United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its Muslim Peoples

Back in the UAE

The UAE is a federation consisting of seven sheikhdoms located on the Arabian Gulf. The seven sheikhdoms (also called Emirates) are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Umm al-Qawain, Ajman and Fujairah. For centuries, this area was known as the Pirate coast, as this remote region was something of a haven for pirates and was also a source of wealth for enterprising pearl fishermen. Formerly known as the Trucial States, the rulers of the Sheikhdoms signed an agreement in 1853, making their territories British Protectorates. In 1971 they became the confederation of monarchies.

The UAE is Complex and Diverse

The UAE is one of the most politically stable countries in the region and since the establishment of the federation; the emirates have ironed out inter-emirate squabbles and tensions, cementing that stability. The UAE is a complex and diverse place. It's a short drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, but a massive culture leap. Abu Dhabi remains deeply conservative, while Dubai is far more liberal in comparison. The northern emirates are far less developed than the economic powerhouses of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This group of small Muslim nations has remained hidden over the centuries, but with the discovery of oil in the 1970s, they have been brought to the world's attention. As a result of the oil boom, breathtaking advances from poverty to fabulous wealth in the last 30 years has brought a tremendous transformation to this land. Building a modern society on the sand, they now have one of the highest incomes per capita in the world. Massive development schemes are funded by oil wealth. Education, health care, and social services are virtually free.

Abu Dhabi has enormous oil reserves. Dubai and Fujairah's are much smaller, and the other four emirates have little or no oil.

Change in the UAE

Of the many different tribes that make up the country's national population, very few were ever wholly nomadic. The majority of them were settled, at least for much of the year, engaging in simple agriculture, or in the age-old practice of harvesting the pearl banks and fishing. Only about 20% of the inhabitants of the UAE are nationals. The rest are all foreign workers. There are large groups of Indians, Pakistanis, Iranians and Southeast Asians. The population is, however, 95% Muslim. Sunni Islam is the religion of the state.

The radical changes over the last three decades have made the UAE citizens more cosmopolitan and open to new ideas, yet Islamic fundamentalism has increased restrictions. Many are in daily contact with foreign Christians, but not all believers have opportunities to share their faith because of the possible consequences. There is freedom to worship and witness within the expatriate communities, but no outreach to the indigenous population is officially permitted.

UAE - United Arab Emirates

Prayer Guide for the UAE

* Pray for the Christian foreign workers, that their lives and testimony would be a witness among those who share a common language.

* Pray for those who have material wealth, that they would not be satisfied with earthly riches, but that they would seek after Jesus, the greatest treasure there is to be found. (Matthew 19:23-26)

* Ask God to break the influence of the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Muslims from hearing and receiving the Good News of the gospel. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

Background on UAE (World Factbook)

The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region.

Economy of the United Arab Emirates

The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Despite largely successful efforts at economic diversification, about 30% of GDP is still directly based on oil and gas output, and the fortunes of the economy fluctuate with the prices of those commodities. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up its utilities to greater private sector involvement. Dependence on a large expatriate workforce and oil are significant long-term challenges to the UAE's economy.

About UAE

Population: 4,798,491 (July 2009 est.) World rank #116
note: estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census that included a significantly higher estimate of net inmigration of non-citizens than previous estimates

Life Expectancy at Birth: 76.11 years. World rank #70

Ethnic groups: Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8%
note: less than 20% are UAE citizens

Religions: Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%

Languages: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Literacy: 77.9% -- Male: 76.1%, Female: 81.7%

School life expectancy: 11 years

Video: Dubai - the fastest growing city in the world

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