seven separate emirates. These Emirates include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ras AL Khaimah. Many historical issues as well as modern issues have helped shape the country it has become. Some of these issues are colonization, authoritarian government, Zayed the Great and his grandson, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, natural resources, religion, women, and Iran quest for nuclear capacity.
Physical Geography
In the south and west of the country, the land is mainly sand dunes and salt flats with the
occasional traditional desert oasis. The largest oases are in Al Ain, 160km east of Abu Dhabi,
and Liwa in the southwest. In the northern part of the country, the sand dunes yield to gravel
plains formed by the Hajar Mountain range, dating back about 200 million years. (Miller, 2004,
p.11) The mountains themselves rise to a height of over 3000 m and extend from the UAE south
into Oman. The east coast is essentially a fertile plain where rainfall and subterranean water have
allowed agriculture to be practiced for thousands of years. Along the coast, there are long,
unspoiled beaches stretching for kilometers. On the Arabian Gulf, over 100 islands and
numerous shallow inlets add to the scenery; mangrove trees are common as well as spawning
fish and birds.(McCoy, 2002, p. 6)
Historical Geography
The UAE has seen its share of colonization. Like much of the Middle East many outsiders have found its resources and location useful. Two countries who have left their mark on the United Arab Emirates are Portugal and Britain. During the fifteenth century the Portuguese started building new ships. These ships had deep hulls that were able to endure long trips. Their trips to India for the natural resources that could be found there included crossing the Arabic Sea. The Portuguese then colonized some cities on the coast to aid in there travels. The Portuguese allowed the local rulers to stay in