The United Arab Emirates was declared an independent federal state on the 2nd of December, 1971. The UAE comprises seven emirates namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah with coasts overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.     Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE and Dubai has long served as the region's most important trading center because of its location along the Arabian Gulf. Time : GMT +4 Sea Ports and Air Ports     Considering the important role that airports and ports play in economic progress it is no wonder that the UAE has developed a highly sophisticated air and sea network, with six major international airports and 15 modern, well-equipped seaports connecting the country to global markets. The major Ports are Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi Port Rashid, Dubai Jebel Ali, Dubai Port Khalid, Sharjah Fujairah Khorfakkan Airports     The UAE is serviced by six international airports located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The major commercial airports are in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sharjah houses the largest air-cargo airport. Highway Infrastructure     The UAE's modern highway network was largely developed in the late 1980s when main roads were constructed to link the major cities. Infrastructure development has progressed rapidly since then, and by the end of 1994 road development throughout the UAE exceeded 3,254 kilometers (2,022 miles). Bus service, taxis and car rentals are readily available in all major towns. Economy     The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has one of the most prosperous economies in the Middle East region and is one of the world’s wealthiest countries, with a GDP of US$54billion (year 2000). Policies and incentives to support business, including the ability to transfer profits tax-free at any time, as well as low crime rates and stable political and financial systems continue to attract local and foreign business investment to the UAE. Customs Valuation     Maximum duty in the U.A.E. is 5% for most goods, with duties of 100% levied on alcohol and 100% on tobacco products. Many essential items, including foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals, are allowed duty free status. Language     The official language of the UAE is Arabic. Other language spoken is English. Currency     The United Arab Emirates currency is called the Dirham. Arab Emirate Dirham (Dhs. or AED) 100 Fils = 1 Dirham Exchange Rate Dh.3.671 = US$ 1.00 Population     According to the latest national census conducted in 1995 the UAE population stands at 2,377,354 Weather     UAE is warm and sunny in winter and hot and humid during the summer months. Winter daytime temperatures average a very pleasant 26°C, although nights can be relatively cool, between 12–15°C on the coast, and less than 5°C in the depths of the desert or high in the mountains. Summer temperatures are in the mid-40s, but can be higher inland. Humidity in coastal areas averages between 50 and 60 per cent, touching over 90 per cent in summer and autumn. Inland it is far less humid. Rainfall is sparse and intermittent. In most years it rains during the winter months, usually in February or March, but occasionally earlier.