Context: Prime Minister of India embarked on a high-profile five-nation visit to the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
About The United Arab Emirates (UAE):
What it is?
- The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. Founded on December 2, 1971, it has transformed from a region of individual Arab clans into a global powerhouse for finance, energy, and technological innovation.
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Location:
- The UAE is located in the southeastern region of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia.
Border Nations: Saudi Arabia to the west and south, and Oman to the east and northeast.
Maritime Borders:
- It overlooks the Persian Gulf to the north/northwest and the Gulf of Oman to the east.
- The strategic Strait of Hormuz lies just north of its coast.
Key Features:
- Desert Landscape: Nearly the entire country is desert. It contains some of the world’s largest sand dunes, particularly in the Līwā Oases and the Rub’ al-Khali (Empty Quarter) which it shares with Saudi Arabia.
- Mountains: The Ḥajar Mountains in the east offer the only major relief, with elevations reaching up to 6,500 feet (approx. 2,000 meters).
- Coastlines & Sabkhahs: The Persian Gulf coast is marked by islands and sabkhahs (salt flats), such as the Maṭṭī Salt Flat.
- Climate: A harsh desert climate with extreme humidity on the coast. Summer temperatures (July) frequently exceed 46°C (115°F) on the coast and 49°C (120°F) in the interior.
- Water Resources: The UAE has no perennial streams or natural deepwater bodies. Water security is managed through advanced desalination technology.
Significance:
- The UAE is a critical global supplier of crude oil and LNG. For India, it is the fourth-largest source of crude oil and the primary source of LNG.
- Dubai is a world-renowned center for international business, aviation, and luxury tourism, while Abu Dhabi serves as the political and industrial heart.
