The seven small emirates that united in 1971 are located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The climate is extremely hot and in the vast sand and salt deserts with the extensions of the Al Hajar mountains in the East only some scattered oases were apt for settlement. Economy in the harbours along the Arabian Gulf coast was based on fishing, pearl diving and sea trade with traditional dhow vessels. In 1515 the Portuguese conquered the strategically important peninsula at the Strait of Hormuz but had to leave 120 years later. The British established themselves in the Gulf at the beginning of 1820 establishing a maritime truce that secured the route to India.
In the fifties the exploration and production of the rich oil fields brought prosperity to the UAE. Modern cities and roads were constructed and a free education and health system built up. Irrigation-based agriculture produce dates, mango fruit and a variety of vegetables. Foreign workers constitute more than 70 per cent of the population. They have contributed significantly to the rapid growth and development of the country.