Why uae. The United Arab Emirates is a country that defeated communism. The United Arab Emirates is the income of each resident.

Tired of the harsh climate, an increasing number of citizens seek to bask in the sun, regardless of the time of year. When looking for a destination, tourists choose an exotic country that amazingly combines oriental traditions with high standards of service. Holidays in the city attract with its exotic originality and developed infrastructure, allowing you to realize the dream of an oriental fairy tale.

The desire to visit the country of the sheikhs is easily realized today. Snow-white sandy beaches, amazing skyscrapers, luxurious and giant shopping centers await tourists.

UAE: location and climate

An area of ​​83.6 thousand square kilometers is located in the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The federal state borders Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and Qatar. Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and two gulfs (Oman and Persian), the UAE delights vacationers with a subtropical climate. Warm and sunny on the exotic coast all year round. 20 degrees Celsius is the minimum air temperature. For those who can hardly stand the heat, holidays in this region will be the best time to travel. Excellent weather and comfortable temperatures will allow you to fully enjoy your useful time.

And in hot weather, from May to September, favorable conditions are provided for vacationers on the hotel premises. For the eastern coast of the mountainous regions of the country, in hot weather, saving winds soften the climate.

Are you planning a trip to the UAE? Prepare your documents

Tourists going on a trip to the coast, where a young country with strict Muslim laws and sacred traditions is located, should take care of a visa. You can apply for a permit to enter the country yourself by contacting the UAE consulate, or you can trust the agency from which you purchase the ticket. Required documents to obtain a visa:

· color photocopy of a valid foreign passport;

· completed application form in English;

· color photographs;

· 80 US dollars as a consular fee.

Children who are included in their parents' passport will not have to pay a visa fee. The time allotted for reviewing documents is three working days. The consulate may require additional documents, and employees also reserve the right not to explain the reason for refusing to issue a visa. Special attention is paid to unmarried women unaccompanied by relatives intending to enter the country.

If a visa has been received, then when crossing the border you must present a copy of it in electronic form, as well as a foreign passport.

Read the entry rules

Tourists should be aware of customs rules when traveling to Vacations can be ruined even when crossing the border if the tourist is carrying erotic products, alcohol over two liters, or drugs. They are careful about imported medicines, so it is better to leave narcotic or strong sedatives at home, because for this you can go to prison or be deported from the country. Visual control identifies people with inappropriate behavior, who are required to undergo a test for the presence of inappropriate drugs, and if suspicions are confirmed, severe punishment follows, according to UAE law.

But there are no restrictions on the import of national and foreign currency.

7 emirates - choose any

An attractive tourist destination attracts holidaymakers all year round. The state represents a confederation of emirates, which includes Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Umm al Quwain and Ras al Khaimah, each of which differs in size, identity, local laws, cost of recreation, infrastructure and attractions .

When choosing a holiday in the United Arab Emirates, people take a balanced approach to their financial capabilities, because on the tourist map of the world this destination is considered one of the most expensive options.

• The largest in area is Abu Dhabi, and the city of the same name is also the capital of the state. This emirate is focused on business tourists. Everything here amazes with luxury; incredible skyscrapers and man-made islands are admirable.
• Dubai, the second largest emirate, is liberal. Vacationers with different levels of income will be able to relax in both luxury hotels and budget hotels. Anyone can climb the tallest building in the world - the Burj Khalifa (828 m) or the record-breaking Rose Tower hotel (333 m). Skiing on ski slopes of any difficulty in an indoor ski complex, operating all year round, or having fun in giant water parks measuring 17 and 6 hectares will leave an indelible impression on those visiting the United Arab Emirates. Dubai, where a holiday will enrich you with impressions, attracts with the palaces of the sheikhs.
• Visiting the emirate of Sharjah means visiting the coast of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf at the same time. Most often, gentle waves and golden sand attract tourists, because these are the associations that the United Arab Emirates evokes among those going on vacation. 4* hotel is a mid-price beach hotel, which is most often chosen by tourists who prefer tranquility and comfort.
• The delightful greenery of the emirate of Ras al Khaimah captivates with its exquisite design. This beautiful place is washed by the gentle waves of the Persian Gulf. The picturesque landscape is attractive to tourists.
• Umm al-Quwain is considered the quietest and most provincial emirate, attracting vacationers with its architectural monuments. The way of life and national traditions of the local residents have been preserved here.
• Tourists who avoid large crowds prefer to relax in Fujairah. Resort areas are attractive for fans of beach holidays and mountain climbing. Hotels attract with all-inclusive meals.
• The smallest emirate of Ajman, located half an hour from Dubai airport, is rich in mineral water reserves that supply the Gulf countries. Here tourists enjoy visiting the National Historical Museum.

Mentality of local residents

Before traveling to another country, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with its national characteristics. An unceremonious attitude towards a woman (foreigner or local - it makes no difference) is unacceptable here, which cannot be said about Egypt or Turkey.

Tourists from all over the world strive to get a quality holiday in the United Arab Emirates, but in order not to overshadow the trip, you should adhere to the rules:

· in a country with strict Muslim morals, there is a “prohibition” law, and it is better to abstain from alcohol in public places;

· It is prohibited to transport strong drinks from one emirate to another;

· alcohol as a gift is a bad sign;

· you cannot sunbathe topless, only in a swimsuit; it is also not recommended to be in it outside the pool or beach;

· show respect for Arab women (taking pictures of them is tantamount to insulting; it is forbidden to take a married woman by the arm);

· when entering a house or mosque, be sure to take off your shoes;

· Always tip taxi drivers.

Beach tourism

Each emirate has a different color of sand on the coast (from dazzling white to shades of red). Well-maintained and clean beaches attract tourists. The area is equipped for a comfortable pastime with sun loungers and sun umbrellas. City beaches can be either paid or free. There is also an area for family recreation. The coast of Abu Dhabi is marked with the EU flag for cleanliness.

In Dubai, on the beaches of Al Mamzar and Jumeirah Beach Park, one day of the week is considered women's day, so the presence of men is prohibited.

Fans of water sports should visit the coastline of Fujairah. A beach holiday in Sharjah will captivate you with picturesque views of coral reefs and delightful blue bays. On a yacht you can visit deserted places, the pristine beauty of which will leave an indelible impression.

United Arab Emirates: holidays with children

It is not only business tourism that attracts people to the actively developing eastern country. Delight and a sea of ​​positive emotions guarantee tourists a holiday in the United Arab Emirates.

Feedback from families who visited the exotic region can be heard only positive. Long history and high technology intertwine here. Vacationers appreciate the ban on alcohol in Sharjah, where peace is guaranteed for families with children, and they also like the quiet emirate of Ras al-Khaimah with the wonderful Dreamland water park. A friendly attitude towards Russian-speaking tourists makes holidays in the United Arab Emirates more popular every year. And tourists are guaranteed safety and comfort on the Arabian coast.

Do you prefer active recreation?

Tourists who are tired of swimming and relaxing in the sun will be able to gain new impressions.

An exciting program is provided for fans of active pastime, making an unforgettable vacation in the United Arab Emirates. The reviews are impressive, because not every country will offer such variety:

· desert rally in cars;

Camel or horseback riding;

· windsurfing, golf, diving, archery;

· racing on speed boats;

· racing on purebred Arabian horses;

· camel racing;

· catching crabs under the cover of night;

· falconry or “Birds of Prey Show”.

Means of transportation in the country

It is customary to use a taxi in the UAE, because public transport is poorly developed. For women, there are cars painted pink, where only women work as drivers. The fare costs five to ten dirhams, on the bus - 1.5. There is also a water taxi (boats - “abras”), providing communication between the banks of the Dubai Canal.

Tourists over 21 years of age can rent a car. To do this, you need an international driver's license issued more than a year ago. Insurance is required. The minimum rental period is one day. A rental car is most often equipped with a siren warning of speeding. It is permissible to drive 100 km/h on highways; in populated areas - no more than 60 km/h.

The country's hotel stock

Settle in the city or on the beach? Tourists decide this issue based on individual preferences. The United Arab Emirates is famous for its developed infrastructure. The hotels guarantee an impeccable holiday. Luxury apartments are offered to tourists on the coast of Dubai, in prestigious areas of Jumeirah and Sharjah, where room prices are very high. In Abu Dhabi, buildings are located on the shore, because there is not enough land, the beach line is narrow because of this, which reduces the cost of living. Ajman has a weak hotel base, so it is attractive for budget tourists. In Fujairah, food is provided, allowing you not to worry about lunch and dinner, because in most other emirates the hotel only provides breakfast for the guest.

Tourists who cannot stand the heat are recommended to go on vacation in the spring. In the United Arab Emirates in April, the temperature is very comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip. Each of the hotels has a swimming pool where guests can relax with pleasure. Almost all city hotels offer a free shuttle to the beach.

Shopping fans will not be disappointed

The unique country attracts tourists with sales and attractive discounts. Low duties and favorable laws have made the UAE attractive to vacationers seeking not only to update their wardrobe, but also household appliances, electronics, computers, and jewelry. Holidays in January allow you to purchase new items from world brands at the annual shopping festival in Dubai.

It is difficult to name a well-known brand that is not represented in the range of goods sold at an affordable price. New Year's tours are not so good for lovers of beach holidays, but for fans of excursion trips, wide prospects open up.

Features of national cuisine

Due to established religious peculiarities, pork is unacceptable in the diet of local residents. Arabic cuisine is replete with various types of meat; tourists will be offered dishes made from beef, veal, lamb, goat or poultry on the menu of the hotel restaurant. Guzi, shawarma, kustilleta, kebeh, meshui-mushakkal, biryani-ajaj, adobe prepared with spices or nuts will delight hotel visitors. Seafood lovers will be surprised by makbus samak, biryani samak, zubaidi, sharks and crustaceans cooked on charcoal. Vegetarians will appreciate fermented milk products, vegetables, and herbs in grape leaves.

Traditional Arabian will amaze gourmets. And those with a sweet tooth will like pistachio or milk pudding, sorbet, and Asyda dessert.

Each hotel is proud of its chef, who adequately represents national cuisine in the menu of his restaurant.

UAE currency and language

They speak Arabic and English in the country. The influx of Russian-speaking tourists is forcing workers in hotels, restaurants, and shops to master the language of the Slavs. In most hotel complexes, the staff knows the necessary set of phrases to help tourists understand.

Dirham is the national currency of the UAE and is equivalent to 100 fils. US dollars are also actively used for payments, but it is better to exchange them at the bank for local currency.

The cost of a trip to the country of oriental charm depends on the time of year, the location of the resort, the star rating of the hotel, and the class of service. Although it is believed that a tour to the UAE is an expensive pleasure, you can purchase it if you wish. Today it is possible to choose an option for a budget or luxury holiday in a magical land.

56711 9-03-2018, 18:26

Why do Kazakhs live poorer and worse than Arabs in the UAE?

ENG RUS KZ

The question posed in the subtitle has never been asked by anyone except the lazy. From the point of view of philistine logic, since Kazakhstan is on the list of the richest oil countries in the world, then the standard of living here should be the same as in the United Arab Emirates...

True, our citizens don’t know that much about the Emirates. Among the many myths about this country that exist in our society, the most popular are the following: native residents of the UAE can afford not to work at all, because they are supported by the state, old people have fabulous pensions, and every child at birth receives a deposit of 50 (100) as a gift. , 200) thousand dollars. In general, not life, but a complete fairy tale...
But is the life of UAE citizens really so carefree? And why, having significant oil reserves, cannot Kazakhstan become an equally rich state? And in general, how appropriate is it to compare the two countries? We turned to our experts with these questions.

Sergey Domnin, head of the Institute of Economics and Economics program: “It’s not worth idealizing the standard of living in the UAE”

- First of all, I would like to dispel the myth that Kazakhstanis might have formed that our country has oil reserves comparable to the UAE or Saudi Arabia. According to BP's 2014 assessment, total proven oil reserves in Kazakhstan were estimated at 30 billion barrels. This is more than Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, and Norway. But in comparison with the reserves that the Gulf countries have, they do not look so outstanding: the UAE - approximately 98 billion barrels, Kuwait - 101 billion, Iraq - 150 billion, Saudi Arabia - 267 billion.

Let's go further. According to the American Department of Energy, in 2016 the level of production in our country was about 1.7 million barrels of oil and condensate per day, while in the Emirates 3.1 million barrels were produced daily. That is, we produce half as much.

How much money do we receive for exported oil? This is where data from the International Trade Center at the WTO comes to the rescue: in the same 2016, the UAE exported oil and petroleum products worth $33 billion, Kazakhstan – $22 billion.

It's time to ask the third question: how dependent are our economies on the production and export of hydrocarbons? And here we come to an unexpected conclusion. In Kazakhstan’s commodity exports, the non-hydrocarbon component accounts for 39.6%, while in the Emirates it is 89.0% (2016 data).

The fairly high complexity of the UAE economy also ensures a high level of economic development. Despite the fact that the population of the Emirates is half that of Kazakhstan, the GDP of this country is 2.5 times greater than ours. Accordingly, per capita GDP there is almost five times higher than in Kazakhstan.

However, how do these remarkable gross figures translate into the standard of living of the population? Here the advantage of the Emirates is not so obvious. According to the World Bank, life expectancy in the UAE in 2016 was 77.5 years, in the Republic of Kazakhstan - 72 years. Government spending on healthcare in the UAE was at the level of 2.64% of GDP, in Kazakhstan - 2.37%, that is, the gap is insignificant. Unfortunately, there is no data on the GINI index (it shows the degree of wealth stratification in society) for the Gulf countries, and this is no coincidence...

There is no point in idealizing the standard of living in the UAE: researchers note a high degree of social and gender inequality in the Emirates. Returning to the GINI index... If we compare it with other petrostates, then this indicator is at the level of Norway (26.5 in the Republic of Kazakhstan and 26.8 in Norway - 2014 data).

What conclusions should we draw from all this?

First, we need to get rid of the myth that oil is a sufficient condition for long-term prosperity. We have seen from our own experience that this is not the case, and the experience of the UAE, when sufficiently approximated, shows that success is ensured by a consistent industrial policy focused on the country’s comparative advantages, such as a favorable geographical location (access to the world’s oceans) and affordable energy resources.

Secondly, the Emirates is a source of unique experience not only in diversifying the economy and creating free economic zones, but also in creating an international financial center, and this experience is now being adopted by the Astana MFC.

Sergei Smirnov, economist: “The country’s economy cannot stand only on oil rigs”

- The well-being of Kazakhstanis is often compared with the capabilities of UAE citizens. They say that the main source of income for both countries is oil fields, but the standard of living differs sharply. Yes, the standard of living of UAE citizens is really high, but only citizens - and this is only 1.7 million people out of the 9.2 million population of the UAE.

Information about a bank account with a deposit of 50 (100, 200) thousand dollars for each child is not confirmed by the Abu Dhabi government website. However, as part of social policy, Emirati citizens receive a wide range of benefits and subsidies. For example, they all enjoy free and high-quality medical care and have free education. Moreover, if desired, students receive grants to study at any university in the world. Moreover, after graduation they are not obliged to return to their homeland.

Upon reaching the age of 21, each citizen (male) is provided with a plot of land and funds to build housing. Also, a young couple can receive a loan (about 120 thousand dollars), which is considered repaid after the birth of the third child. Utilities are practically free, since government subsidies cover about 90% of their costs.

The retirement age for men is 55 years, for women - 50 years. With a basic pension of almost $3,000, pension accruals amount to about 80% of an Emirati citizen's final income. To provide yourself with such a pension, 20 years of work experience is enough.

Indigenous people receive a salary of approximately 10 thousand dollars and, as a rule, work in government agencies, justice agencies, and are on the boards of directors of international economic and financial organizations. In particular, at least 51% of the share capital of any commercial company established in the country must be owned by residents of the Emirates.

The UAE was formed in 1971, and then the basis of its economy was oil production (the proven reserves of which are comparable to those of Russia). But over the past years, the country has achieved impressive results in diversifying its economy: if in the early 1980s, oil exports accounted for 73% of the country’s GDP, today it does not exceed 8% of GDP. Everything else is tourism, real estate, trade. Once a completely oil country, today the UAE is the largest financial and trading center, offshore, and transport hub. Behind all this transformation, one can see the sheikhs’ understanding that the country’s economy cannot rest solely on oil rigs.

Thus, all the benefits of UAE citizens are paid not only by oil revenues, but also by the labor of foreigners working there, who make up about 85% of the country’s total workforce. Virtually all modern objects - man-made islands, seaports, refineries, shopping centers, roads, desalination plants - were created by the hands of expats. Arabic - only money. The projects were created by Europeans and Americans, with workers from South Asia. Even children are accustomed to having servants clean up after them.

Today the Emirates is a continuous free economic zone. Duty-free import and export of goods develops trade. The state receives money from the indirect tax system. There is no VAT, personal income tax, corporate or income taxes in the country. The main taxes are collected from four areas of activity: oil production, banking sector, real estate and trade. Thus, foreign companies engaged in the production of hydrocarbon raw materials are subject to a tax, which is determined by agreements between the companies and the government of the Emirates on an individual basis and amounts to approximately 55% of operating revenue. Branches of foreign banks are also subject to tax (about 20% of operating profit). The entire prosperity of the UAE is built on cheap foreign labor.

What do we have in Kazakhstan? Corruption, deindustrialization, constantly devalued currency, expensive loans, speculative financial system, low investment in the non-resource sector of the economy, high taxes, oligopolistic commodity economy. We have become a source of resources for Europe and China.

Finally, a comparison of Kazakhstan and the UAE leads to the conclusion that a country with almost 9 million economically active people with falling real incomes wandering in the vastness of its raw material economy can be neither sustainable nor developed.

People come to the UAE all year round to relax on clean sandy beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. Impeccable hotel service, affordable prices for tours and a variety of entertainment options - from shopping in the huge shopping centers of Dubai and diving in Fujairah to riding exclusive Ferrari models in Abu Dhabi and flying in hot air balloons and airplanes over the country.

A trip to the UAE is a journey to a land of dreams come true. It seems that nothing is impossible for the citizens of the Emirates - gardens bloom in the desert, islands grow in the sea, and the Ministry of Happiness takes care of the citizens. Magnificent airports, tall buildings with lush interior decoration, expensive cars on the roads, a diamond supermarket, a seven-star hotel, a ski resort and a zoo right in the middle of the desert, the glitter of gold... They don’t skimp here, but at the same time they know how to count money. It’s worth going to the UAE if only to see how a fairy tale becomes reality.

Skyscrapers in the desert and man-made islands

Palm Jumeirah, UAE. UAE.

As soon as oil was discovered in the country, the desert outback turned into a luxurious, ultra-modern country. In Dubai, there is the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the tallest building, which offers a crazy view. Before going up to the observation deck, admire the world's largest dancing fountain - it is an extravaganza of light, sound and water. The UAE has many skyscrapers, rivaling the concentration of Manhattan in New York. The famous man-made islands of Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali are clearly visible from a helicopter and even from space. You can get to them by monorail, taking many interesting photos along the way. Currently, another grandiose project is under construction - the Mir archipelago - a smaller copy of the planet.

Aquarium and underwater zoo in Dubai

The aquarium is located in the Dubai Mall and is amazing in size. Sharks swim within arm's reach of visitors! 33 thousand representatives of underwater fauna live here. Even penguins live in the Dubai indoor zoo, located on the desert sands. By the way, the premises are well air-conditioned, and the animals are carefully looked after.

An incredible range of entertainment

Ski resort SKI DUBAI, UAE. UAE.

The most fantastic thing you can do in a country where almost the entire territory is occupied by desert is skiing. The man-made indoor ski resort Ski Dubai will take you from the scorching sun to the light frost of the Alps in a couple of minutes. For those who prefer swimming, we recommend heading to the Aquaventure or Wild Wadi water parks. In the desert you can go sandboarding - ride a board through the dunes or go on a jeep safari. You can also jump with a parachute, see camel racing, hunt crabs under the cover of darkness, swim with sharks, play golf, fly in a hot air balloon or helicopter - perhaps there is no tourist whim that cannot be fulfilled in the UAE.

Dream shopping

In Dubai there is a shopping center where you can find absolutely everything: from pins to exclusive Ferrari models. In addition to boutiques with clothes, shoes, cosmetics and perfumes, appliances, sweets, jewelry, there is also a huge aquarium, an Olympic skating rink, an indoor traditional market, an entertainment center for children, a dinosaur skeleton and a life-size model of an airplane, a three-story waterfall and a completely breathtaking views of the tallest skyscraper in the world. Well, if you didn’t make it to the Dubai Mall, don’t worry. There are many shopping centers in Dubai, and hotels offer free transfers to many of them.

The United Arab Emirates is a very young state; in 1971, six emirates united - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah and Sharjah. The following year, the seventh, Ras Al Khaimah, joined them.
Until that time, the Arabs lived here very poorly. And although oil production began actively back in 1958, all profits went into the hands of the British, because back in 1820 the British East India Company forced the sheikhs to sign an agreement under which the emirates became subordinate to the British Crown.
But, one way or another, the Emirates were able to achieve independence, and by uniting and gaining full control over their natural resources, they became one of the richest countries in the world.
The UAE is a state with an absolute monarchy, each emirate is ruled by an emir. Each emirate has the right to independently manage its natural resources, including oil. Thus, the richer the emirate, the more influence it has on the policies of the entire state. The head of the UAE is the president - emir (sheikh) of the largest and richest emirate - Abu Dhabi. The second most important emirate is Dubai, the Emir of Dubai is the head of the UAE government.
After independence and the unification of the emirates, the life of the indigenous population changed dramatically for the better.


Firstly: each Bedouin Arab was allocated land in the city and allocated money to build a house. It should be noted that to this day part of the local population remains to live in the desert, leading a nomadic lifestyle. But each of them can exercise their right as a citizen at any time and move to their own home in the city.
Secondly: every citizen of the Emirates receives a certain percentage of oil sales. Every! And what do we get, besides the malicious slogan - “GazProm is our national treasure”?
Thirdly: a tidy sum is immediately deposited into the account of every UAE citizen born. It is different in each emirate. For example, in Dubai it is 40 thousand dollars, in Abu Dhabi – 30 thousand (total). The money can be withdrawn upon reaching adulthood, and with accrued interest it will be more than $100,000, but it can only be spent on purchasing or building housing. What else does a person entering adulthood need? This is not our mortgage - bondage for a quarter of a century, live and be afraid to spend an extra penny or lose your job.


Fourth: every citizen has the right to receive free(!) higher education. Even if he decides to study abroad, the state fully pays for his education at any university in the world!
Fifthly: every citizen receives any medical care (including dentistry) throughout his life absolutely free.
And finally, sixthly: every non-citizen can open his own business in the UAE only on the condition that he has a supervisor from among the Arabs - citizens of the Emirates. The curator does not work at the enterprise, he can only look after (or may not look after) it and represent its interests in government agencies. But he receives monetary compensation in the amount he sees fit. And according to the law, the salary of a UAE citizen cannot be lower than $3,000.
In addition, a huge number of benefits are provided: for a wedding, for building a house, for gasoline and others. And with the birth of the third child, ALL family loans are automatically repaid by the state. And over the short history of the UAE, the Sheikh of the Emirates has repaid ALL the debts (loans, etc.) of his citizens five (!) times.


If you have already rushed to pack your bags to leave for this wonderful country forever, take your time. All these benefits are provided only for UAE citizens, and the only way to become a citizen of the United Arab Emirates is to be born into the family of a citizen of the United Arab Emirates. So only young girls have a chance to see their children as happy, rich and educated subjects of the emir if they marry an Arab citizen of the UAE. There is no other way; citizenship of this country cannot be bought for any amount of money.
Note that of all those living in the United Arab Emirates, UAE citizens are an absolute minority - about 15 - 20%, and only they can enjoy all the benefits provided by the state. The bulk of the population of the United Arab Emirates are emigrants from South Asian countries and the Philippines. This is also the main labor force of the UAE economy.


And another fly in the ointment in our direction. Do you think that all these fabulous riches come from oil? NO! Oil served only as the starting impetus for the acceleration of the Emirates' economy. Thanks to the balanced and wise policies of the sheikhs, global diversification of the economy was carried out, and the share of income from oil exports now does not exceed 10% of GDP. The main sources of income for the country's budget are construction (up to 17% of all construction cranes in the world now operate in tiny Dubai!), trade, tourism and agriculture. And the competent use of the country’s geographical location made it possible to make the United Arab Emirates a major transport hub with a well-developed infrastructure.
And all this is done in a country in which an absolute monarchy has been established. In a country where a sheikh (emir, king) rules, who does not need to be re-elected, who does not need to promise mountains of gold to the people, who will pass on his power by inheritance, but who so sincerely cares about his people and his country!
I am so happy for the Arabs, but I have a big question: what did our fathers and grandfathers fight for and shed their blood for, if not for such a life? But why then don’t their children and grandchildren live happily and richly? What kind of ugly system has grown up in the vastness of our Mother Rus'? Where did this bunch of grabbers and thieves come from, who seized power and took over all the riches of our country? And how long will we wait silently for the good uncle to come and solve all our problems?

The Emirates is a very young country. Half a century ago, its population survived by selling the best pearls on earth and semi-desert cattle breeding. Mosques and fortress towers were considered the tallest buildings. A car was considered an unprecedented miracle, water was considered wealth, a telephone was considered a strange word from a fairy tale. After the discovery of giant oil and gas fields, the country took one of the first places in the world in terms of income, the number of expensive cars and mobile phones per capita. Skyscrapers were built in the desert, cities were turned into parks, spending three thousand dollars annually on the well-being of each tree. The Emirates achieved the status of the safest place on Earth, for which they received the Golden Globe prize. And to really shock the world, they are importing 6,000 tons of snow so that from July 2005 they can ski in their desert. From 400-meter snowy mountains.

Country, climate, features

The UAE consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The capital is Abu Dhabi. The head of the country is Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, elected from among the monarchs of the UAE.

The state religion is Islam, but in general the country is distinguished by a fair amount of religious tolerance. The official language is Arabic, the language of business communication is English. Market traders and staff of inexpensive hotels can understand Russian. The average life expectancy of the local population is 73 years. Fresh water is obtained from sea water at 32 plants, and the country ranks among the first in the world in terms of its consumption.

Petrodollars and benefits

The head of state, Sheikh Zayed, is not without reason called “the most outstanding Islamic personality” in the Muslim world. After receiving colossal income from oil production, His Highness did not forget about his citizens: each family was given a “lift” of 400 thousand dollars. Only two of the seven emirates that make up the country are rich in oil reserves: 95% of it is concentrated in the richest emirate, Abu Dhabi, and 5% in Dubai. But no one is in poverty: each emirate contributes half of its income to the budget, which is distributed among the “subjects of the federation” according to population size and primary needs.

From the outside, it seems that the state very seriously monitors any action of a citizen, just waiting for an opportunity to provide him with support. A barely born child receives benefits. He receives a free education at a college or university anywhere in the world. The state takes over the treatment of the citizen. Loans are given for marriage and building a house, and it is possible to repay the bride price: do not destroy people's happiness. If you want to open your own business, banks almost line up offering loans. With the birth of the third child in the family, bank loans are automatically repaid. And some, out of pride, refuse child benefits. Military personnel and police officers are fully supported by the state. Financial assistance to widows, divorced people, old people or single women who have not found a spouse before the age of 35 - benefits and loans start at $20 thousand and have virtually no upper limit.

The United Arab Emirates is a very rich country. The respect and love of his subjects for their sheikh is great and stable, and the internal policy of the state enjoys constant support.

Aborigines and emigrants

A businessman or tourist visiting the United Arab Emirates usually meets no more than a few dozen indigenous residents of the country during his stay.

These are customs officers, police officers, officials, businessmen, women who went shopping. Much more often he communicates with service staff of hotels, restaurants, beaches, shops, market sellers, or simply sees street workers. And these are, as a rule, emigrants. Of course, a UAE citizen can maintain a workshop or store, fish and raise camels, or even engage in ancient pearl fishing. But still he prefers to be the owner and leader. Many of the office workers and businessmen have one or two higher educations, most often European ones (otherwise you won’t be able to build a career), while the rest are not particularly keen on physical labor.

Among the employed there are many highly qualified specialists and technicians, the rest are cheap labor from Pakistan, India, Iran or the Philippines: more than 80%. Already today their number is twice that of the indigenous population and continues to grow. Their salary is 100–200 US dollars. They will never become citizens of rich Emirates. Citizenship among local Arabs is passed on only from father to children.

Myths and laws

In the minds of modern Russians, the Emirates are either a fabulous country of “victorious Arab communism”, or a shopping paradise, or a land of traditional Islam full of religious traps.

There is an opinion that every resident of the UAE is a millionaire, busy burning bags of petrodollars. Local shops and markets are definitely good. It is acceptable to bargain, and to do it persistently and tastefully. But the prices are by no means bargain-basement, and the idea that you can get a couple of pounds of purchases with a few tens of dollars is a legend.

Of course, in a country so rich in conventions, there are many rules of behavior that it is advisable to observe. For example, you should not wander among those praying and comment on your attitude towards prayer or Muslim fasting. It's rude to eat on the go. It is not customary to photograph local residents without their permission, police stations and government agencies - but where is this encouraged? Swearing, littering on the street, speeding on the roads or threatening anyone is unacceptable in any civilized country.

Traditionally, the problem of alcoholic beverages, which is painful for Russians, can be solved quite simply, although expensively. If you don’t try to smuggle a box of vodka, customs inspection goes through without any difficulties. Alcohol is sold in hotel bars and restaurants. But appearing drunk on the street or, Allah forbid, driving is punishable by a fine, arrest and deportation. And violent behavior “under the influence” also threatens to become acquainted with whips.

The use of maximum criminal, administrative, religious or domestic penalties is rare. But, for example, when trying to import drugs, you should not expect mercy. Local police and courts are incorruptible.

Man-made miracles

Among the most ambitious world projects of the early 21st century, the Palm Islands of the Emirate of Dubai are called a “wonder of the world” and the largest artificial archipelago on earth. Like the Great Wall of China, they are visible from space with the naked eye. The construction, costing more than $3 billion, is financed by the UAE government and international banks, and the amount of bulk soil is such that it can cover the Earth three times along the equator with a wall two meters high and 50 cm thick.

The first complex, Palm Jumeirah, is due to be completed in 2005. From above it really resembles a palm tree: a 24 km long “trunk”, 17 island branches and an 11 km long “crescent” breakwater. It will house 60 luxury hotels, 2,000 villas and cottages with swimming pools and private beaches, several thousand apartments, restaurants, shopping centers, SPA, yacht clubs, the world's largest underwater park and a dozen artificial reefs. The bottom will be “decorated” with sunken ships, planes, towers, the remains of an ancient Roman forum and an entire Egyptian pyramid. And among the entertainment offered, for example, is the daily search for a kilogram of gold hidden at the bottom.

Palm Jebel Ali will be one and a half times larger and even more luxurious. The 1,060 stilt secluded houses will be arranged in the form of lines from a poem by the Crown Prince of Dubai - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, translated approximately as follows: "Draw wisdom from the owner of wisdom: not everyone sitting on a horse is a rider."

The third grandiose complex is “The World” - two hundred islands in the shape of the Earth’s continents, each island will represent one of the countries with its characteristic features and landscape. It is planned that this will be the most comfortable and safe place for very rich people to live and relax.

Flowers of the East

When talking to a UAE resident, you should never ask about the well-being of his wife (or wives); at best, you can politely inquire about the family. The Emirates is a man's world. And even in cosmopolitan Dubai, where European-educated Arab youth predominate, the general social climate is determined by the traditions and views of their fathers.

The law allows each man to have up to four official wives. Moreover, this pleasure is not cheap: bride price, gifts worth several tens of thousands of dollars, separate housing for each spouse, as well as gifts and mandatory entertainment. A man's pronouncing the formula "talaq" three times, which is tantamount to divorce, requires the wife to immediately leave her husband's house in what she is wearing. Maybe that's why local women love to decorate themselves with gold. However, if the wife decides that she does not have enough gifts or attention, she can sue her husband and also demand a divorce. In any case, a huge truck drives up to the house of a modern “divorcee” and cleans up “what she has on her” - from tiny earrings to the last cup.

The canons of female beauty developed over centuries still remain in force. The ideal “Rose of the East” should be a passionate, untouchable person, with a waist as thin as a stem, a flexible back, an alabaster chest, columnar legs and heavy hips, “tight for wide doors.”