Because my father worked abroad, I didn't return to live in England until I was sixteen years old. During my Childhood we lived in Kuwait, where I was born (no stories from there - I was too young when we left to remember anything), Dubai, Libya (both Tripoli and Benghazi), Malta, Sharjah and Uganda. We led a fantastic but farely typical expatriate lifestyle so there are a few stories from my childhood in this category.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region.
