Textbook chapter 3

Chapter Three: The Geography of the United Arab Emirates

1. Introduction

• The geography of a country plays a significant role in shaping its fate and influencing its political and economic dynamics.

• Geography can create conflicts of interest that extend beyond internal affairs to international relations.

• Key geographical factors such as climate, landforms, and geological features have direct implications on economy, population, and overall life stability.

2. Geographical Features

Location

• Geographic Position: UAE is located in the Arabian Gulf, bordered by Gulf to the north and northwest.

• Borders: Shares land boundaries with Qatar and Saudi Arabia to the west, Oman to the south, and Gulf of Oman.

• Coastline: 644 km coastline from the Qatari Peninsula in the west to Ras Masandam in the east.

• Components: Comprises seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain.

Area

• Total Area: 77,700 km² (excluding islands) / 83,600 km² (including islands).

• Notable Areas: Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate, accounting for 86.77% of total area, making UAE the third-largest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (after Saudi Arabia and Oman).

3. Features of the UAE

Landforms

• Desert Landscape: Predominantly desert, especially in the eastern areas, but features well-known oases like Al-Ain.

• Mountain Ranges: Jabal Hafeet (1,220 ft) serves as a defining structure with irrigation from the underground water utilized through the Aflaj system.

• The Jibal al-Hajar: Another mountain range dividing the Musandam Peninsula, extending 80 km.

• Coastal Features: Sandy coastlines, except the rocky Masandam Peninsula; shallow Gulf waters reaching depths of 35-145 meters.

• Coral Reefs: Present in the Gulf, historically significant for pearl diving.

Climate

• Tropical Dry Climate: The UAE experiences high temperatures and seasonal humidity influenced by the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

• Temperature Ranges: Coastal areas average above 37.7°C; cooler in mountainous regions; significant temperature variations exist.

• Winds: Both seasonal and non-seasonal winds impact the region, with spring storms and two primary winds—north (dry, soothing) and east-southeast (humid).

Rainfall

• Low Annual Rainfall: Rainfall is scarce, with substantial evaporation rates (20x annual rainfall).

• Seasons for Rain: Rainy season from October to March; minimal precipitation during summer.

4. Geological History of the UAE

Geological Eras

• First Period (Pre-Cambrian to the end of Second Era): Covered by Thethys Sea; sedimentation resulted in limestone deposits.

• Second Period (Modern Period): Creation of modern landforms from tectonic movements; evidence of both sedimentary and igneous rocks reveals rich underground resources (oil, metals).

5. The Emirates of the State

1. Abu Dhabi

• Area: 67,340 km² (86.77% of UAE excluding islands).

• Features: Desert land predominates, capital city of Abu Dhabi located on a Gulf island.

2. Dubai

• Area: 3,885 km² (5% of UAE).

• Geography: Divided by the bay into Bar Dubai and Deira; accessible through multiple bridges and tunnels.

3. Sharjah

• Area: 2,590 km² (3.3% of UAE).

• Location: Central position; coastal boundary extends 16 km into the Gulf.

4. Ajman

• Area: Shares similar coordinates and size as Sharjah, contributing 3.3% of UAE territory.

5. Umm al-Quwain

• Area: 777 km² (1% of UAE).

• Coordinates: Lies between Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah, with significant agricultural areas like Filj al-Mualla.

6. Ras al-Khaima

• Area: 1,684 km² (2.2% of UAE).

• Description: Easternmost emirate with long coastal exposure; contains islands in the Gulf.

7. Fujairah

• Area: 1,165 km² (1.5% of UAE).

• Geography: Located on the Gulf of Oman with rough mountainous terrain; possesses fertile plains and famous valleys.

6. Activities and Training

1. Discuss the geographical positioning and borders of the UAE, highlighting neighboring countries.

2. Explain the significance of the UAE as a marine state.

3. Provide reasons why oil reserves are found in the UAE.

4. Analyze climatic conditions and implications in the UAE.

5. List the states of the UAE along with brief historical notes on each.