The UAE has capitalized on its convenient location on the trade routes between Asia and Europe by building a fine tradition of being a good host and trade partner since time immemorial.

Its oil wealth and the hard work of its people headed by the wise H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has turned it into a bustling advanced nation with one of the world's highest per capita income within 25 years of its formation.

An Area of Immense Wealth. The area of the United Arab Emirates is 83,600 sq.km (including 200 islands - approximately).

The United Arab Emirates is situated in the Eastern of the Arab World. It overlooks the Gulf of Oman to the East and the Arabian Gulf to the North. The Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman are linked by the Hormuz Strait. The UAE is thus positioned at an important in the world of trade.

North Arabian Gulf
East Gulf of Oman and Sultanate of Oman
South Sultanate of Oman and Saudia Arabia
West Qatar and Saudia Arabia

UAE has an ancient history. Civilizations flourished here 5000 years ago. Arab tribes who had migrated from different parts of the Arabian peninsula comprised the community.

In the mediaeval times, the Arabian Gulf rose to prime importance as a cross-road between Europe and East Asia which was a big source of supplies of silk and spices to the Europeans. The Portuguese sent their military fleet to capture this strategic position and occupied Sukatra, Muscat, Sahar, Khor Fakkan, Ras-Al-Khaimah and Hormuz Strait. The Portugese were routed and forced to withdraw after 100 years. Other colonial powers too started competing with each other to gain control over this area. The British wanted to control the sea-routes to safeguard their trade with India. The Qawasim tribe offered fierce resistance to what they saw as an invading foreign power and frequently attacked British ships. The British retaliated by attacking and burning the coastal towns. A unique permanent treaty was signed in 1853 with the British to end fighting in the Gulf. This Perpetual Treaty of Maritime Truce is the only one of its kind in the world. It allowed the British to look after the foreign affairs and external defense of the Trucial States without interfering in the internal affairs of the emirates.