The United Arab Emirates, UAE, had settlements as far back as the Late Stone Age (5500 BC). The first oil concessions were granted in 1939 but it was not until 14 years later that oil was discovered. Abu Dhabi began exporting crude oil in 1962 and with revenues growing steadily as oil production increased, became the richest emirate from being the poorest.
Also known as a federal, presidential, absolute monarchy. The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The federal system of government includes a Supreme Council, a Cabinet, or Council of Ministers, a parliamentary body, the Federal National Council, & an independent judiciary, at the head of which is the Federal Supreme Court.