ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses both countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Sultanate of Oman in greater detail. Most recent of the Middle East states to achieve independence, the UAE comprises seven component polities, including, on the Gulf, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaywayn, and Ras al-Khaymah, and, on the Indian Ocean, Fujayrah. Prosperity has greatly improved living standards. The United Nations Development Programme's most recent Human Development Report places the UAE high among the group of countries with very high levels of human development. Termed "Muscat and Oman" prior to 1970, the Sultanate of Oman was sometimes confused with Trucial Oman, an alternate name for the Trucial States, now the UAE. The only sultanate in the Middle East, Oman has modernized in ways similar to those of the oil states of the Gulf, but with some unique characteristics while keeping much of its traditional culture.
