Free Zones in the UAE - PKF International
Free Zones in the UAE - PKF International
Free Zones in the UAE - PKF International
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Introduction<br />
The United Arab Emirates (<strong>UAE</strong>) was established on 2nd December 1971 and is a<br />
federation of seven emirates, namely: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah,<br />
Umm Al Quwa<strong>in</strong>, Ajman and Fujairah.<br />
The United Arab Emirates is situated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eastern part of <strong>the</strong> Arab world. It overlooks<br />
<strong>the</strong> Gulf of Oman to <strong>the</strong> East and <strong>the</strong> Arabian Gulf to <strong>the</strong> North. The Arabian Gulf and<br />
Gulf of Oman are l<strong>in</strong>ked by <strong>the</strong> Hormuz Strait. The <strong>UAE</strong> covers an area of approximately<br />
83,600 square kilometers (32,654 square miles), <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g numerous islands. The<br />
coastal area consists primarily of salt marshes. Inland, <strong>the</strong> topography is predom<strong>in</strong>antly<br />
desert, sand dunes and gravel pla<strong>in</strong>s with isolated oases, <strong>the</strong> largest of which are<br />
located at Al A<strong>in</strong> and Liwa. The Hajar Mounta<strong>in</strong>s lie close to <strong>the</strong> sea on <strong>the</strong> East coast.<br />
The Emirates have a common cultural heritage but <strong>the</strong> tribal l<strong>in</strong>ks are very strong with<strong>in</strong><br />
each Emirate. Abu Dhabi is ruled by <strong>the</strong> Al Nahyan family, which belongs to <strong>the</strong> Bani Yas<br />
tribe. Dubai is ruled by <strong>the</strong> Al Maktoum family, which belongs to <strong>the</strong> Al Bu Falasah tribe.<br />
The o<strong>the</strong>r emirates are also ruled by various families, which belong to powerful tribes of<br />
<strong>the</strong> respective regions.<br />
The three most populated Emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah; approximately 83<br />
percent of <strong>the</strong> total population belongs to <strong>the</strong>se emirates.<br />
The official language is Arabic, and all communications with <strong>the</strong> government must be<br />
<strong>in</strong> Arabic, although among <strong>the</strong> expatriate communities various o<strong>the</strong>r languages are<br />
spoken. Foreigners will f<strong>in</strong>d that English and H<strong>in</strong>di / Urdu are widely understood.<br />
English is used for all written communication between bus<strong>in</strong>esses.<br />
<strong>PKF</strong> - <strong>Free</strong> <strong>Zones</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>UAE</strong> - Introduction<br />
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