Local name: Al Imarat al Arabiyah Capital: Abu Dhabi Government: federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates Currency: Emirati dirham (AED) Official language: Arabic
Brief History. In 19th century treaties the Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs. Six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates in 1971. 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.
