Yearbook 2008
United Arab Emirates. The environmentally friendly city of Masdar City in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi began to be built in February. The city, which is scheduled to open for some companies in 2009 and be fully completed in 2016, was planned to become the world’s first city completely free of carbon dioxide emissions, waste and cars. According to the prospectus, the energy would come from solar and wind power.
At the same time, the United Arab Emirates accelerated its focus on nuclear energy. During the year, agreements were first signed with France and then with the United Kingdom on cooperation on nuclear energy development. The United Arab Emirates and France also agreed on enhanced military cooperation and a French military base in Abu Dhabi.
- ABBREVIATIONFINDER: Click to see the meanings of 2-letter acronym and abbreviation of AE in general and in geography as United Arab Emirates in particular.
The wealth of the federation is based almost exclusively on oil (about 130 million tonnes extracted in 2007 and 10% of world reserves) and natural gas (over 47 billion m 3in 2007): the largest deposits of these two resources are concentrated in Abū Dhābi and Dubai (more modest is the production in Sharjah and Umm al-Qaywayn, where there are good reserves of natural gas; Dubai has more scarce reserves). The oil is extracted from vast continental and submarine fields, connected to each other and to the embarkation terminals by a dense network of oil pipelines. In order to reduce the degree of dependence on oil exports and in an attempt to diversify production, industrial development programs have been launched since the end of the 1990s, based on the increase in energy production, on the creation of both basic industries. (chemistry and petrochemistry, metallurgy of aluminum, cement, etc.) and producers of consumer goods (especially food); in addition, experimental agricultural stations have been set up which, in addition to using underground water reserves or water from desalination plants, apply cutting-edge cultivation techniques. The agricultural activities, which thanks to numerous investments in reclamation works, wells, canalizations are now able to partially satisfy the internal needs, are concentrated in the oases (especially in that of Buraimi) and mainly produce dates, vegetables, fruit. Nomadic goat and camel breeding and fishing are also practiced. Huge capital is invested in the real estate, electronics, information technology and high technology, commercial (with the creation of free zones open to foreign capital) and financial sectors. Luxury tourism is also booming, making use of modern infrastructures. commercial (with the creation of free zones open to foreign capital) and financial. Luxury tourism is also booming, making use of modern infrastructures. commercial (with the creation of free zones open to foreign capital) and financial. Luxury tourism is also booming, making use of modern infrastructures.
October
The Emirates can buy fighter jets
October 29
The United States has approved a major aircraft deal with the United Arab Emirates as a result of the emirate’s recognition of Israel, says Eliot Engel, chairman of the House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee. The sale of 50 F-35 fighter jets is controversial, as it affects the military balance of power in the Persian Gulf. If the deal, which is worth more than $ 10 billion, is completed, the emirate’s air force will have as many F-35 planes as Israel. The F-35 is one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also shown interest in the plane. Negotiations are underway between Israel and the United States on other armaments deals aimed at strengthening the Israeli military. The United States counts both Israel and the emirates as its allies against Iran.
Israel abolishes visa requirements for emirates
October 20
At the same time as an official delegation from the United Arab Emirates is on an official visit, it is announced that Israel and the Emirates will mutually introduce visa-free travel for citizens of the other country. This is the first time that residents of an Arab country can travel to Israel without a visa. (Israel has long had peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan without removing the visa requirement.) 28 weekly flights between the countries are planned.
Israeli-Emirati meeting at Holocaust Remembrance
October 6
The foreign ministers of Israel and the United Arab Emirates meet in Berlin and visit a monument commemorating the victims of the Holocaust. Gabi Ashkenazi, whose parents survived the Nazi extermination of the Jews, describes the visit together with Abdullah bin Zayid al-Nahyan as deeply touching. In the wake of the normalized relations between Israel and the Emirates, called the Abrahamic Agreements, the meeting is also seen symbolically as a sign of improved understanding between Jews and Muslims.
Population 2008
According to Countryaah reports, the population of United Arab Emirates in 2008 was 8,549,877, ranking number 94 in the world. The population growth rate was 13.260% yearly, and the population density was 102.2726 people per km2.