United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country located in the Middle East, on the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west and Oman to the east. The UAE is made up of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

The UAE has a rich history dating back to the pre-Islamic period, with evidence of human habitation in the area as far back as the Neolithic period. During the Islamic Golden Age, the region was an important center for trade and commerce, and it was a major player in the pearling industry.

In the 20th century, the discovery of oil brought significant wealth and modernization to the region, and the UAE was formed in 1971 when six of the emirates joined together under a federal system of government. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the federation later.

The UAE is known for its modern and fast-paced lifestyle, as well as its iconic skyscrapers, luxury hotels and shopping centers, and its vast desert landscapes. The emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are particularly well known for their iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

The UAE also has a diverse population, made up of people from all around the world, attracted by the booming economy and job opportunities. The official language is Arabic, however English is widely spoken, and the country has become a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and nationalities.

The UAE has a strong economy that is heavily dependent on the oil and gas sector, however in recent years, the government has been focusing on diversifying the economy, particularly in areas like tourism, real estate, and finance.

The UAE also plays an important role in the region and internationally, it's a major player in the Arab world, and it's a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The UAE is considered as one of the most stable and prosperous countries in the region.

United Arab Emirates Popular Food

#Machboos #Shawarma #Harees #Luqaimat #Stuffed Camel #Machbous Lamb

Machboos

A traditional rice dish that is often made with meat (usually chicken or lamb), tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, including saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom. It is typically served with a side of yogurt.

Shawarma

Thin slices of marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) that are cooked on a spit and then served in a wrap with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and tahini sauce.

Harees

A traditional dish made from wheat and meat, this is a porridge-like dish that is considered a comfort food.

United Arab Emirates Travel Taboo

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a relatively liberal country, but there are still certain cultural and legal taboos that travelers should be aware of. Here are a few examples:

Public displays of affection, such as kissing or holding hands, are frowned upon and can lead to arrest.
Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited, and you can only consume alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels and restaurants.
Possession of drugs is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including the death penalty.
It is illegal to take photographs of government buildings, military installations, and airports.
Dress code: it's respectful to dress modestly in public places, especially when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
In general showing respect for religion, culture and local customs is important to avoid offending local people.
It's also worth noting that laws and customs can vary between different emirates within the UAE, so it's a good idea to research the specific area you'll be visiting.
One last thing is that UAE has strict laws on criticising the country or its leaders, or spreading false information or hate speech is considered highly taboo and could lead to arrest and prosecution under UAE law.
As long as you are aware of and respect these taboos, you should have a pleasant and enjoyable visit to the UAE.

United Arab Emirates Local Food

The United Arab Emirates is a diverse country with a rich culinary heritage. Local cuisine is heavily influenced by the traditional foods of the Bedouin people, as well as the neighboring countries of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iran. Some popular local dishes in the UAE include:

Machboos: A traditional rice dish that is often made with meat (usually chicken or lamb), tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, including saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom. It is typically served with a side of yogurt.
Shawarma: Thin slices of marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) that are cooked on a spit and then served in a wrap with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and tahini sauce.
Harees: A traditional dish made from wheat and meat, this is a porridge-like dish that is considered a comfort food.
Luqaimat: Small dumplings that are typically made from dough made from flour, yeast, sugar, and saffron. They are often served with sweet or savory toppings and are considered a traditional dessert.
Stuffed Camel: This is a Bedouin delicacy which is served mostly on special occasions and weddings. Whole roasted camel is stuffed with rice, spices, and sometimes lamb meat.
Machbous Lamb: A variation of the traditional Machboos, this dish is made with lamb instead of chicken, and is often served with a side of flatbread.

United Arab Emirates Festiaval

The United Arab Emirates is home to a variety of festivals and cultural events throughout the year that celebrate its rich heritage and diverse communities. Some popular local festivals in the UAE include:

National Day: Celebrated on December 2nd, National Day is a major holiday in the UAE that marks the formation of the country in 1971. The day is marked by parades, fireworks, and cultural celebrations, including traditional dances and music.
Ramadan: Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise until sunset. After sunset, people break their fast with a meal called iftar, which is often shared with friends and family. During Ramadan, many local communities in the UAE host special iftar meals and other events to celebrate the holiday.
Eid al-Fitr: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with feasts, gift-giving, and special prayers. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the end of the fasting month.
Abu Dhabi Festival: is an annual international arts festival, held in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. The festival features a wide range of cultural events, including performances by local and international musicians, dancers, and other performers, as well as art exhibits and workshops.
Dubai Food Festival: An annual event, that takes place in February and March. it attracts food enthusiasts from all over the world, and features a wide range of food-related events, including cooking classes, food truck rallies, and other activities that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the UAE.
Dubai Shopping Festival: It is an annual event that takes place in the months of January and February and the festival features discounts on products, live entertainment, and other activities to attract visitors to the city.

United Arab Emirates History

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region has been inhabited by various tribes and cultures throughout its history, including the Sumerians, the Assyrians, the Persians, and the Romans.

In the early 16th century, the area now known as the UAE was ruled by a number of local Arab tribes. These tribes were mostly nomadic, and their way of life was centered around trade and raiding. In the late 18th century, the region came under the control of the British East India Company, which established a number of trading posts along the coast.
In the early 20th century, the pearling industry, which had long been an important source of income for the people of the region, began to decline due to the invention of the cultured pearl. This, combined with a series of droughts, led to a period of economic hardship for the people of the UAE.
In the mid-20th century, the discovery of oil in the region brought about significant changes to the social and economic landscape of the UAE. The oil industry attracted workers from all over the world, and this influx of people, combined with the rapid development of the country, led to a significant increase in population and economic growth.
In 1971, the UAE was formed as a federation of six emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah. The UAE's first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, played a key role in the country's development and is widely considered to be the "Father of the Nation." Under his leadership, the UAE developed rapidly, and it is now one of the wealthiest countries in the world.
The United Arab Emirates since then has kept its progress to the point of being one of the most prosperous and most visited countries in the Middle East, with significant developments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technology. The Government of the UAE has also played a vital role in keeping the country stable and peaceful.
Today, the UAE is a modern, progressive nation that is known for its openness to different cultures and its commitment to sustainable development.