United Arab Emirates located in the southeast of the Arabian peninsula and borders with Qatar, Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Coast of the UAE and Oman are washed by the Persian Gulf Indian Ocean.

UAE - Emirates confederation, which are separated from the Sultanate of Oman and united into an independent state entity December 2, 1971.

The capital city of Abu Dhabi.

The Confederation was founded seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman. The head of state is the President, His Majesty Sheikh, ruler of Abu Dhabi, the largest and most powerful of the emirates. In addition, each emirate has its own government and its subordinate services.

 UAE Population Census the end of 2005 is 4,041 million, of which only 20 per cent - the local Arabs, belonging to two large families - Baniyaz and Kawase. The remaining 80 per cent - come into the country on a working contract, natives of India and Pakistan (the most numerous communities), other Arab countries, Malaysia, the Philippines and the CIS. The largest diaspora in Russia - a few thousand people - live compactly in the emirate of Ajman.

The official language of the UAE - Arabic. In addition to the Arabic are widely Hindi, Urdu and English.

UAE is the state religion of Islam. Most of the local Arabs - Muslims are Sunni, but there are Shiite community (many Shiite mosques built in the emirate of Sharjah.)

Especially strictly enforced in the UAE Islamic customs of Ramadan - the holy month of fasting. Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke during the day. Guests will also have to refrain from doing so (including chewing gum) in public before sunset. This rule does not apply to tourists who feed in the daytime in their hotels.

 The most stringent in the UAE, part of the rules of conduct and legislation is the emirate of Sharjah - the only emirate in which a "dry law" and upotrebelenie alcohol is a criminal offense. Sharjah's ruling family has close ties with the royal house of Saudi Arabia, who considers himself a lover of purity of Islam.

 The largest and richest emirate is Abu Dhabi in the UAE 87 percent, 95 percent of the country's oil reserves. Oil was discovered here earlier than in other states - in 1958.

 Oil production is important, but not the most important element of the economy the UAE. Proceeds from the sale of oil for decades, Emirates is reasonable to let the development of other sectors: industry, tourism, trade and agriculture.

GDP of these emirates like Dubai and Sharjah, where experts calculate oil reserves run out to the years 2008-2010, dependent on the oil industry only 12 percent.

The basic rules of behavior in the UAE

          Customs regulations allow import (per person) 200 cigarettes, 40 cigars, 2 kg of tobacco, 2 liters of spirits and 2 liters of wine (an adult person is not Muslim), perfumes within reasonable limits. Print and video products are viewed when entering the country. All tourists should be informed that weapons, drugs, pornographic materials are prohibited to be imported! Violation of this prohibition is punishable by law and punishable by up to imprisonment.

Tourists visiting the beaches, should exercise the utmost attention to their appearance and behavior - do not swim without a bathing suit or not its individual parts. It is also not allowed by their actions violate the moral principles of the Muslim state.

Young girls should be especially careful, and his actions did not cause a violation of local laws that may lead to serious consequences - including imprisonment. In accordance with the law of the emirate of Sharjah, the women should wear to cover up his hands, neck and knees. In Sharjah women are prohibited to be on the municipal beach in bathing suits.

Drinking alcohol is only allowed in a bar, restaurant or a hotel room in any of the emirates except Sharjah. In Sharjah operates an absolute prohibition, which applies to all types of alcoholic beverages. The appearance of the street (or even in their own private balcony with a can of beer) in a state of extreme intoxication can result in criminal liability in any emirate (min 1 month in prison and a fine at the usual time and 2 months in prison and a fine double during Ramadan + deportation).

According to local decency not to stick to an unknown woman, laugh at them, making obscene signs with his hands. A woman may apply to the police, then this act entails a fine and deportation. Particular attention should be paid to clothing. Beachwear is acceptable only in the hotel pool and beach. The country has banned gambling.

Particular customs are strictly observed in the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims observe fast, abstain during daylight hours from eating, drinking and smoking. Therefore, visitors should also refrain from doing so (including - chewing gum) in public before sunset. Tourists staying in hotels, breakfast and lunch in the usual time for them.

Persons wishing to hire a car in the UAE are required to have an international driver's license.

It is not recommended to photograph government buildings, military installations, houses of fences, oil derricks. It is not acceptable to photograph the local Arab women. If you want to take pictures of local men, then ask for their permission first.

For the trash thrown from the car window, you can be fined. You should not look to the mosque out of curiosity. It is impolite to offer a Muslim drinks and dishes from pork.

Stretch the money, things, and eat the right hand. The Muslims not to eat while walking or standing, to face the man, occupied with food and drink after the greasy. Bread, usually breaking open arms.