Abu Dhabi, 2 December 2021 (TDI): United Arab Emirates (UAE) is celebrating its 50th National Day today with zeal and zest. The celebration for the Golden Jubilee of National Day or Al Yawm Al Watani as known in Arabic is organized at the state level.
History of UAE and its National Day
The National Day commemorates the decision of the six Emirati leaders of Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Ajman to mutually establish and nationalize the first Arab federation of the world. Ras Al Khaimah, the seventh Emirate joined the alliance after three months in 1972. Consequently, the modern-day United Arab Emirates came into being.
Historically, the region that makes up the UAE has been influenced by Iran due to its close proximity as well as perforable maritime borders. Portugal and Netherlands also had holdings in the region during the 18th century. Though they retreated when the British naval influence in the region increased.
In the 19th century, the Emirates united to establish the Trucial States in the wake of a string of truces with the British. Nevertheless, when Bahrain and Qatar declared independent statehood following World War II, the Emirati states acquired autonomy. They were formally united in 1971 with Abu Dhabi as the capital.
Celebrations for the National Day
The celebrations include draping private as well as public buildings in the colors of the national flag i.e. red, white, and green. A massive fireworks ceremony is organized for the day. Other celebrations include airshows, military parades, dance shows, and car rallies to mark the festive occasion.
The official celebration is broadcast through all the TV channels. This year’s celebrations include the retelling of the stories of distinguished personalities of the country that have played a significant role in its development journey.
Congratulatory Messages from other States
On the occasion of its National Day, congratulatory messages from the other countries poured in to join the celebrations. Evarist Bartolo, the Foreign and European Affairs Minister of Malta expressed best wishes for UAE on the celebratory occasion.
On its National day, best wishes to the United Arab Emirates #UAE50 pic.twitter.com/vaIOLXwwcd
— Evarist Bartolo (@EvaristBartolo) December 2, 2021
The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai also extended felicitations to UAE on the auspicious occasion. Moreover, Canada will also illuminate Niagara Falls in the colors of the UAE flag on the occasion.
The Niagara Falls Illumination Board will light up Niagara Falls 🇨🇦 in the iconic colors of the #UAE flag on the momentous occasion of the 50th #UAENationalDay . Catch it live on Dec. 2nd at 7:30 AM GST here: https://t.co/HcnjBt2Fs3
— Canada in the UAE (@CanadainUAE) December 1, 2021
The Senate of Pakistan also congratulated the people and the government of the UAE on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of its National Day.
Deputy Chairman Senate, Mirza Muhammad Afridi has extended his heartiest greetings & warm congratulations to the People & Govt of United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 on the auspicious occasion of the 50th National Day of United Arab Emirates.🇦🇪🇵🇰 @uaeembassyisb @PakinUAE_ @SenMMAfridi pic.twitter.com/BoqVuVO2LJ
— Senate of Pakistan (@SenatePakistan) December 2, 2021
Topographical Attributes
Geographically, the country stands at historic crossroads. It is a remarkable amalgamation of ancient customs and modern technology. UAE has immense strategic significance because one-quarter of the oil of the entire world is produced and shipped from here.
UAE is located east of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a western Asian country and shares contiguous borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman. While it also maintains maritime borders with Iran and Qatar in the Persian Gulf.
In terms of area, UAE is slightly smaller than Portugal. The topography of the country is comprised of rocky desert, waterless mountains, and coastal plains and wetlands. Some of the world’s largest sand dunes are found in the country, in the oases of Līwā. Although the most important oases of the country are situated in the Al-Ain region.
Aside from that, the country has the Hajar Mountains as a geographic relief feature. It is also shared by Oman and has the highest elevation point of 6,500 feet. To the north, the Persian Gulf coast offers shoals and small islands.
There is no natural deep-water harbor, but many man-made ports meet the needs of the country. They include Dubai’s Port Rāshid, Port Jebel Ali, and ports in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras al-Khaimah.
Government and State
The UAE is an elective monarchy and a federation of seven Emirates. Federal Supreme Council is the highest governmental authority in the country. It is constituted of the rulers of the seven emirates. The Council elects the President and Vice President.
The country has a unicameral legislature. It has the Federal National Council, an advisory body that is made up of 40 members. The members are chosen by the individual Emirates for a two-year tenure.
The country has a federal system of government. The dissemination of power inside the federal system is like other such systems. Though a significant degree of power is utilized in the individual Emirates, most notably in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Foreign Policy
The foreign policy of the UAE stems from the principles formulated by the first President of the country, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. They include a fundamental belief in justice in global transactions between states, as well as a principle of non-interference in the internal matters of other states.
Furthermore, the principles dictate the pursuit of peaceful resolutions of disputes and strong support for international institutions, like the United Nations (UN).
UAE strives for strengthening the rule of international law by supporting the implementation of international conventions to protect the interests of the weak, the small, and the powerless. In that regard, the country regularly contributes to education, poverty reduction, and public health and well-being.
The UAE has endeavored to boost collaboration within the Arabian Gulf region, as well as the Arab world. It prefers to resolve differences through discourse. It is also a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the UN, and the Arab League, as well as other international organizations.
Economy
The economy of the UAE is dominated by petroleum production. One of the largest oil reserves in the world is found in Abu Dhabi. Petroleum production constitutes a substantial percentage of the national budget.
In addition, Dubai generates sufficient revenue being the financial and commercial pivot for the region. In fact, it spearheads the economic diversification in the country.
Education
Education is mandatory and free at the primary and secondary levels, in the country. There are many institutions related to higher education like the United Arab Emirates University and Zayed University.
Most of the population of the country is literate. Women mostly graduate from the local universities whilst the men prefer to go abroad to pursue higher education.
Climate
The climate of the UAE is humid and hot along the coast. However, the interior regions of the country experience dry and hot climates. The average rainfall recorded is 4 to 6 inches, though it varies annually.
Winters are usually mild, but shamal winds bearing sand and dust, blow from north and northwest. The vegetation in the country is limited to shrubs and mangroves because of the desert climate. Date palms, alfalfa, and mangoes are grown in the oases.
Demography and Ethnicity
Most of the population of the country is made up of foreign workers and their families. One-ninth of the country’s residents have citizenship of the country. The largest group of UAE residents belongs to South Asia.
Iranians and Arabs from other countries also make up a significant percentage of the UAE’S population. Many Southeast Asians, specifically people from the Philippines have immigrated to the country for work purposes.
Agriculture
Agricultural production in the country has increased tremendously through the magnified usage of wells and pumps to supply water for irrigation. Still, agriculture contributes only a small fraction of the GDP of the country.
Dates, tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers are the major crops of the UAE. Furthermore, the country is self-sufficient in the production of grain, poultry, and dairy products.
Natural Resources
The most notable natural resources of the country include petroleum and natural gas. The two contribute about one-third of the nation’s GDP. The natural gas and petroleum reserves of the country are one the largest in the world.
Languages and Religion
Arabic is the official language of the UAE. Most native Emiratis speak a dialect of Arabic that is normally like the one spoken in nearby countries. Whereas modern standard Arabic is taught in educational institutes.
Aside from that, many languages are spoken by the expatriate community including Hindi, Persian, Balochi, Pashto as well as English. Three-fifths of the population of the country is Muslim. Besides, there are also small communities of Hindus and Christians in the country.
Culture
The cultural traditions of the UAE stem from its Islamic and Arab heritage. Persian Influence can also be seen in the country’s culture. Despite urbanization, UAE has retained its tribal identities.
Family is thought to be the strongest and most cohesive social unit. The influence of Islamic and Arab culture is evident in the attire, architecture, cuisine, music, and lifestyle of the country.
Kabsa is considered to be the national food of the UAE. It is an aromatic mixture of lamb or chicken, basmati rice, and mixed vegetables. Spices used in the dish are cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, bay leaves, and saffron.
Being a desert country the general attire of the country is designed for comfort in high temperatures as well as according to religious beliefs. The men usually wear Dishdosh or Kandura, with a headgear ringed with black Kerkusha strings.
The Emirati women mostly wear an abaya, which is conventionally black. Some women also wear a niqab or hijab to cover their faces. Some Emirati women also wear batoolas.
Sports
Sports are actively sponsored by the government and are popular in the country. The Ministry of Youth and Sports oversees several clubs, associations, and groups related to sports.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport, followed by cricket, horse racing, camel racing, falconry, jujitsu, tennis, and rugby. The country hosts many international contests related to the above-mentioned sports along with Grand Prix and Formula one World Championship tournament.
Tourism
Tourism is a central component of the economy of the UAE. It is made up of international and domestic components; the tourist industry of the country is the most prosperous and thriving as compared to the other Gulf countries.
Major tourist attractions of the country are Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, The World archipelago, Al Hajar Mountains, Yas Marina Circuit, and Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
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