United Arab Emirates Stock Market

The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region.

Capital City: Abu Dhabi (+4 GMT)

Chief of State: President KHALIFA bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan

Head of Govt.: Prime Minister and Vice President MUHAMMAD bin Rashid al-Maktum

Currency: Emirati dirham

Main Cities: Dubai

Major Languages: Arabic

Calling Code: 971

Voltage: 220V

Stock Exchanges: Dubai Financial Market

Primary Religions: Muslim

Main Airports

Abu Dhabi (AUH), Al Ain International Airport (AAN), Dubai (DXB)

U.S. Embassy

PO Box 4009, Abu Dhabi
tel: (971) (2) 414-2200

Statistics

GDP: purchasing power parity:

$111.3 billion (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.7% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity:

43,400 (2005 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10.5% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

2.8 million (2005 est.)

Exports:

$103.1 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)

Exports - partners:

Japan 24.4%, South Korea 9.7%, Thailand 5.5%, India 5.2% (2005)

Imports:

$60.15 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)

Imports - partners:

UK 10%, China 9.7%, US 9.4%, India 9.3%, Germany 5.9%, Japan 5.4%, France 4.7%, Singapore 4.1% (2005)

Population:

2,602,713 (July 2006 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.52% (2006 est.)

Population Below Poverty Line:

NA%

Major Industries:

petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, textiles

Employing Workers: 57*

Registering Property: 8*

Enforcing Contracts: 112*

Closing a Business: 137*

*2006 World Bank rank out of 175 countries