[2 december] Happy Independence Day UAE!

Day 3,665, 03:34 Published in United Arab Emirates Romania by VampireA
United Arab Emirates


General information


Population : 9.4 milion people (94th in the World,29th in Asia)
Total Area : 83,600 km^2 (114th in the World,34th in Asia)
Official languages : Arabic
Official currency : UAE dirham(AED)
Capital : Abu Dhabi
Population density : 112.5 people/km^2 (110th in the World,26th in Asia)
Top 5 biggest cities : Dubai,Abu Dhabi,Sharjah,Al Ain,Ajman

The country is a federation of seven emirates, and was established on 2 December 1971. The constituent emirates are Abu Dhabi (which serves as the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain. Each emirate is governed by an absolute monarch; together, they jointly form the Federal Supreme Council. One of the monarchs (traditionally always the Emir of Abu Dhabi) is selected as the President of the United Arab Emirates.

Distribution of the emirates:



National sports : Football

Formula 1



Cricket - due to the large expat population from South Asian countries such as India



National animals : Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

Peregrine Falcon(Falco peregrinus)






The significance of the 2nd of December


In 1971, multiple Gulf countries gained independence from Britain. Among them we can include Bahrain, Qatar and what is now known as the United Arab Emirates. At the time, the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai decided to unite, and also called upon the leaders of the other 5 emirates. Together they formed the UAE, and signed the constitution on the 2nd of December 1971.


*Coat of arms





Let’s check out some urban legends from the UAE.
Umm al Duwais


Perhaps the most famous urban legend in the UAE is about the Umm Al Duwais, a female jinni. Jinns are supernatural creatures in Arabic folklore who can either be good, neutral, or bad. According to the legend, Umm Al Duwais was a beautiful woman with stunning features—a slim and beautiful body with long black hair. She was always dressed elegantly and would always smell of exotic Arabic perfumes, which you could detect a mile away. She would be covered in gold from head to toe and would call out to men with her lovely voice. Indeed, no man could resist her. But when they got close, she revealed her true identity of an old hag whose looks were so scary that no one could stand to look at her face. She would kill those men who were unfortunate enough to be seduced by her.
This legend has been popular among Emiratis, who use it to scare their children from going out at night. Even among adults, the term “Umm Al Duwais” is often used to describe—in a negative way—women who wear lots of makeup and perfume. The urban legend warns men to be wary when finding oneself attracted to strangers.


The Abandoned Palace

Built at a whopping cost of 500 million dirhams, Ras al-Khaimah’s Al Qasimi Palace stood as a testament to the luxurious lifestyle that UAE residents could afford. However, since the night the owner of the palace abandoned it, the structure has remained uninhabited for over two decades. Rumors surrounding the structure are mostly supernatural in nature. It was reported that the first day the family moved into their new home, strange happenings started to occur. Furniture would be thrown across the room, and the wailing and laughter of children were heard. The hauntings were so intense on the first day that the patriarch of the family decided to abandon the palace after just living in it for one night. Ever since then, the palace has stood empty.

Thrill-seekers who come looking for the palace and ask for directions from the locals always receive the same reply: You don’t need directions, it finds you. Those who were brave enough to stay the night reported hearing the giggles and wails of children. Some would see children’s faces peering at them through the palace’s windows. Regardless, all of them would agree that the place leaves you with a feeling of longing for it, a desire to go back to it again.
Did something sinister occur when the palace was constructed? Is the land it was built on cursed by jinns? These are the questions surrounding the mysterious palace. They have no definite answers, but we can agree that only adds to the eerie charm of the abandoned palace.








Top 8 palces to visit in UAE


Burj Khalifa




The Burj Khalifa is one of the United Arab Emirates most famous buildings and the soaring sky-high landmark of Dubai. Not only is it the world's tallest building, it also lays claim to the titles of tallest freestanding structure in the world, highest observation deck in the world, and elevator with the longest travel distance in the world. A trip up to the observation deck, with its panoramic views across Dubai, is a sightseeing highlight for most tourists who visit, though for those who suffer from vertigo, it might be best to give it a miss.




Sheikh Zayed Mosque





The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a mammoth modern mosque of incredible beauty. Harnessing contemporary design and ancient craftsmanship, the mosque harmoniously blends modern and ancient styles and techniques to create a new interpretation of Islamic architecture. With its interiors using lavish amounts of gold, mosaic tiles, and glass work and immense amounts of marble, and its exterior of blindingly white stone contrasting dramatically under the Emirati blue sky, it never fails to dazzle.



Hajar Mountains





The Hajar Mountains scythe through the desert, creating the jagged and wild heart of the United Arab Emirates. Twisting roller-coaster roads with spectacular scenery along the way connect the region's tiny villages, making this region road trip heaven. Nature lovers will find plenty of hiking, trekking, and bird-watching opportunities, while the vast amount of picturesque wadis (dry riverbeds; valleys) in the area are also fun to explore.


Sharjah Arts Museum





The most important museum dedicated to the arts in the Emirates , the Sharjah Arts Museum is home to the most diverse art collection in the United Arab Emirates. The museum is recognized for its collection of works by Arabic artists and also for its important pieces by European artists who specialized in painting the Arab world. The museum is also noted for its program of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.


Jebel Hafeet

A must-do for anyone who wants to snap a great vista, the summit of Jebel Hafeet is a favorite day trip from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. This is the second highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, and far-reaching, sumptuous desert panoramas greet you all the way up to the top on the winding road. After the twisting mountain road drive, you are rewarded with being able to see across the area's vast sweep of desert.




Bastakia





The Bastakia quarter of Dubai is the last remaining fragment of Old Dubai and shouldn't be missed. This small heritage area really evokes the simpler, gentler past of the city before skyscrapers took over the skyline. Narrow lanes are lined with beautifully preserved buildings in typical Arabian architectural styles, many with wind-tower features. Various museums allow you to enter the houses and see typical Arabian interiors within the quarter, along with mosques and a small surviving segment of the original Dubai city wall.



Al-Bidyah Mosque




The oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, Al-Bidyah is one of the country's and the Emirate of Fujairah's most important historical sites. Although modest in proportions, this adobe building was beautifully designed, with its original ventilation shaft patterns in the walls still visible. The entire surrounding area is an archaeological site, where many pottery and metal artifacts have been excavated.


Dubai Creek Dhow Ride







Dubai Creek slices through the city, and the best way to experience Dubai is from one of the beautiful dhows (traditional Arabic boats) that ply the creek. Sunset cruises (which often come with entertainment and dinner) are particularly beautiful as you watch the lights of the high-rises begin to twinkle in the dusk. Or, for a budget cruise, just hop on one of the ablas (local ferries), which ply the water between Bur Dubai and Deira.











Famous people from UAE

Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum - is the Crown Prince of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He is popularly known as Fazza , the name under which he publishes his poetry.
(born 1982)

Ahlam - an Emirati female singer from UAE. In 2006, she sang to the major record label, Rotana. She has released a total of ten albums including two successful ones, El Thokol Sana'a (2006) and Hatha Ana (2009) under its name.
(born 1969)

Elham Al Qasim - is an Emirati woman, who embarked on a successful skiing expedition to the North Pole . On April 23, 2010, she became the first Arab woman and the first UAE national to reach the North Pole.
(born 1982)

Ahmad Mohammad Hasher Al Maktoum - is a shooter from the United Arab Emirates, who won the first ever Olympic medal for his country
(born 1963)

Abdul Qader Al Raes - is an award-winning painter from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He is a founding member of the Emirates Fine Art Society and is considered to be one of the pioneers of contemporary art in the Emirates, famous for his mainly abstract artwork which has been widely exhibited both within the UAE and abroad.
(born 1951)








Traditional food


Harees





Harees is one of the most popular Emirati dishes and is frequently served at weddings in addition to religious holidays. It’s preparation involves cooking meat together with wheat in a pot, along with a generous dash of salt.

Thereed





The stew combines succulent meat with a selection of slow-roasted vegetables – potatoes, tomatoes, marrow and pumpkin. What makes it unique, however, is the addition of the thin Emirati flatbread known as rigag.


Machboos




This is a rice dish made with meat or fish. What really sets it apart is the fragrant combination of spices used to flavor it – turmeric, cumin, cardamom and saffron, to name a few. The secret ingredient is the addition of a dried lemon, known as loomy.


Hummus



It is not actually a dish, rather it is a famous dip made from chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini paste, salt and garlic. It is served with other dishes like Shawarma and pita bread. It is also a perfect appetizer. It is very unique in taste.

Shawarma



Shawarma is the most eaten food across this country. Even it has also become famous in Asian countries as well. It can be made with lamb or chicken. Different restaurants serve this dish in different manner. Commonly they mix garlic sauce, pickles, fries and tomatoes and wrap it in Arabic Roti.


Traditional deserts

Luqaimat



This is probably the most popular traditional Emirati dessert. It consists of small deep-fried dumplings, that are then soaked in a sweet, sticky date syrup known as dibbs.


Balaleet



This is a dish made from vermicelli noodles and eggs. The mixture is cooked with sugar and spices, to create a salty-sweet dish that brilliantly combines the crunchiness of the noodles with the fluffiness of the eggs.


Traditional drinks

Karak chai



A variety of tea.

Tamar Hindi



A drink made by combining soaked, crushed tamarind with water, sugar and lemon juice.







Interesting facts about UAE


1.The Dubai police fleet includes a Lamborghini, Ferrari and Bentley. This is to allow them to catch speeders who can outrun other cars.
2.There are ATMs in Dubai that dispense gold bars.
3.After the global financial crisis in 2008, many exotic cars were abandoned all over Dubai and its airport. Most of these cars were bought with easy credit during the boom and the owners were unable to meet car payments after job cutbacks due to financial recession.
4.In Dubai, you must obtain a “liquor license” to drink from the privacy of your own home.
5.Despite being a major oil exporter, the UAE asks for a renewal of the Kyoto protocol and is a major investor in solar power.
6.Ferrari owns the largest indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi. Their rollercoaster, the Rosso, is the World’s fastest, reaching 150mph in 5 seconds.
7.One of Dubai’s more famous creations, The World Islands, are sinking back into the ocean.
8.25% of the world’s operational cranes are located in Dubai.
9.There is a golf course in Dubai that requires 4,000,000 gallons of water a day.
10. A city is currently being built in Dubai that will rely entirely on solar energy and other renewable energy sources, with a sustainable, zero-carbon, zero-waste ecology.






My 5 words when I hear about UAE:
#Oil,#Dubai,#Camels,#Desert,#Burj Khalifa

What are your 5?




Having to make the article on my own I will end it with the UAE motto:
”Allah, al-Watan, al-Ra'is
”God, then the Homeland, then the President"


Waiting for feedback , comments , opinions and if there is anyone that thinks I missed something , I could do something better or just wants to help me with this project , PM me !

Special thanks to Kariky for the spacers !!



Hope you enjoyed and see you next time!

P.S. Article 29/74!




P.S.2. Don't forget to push the flags !