United Kingdom of Arab Emirates

INTRO
United Kingdom of Arab Emirates (UKAE) is a new nation located in the middle east. It is made up of the former countries of the CCASG (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Quatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) and Yemen. UKAE has a land area of 2.5 million square kilometres, containing 53 emirates and a population of aprox. 64 million. The Capital city is Riyadh, in the Al-Riyadh emirate.

History
UKAE was created in 2002 by the members of CCASG. Because of the War on terror declared by the western world, leaders of the CCASG countries, decided to join forces, and create union, to be stronger against a possible war against the western world. The union was named United Kingdom of Arab Emirates. Bandar ibn Saud was declared king of UKAE, and was crowned 15 june 2002 marking the day of the creation.

In 2003 UKAE supporters in Yemen started a military coup to overthrow the government of Yemen. It didn't succeed, and in stead the UKAE send troops to Yemen to help the supporters in the country. In february 2004 Yemen was forced to join the UKAE, and the government was captured and sentenced to death.

Government
UKAE has a absolute monachy with the king as the supreme leader. The legislature is the Council of ministers, chosen by the King. The king also choose the Emir's of the emirates. The Basic Law of government declares that UKAE shall be governed by the first king's sons and grandsons, if there is no heir the king must choose a heir for the kingdom. It also claims that the Qur'an is the constitution of the country, which is governed on the basis of the Sharia (Islamic Law).

Criminal cases are tried under Sharia courts in the country. These courts exercise authority over the entire population including foreigners (regardless of religion). Cases involving small penalties are tried in Shari'a summary courts. More serious crimes are adjudicated in Shari'a courts of common pleas. Courts of appeal handle appeals from Shari'a courts.

Culture
Arabian culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam. Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, are located in the country. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country. Some Emirates have a Thursday-Friday or Friday-Saturday

Religion
Due to the legal framework of the country, which does not provide legal protection for freedom of religion, the public practice of non-Muslim religions is prohibited. Indeed, the Government enforces a strict and conservative version of Sunni Islam. Muslims who do not follow the official interpretation, can face severe repercussions at the hands of Mutawwa'in (religious police).

For this reason, Arab culture lacks the diversity of religious expression, buildings, annual festivals and public events that is seen in countries where religious freedom is permitted. People of other religions faces persecution.