U.A.E. - Demographics

Capital - Abu Dhabi

Official languages - Arabic

Recognised regional languages - English, Urdu, Hindi, and Persian

Demonym - Emirati

Government - Federal constitutional monarchy
- President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- First Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Second Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum - Legislature Federal National Assembly

Independence
- From the United Kingdom - December 2, 1971

Area
- Total 83,600 1 km2 (116th)
- 32,278 sq mi
- Water (%) negligible

Population
- 2009 estimate 4,599,000[3] (120th)
- 2000 census 2,938,000
- Density 55/km2 (150th)
- 142.5/sq mi

Currency UAE dirham (AED)
Time zone GMT+4 (UTC+4)
Drives on the right
Internet TLD .ae
Calling code +971

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia. The UAE consists of seven states, termed emirates, which are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The capital and second largest city of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. It is also the country's center of political, industrial and cultural activities.

On November 2, 2004, the UAE's first president, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, died. His eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, succeeded as ruler of Abu Dhabi. In accordance with the constitution, the UAE's Supreme Council of Rulers elected Khalifa as president. Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan succeeded Khalifa as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. - courtesy : wikipedia

And so when the late President passed peacefully away in 2004, it was natural that his son and Crown Prince became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, while Sheikh Khalifas brother, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, became the new Crown Prince for the new era. At the same time, HH Sheikh Khalifa was unanimously elected as the UAE's new President by the Supreme Council of the federation. His confirmation as the new leader signalled to the people of the UAE and to the world that, as an historic epoch of the foundation of the state came to its close, during which an ambitious vision was achieved, turning a dream into reality, a new era had arrived. This will evidently be an era of empowerment for the UAE as it continues to strive for excellence and distinction on a regional and global stage.

HH Sheikh Khalifa's broad vision for this new era has been set out in a number of official papers. Perhaps the most important were two strategic documents. The first is the policy agenda of Abu Dhabi Government issued by Abu Dhabi Executive Council for 2007/2008. The second was in an official speech made before the Federal National Council in February 2007.

Abu Dhabi's policy agenda sets out a vision for the overall development of the country. Its stated objective is to ensure the welfare of its citizens. In order to achieve this, it sets out programmes to develop an open economy, based on sustainable knowledge, that can compete internationally and with distinction, providing the best services in education, health and developed infrastructure within a legislative environment distinguished by efficiency and transparency. The emirate's strategy documents give equal importance to developing a transparent and efficient government apparatus to ensure the implementation of plans with a high-level of effectiveness and coordination, and to make use of all the country's potential and resources, including the participation of the private sector, both locally and internationally. The country's security, its international relations, safeguarding its environment, and promoting its heritage and culture remain cornerstones of the UAE's vision.

HH Sheikh Khalifa's speech to the Federal National Council spelt out the federal Government's commitment to consolidate a political system based on consultation, justice and security, which enables the citizens (men and women) to actively and positively participate in running their country. The speech stressed the Governments vision in launching new programmes and legislation to support culture, family development, education and health as an integral development project. It declared its commitment to train and motivate a new generation of young leaders. It also stressed the Governments commitment to strengthen the private sector, encourage investment projects, and expand in industry, tourism, construction while protecting the environment.