United Arab Emirates: World Encyclopedia for Students and Children

Sytesm of government: Federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Umm al Qaiwain, Fujairah and Ras al Khaimah. The seven emirs form the Supreme Council; one emir serves as President
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Location: In the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf; land borders with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman
Area: 83,600 sq km
National composition: Mostly Arabs
Religion: Islam
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Dirham = 100 fils
Administrative divisions: 7 emirates
Other major cities: Dubai, Sharjah
Climate: Hot and Dry

Most people in the U.A.E. live on the coastal plain or in a few oases in the interior. There is some farming on irrigated land, and fishing and pearl diving are also important activities. But the economy is based on oil and natural gas. With revenue from oil sales, other industries, including cement works, oil refineries, gas liquefaction plants, and desalination projects to provide much needed fresh water, are being developed.