Government and Economy |
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Government
Federal form of government. The federation formed on 2nd December 1971 comprises the sheikhdoms of 7 emirates; Abu Dhabi- the capital, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.
The President of United Arab Emirates is the ruler of Abu Dhabi – Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Economy
The UAE has an open economy with one of the world’s highest per capita income. Visitors will find a relatively well-balanced and stable country with a high standard of living and with all the modern amenities and services at hand. The oil and gas industry, surprisingly, only contributes to 34% of the UAE’s gross domestic product with trade. Manufacturing, tourism and construction plays an important role in the national economy.
Environment
The population of the UAE is estimated at 4.3 million according to the Ministry of Planning figures for 2004. Sharjah emirate contributes approximately 17% of the total population.
National Dress
Men wear the elegant long white robes or dishdasha, which is usually made of cotton. A gahfia or small white crocheted skull-cap is worn under the head-dress or guttrah that is held in place by the twisted black wooden braid known as the agal.
Women usually wear black cloak or abbaya that covers the body from head to toe. A thaub is often worn underneath, which is a rectangular piece of cloth in cotton or often silk with holes cut out for the head and arms. Under this are the baggy serwal trousers that are pulled tight at the ankles.
The kandura, a long colourful dress often elaborately embroidered at the neck and wrists in gold and silver thread can also be worn over the trousers. Women must cover their hair and some wear burqa or canvas mask covering the area from the mouth to the eyebrows.
