Our Emirates 1 Work is the real criteria of patriotism, and is the guide of dedication and loyalty that distinguishes the people. With the virtue of strong determination, high capability and marvellous achievement, we all share the responsibility of building this country, enhancing its sovereignty, maintain its achievements and shaping its future as well.

H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed AL Nahyan President of UAE

2 Our Emirates Our Emirates 3 Leading of this country has made us at the forefront place and entrenches our confidence in inevitability of achieving excellence in all the fields, all those who work in government are shouldering a huge responsibility, as everyone must work with open mind, soul and heart to sustain this continuity of achieving success after success, achievement after achievement, initiative after initiative in a way that emulates to what our ancestors have done and what is anticipated from the successors.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Vice President, Prime Minister UAE & Ruler of

4 Our Emirates Our Emirates 5 We, the sons of UAE have learnt from the Leader of the March a lot about ways of success in life, especially how to be preserve to achieve the goal. We have also learnt from “ Zayed ” that before assigning anyone to do a certain job, it is better to do it by ourselves first before asking others.

Lt.Gen. H.H. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Deputy prime minister & Minister of Interior

6 Our Emirates Our Emirates 7 OUR EMIRATES The name of the UAE is attributed to the nature of seven emirates that were united in Dec \ 2 \ 1971 to form the Federation ( , Dubai, , Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, , Fujairah) OUR STATE UAE is Arab federal State, located in the east of , south west Asian continent, it is bordered by Oman to the south east, Qatar to the north west and KSA to the west. Arabic is the official language, Islam is the official religion largely practiced in the country. Total number of population is 6,999,100 inhabitants, enjoy high standard of living, average age of population is 72 years. UAE is 83,600 sq km (including islands). Dirham is the local currency in circulation and is equivalent to USD 3,671. AREA 83,600 sq km (including islands) The Population 9,589,770 inhabitants *

* Source : Ministry of Interior - 31/12/2012

8 Our Emirates The Sevens Emirates Ras Al Khaimah Umm Al Quwain Ajman Capital of the Emirate Sharjah Dubai Capital of the State Fujairah

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Emirate ...... Area : 67,340 km

Dubai Emirate ...... Area : 3,900 km

Sharjah Emirate ...... Area : 2,600 km

Ajman Emirate ...... Area : 260 km

Umm Al Quwain Emirate ...... Area : 770 km

Ras Al Khaimah Emirate ...... Area : 1,700 km

Fujairah Emirate ...... Area : 1,300 km

Our Emirates 9 Founder & First President of UAE (The Late H.H.) Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan AL Nahyan (1918 - November 2 - 2004)

10 Our Emirates Our Emirates 11 Dubai Abu Dhabi Ajman

Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Umm Al Quwain Fujairah

Member of Supreme Council of the Federation & Rulers of the Emirates.

12 Our Emirates Dubai Abu Dhabi Ajman

Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah

Fujairah

Our Emirates 13 Our Flag

Pursuant to the Federal law No2 for the year 1971

14 Our Emirates We are a nation our noble ethics deny... To assault the innocent, the harmless to defy Swords make our hands... Pastures are our lands Gloomy are our battles... Burning are our matters

Our Emirates 15 Our Emblem The Emblem, which was selected from amongst hun- dreds of designs presented by many local & expatri- ates artist who have participated in a contest which was organized to select an emblem, was officially adopted by the Higher Council of Federation in Dec. 9, 1971. It consist of a golden Falcon, having a red disk in its chest which shows an Arabian sailing boat. The falcon holds with its talons a red parchment bearing the name of the UAE. Winner emblem was designed by UAE’s girl (Zabia Khamis) from Abu Dhabi. Based on the approval of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, president of State,UAE cabinet of ministers agreed to make some changes on the emblem. Old design was modified on 23/03/2008 by introducing slight improvements on it.

Logo Before Modification

16 Our Emirates Our Emirates 17 National Anthem

Composed by UAE Poet “Aarif Al Shiekh Abdullah Al Hassan”

18 Our Emirates Long live my beloved country, long live UAE federation Remain for a nation worship Islam, and inspired by Holy Quran Oh my country in the name of ALLAH, be immunized My country, my country, my country, my country May Our Almighty Allah protect you from Evils of Time We swear to Build & Work Work and be loyal, Work and be loyal How long we live we shall remain loyal loyal Long lasting safety, and long life the Emblem, Our UAE You the icon of Arab nationalism, we redeem With our blood, we irrigate your soil Oh my beloved Country we redeem ourselves to save you

Our Emirates 19 UAE BORDERS

UAE land borders shared with other neighbor- ing countries stretches for 876 km, 410 kl with Sultanate of Oman and 457 km with KSA. Its coasts that lies on southern part of Arabian Gulf extends for 644 km from State of Qatar in the west to Ras Musandem in the east. All emirates

20 Our Emirates are extending a long the Arabian Gulf, except Fujairah which lies and extends for 90km along the shore of Gulf of Oman and the which lies on Oman & Arabian gulfs. Hence the UAE lies between 22 and 26,5 north latitude and between 51 and 56,5 east latitude. Our Emirates 21 Climate

l Climate is hot and humid during summer months, temperature degrees range between 35 – 41 degrees Celsius and humidity ranges between 60-100%.

l Climate is moderate during winter, tempera- ture degrees range between18 - 25 degrees Celsius and humidity is minimal.

l Rainfall average is less 100 mm yearly.

22 Our Emirates Our Emirates 23 Ancient History

Archaeological evidence suggests that Man has dwelled in this land since thousands of years. His- torical discoveries founded could be traced to the stone age, before 10 thousand years B.C. Among other archaeological evidence discovered, which goes back to the seventh century B.C., are those found in many places in Abu Dhabi, protected ar- eas at Marawah island and in Delma island which

24 Our Emirates said to be the oldest permanent settlement in the region. In addition, paints engraved on a cave wall located in Horn Bint Saud, Hafeet tombs, traced back to 5000 B.C. and UmAlnar civilization and the grand tomb at Hili can also be added to ar- chaeological features. There are more than 330 archaeological and heritage sites in UAE, some belong to stone age, and majority are settlements and private tombs in coastal area.

Our Emirates 25 Before the Federation

Former name of UAE was or trucial coast. Britain has signed during its ruling time over the region a number of treaties, including

26 Our Emirates perpetual maritime truce. As a result of such trea- ties the name of trucial states came into existence.

Our Emirates 27 l When Great Britain announces in 1986 its inten- tion to withdrawn from the east of Suez canal, including Arabian gulf region before the end of 1971, the idea of forming a federation to combine Gulf states still sub- jected to British rule came into being. Immediately the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan AL Nahiyan (May his soul rest in peace) took the lead in 18 Feb. 1968 and went to Dubai to meet his brother the late H.H.Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed ALMaktoum (May his soul rest in peace), ruler of Dubai, to discuss the possibility of

28 Our Emirates creating a biliteral federation between their two emir- ates, to become a nucleus to a broader federation that include all other gulf states. l In 18/02/1986 Samaha treaty was signed to form federation between the two emirates Abu Dhabi and Dubai as a pre step to have full federation. l Nine days later in 27/02/1968 in a response to the call of the rulers of Abu Dhabi & Dubai, the Rulers of five other emirates (Umm al-Quwain, Ras Al Khima, Fu- jairah, Sharjah and Ajman) attended the meeting which was joined as well by the rulers of Qatar & Bahrain. The meeting discussed the idea and the possibility of form- ing a federation. Same meeting witnessed the formation of higher committee, executive council, secretariat gen- eral and a number of decision-making committees. l In 29/02/1968 the federation of the Nine emir- ates was announced which includes ( Abu Dhabi, Bah- rain, Dubai, Qatar, Umm al-Quwain, Sharjah, RAK, Fujairah and Ajman).

Our Emirates 29 Announcement of The Federation

l Ahmed Khalifa Al Sawidi, Minister of cabinet affairs in Abu Dhabi & Alain announced to the world in a -histori- cal Declaration- the birth of United Arab Emirates.. statement is as follows :

In the name of Allah most compassionate & most merciful With the blessing of Almighty Allah and in a response to the desire of our Arab People, We the rulers of emir- ates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al quwain and Fujairah have solemnly decided to create a federation state namely (United Arab Emirates), taking this opportunity to convey the good news to honorable Arab people, we supplicate to almighty Allah to make it a base for a comprehensive federation that include the other members of the family from the sister emirate which due to its own current state of affairs is unable to sign the constitution.

30 Our Emirates Our Emirates 31 l 2/12/1971 has witnessed the official ann- ouncement of the formation of UAE with only 6 emirates, and the election of H.H.Sheikh Zayed as the first president of UAE, and H.H. Sheikh Rashid, the ruler of Dubai as Vice President and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Bin Saeed was appointed at the same time as prime minister.

l 9/12/1971 UAE has joined Arab league to become member no 18.

l 9/12/1971 UAE has joined United Nations Organization to become member No 132.

l 10/2/1972 emirate of Ras Al khimah has joined the federation.

l 19/5/1973 Establishment of UAE Central Bank.

l 19/5/1973 Issuance of the UAE ational currency (UAE Dirham).

l 12/2/1975 announcement of the formation of Federal national Council.

l 6/5/1976 Unification of Armed Forces.

32 Our Emirates l 18 / 7 / 1979 Issuance of UAE’s interim constitution l May 1981 UAE hosted first Gulf summit, which witnessed the creation of GCC. Our Emirates 33 WE & the modern Era The second half of the eighteen century has witnessed the emergence of a number of emir- ates in the region which have gradually devel- oped to ultimately form existing United Arab Emirates. These emirates have developed in the following way :

34 Our Emirates Our Emirates 35 was founded in 1761 by Sheikh Ziaab Bin Isaa Al Nahyan

President of United Arab Emirates (Founder)

(Late ) H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Elected Ruler in 1966 – 2004 (1918 - 2 November 2004)

36 Our Emirates Abu Dhabi Ruler Crown Prince

H.H. Sheikh Khalifa H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Our Emirates 37 was founded in 1833 by Maktoum Bin Butti

Vice President of United Arab Emirates (Founder)

(Late ) H.H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed ALMaktoum Elected Ruler in 1958 – 1990 ( 1912 - 7 October 1990 )

38 Our Emirates Dubai Ruler Crown Prince

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Al Maktoum

Our Emirates 39 Emirate of Sharjah was founded in 1868 by H.H. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi

Member of Supreme Council (Constitutive Council)

(Late ) H.H.Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed ALQasimi Elected Ruler in 1965 – 1972 ( 1927 - 24 January 1972 )

40 Our Emirates Sharjah Ruler Crown Prince

H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Al Qasimi

Our Emirates 41 Emirate of Ajman founded in 1803 by Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid (The First)

Member of Supreme Council (Constitutive Council)

(Late ) Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Elected Ruler in 1938-1981 ( 1903 – 6 September 1981)

42 Our Emirates Ajman Ruler Crown Prince

H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Bin Rashid Rashid Al Nuaimi Al Nuaimi

Our Emirates 43 Emirate of Umm Al Quwain founded in 1757 by Sheikh Majid Bin Ali Al Mualla

Member of Supreme Council (Constitutive Council)

(Late ) Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid ALMualla Elected Ruler in 1929 – 1981 ( 1908 – 12 January 1981)

44 Our Emirates Umm Al Quwain Ruler Crown Prince

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Rashid Al Mualla Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla

Our Emirates 45 Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah founded in 1727 by Sheikh Rahma Bin Matter Al Qasimi

Member of Supreme Council (Constitutive Council)

(Late ) Sheikh Saquar Bin Mohammed ALQasimi Elected Ruler in 1948 – 2010 (1920 – 27 October 2010)

46 Our Emirates Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Crown Prince

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi

Our Emirates 47 Emirate of Fujairah founded in 1876 by Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Shargi

Member of Supreme Council (Constitutive Council)

(Late ) Sheikh Mohammed Bin Ahmed Al Shargi Elected Ruler in 1952 – 1975 ( 1908 – 18 December 1975)

48 Our Emirates Fujairah Ruler Crown Prince

H.H. Sheikh Hamad H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Mohammed bin bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Hamad Al Sharqi

Our Emirates 49 Federal Authorities [

Federal Authorities consisting of : 1. 2. President & Vice President of Federation 3. Federal Cabinet of Ministers 4. Federal National Council 5. Federal Judiciary

[ ( UAE constitution Chapter Four, article No 45)

50 Our Emirates Our Emirates 51 Federal Supreme Council* Federal supreme council is the highest constitutional authority in the federation. It consists of rulers of the seven emirates constituting the federation or their deputies in case of rulers’ absence or unavailability. Each emirate has one vote in council resolutions and deliberations. * ( UAE constitution /chapter 4/article 46 )

52 Our Emirates President & Vice President of Federation* Federal supreme council elects from its member- ship the president and vice president. Vice president practices all the functions of the president during his absence for any reason.

* ( UAE constitution /chapter 4/article 51 )

Our Emirates 53 Federal Cabinet *

l Federal Cabinet is consist of prime minister, his deputy and a number of ministers.

l Ministers are selected from UAE national known for their efficiency & experiences.

l Prime Minister presides over the meetings of the council of ministers, call it into session, directs its debate and follows up the activities of ministers. He also supervise the coordination of work between the various ministries and in all executive organs of the Union. Deputy prime minister practices all the functions of prime minister during his absence for any reason.

54 Our Emirates l Federal Cabinet is the executive authority of the federation which manages, under the su preme control of the president and the supreme council, all the internal & external affairs of the federation under its constitution and the federal laws.

* (UAE’s constitution/chapter 4/ articles:55-56-59-60)

Our Emirates 55 Federal National Council *

l Federal National Council consists of 40 mem- bers, seats are distributed among the emirates as follows : Abu Dhabi 8 members Dubai 8 members Sharhjah 6 members Ras Al Khimah 6 members Ajman 4 members Umm Al quwain 4 members Fujairah 4 members

l Each emirate shall identifies the way its representatives are selected.

* (UAE’s constitution /chapter 4/ articles : 68-69)

56 Our Emirates Federal National Council Authorities * l Without affecting article (110), all federal laws drafts, including financial drafts, shall be sub- mitted to federal national council before being for- warded to the president of federation in order to send to supreme council for approval. FNC has the right to approve, amend or reject such drafts. l Federal national council reviews during its reg- ular session the annual general budget draft of the federation and final account draft under the articles of chapter 8 of the federal constitution. l Government shall inform federal national council of all international treaties and conventions signed with other countries and various international organizations. *(UAE’ constitution /chapter 4/articles 89 - 90 - 91)

Our Emirates 57 Judiciary in federation & UAE *

l Justice is the base of Rule, judges are inde- pendent, and governed while carrying out their duties by law and conscience.

l According to the constitution Federation shall have a supreme court and first instance courts.

*(UAE constitution /chapter4/articles : 94-95)

58 Our Emirates Our Emirates 59 UAE is not merely a country but a Global hub

l UAE (Dubai ) is the first city in the middle east to host 150 years old international exhibition (Expo 2020 ). l H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed AL Nahyan, President of the State, who commented saying: (From day one of submitting our application to host this unique event, we were confident that Dubai deserves it and our country enjoys all qualities and talents to successfully organize an outstanding and unprecedented issue in the Expo history that adds new values to the event). (UAE being selected for hosting Expo 2020 is an honor for both locals and residents). l H.H.Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice Pres- ident, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who commented saying: (We believe UAE is the Future country, and what it has achieved in winning the Expo2020, tru- ly reflects the confidence that other world’s coun tries have on our country and nation, especially when we come to know voters are governments and not individuals or companies. Electors countries who voted for UAE view it as developed and toler- ant state towards others so it deserve their renewed confidence). 60 Our Emirates My Country (UAE) taking the lead l Having one of Major International economic centers. l Having a fast growing economy world wide. l Having one of the strongest sovereign fund in the world. l Rank as the seven oil reserve in the world. l Third main source of oil "Masdar" l Hosting first evionmently friend city in the world. l Biggest financial market in the region. l UAE managed in 2012 to maintain its position as the second largest economy in Arab world for 10 years in row, after its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has risen last year by 6,5% to reached ead 1,367 trillion (375 billion dollar). According to Washington based International finance center annual report, the Gross Domestic product of the country has reached its high- est level in 2012 being (375 billion dollar) as com pared to (352 billion dollar) in 2011,and twofold of its level in 2006 which was estimated at 181 billion dollar.

Our Emirates 61 l UAE occupies the third place among Arab countries in regards to per capita income which was estimated at 45,7000 dollar in 2012. l International finance institute, which comprises a number of prime banks in western countries, expects UAE economy to witness more progress and reaching 395 billion dollar in 2013 and 410 billion dollar 2014. l According to International Tourism & Travel annual report issued in 2013 by International economic forum, UAE tops middle east countries and placed in the 28 place worldwide among countries having most advanced tourism & travel sector. l UAE has topped the list of high rise buildings coun- tries with its 27 completed towers emerged along with the other 77 towers scattered in other parts of the world. l UAE has managed to surpass five positions in inter- national competitive indicator for 2013-2014, to become internationally placed in the 19 grade, as it has recorded remarkable improvements in 57 sub in dicators. UAE has also hits the first place internation- ally in 6 sub indicators. l UAE comes in the first place regionally in connection to E-government interaction. l Dubai hospitals rank in the first place worldwide in “nutrition care”. l UAE comes in the first place in bilateral air transport agreements.

62 Our Emirates l UAE ranks in the first place among middle east and north African countries and number 19 worldwide in field of social progress index. l “Emirates Airlines” was chosen by SKYTRAX awards as the best airlines for the year 2013 world wide. l UAE ranks in the first place regarding the quality of its infrastructure l UAE is the richest country in Arab world and is the fourth richest country worldwide. l UAE comes in the eight position in international competitiveness classification between world coun- tries in 2013. l UAE comes first worldwide in the field of women education according to international economic forum index on the education gap between male & female in 2013. UAE secured 0,93 point. l UAE has achieved the first place in the field of government efficiency, also has achieved biggest leap amongst all other countries of the world in the field of international competitiveness for this year by reach ing the eighth position. According to international competitiveness annual book 2013 UAE has been ranked in fourth position in the field of economic per formance. l A study conducted by “Google” company reveals UAE has the biggest number of Smart phone users world wide, about 73,8% of the total number of mobile phones users. Availability of wide range of smart Our Emirates 63 phones with affordable prices is the main reason stood behind such phenomena. l According to a recent report issued by HSBC bank, UAE occupies the first place in Arab world and the ninth place worldwide of best countries in treating expatriates workers in 2013. l According to Canadian Frazer Institute’s annual report, UAE ranks in the fifth place among more liberal economies countries, achieving 8,07% and the first in Arab world. l According to field survey conducted by International Transparency Organization, Emirates airlines com- pany occupies the first place in corporate transparency among other 100 companies selected from under developing countries, followed by Chinese Johnson Electric Holdings and PETRONAS governmental energy company of Malaysia. l UAE managed to jumped 5 ranks in international competitiveness index to be ranked in place 19, instead of 24 as was in previous year. l UAE managed to maintain its place for the eighth times in row, as having creative and innovative based economy, a stage which is considered according to International economic forum methodology the most advanced stage of international economies evolution. International economic forum classifies 148 countries in its report into 3 major stages. According to latest report on International competitiveness 2013-2014, issued every year in Switzerland by International eco

64 Our Emirates nomic forum , UAE internationally occupies the first place in 6 different indices. Also UAE has achieved remarkable advancement in the index of institutional positive aspects such as how far public general are confident towards politicians, as it was ranked in 3 place worldwide. l Abudhabi was selected as a head quarters of inter- national renewable energy agency (IREANA) in june 29 2009. l UAE internationally occupies the first place in accident rates reduction. The rate of accident is 34 per 100,000 inhabitants, and was place in the second place in accident response time, as time taken to reach accident scene was estimated as 6 minutes. l Dubai hosted first MIF & International world bank summit to be held in Arab country in 2003. l Organizing International Endurance races. l Dubai launched UAE first earth observation satalite - Dubai Sat 1.

Our Emirates 65 Universal Landmarks Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

l Directives was given by the Late H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyian in 1996 to construct a grand mosque to be a prominent Islamic edifice that instills and deepening the concepts and values of the Islamic culture and to become a center for Islamic religion sciences.

66 Our Emirates l The third largest mosque after the two Holy mosques l Complex is large enough to accommodate 40,960 worshipers. l The area of the mosque is 22412m sq. which is equal to the size of five football grounds.

l The mosque is marked by its numerous domes, total is 82 domes. l The main dome is the largest mosque dome in the world 85 meters high with a diameter of 32,8 meters. l The mosque has seven golden chandeliers incorporate Swarovski crystals. l The chandelier fixed under the main dome is the biggest worldwide 15 meters high with a diameter of 10 meters and weighted 9-10 tones. l The carpet of the main prayer hall is the largest one in the world covering an area of 7119 msq. l The grave of the late H.H.Sheikh Zayed is located bed side the mosque.

Our Emirates 67 Universal Landmarks

l Tallest building in the world l Highest manmade structure worldwide. l The Burj incorporates the greatest number of stories (200 floors) worldwide. l Incorporates highest populated floor in the world (floor 160) l Incorporates the highest monitoring platform in the world ( floor 124) l Incorporates the highest point cement was pumped to (605 meters height ) l Incorporated the highest point lift to serve in the world ( 405 meters) l Incorporates the highest location of swimming pool in the world ( in floor no 76) l The complex is fitted with latest and cutting-edge fire safety equipments.

68 Our Emirates Burj Khalifa

Our Emirates 69 Universal Landmarks

Formula 1 Races World Championship

l Final Grand Prix of formula 1 Races world championship hosts every year by emirate of Abu Dhabi on November at its capital city is considered a remarkable sport, tourist and civilized event.

70 Our Emirates l The importance of such event is not limited to the fact that it is one of the important international sport’s event only but the role it plays to promote the tourism and commercial activities and enhanc- ing the name of UAE on global map.

Our Emirates 71 Our Occupied Islands Never Forgotten Iranian Armed Forces has invaded and occupied the islands of Greater & lesser Tunibs in 30 th November 1971, such act led to killing of many of civilians while others were compelled to go out. Moreover, same forces also occupied Abu Musa island. Consequently United Arab Emirates has moved on all regional and international respects, including security council, to claim its right to restore its sovereignty over its three occupied islands, Abu Musa and Greater & Lesser Tunibs as an integral part of its territory. (quoted from the speech of UAE’s minister of foreign affairs delivered at UN general assembly submit Dec.30 1992).

Our three occupied islands ( Abu Musa,Greater and Lesser Tunibs) have a significant geographi- cal importance, being strategically situated in Ara- bian Gulf and controlling its maritime movement. Arabian Gulf lies between the three continents namely Asia, Africa and Europe and stretches from strait of Hormuz south to ALFaw city south of Iraq.

72 Our Emirates Greater Tunib Lesser Tunib

Abu Musa

Arabian Gulf has huge Oil reserves. These islands are rich in iron Oxide red and crude oil. Islands are use as ports and harbor for ships during reck- less storms. International waterway in Gulf lies between UAE’s three islands and the Iranian coast.

Our Emirates 73 Abu Musa Island Abu Musa island, having an area of a 30 sq klm, 7 klm length and 4.5 klm width, is situated to the south of 26 northern width line and 55 eastern longitude line west, about 160 klm away from the mouth of Arabian Gulf, near strait of Hormuz, and 60 klm from emirate of Sharajah and 72 klm from eastern coast of Arabian Gulf. The lands of Abu Musa island is low and plain covered with dry grasses , there is a hilly mountain known as iron mountain. Abu Musa island is full in natural resources, such as Granite and iron ox- ide red. Valley golden colors, a British company, was assigned to explore these natural resources be- fore more than seventy years ago even before the Iranian occupation and in returns used to pay an- nually rupee 50,000 to the ruler of emirate of Shar- jah.Abu Musa island is marked by its fertile soil and underground water, therefore human activi- ties of dwellers vary widely to include agriculture, shepherding, hunting ,sailing and exploring min- erals resources. East coast of Abu Musa island is more suitable for ships anchorage than west coast. Indigenous dwellers are belonging to the Arabian tribes of Almurr, Tamim, Huriz and Al Sudan.

74 Our Emirates Abu Musa

Our Emirates 75 Greater Tunib Island Greater Tunib island is situated at the north of the entrance of of the strait of Hormuz, about 75 klm from emirate of Ras-ALKhimah, and 80 klm from emirate of Sharjah and 50 klm from Abu Musa island. Greater Tunib island’s shape is circle and is approximately 9 klm in area. Generally speaking Greater Tunib is low-rise island, where maximum height observed in the island is 615 meters. The island governs the strait of Hormuz and controls the shipping lanes of the Indian ocean into Arabian Gulf. In 1912 a lighthouse aims to direct the ships was installed on top of the high mountain located at the south eastern corner of the island opposite to the en- terance of Arabian Gulf following the approval of the ruler of emirate of RasALKhimah at that time H.H.Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan ALQasimi given as per the request of the British Govern- ment. The island was populated by Arab peo- ple, especially the members of ALQuasim tribe who work in the fields of agriculture, fishery and pearling.

76 Our Emirates Greater Tunib

Our Emirates 77 Lesser Tunib Island Lesser Tunib island is situated on the north west of Abu Musa island, about 90 klm far from the Arabian coast, and 12 klm west away from Great- er Tunib island, and approximately 43 klm far from eastern coast and 81 klm from the western coast of Arabian Gulf. The total area of Lesser Tunib island is 2 klm and width is 1klm. The Lesser Tunib island comprising three dark colored rocky hills on its northern part. Maxi- mum height seen in the island is approximately 116 meter. Fishermen used to resort to Lesser Tunib island whenever they face any wind or high tide till the sea get clam again to restore their activities. Lesser tunib island is plentiful of seabirds nets and rich in oil reserves as indicated in initial reports of exploration missions. Due to the lack of water sources the island was not populated in the past.

78 Our Emirates Lesser Tunib

Our Emirates 79 Conclusion Realization of National Identification themes is a prerequisite to express its roots, values and goals through a firm commitment to productive work, de- cent conduct, mindful discipline and responsible execution of rules and directives, proper implemen- tation of procedures, keenness to save lives and properties, maintain the reputation and status of the State and safeguarding the safety & security of com- munity and its members. National awareness cannot be achieved unless knowledge and implementation are integrated, learning our history and present and setting future vision in the light of our prudent leadership repre- sents the compass which inspires us to maintain our achievements, and reshape our future. Such affluent awareness makes us creative pioneers in adminis- trative & executive fields of serving our nation and community. From here the importance of this awareness book initiates... Lt.Gen. H.H.Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Interior

80 Our Emirates