The United Emirates Arabs are composed of seven emirates: Ras Al Khaimah, Umm al - Quwain, Ajman, Sharjah, Dubaï, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

This federation has been founded December 2, 1971 and has been presided since more than 30 years by Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The surface is 83600 square kilometers and spreads between latitudes 22°-26,5° NS and longitudes 51°56,5° E. The E.A.U are edged by the Persian Gulf to the north, to the East by the Gulf of Oman and the Sultanate of Oman, in the south by the Sultanate of Oman and the Saudi Arabia and to the west by the Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Situated in the tropical zone, the climate is hot, moderate between months of November and March, hot and humid between June and August.

The population is welcoming, especially outside of the big cities. They are ready to help you if you have a problem on the side of the road or in the desert. While crossing villages, some local could invite you to drink tea.

Be careful on the road, some " local " think that they are alone...

The population is composed by 19% of Emiratis, 23% of other Arabs, 50% of South Asians and 8% of other expatriates coming from the west and East Asia.

On time GMT, you have to add 4h00.

The official language is Arabic but in fact English is the common language. Be careful, most of the administrative documents are in Arabic.

The local currency is the Dirhams (Dhs) that is indexed to the Dollar. Exchange rate; 1 $US ~ 3.65 Dhs & 1E ~4.5 Dhs.

The country is very pleasant to live, full of contrast.

For further informations, see the page of links or send me an e-mail david@teamlesgaulois.com.

DG