date palm, b. h. landings are concentrated in the oasis of El Liwa (the emirate of Abu Dhabi). The gross harvest of dates is 900 thousand tons (2011; 4th place in the world after Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran), export - 237.9 thousand tons (1st place in the world). Cultivated (thousand tons): tomatoes (159.6), cucumbers (26.2), hot peppers (8.2), potatoes, eggplants, zucchini, onions, cabbage, carrots and greens; the leading area of ​​production - pos. Diqdaka (Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah). Among others with. - x. crops - gourds (32.6 thousand tons; main arr. watermelons and pumpkin), mango and guava (13.0 thousand tons), citrus fruits (7.6 thousand tons). In animal husbandry, intensive dairy cattle breeding (stall keeping of cattle; the main areas are the Al Ain oasis in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the village of Al Khawanij in the emirate of Dubai) and poultry farming are distinguished. Small cattle and camels are grazed on desert pastures. Meat production 96.4 thousand tons (including poultry meat 41.9%, camel meat 34.2%, goat meat 14.2%), milk 125.4 thousand tons (including camel meat 33.8%, goat 33.5%, cow 18.7%), eggs - 435 million pieces.

Annual catch of fish (including sharks) approx. 88 thousand tons. The state supports traditions. fishing, providing fishermen with free repair and maintenance of vessels. Fishing is one of the main sources of income in the emirates of Umm al-Qaiwain (a National Mariculture Center has been created here, where fish and shrimp are grown) and Ajman.

The country's greening program is being implemented. Tree seedlings are distributed free of charge among households, companies receive contracts for planting forests on the plots of the square. 200–300 ha.

Services sector

An actively developing sector of the economy; leading industries: state. management, financial activities (banking, insurance, real estate transactions, etc.), foreign tourism, wholesale and retail trade. The banking sector is represented by the Center. bank of the United Arab Emirates (founded in 1973; current status since 1980), 23 local banks (including national banks of 7 emirates) and 28 foreign. banks. B. h. banks are registered in the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There are 49 companies in the insurance business, the largest ones are the National. insurance company of Abu Dhabi and Nat. general insurance company (Dubai). A financial center (ADFC) was created in Abu Dhabi, it includes a stock exchange (ADX; 2000); in Dubai - Dubai International financial center (DIFC; 2002), the largest between Zap. Europe and East. Asia, within which the stock exchange operates (DSX; 2004), intl. the NASDAQ Dubai Financial Exchange (founded in 2005 as DIFX), the Commodity Exchange (DME; 2005) and the Diversified Commodity Exchange (DMCC; 2002).

Much attention is paid to the development of tourism. business and related hotel industry (providing approx. 8% of UAE GDP). Main types of tourism: beach, cultural, educational, business, event, sports. In terms of the development of the tourism industry, the leading positions are occupied by the emirates of Dubai (30% of the GRP of the emirate; 7.6 million tourists; 43.4 thousand hotel rooms, 2010) and Abu Dhabi (2.7 million tourists and 25 thousand rooms, 2012). ). Among the most famous tourist objects - in the emirate of Dubai: arts. islands (under construction by Nakheel) Palm Jumeirah (so-called 1st palm; 24 km southwest of the center of Dubai; 2009, a number of facilities commissioned in 2010), Palm Jabal Ali (Palm Jebel Ali, 2nd palm, with a linear group of islands in the west of Dubai Waterfront; 44 km southwest), Palm Deira (3rd palm; 5 km north), World (" Mir, repeats the contours of the continents; 15 km to the west), Dubailand amusement park (since the end of 2008, the construction of the last 4 projects has been mothballed), shopping and entertainment. Mall of the Emirates complex (20 km southwest; 2005; area approx. 600 thousand m 2; with ski slope); in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: Arts. Saadiyat Islands (“Island of Happiness”; 10–11 km northeast of the center of Abu Dhabi) and Yas (24 km east) with amusement parks, museum complexes and sports facilities class. Festivals are held in the emirate of Abu Dhabi: an international ride on cars and motorcycles on the dunes (in the oasis of El Liwa; January), water sports "Mirfa" (in the city of El Mirfa; March - April), dates "Liva" (in the oasis of El Liwa; July), camels "El Dhafra" (in the city of Madinat Zayid; December) and falconry (in the city of Al Ain; December). Main venues for international business meetings, symposiums, exhibitions, fairs - exhibition centers in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Fujairah.

Transport

In the inner freight and passenger traffic, the leading role belongs to road transport. The total length of the roads of St. 4 thousand km (2008, of which about 250 km are expressways). Main highway - so-called. Coast Highway: Saud border. Arabia - Al-Sila - Ruwais - El Mirfa - Tarif - Abu Dhabi [Al Ain Branch - Suhar (Oman) - Muscat (Oman)] - Dubai (Shinas Branch - Muscat) - Sharjah - Ajman - Umm al-Qaiwain - Ras al-Khaimah. Mor. transport is b. h. foreign trade cargo transportation. The UAE belongs to approx. 60 sea vessels (more than half are tankers; 2010); under the flags of other countries (including Panama, the Bahamas, Liberia) St. 270 ships. Ch. universal sea. ports - in the emirates of Dubai (the port of Jabal Ali, including the port of Mina Rashid, in terms of the total turnover of containers - more than 11 million TEU containers per year - is among the ten largest container ports in the world) and Abu Dhabi [the port of Zayed (Zayed, Zayid). There are 41 airports (2010, including 25 with paved runways). International airports in the cities of Dubai (in terms of passenger traffic it ranks 20th in the world, in terms of cargo transportation - 11th), Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, El Ain. The leading airline is Emirates (the largest in the Middle East). The length of the main pipelines is approx. 4.7 thousand km, including gas pipelines 2.35 thousand km, oil pipelines 1.44 thousand km (2010). In 2012, a large export oil pipeline Khabshan (Emirate of Abu Dhabi) - El Fujairah was built (with a capacity of 75 million tons of oil per year; in the future, 90 million tons). The metro operates in Dubai (launched in 2009), is being built in Abu Dhabi (commissioning in 2015). In 2010, the construction of a transnational high-speed railway with a length of St. 1200 km (border with Saudi Arabia - Abu Dhabi - Dubai - Sharjah - Ajman - Umm al-Qaiwain - Al-Fujairah - Ras al-Khaimah - border with Oman); The 1st stage is planned to be completed in 2014, the entire project - by 2030.

International trade

The volume of foreign trade turnover is 520.9 billion dollars (2012), including exports of 300.6 billion dollars, imports of 220.3 billion dollars. Oil and oil products prevail in the commodity structure of exports (45% of the value); among others - liquefied natural gas, aluminum, clothing, petrochemicals. products, dates, cement, dried and dried fish, pearls. Biggest buyers (%, 2011): Japan 16.2, India 13.5, Iran 10.9, Republic of Korea 5.6, Thailand 5.5, Singapore 4.4. Prom. equipment (including various components and assemblies), vehicles, electronic devices and household appliances, decomp. chemicals and synthetics materials, hardware, gold, food, consumer goods. Top Suppliers (%, 2011): India 19.8, China 12.7, US 8.1, Germany 4.6. Trading companies in the UAE (predominantly from the Emirate of Dubai) are actively involved in re-export trade.

Armed forces

Armed. Forces (AF) of the UAE have 51 thousand people. (2011) and consist of the Ground Forces (SV), Air Force and Navy (formally, the Armed Forces of the Emirates were united in 1976, the General Staff is located in Abu Dhabi), in addition, the Emirate of Dubai has 2 departments. motorized infantry brigades (about 15 thousand people), other emirates also retain relatively independent small units; paramilitary formation - coast guard (about 1.2 thousand people), organizationally part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. affairs. Military annual budget $8.1 billion (2011 est.).

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces is the head of state - the president, who exercises general leadership through the head of the General Staff. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief heads an advisory body - the Supreme Council of Emirs, which includes the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Chief of the General Staff, and the commanders of the Armed Forces. The Council develops plans for the construction and use of the aircraft. Operational command and control of the troops is entrusted to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The commanders of the Armed Forces are responsible for the combat readiness and daily activities of the troops.

The ground troops (44 thousand people, including the composition of the brigades of the emirate of Dubai) are the basis of the armed forces and organizationally consist of 11 brigades (presidential guard, 2 armored, 3 motorized infantry, 2 infantry, 1 artillery, 2 separate motorized infantry brigades of the emirate of Dubai). The SV is armed with 6 operational-tactical launchers. missiles (up to 20 missiles), 547 tanks (including 76 light ones), approx. 90 BRM, 430 BMP, approx. 900 armored personnel carriers, St. 560 field artillery guns (including 93 towed ones), St. 90 MLRS, 155 mortars, St. 285 PU ATGM, 42 anti-aircraft art. installations, 42 MANPADS. Weapons and military technology in the main Amer. and French production. The Air Force (4.5 thousand people, including the air police wing) was consolidated into 7 squadrons (fighter-bomber, transport, communications, 2 training, 2 helicopter). In service: 184 combat, 23 transport, 77 training aircraft and 30 combat, 51 transport, 23 reconnaissance. helicopter. The Navy (2.5 thousand people) consists of units of warships and auxiliary. courts. In service: 4 corvettes, 6 missile boats, 6 patrol, 2 mine-sweeping and 7 landing ships, 16 landing and 1 diving boat; into the sea aviation - 2 aircraft and 25 helicopters; Coast Guard - St. 50 patrol boats. Main base point - Abu Dhabi.

Acquisition of regular aircraft on a contract basis. Training of rank and file - in parts and training centers, sergeants - in the military. schools, officers - abroad. Mobilization resources 752 thousand people, including those fit for military. service 413 thousand people.

healthcare

In the UAE, per 100 thousand inhabitants. there are 279 doctors, 409 persons cf. honey. staff and midwives (2009), 506 pharmacists, 61 dentists (2008); hospital beds - 19.3 per 10 thousand inhabitants. (2008). Total health spending is 2.8% of GDP (public funding 67.3%, private sector 22.7%) (2009). The legal regulation of the health care system is carried out by: the Constitution (1971, 1996); Federal Laws on the Practice of the Medical Profession (1975), pharmaceutical. professions and institutions (1983), measures against drugs and psychotropic substances (1995), protection of the environment (1999), protection of water resources (1999, 2001), rights of the disabled (2006), on the responsibility of medical. worker (2008); UAE Labor Law (1980); Water Supply Quality Control Rules (2000, 2004). The health care system includes state. (medical care is completely free for UAE citizens) and the private sector; there is a system of compulsory (insurance contributions from employers and employees) and private honey. insurance. Honey. assistance is provided by hospitals, centers (primary medical care, dental, maternal and child health), private clinics. Preparing honey. personnel are trained by the training center for advanced training of doctors, the center of Harvard Medical. schools, dental Institute of Boston University. Health management is carried out by the Ministry of Health (in the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi - local Health Departments). The most common infections are viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and meningococcal meningitis (2010). Main causes of death: cardiovascular diseases, road traffic injuries, oncology. diseases, congenital malformations, diabetes mellitus (2010). Primorskie climatic. resorts: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, etc.

Sport

National Olympic kit UAE created in 1979 and recognized by the IOC in 1980. Since 1984 (Los Angeles), UAE athletes have participated in all the Olympic Games; the first Olympic champion in the history of the country was A. Al-Maktoum, who won the trap shooting competition (double trap exercise) in 2004 (Athens) with an Olympic record (189 points). Dr. no Olympic awards were won as of 1.1.2013. The most popular sports are football, tennis, cricket, auto racing, horse racing, chess, rugby, golf, etc.

The development of football in the country was facilitated by the invitation of experienced coaches from Great Britain (D. Revie, 1977–1981), Brazil (C.A. Parreira, 1990–1991) and other countries. In 1990, the UAE national team participated in the World Cup. In 2003, the World Cup in the age group under 20 was held in 4 cities of the country: Abu Dhabi [Sheikh Zayed stadiums (66 thousand seats), Al Nahyan (12 thousand seats), Mohammed ibn Zayed "(15 thousand seats)], Al-Ain ("Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium", 15 thousand seats), Dubai ("Al-Maktoum", 12 thousand seats; Al-Rashid, 18 thousand seats) , Sharjah ("Sharjah", 12 thousand seats). From May 2011 to July 2012, the coach of the Al-Wasl football club was D. Maradona.

Since 1993, major men's tennis tournaments have been held in Dubai with the participation of professional tennis players; since 2001 - women's.

The largest cricket matches are held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai at the stadiums mentioned above.

Between 1996 and 2009, the Dubai Racing Club held the Dubai World Cup major prize draw with the participation of the best horses from the UK, USA, Japan, Brazil, Argentina and other countries. Since 2010, these prestigious competitions have been held by the Meydan racing club (tribunes for 60,000 seats).

Since 2009, the UAE at the Yas Marina circuit (artificial Yas Island) has been hosting the Formula 1 World Championship - the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Every year, in the suburb of Abu Dhabi, El Watba, draws of traditions are held. prizes with the participation of the best camel riders from all the countries of the Persian Gulf.

In 1986, the 27th World Chess Olympiad was held in Dubai with the participation of 108 teams; The UAE national chess team has been participating in these competitions since 1978 (Buenos Aires).

Very popular in the UAE are nat. sports - camel racing and falconry.

Education. Scientific and cultural institutions

The education system includes preschool education for children aged 4–6 years, 6 years of primary education, incomplete (3 years of study) and complete secondary (3 years of study) education, secondary prof. education (commercial and agricultural schools, as well as centers for training personnel for the oil industry), higher education. Education in the state educational institutions of all levels free of charge. There are also non-states. educational institutions (ch. arr. confessional). Pre-school education covers 22% of children, primary education - 98%, secondary education - 69%. The literacy rate of the population over the age of 15 is 74.7% (data from the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, 2010). State. universities: UAE University in Al Ain (1976), Sharjah University (1997); Univ. Sheikh Zayed (1998; has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai), Petroleum Institute (2001) in Abu Dhabi, Institute of Applied Technology (2005) in Al Ain, Polytechnic. in-t (2005) in Abu Dhabi; higher technical colleges education in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Al Fujairah. among non-states. universities - University of Science and Technology in Ajman (1988), Amer. universities in Dubai (1995) and Sharjah (1997), University of El Bayan (1997) in Abu Dhabi, University of Abu Dhabi (2000, opened in 2003). There are branches: Sorbonne and New York University (both - in Abu Dhabi), St. Petersburg. state engineering and economic un-ta and Michigan un-ta - in Dubai, etc. Among scientific. institutions - S. - x. research center (1955) in Ras al-Khaimah; Center for Documentation and Research (1968), Institute of Culture (1981) - both in Abu Dhabi, Mor. research center (1984) at Umm al-Qaiwain, Intl. center with biosaline farms (1996) in Dubai. National library (1981) and Nat. archives (1985) in Abu Dhabi. Museums: Dubai City. museum (1971) at al-Fahidi Fort; national (1971) and natural. history (1989) - both in El Ain, archaeological in Ajman (1981; ancient manuscripts, weapons), in Sharjah, approx. 20 museums, including those of Islamic civilization (1987; current name since 2008), artist. and modern Arab. lawsuit (1995), natural. history (1995), scientific (1996), archeological. (1997), Marine (2008), Arab. calligraphy, national heritage.

Mass media

Published in Dubai: government daily. Arabic newspaper. lang. "Al-Bayan" ("Statement"; published since 1980; circulation ca. 45 thousand copies), daily newspaper in English. lang. Gulf News (since 1978; approx. 115 thousand copies), a weekly in Arabic. lang. "Akhbar Dubai" ("News of Dubai"; since 1965). In Abu Dhabi go out: a daily newspaper in Arabic. lang. "Al-Wahda" ("Unity"; since 1973; approx. 10 thousand copies), daily and weekly newspaper in Arabic. lang. "Al-Ittihad" ("Union"; since 1972; daily issue of about 58 thousand copies, weekly 60 thousand copies), a daily newspaper in English. lang. Emirates News (since 1875; ca. 15,000 copies). In the city of Sharjah, a daily newspaper is published in Arabic. lang. "Al-Khalij" ("Gulf"; since 1970; approx. 60 thousand copies). The UAE publishes a number of Russian-language publications, including j. "Russian Emirates" (since 2004; approx. 20 thousand copies), f. "Business Emirates" (since 2005; until 2007 it was published as an appendix to the magazine "Russian Emirates"). In 2009, a presentation of the growth took place in Dubai. monthly gas. "Moscow News" in Arabic. lang. Broadcasting and television since 1963. Television and radio programs are broadcast by governments. UAE Radio and Television service (Dubai), TV programs are also broadcast by UAE TV - Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi). In total, the UAE has St. 20 radio stations and St. 40 TV channels. From con. 2009 in the UAE began broadcasting in Russian. lang. radio station "Russian Radio". National information agency Wikalat al-Anba al-Muttahid (WAM; founded in 1977, Abu Dhabi). In 2009, a representative office of Ros. information news agency.

Architecture and fine arts

The oldest monuments of art (artistic crafts) in the UAE are represented by ceramics. vessels similar to those of the Ubeid culture in Mesopotamia. Con. 4th - beginning. 3rd millennium BC e. single-chamber tombs made of raw stone in Jebel al-Buhays (Sharjah) and the oasis of El Ain (Abu Dhabi), with a large amount of inventory (ceramic vessels of Mesopotamian origin; stone arrowheads, pearl jewelry) are dated. In the 3rd millennium BC. e. bronze processing begins (period, or Umm el-Nar culture). In the burials of this time, there are various bronze items: weapons (swords and daggers, arrowheads and spears), vessels (bowls with engraved ornaments), in rich burials - gold and bronze jewelry (rings, bracelets, fibulae, plates with zoomorphic ornament, mainly .paired images of standing animals). A large hoard of bronze items was found at Tell Abrak (Umm al-Qaiwain). A local artist appears. ceramics (vessels with geometric ornaments, animal figurines). Fortified settlements (Tell-Abrak), round stone tombs with collective burials and numerous burials are being built. inventory [necropolises on about. Umm al-Nar (Abu Dhabi), at Hatta (Dubai), Tell Abraq (Umm al-Qaiwain), Wadi Munaya (Ras al-Khaimah)]. OK. 1000 BC e. the first underground irrigation systems appear. structures (falaj).

After conquer. hikes Alexander the Great and empire formation Seleucid in the culture of the region there is a strong Hellenistic, and later Roman and Parthian influence. A large number of imported products appear, which have become models for local craftsmen in the manufacture of ceramics, jewelry, metalwork. utensils, small plastic. Own production begins. coins (imitations of the tetradrachms of Alexander the Great with the names of local rulers). To the most important archaeological monuments include necropolises in the oasis of El Ain (included in the list world heritage), a large settlement of Ed-Dur (Umm al-Qaiwain), a fortress in Mleikh (Sharjah). Stone and adobe tombs, houses, temples were studied.

In the 3rd–6th centuries n. e. the territory of the UAE was in the zone of cultural influence of the Sassanid power. In claim 6 - beg. 7th century Christian motives permeate. On about. Sir Bani Yas (Abu Dhabi) discovered the ruins of a presumably Nestorian monastery (6th century; on the wall there is an ornament carved on plaster with the image of a cross).

From the 2nd floor. 7th c. art in the UAE developed in line with Islamic art. culture, prim. in coastal cities such as Julfar (Ras Al Khaimah) and Dibba (Sharjah). B. h. of the existing cities appeared no earlier than 16 - ser. 18th century Some idea of ​​the tradition the architecture of the emirates give a few. remains of architecture. buildings in Sharjah and Dubai (the ensemble of the residential quarter of Bastakiya in Dubai, 19th century). The residential architecture presumably was dominated by forms preserved in modern times. nar. architecture - small one-story, usually adobe (in mountainous areas stone was sometimes used) huts with a roof of palm leaves (oases of El Liwa, El Ain). The religious architecture of the region was also quite simple and, in addition to autochthonous, could include some borrowed (Indian) elements.

The cultural trends of the New Age were determined by Europe. presence. Portuguese survived. fortresses of the 1st quarter. 16th century [rectangular in plan, with powerful walls and a center. courtyard - Khor-Fakkan (Khaur-el-Fakkan), Kalba, Julfar, etc.] and later forts - in Dubai (al-Fahidi, late 18th century, reconstruction of the early 1970s, since 1971 the museum ; Sheikh Zayed Palace, late 19th century, museum since 1986), Abu Dhabi (El-Husn Palace, also known as the "White" or "Old" Fort, 1793, restored in 1966). From the beginning 1960s The urbanization of the UAE is accompanied by the development of urban planning, the widespread introduction of new materials - reinforced concrete, steel, glass, the involvement of architects from Europe and the United States, Arab. countries: master plan of Dubai (1960), Dubai International Center. Trade (1979, both architects J. Harris), Hilton Dubai Hotel (1973, architect M. Makiya); the building of the Ministry of Finance (1970, architect J. Tukan), the complex of the library and cultural center of the United Arab Emirates (1981, architectural bureau The Architects Collaborative, both in Abu Dhabi). In the 1970s–1990s UAE architecture has evolved predominately. in line with late modernism and postmodernism; unsuccessful attempts were made to integrate elements of the Arab into it. architecture, such as muqarnas ("stalactites"), colored tiles, etc.: Center. market (“Blue bough”; 1978, architectural bureau “Michael Lyell Associates”), intl. airport (1974–77, 1979, architectural bureau Halcrow Group), Amer. un-ta (1997, architectural bureau Gambert; all in Sharjah), etc. Modern. The iconic architecture of the UAE is an eclectic mix of diff. styles of Islamic architecture and includes Mamluk, Ottoman, Mughal elements (King Faisal Mosque in Sharjah, 1980s; Jumeirah Mosque, 1983; Sheikh Zayed Mosque, 2007, architectural bureau "Halcrow Group"; both - in Abu Dhabi) . In con. 20 - early. 21st century the pace of urbanization has accelerated; high-rise buildings are being massively erected, including the Burj al-Arab skyscrapers in Dubai (1999, architect T. Wright, architectural bureau Atkins), ADIA in Abu Dhabi (the building of the investment agency Abu Dhabi; 2006, KPF architects), Burj Khalifa (2010, A. Smith, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, 828 m – the tallest building in the world in 2013), O-14 "(2010, architectural bureau "Reiser + Umemoto"), "Index" (2011, architect N. Foster; all in Dubai), resort hotels (Hotel Yas in Abu Dhabi, 2009, architectural bureau " Asymptote”), transport infrastructure facilities (Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi, 2010, architect Z. Hadid), large mixed-use complexes (“Central Market” in Abu Dhabi, under construction since 2007, architect Foster) and new cities ( Masdar near Abu Dhabi, general plan, 2007, architect Foster; the campus of the Institute of Science and Technology was erected, 2010, architect Foster), arts are poured in to expand the territories for construction. islands (archipelagos "Palm Islands" and "World" in Dubai).

In the 2nd floor. 20th century is being developed by prof. depict. claim. From Ser. 1970s the UAE employs artists who were educated in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Western countries. Europe and USA; they turn to easel genre painting (Muhammad al-Kasab, Ibrahim Mustafa, Abd ar-Rahman al-Zaynal, Muhammad Mundi, Issam Shreida, Abd al-Karim Sukar, Ubeyd Srur, Muna al-Kaja), also to decomp. currents of modern lawsuit - abstract art, surrealism (Abdul Qadir al-Rayis, Salih al-Ustad, Hisham al-Mazlum), etc. In addition to the obvious orientation to the west. artistic tradition, portray. the claim in the UAE is based on the Arab-Muslims. cultural heritage (typically an appeal to calligraphy, ornament, etc.). Traditions continue to develop. handicrafts - painted ceramics (small plastic, dishes), basket weaving from palm leaves, weaving, embroidery, jewelry art (silver rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, daggers), production of decorative leather products.

culture

Traditional music culture common with other Arab countries. region. Modern music the centers are the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. International music festivals: in Abu Dhabi (since 2004, organized by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation), jazz Skywards in Dubai (since 2003). In the National Theater Abu Dhabi hosts concerts of European. symphonic orchestras. The Dubai Opera House is the only one in the UAE (project by architect Z. Hadid, under development). The first special the theater building in Dubai was built in 2004 for the Madinat Theater (modern drama, musical, etc.).

Since 2007, Abu Dhabi has hosted annual international film festivals.