Abu Dhabi Residents Guide

By Explorer Publishing

For nearly 20 years, Explorer’s Abu Dhabi Residents’ Guide has been the handbook for living and working in Abu Dhabi. From arriving in the capital to moving on and everything in between, this new-look and fully revised 2017/18 edition includes all the latest info. Whether you’re considering the move, you’re fresh off the plane, or you’re a seasoned local, this is the one resource that you won’t want to be without. From finding work to making the most of your weekends, enrolling in schools to getting a driving licence, we’ve got it covered.
Includes Offline map pages and Google Map links.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Explorer Publishing
• Release date: Aug 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781785960765

Book preview

Abu Dhabi Residents’ Guide

Copyright © Explorer Group Ltd 2017

1st published 1999

Published by Explorer Publishing & Distribution L.L.C.

PO Box 34275

Dubai UAE

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Text, maps and photographs © Explorer Group Ltd 1999 – 2017

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner Explorer Group Ltd.

While every effort and care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors and omissions it may contain. The illustrations depicted throughout this book are the sole expression and responsibility of the author and not of the publisher.

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ISBN 978-1-78596-036-9

National Media Council Printing Approval No MC-02-01-8113307

Welcome

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Contents

The UAE

The UAE Today

Life In The UAE

Economy

Environment

History

Government

Government Policy

Media Landscape

Housing

Finding A Home

Setting Up Home

Connecting Utilities

Telecoms

Residential Areas

Work

Working In Abu Dhabi

Employment Law & Procedures

Resolving Issues & Disputes

Doing Business In Abu Dhabi

Starting A Business

Finance

Managing Your Money

Saving Money Is Simple

Transport

Getting Around Abu Dhabi

Driving In Abu Dhabi

Getting Your Wheels

Caring For Your Car

Cycling The City

Air Travel

Health & Well-being

Accessing Healthcare

Hospitals & Clinics

Fitness

Well-being

Family & Pets

Family Matters

Having A Pet

Education

Schooling In Abu Dhabi

Nurseries

Primary & Secondary Schools

Universities & Colleges

Shopping

Shopping In Abu Dhabi

Shopping Districts

Types Of Shop

Malls

Markets & Souks

Discover Dubai

Exploring The City

Outdoor Activities & Sports

Evening Entertainment

Dining

Out Of The City

Exploring The Other Emirates

Visiting Oman

Essential Documents & Procedures

Don’t Forget

Visas & Residency

UAE Driving Licence

House & Home

Family Matters

Useful Numbers

The UAE

The UAE Today

Life In The UAE

Economy

Environment

History

Government

Government Policy

Media Landscape

THE UAE TODAY

While its culture is still rooted in Islamic tradition, the UAE is also one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the Middle East

The country has a bold vision for its future and is working towards becoming a first-choice destination for tourism, finance, industry and trade. This makes it a vibrant and opportunity-filled place to live in and work. Trade and commerce are still the cornerstones of the economy, with the traditional manufacturing and distribution industries now joined by finance, construction, media, IT and telecoms businesses.

With so many world-class hotels, and leisure and entertainment options, the UAE is becoming a popular tourist destination too.

Country Profile

In the heart of the Middle East, the UAE borders Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate, occupying over 80% of the country. The emirate is home to the capital, Abu Dhabi city.

Dubai is the second largest emirate, although it has a population size similar to Abu Dhabi.

Each emirate is named after its main city, but covers a wider area often including unattached enclaves elsewhere in the country.

6TH RICHEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD

WITH GDP PER CAPITA OF $72,418 (PPP – WORLD BANK WORLD DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS 2016)

LIFE IN THE UAE

The UAE achieves a healthy balance between western influences and eastern traditions. It is still a country very much rooted in Islamic culture; however, the country’s effort to become modern and cosmopolitan is highlighted by an open-minded and liberal outlook

Essentials

Everyday life in the UAE may not differ too much from other big cities. It is possible to immerse yourself entirely in another culture, or to mix with people from your own background. Most home comforts, from wherever you hail, are available here. On the other hand, however, there are some distinctive traits of life in Abu Dhabi that take some getting used to, and others that will define your UAE adventure.

Accessibility

The National Policy for Empowering People with Special Needs aims to transform the accessibility experience in the UAE. Abu Dhabi has made significant progress in making the city accessible to all, but there is still work to be done. For now, it is recommended to call ahead to ask buildings and operators how they facilitate accessibility, and to be aware of quick changes caused by road works and construction. Visit abudhabi.ae for further information about accessibility in publicly owned facilities.

FRIDAY

IS THE ISLAMIC HOLYDAY

HOURS CHANGE

DURING RAMADAN AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Business Hours

• Private Sector Offices: 8am to 6pm

• Government Offices: 7.30am to 2.30pm

• Banks: 8am to 3pm

• Retail: 10am to 10pm

• Petrol Stations: 24/7

Currency

The Arab Emirate Dirham (AED) or Dhs, is pegged to the US Dollar at Dhs.3.67 to $1. Dhs.1 is made up of 100 fils.

Electricity

• Capacity: 220/240 volts, 50 cycles

• Plug: Three-pin (UK style) socket, although most appliances are sold with a two-pin plug

Culture

Islam is an integral part of UAE life and to followers it is more than just a religion; it’s a way of life that governs even everyday events, from what to wear to what to eat and drink. The UAE is progressively tolerant and welcoming; foreigners are free to practise their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and the dress code is fairly liberal.

The UAE has changed dramatically over the last 30 years, fuelled by economic prosperity that has made mega malls, towering skyscrapers and expensive 4WDs the norm. Yet the country is also keen to safeguard its heritage, with active promotion of cultural and sporting events that represent their traditions, such as falconry, camel racing and traditional dhow sailing.

Arabic culture in poetry, dancing, songs, art and crafts is encouraged too. Traditional virtues of courtesy and hospitality are highly prized.

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (cultures.ae) actively promotes awareness of the local culture through various events and talks. Its motto, Open Doors, Open Minds, signifies a free and safe space to discuss sensitive topics openly and honestly. You can share a traditional meal with the hosts, learn about Muslim culture and ask questions that perhaps you were too nervous to ask before.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and is widely practised throughout the country.

Key Facts

• Holy Book: Quran

• Holy Day: Friday

• Holy City: Mecca, Saudi Arabia

• Basis Of Belief: There is only one God, Allah, and the Prophet Muhammad is his messenger

• Core Practices: The five pillars

5 Pillars Of Islam

1. Profession Of Faith: Muslims must believe and confess that there is no other God but Allah

2. Prayer: Muslims must pray facing Mecca five times per day

3. Charity: Muslims donate a portion of their income to aid the poor

4. Fasting: During the holy month of Ramadan all able-bodied Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset

5. Hajj: Muslims are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetimes

Call To Prayer

Most people pray at a mosque, but it’s not unusual to see people kneeling by the side of the road if they are not near a place of worship. It is impolite to stare at people praying or to walk over prayer mats.

The modern-day call to prayer, transmitted through loudspeakers on the minarets, ensures that everyone knows it’s time to pray.

All Are Welcome

Islam is the principle religion, but the UAE is tolerant of other denominations. There is a vibrant Christian community in the UAE and even Hindu temples.

Language

Arabic is the official language of the UAE. There are numerous places you can go in Abu Dhabi to learn Arabic and numerous other languages. (See Education chapter).

It is a beautiful language, written from right to left with a script that bears little resemblance to the Latin alphabet.

English is also widely used in all areas of life, and most road signs, shop signs and restaurant menus display both English and Arabic. The majority of expats hail from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines, so you can expect to hear languages like Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu and Tagalog.

Arabic isn’t the easiest language to learn, or to pronounce, but if you can throw in a couple of words here and there, you’re more likely to receive a warmer welcome or at least a smile – even if your pronunciation is terrible. Here are some of the common sayings you’ll encounter on a regular basis.

DID YOU KNOW?

THERE IS NO SOUND FOR ‘P’ IN THE ARABIC ALPHABET, BUT 5 IN THE SPECTRUM BETWEEN H AND K

Common Phrases

• Al-hamdu L-illah: Literally meaning ‘praise be to God’, you will hear this phrase to express gratitude, such as the response, I am well, al-hamdu-l-illah

• As-salaamu Alaykom: The standard greeting, literally meaning ‘peace be upon you’. Either be sure to get in there first, or remember to respond ‘Wa alaykom is salaam’ rather than repeating the first phrase

• Aywa: Yes

• Dear: The English term, but used much more frequently than you’ve ever experienced before and entirely genuine

• Habibi (f. Habibti): Friend (when spoken by an Arabic speaker)

• Inshallah: Literally meaning ‘if God wills it’, this phrase is very context dependent. A loose translation would be ‘hopefully’ (as in he will be OK, inshallah)

• Khalas: Finished, done, (or emphatically) I am done with you. Enough!

• La(m): No

• Mafi Mushkila: No problem

• Maash’allah: Literally meaning ‘as God has willed it’, this phrase expresses appreciation. It is used for a wide range of scenarios, from congratulating a person on having a beautiful child to car stickers for shiny new vehicles

• Nam: Yes

• Shukran (Jazeelan): Thank you (very much)

• Shway Shway: Slow down a second

• Wallah?: Really? Are you serious?

• Yalla!: Come on, let’s go!

• Yanni: A filler, often used when someone is trying to explain something. Rather like ‘what I mean is’, or ‘you know what I mean’

Arabic Names

Arabic names have a formal structure that indicates the person’s family background.

First names are usually taken from an important person in the Quran or from the tribe.

This is followed by the word ‘bin’ (son of) for a boy or ‘bint’ (daughter of) for a girl, and then the name of the child’s father.

The last name indicates the person’s tribe or family. For prominent families, this has Al, the Arabic word for ‘the’, immediately before it.

For instance, the President of the UAE is His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, showing that he is the son of Zayed.

Women do not change their name when they get married.

National Dress

Emiratis generally wear traditional dress in public, although many will dress in more western clothes if travelling abroad.

Men

Dishdasha Or Khandura

The traditional white, full length shirt dress. In winter, darker colours may be worn. Sheikhs and important businessmen may also wear a thin black or brown robe (known as a bisht), over their dishdasha at important events, which is equivalent to a dinner jacket in western culture.

Gutra Or Sifrah

Either white or red checked, this is the headdress which is secured with a black chord, called ‘agal’.

Women

Abaya

Women wear this long, loose black robe that covers their normal clothes, when in public. The abaya is often of sheer, flowing fabric and may be open at the front. Underneath, women traditionally wear a long tunic over loose, flowing trousers (sirwal), which are often heavily embroidered and fitted at wrists and ankles. However, these are used more by the older generation and modern women will often wear the latest fashions under their abayas.

Sheyla

The headscarf covering the woman’s hair is called a sheyla. Some women also wear a thin black veil hiding their face, and gloves. Older women sometimes still wear a leather mask called a burkha, which covers the nose, brow and cheekbones.

DOS & DON’TS

Emirati people are friendly and keen to share their culture. Avoid causing offence or getting into trouble with these tips

Appropriate Attire

Beachwear on the beach is fine, but in public, dress should be more conservative. Covering your shoulders and knees is a safe bet if you are unsure. It’s wise for women to carry a pashmina so they can cover up when necessary.

Arabic Coffee

If you’re offered traditional Arabic coffee (kahwa) during a meeting, it is polite to drink some. Cups should be taken in the right hand, and if there is a waiter there to replenish your cup, the signal to say you have had enough is to gently shake the cup from side to side.

Business Etiquette

Introductions and small talk usually start a business meeting, with the exchange of business cards. Treat a received card with respect, like it’s an extension of the person who gave it. Being late for a meeting is considered bad manners, but punctuality doesn’t mean it will start at the appointed time or be uninterrupted.

Friendly Feet

Be careful when sitting not to point your feet at anyone or show the soles of your feet. This may be taken as a mark of disrespect. Also be careful where you place your feet and do not stand on anything (for example the national flag) that may cause offence.

Home Values

When visiting an Emirati house, it is customary to remove your shoes. Traditionally men and women dine separately and meals are eaten sitting on floor cushions. Try everything offered at the meal, but if you’re not sure you’ll like something, just take a small amount. If you invite a Muslim to your home, offering pork or alcohol may cause offence.

Meeting People

While warm greetings and long handshakes are common, if you are meeting someone of the opposite sex a handshake may not always be welcome. It’s best to wait until they first offer their hand. It’s polite to send greetings to a person’s family, but can be considered rude to enquire directly about someone’s wife, sister or daughter. The customary nose kiss greeting used between men in the Gulf region shouldn’t be attempted either.

Out On The Town

Abu Dhabi has a good variety of nightlife and alcohol is widely available in the city’s hotel bars, pubs and clubs. Remember, however, that you’re in a Muslim country and drunken or lewd behaviour is not only disrespectful but can lead to arrest and detention.

PDAs

Public displays of affection are a no-no in the UAE and anything more than an innocent peck on the cheek will at best earn you disapproving looks from passers-by.

Photography

Like anywhere in the Arab world, it is courteous to ask permission before photographing people, particularly women. Photographs of government and military buildings shouldn’t be taken, especially if there are ‘no photography’ signs. Unwitting tourists have found themselves in deep trouble for this before.

Respect Ramadan

During the Holy Month, Muslims fast during daylight hours. It is against the law, also for non-Muslims, to eat, drink or smoke in public during this time.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory, but tipping for good service is common, normally around 10% of your bill. For valet parking at hotels a Dhs.5 tip is average. Taxi fares are often rounded up to include a tip, but not if the driving standards were poor. Many restaurants include a 10% service charge although it’s unclear how much will find its way into your waiter’s pocket, so some people add a little extra. Petrol station attendants are not allowed to accept tips.

ECONOMY

The UAE has always been well placed for trade, but coupled with a policy based on economic openness and liberalisation the country continues to flourish. With flexible and investor-friendly laws, availability of raw materials and funds, tax exemptions and low tariffs, the climate in the UAE is an ideal one for foreign investment

The UAE still owns a significant amount of hydrocarbons, but its wealth is not solely reliant on oil revenue. These days, 69% of GDP comes from non-oil sectors. The Ministry of Economy has further stated its intentions to reduce this to 20% in the coming years (Annual Economic Report 2015). The country has used its resources to build – not only ambitious skyscrapers, but also a reputation as the centre of commerce and tourism in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi escaped relatively unscathed from the global economic crisis at the end of the last decade. While the city’s GDP slowed temporarily and a number of projects were put on hold, newcomers to the city would be hard pushed to notice any impact now.

The government continues to make major financial allocations for various capital projects across multiple sectors. The aim is to increase Abu Dhabi’s appeal as one of the top investment-attracting cities in the world.

The free trade zones in the capital serve as a major draw. Benefits to businesses in free zones include 100% foreign ownership, which negates the usual need for local partner sponsorship where a UAE national or entity owns at least 51%. They also get import and export tax exemptions, as well as 100% repatriation of revenue and profits.

69%

OF THE UAE’S GDP COMES FROM

NON-OIL SECTORS

Jobs Market

While the UAE GDP per capita income (according to the World Bank’s 2015 data) stands at around Dhs.257,000 ($69,970), this figure includes all sections of the community and the average labourer, of whom there are many, can expect to earn as little as Dhs.600 ($165) per month.

Salaries for most job types have dropped from the old boom days. Aside from highly skilled professionals, the average expat coming to the UAE shouldn’t automatically expect a huge salary.

Unemployment among the national population in the UAE is lower than that of many other Arab states, but there are efforts to encourage Emirati nationals to take jobs in the private sector. ‘Emiratisation’ requires employers to recruit a certain percentage of Emirati nationals.

4.4 MILLION

TOURISTS IN 2016

Tourism

Boosting tourism plays a central part in the government’s economic diversification plan.

Although Dubai is the most famous tourist destination in the UAE, Abu Dhabi has emerged on the scene as a popular holiday location in its own right. The development of high-end tourist amenities and visitor attractions, as well as the burgeoning cruise tourism industry, in conjunction with an aggressive overseas marketing campaign, means that Abu Dhabi’s popularity as a vacation destination continues to increase.

Abu Dhabi welcomed 4.4 million tourists in 2016, according to the Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

Demonstrating the potential and capacity the capital already has an international hub, Abu Dhabi Airports reports that Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) recorded 24.5 million passengers in 2016 – a 5.12% increase on 2015. Midfield Terminal, which is set to open in 2019, will increase the airport’s capacity significantly, as it will be capable of handling up to 8,500 passengers per hour.

Major Industries

(Ministry of Economy 2014)

31% Crude Oil & Natural Gas

12% Wholesale Retail & Repairing Services

11% Real Estate & Business Services

10% Construction

9% Manufacturing Industries

6% Quarrying

3% Electricity, Gas & Water

3% Telecommunications

2% Restaurants

2% Social & Personal Services

1% Agriculture, Livestock & Fishing

Top 9 Exports From UAE

(Ministry of Economy Annual Report 2015)

1. Pearls, Precious Stones & Metals, & Jewellery

2. Base Metals

3. Plastics & Rubber

4. Metal Products

5. Food & Drink

6. Chemicals

7. Wood Dough, Waste, Paper Waste, Cardboard & Its Products

8. Transport Equipment

9. Stone, Ceramic & Glass Products (Mica)

ENVIRONMENT

There is more to the desert than initially meets the eye. The UAE has a varied geography, and among it, numerous species to admire

Landscape

Outside the concrete jungle, the UAE has a variety of interesting terrains. A geologist’s paradise, its environments are rare on a global scale but readily accessible and well-exposed.

These include coastal sabkha (salt flats), mangrove lagoons, salt domes, evidence of sea level changes and various dune formations.

The Empty Quarter, or Rub Al Khali, is a vast area of sand desert and sabkha, which stretches from Abu Dhabi emirate to Saudi Arabia.

To the east rise the Hajar Mountains (‘hajar’ is Arabic for ‘rock’) which form a backbone through the country, from the Musandam Peninsula in the north, through eastern UAE into Oman.

The vast gravel outwash plains, deep dry riverbeds (wadis) and rugged peaks of different colours testify to the environment’s past.

The Hajars expose vast expanses of rock from the crust and mantle of the deep Earth, called ophiolite, that were plastered onto the Arabian continent by tectonic plate movements that erased part of the former Tethys Sea. Limestone sediments, found in the north and along the western margin, were deposited by shallow seas and sometimes contain fascinating marine fossils like corals and sea urchins.

Off the coast, which leads to the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, there are more than 200 islands, most of which are uninhabited, and abundant coral reefs.

Many of these islands are protected because of wildlife, marine life, archaeological findings and special geological phenomena. See Out Of The City to find out more.

Plants

The region has about 3,500 native plants, the most famous being the date palm. In mountainous regions, flat-topped acacia trees and wild grasses create scenery similar to that of an African savannah.

Mangroves thrive in the salty waters along the coast, while more than 800 species of wild flower have also been recorded across the UAE and the neighbouring parts of Oman.

Animals

Indigenous animals include the Arabian leopard and the Arabian oryx, a type of large antelope, but sightings in the wild are extremely rare. Realistically, the only large fauna you will see are camels and goats (often roaming dangerously close to roads), and the occasional gazelle. Other desert life includes sand cats, sand foxes, desert hares, gerbils, hedgehogs, geckos and snakes.

Birds

The UAE has a wonderful diversity of bird species. Its position at a migratory crossroads explains the presence of more than 530 species and studies have shown that the number is rising each year, due in part to concentrated greening efforts.

This is most apparent in parks and wetlands, especially in spring and autumn, as the country is on the migratory route between central Asia and east Africa.

Marine Life

Off the coast of the UAE, the seas contain a rich abundance of marine life, including tropical fish, jellyfish, coral, dugong (‘sea cows’) and sharks. Eight species of whale and seven species of dolphin have been recorded in UAE waters. Various breeds of turtle, including loggerhead, green and hawksbill, are also indigenous with sightings off the east coast by Snoopy Island and Khor Kalba not uncommon.

Conservation

A number of indigenous animals have been hunted to the edge of extinction in the past, including the Arabian oryx and the Arabian leopard. Others have found their habitats disappearing. The survival and continued protection of these animals has been mainly thanks to government activities.

The late Sheikh Zayed was a strong proponent of conservation and it was he who initiated a captive breeding programme for Arabian oryx at Al Ain Zoo back in 1968, when there is thought to have been only four left in the wild.

It was also under Sheikh Zayed’s direction that Sir Bani Yas Island, off the shores of Abu Dhabi emirate, was transformed into a private wildlife sanctuary with an internationally acclaimed breeding programme for endangered wildlife including the oryx.

Al Ain Zoo continues to be instrumental in conserving species, while the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife at Sharjah Desert Park, has a breeding programme for the endangered Arabian leopard.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve allows visits and sometimes accepts volunteer workers to help with the monitoring of endangered species. Visit their website (ddcr.org) to find more information about getting involved.

The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (houbarafund.org) aims to preserve the local Houbara bustard, whose numbers have declined due to urbanisation, poaching and unregulated hunting.

Back in the UAE, Dubai’s Emirates Environmental Group (eeg-uae.org) is devoted to environmental protection through education, action and community involvement.

Agencies like the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (ead.ae) and Emirates Wildlife Society, a national environmental NGO that operates in association with the WWF, work tirelessly to ensure the conservation of native and migrating animals and their habitats.

The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (jumeirah.com/turtles) aims to rehabilitate and release rescued sea turtles. This is the place to contact if you find a sick or injured turtle on the beach. It also welcomes visitors to its sanctuary at Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel.

Meanwhile, tagging of passing dugong has helped to keep their migratory routes safe, and specific protection has been given to breeding colonies of the rare Socotra cormorant on the islands of Marawah and Al Yasat.

HISTORY

As a country the UAE is still young, having formed in 1971 when the emirates united to enhance security and influence in the area. The region’s history, however, stretches long before that

Early History

Much of the early existence is closely linked to the arrival and development of Islam in the greater Middle East.

Archaeologists have also discovered hugely important sites across the UAE dating as far back as the Stone Age. Finds from Jebel Faya in Sharjah demonstrate the Arabian Peninsula’s importance in early man’s migration from Africa to Asia. While little is yet known of this period, there is extensive evidence of occupation in the Neolithic period.

The discovery of older currencies indicate that the Romans, Greeks, Turks, Mongols and the Ottomans have all influenced the region over the years. This is also down to the age-old importance of the UAE strategically on the maritime world map.

Trucial Coast

In the early 19th century, the British and Portuguese dipped their oars into Arabian waters, attracted by the area’s position between Europe and India.

By 1820, a general treaty was agreed upon by the local rulers and the British, which secured the region’s maritime trading for seafaring nations around the world.

In Europe, this significant area became known as the Trucial Coast, a name that it retained until the departure of the British in 1971.

Forming The Federation

When Britain announced plans for its withdrawal in 1968, the ruling sheikhs of Bahrain, Qatar and the Trucial Coast realised that they would have a stronger voice in the Middle East by uniting forces as a single state. Bahrain and Qatar chose independence; however, in 1971, the federation of the United Arab Emirates was born from the Trucial Coast, with Ras Al Khaimah joining in 1972 to establish the UAE we know today.

Under the agreement, the individual emirates retained a certain amount of autonomy. The leaders of the new federation elected the ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to be the president of the newly founded country. The well-liked and highly respected leader held the position until he passed away on 2 November 2004.

The eponymous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi was his final place of rest, his mausoleum complete when the mosque opened in 2007. The mosque itself was his great vision and was intended to unite not just the UAE but the wider Arab populace. His eldest son, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was elected to take over the presidency and oversaw the final few years of the mosque’s fantastic construction.

IN 1958

OIL WAS DISCOVERED IN THE UAE

Discovery Of Oil

In 1958, huge oil reserves were discovered in Abu Dhabi. The discovery dramatically transformed the emirate. In 1966, oil was also found in Dubai, by then already a relatively wealthy trading centre. Dubai’s ruler at the time, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ensured that the emirate’s oil revenues were used to develop an economic and social infrastructure to secure the emirate’s future, which is the basis of today’s modern society. His forward-thinking work was continued through the reign of his son and successor, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum and by the present ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

UAE TIMELINE

The UAE has a rich and colourful past and the remarkable country continues to make history today

GOVERNMENT

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, each with its own ruler and some degree of autonomy over its own rules and regulations. A constitution sets out the relationship between each local government and the federal government, which is made up of three main institutions

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the current President of the UAE and the 16th Ruler of Abu Dhabi. He took over the post in November 2004 from his late father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Born in 1948, in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi, in Al Muwaiji Fort, Al Ain, Sheikh Khalifa is the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed.

Under His Highness Sheikh Khalifa’s leadership, the country, and especially Abu Dhabi, has witnessed astonishing growth. With his focus on the continuing development of the country’s infrastructure, economic health and cultural contributions, he has laid the foundations for a prosperous UAE.

The Abu Dhabi ruler is also well known for his philanthropic commitments, particularly through the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, which focuses on providing support to the health and education sectors on a domestic, regional and global scale.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

The UAE’s Prime Minister, currently His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is appointed by the President and chairs the Council of Ministers, which meets once a week in Abu Dhabi to oversee the development and implementation of federal policy across all portfolios of government.

Sheikh Mohammed is also Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He is often considered the driving force behind Dubai’s exponential growth, pioneering Free Trade Zones, reducing Dubai’s reliance on oil-based industries, and overseeing the development of numerous landmark projects in Dubai including Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa.

Sheikh Mohammed has launched numerous charitable initiatives focused on healthcare, education, humanitarian aid, entrepreneurship and innovation and building tolerance and dialogue, which have benefitted the Arab world and further afield.

A poet and author, he is a champion of happiness, positivity and hope.

Supreme Council Of Rulers

•