Source: DD News
Subject: Mapping
Context: The UAE has officially backed Bahrain’s call for the UN Security Council to intervene in the Strait of Hormuz crisis, labeling the near-blockage of the waterway a direct threat to global stability.
About The United Arab Emirates (UAE):
What It Is?
- The UAE is a federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah) located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. Established in 1971, it has transformed from a quiet desert region into a global hub for finance, tourism, and energy.
Location and Borders:
- Region: Middle East/West Asia.
- Capital: Abu Dhabi (The largest and wealthiest of the seven emirates).
- Bordering Nations:
- Saudi Arabia: To the west and south.
- Oman: To the east and northeast.
- Coastline: It has a long coastline along the Persian Gulf (North) and a shorter coast along the Gulf of Oman (East).
Key Geological Features:
- Desert Landscape: Over 80% of the UAE’s land is part of the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), characterized by rolling sand dunes and arid plains.
- Al Hajar Mountains: Located in the east, these rugged mountains separate the coastal plain from the interior desert and provide a cooler climate and seasonal water run-off.
- Sabkha (Salt Flats): Extensive coastal salt flats, particularly in the western regions of Abu Dhabi, formed by the evaporation of seawater.
- Coral Reefs and Islands: The UAE possesses numerous offshore islands and a complex marine ecosystem in the Persian Gulf, vital for biodiversity.
- Hydrocarbon Deposits: Geologically, the UAE sits atop some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, primarily concentrated in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Significance:
- The UAE is a key member of OPEC and a top global exporter of oil. Its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz makes its economic stability inseparable from maritime security.
- With ports like Jebel Ali and airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it serves as a critical bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- The UAE is a leader in the Global South and the Arab world, often mediating regional conflicts and hosting major international summits
