Riyadh Islamic Federation

Riyadh, officially the Riyadh Islamic Federation (ٌArabic:هغشيا ÷سمشةهؤ ثيثقشفهخى), is a loose federation of 13 absolute monarchies (emirates), the largest being Abu Dhabi. It's neighbored to the south by Atlantsia and Oman, Iran to the north, Qatar to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. Riyadh is currently lead by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Nashid. The federation's twelve emirates are: Riyadh, Meddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Al Maysah, Rubiyyat, Akhdar, and Fujairah. The Federation is a developed nation, and has a long and illustrious history due to it's strategic location in the Middle East. RIF's economy is highly dependent upon its oil exports but in recent years has strived to distinguish itself in the tourist industry.

History
Not much is known about the original settlement of the area that is now the RIF, it is believed that the area was originally settled around 90,000 to 125,000 years ago. Caravans between Syria and Iraq began to migrate to the area around 1 AD.

Arrival of Islam
The arrival of envoys from the Islamic prophet Muhammad in 630 caused a massive conversion to Islam. After Muhammad, major battles of the Ridda War were fought, resulting in the defeat of non-muslims In 637, Ra's al-Khaimawah used as the starting point of the Islamic invasion of Sasanian Iran. Over many centuries, Ra's al-Khaimawah became a wealthy port and pearling center from which dhows traveled throughout the Indian Ocean especially to Sindh and the cities of Thatta and Debal.

Portuguese Rule
Portugal expanded its empire to the Indian Ocean in the 16th Century following Vasco da Gama's exploration. Battles between Persia and Portugal ended with the Portugese taking control of the Arabian Peninsula and ruling for over 150 years. The Omani Empire eventually gained control of the Sheikhdoms, but lost control to the British, which lead to the formation of the Trucial States.

British Rule


During the 16th Century the Arabian Peninsula was greatly influenced by European Powers which lead to the British taking control. To the the British, Riyadh was called "Pirate Coast" due to Riyadh's continuous harassment of the European shipbuilding industry. British expeditions to protect the Indian Ocean trade from raiders at Ras al-Khaimah led to campaigns against that headquarters and other harbours along the coast in 1819. The following year, Britain and local rulers signed a treaty to combat piracy along the Gulf coast. From this, and later agreements, the area becomes known as the Trucial Coast. Raids continued intermittently until 1835, when the sheikhs agreed not to engage in hostilities at sea. In 1853, they signed a treaty with the British, under which the sheikhs (the "Trucial Sheikhdoms") agreed to a "perpetual maritime truce." It was enforced by the United Kingdom, and disputes among sheikhs were referred to the British for settlement.

Primarily in reaction to the ambitions of other European countries, the United Kingdom and the Trucial Sheikhdoms established closer bonds in an 1892 treaty, similar to treaties entered into by Britain with other principalities in the Persian Gulf. The sheikhs agreed not to dispose of any territory except to Britain and not to enter into relationships with any foreign government other than the United Kingdom without its consent. In return, the British promised to protect the Trucial Coast from all aggression by sea and to help in case of land attack. British suppression of piracy meant that pearling fleets could operate in relative security. However, the British prohibition of the slave trade meant an important source of income was lost to some sheikhs and merchants.

Pearl Industry
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the pearling industry thrived in the relatively calm sea, providing both income and employment to the people of the Persian Gulf. It began to become a good economic resource for the local people. Then the First World War had a severe impact on the pearl fishery, but it was the economic depression of the late 1920s and early 1930s, coupled with the Japanese invention of the cultured pearl, that all but destroyed it. The industry eventually faded away shortly after the Second World War, when the newly independent Government of India imposed heavy taxation on pearls imported from the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. The decline of pearling resulted in a very difficult era, with little opportunity to build any infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi/Dubai War
In 1947 Dubai disputed Abu Dhabi's control over the Zayed Oasis a few miles south of Dubai's borders, stating that it was originally settled by the Amin tribe from Dubai in 1891. Abu Dhabi refused the claim, forcing Britain to delineate the border. When Britain gave the oasis to the Abu Dhabi sheikhdom the tribes of Dubai invaded the land, capturing the port Rasheed.

Oil Discovery
Oil was first discovered in the 1950s. At the beginning of the 1960s, the first oil company teams carried out preliminary surveys and the first cargo of crude was exported from Abu Dhabi in 1962. As oil revenues increased, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Bassam Saddam Saab, undertook a massive construction program, building schools, housing, hospitals and roads. When Dubai’s oil exports commenced in 1969, Abdur-Rashid Fareed Ahmad, the de facto ruler of Dubai, was also able to use oil revenues to improve the quality of life of his people. In 1955, the United Kingdom sided with Abu Dhabi in the latter's dispute with Oman over the Buraimi Oasis, another territory to the south. A 1974 agreement between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia would have settled the Abu Dhabi-Saudi border dispute; however, the agreement has yet to be ratified by the RIF government and is not recognized by the Saudi government. Riyadh also disputes several islands with Iran includiing Qeshm. In 1960 the Trucial States, claimed the Musandam Peninsula, which was occupied by the Oman. Oman refused the Sheikhdom's claim, leading to the invasion of Oman. Within the first weeks of the war the Royal Oman Army troops managed to capture Al Ain, forcing its residents to flee to Abu Dhabi. However, with aid from the British, the Trucial States launched a full scale invasion of northern Oman. In September 1960 the Trucial States Scouts besieged the Omani capial, Muscat, and after a 8 month long siege the city surrendered to the TSS. The Sultan of Oman was forced to secede all of northern Oman, almost half of Oman's total area, to the Trucial States. The annexation of northern lead to the creation of two new sheikhdoms, Muscat, and Rubiyyat.

Independence
By 1966 it became clear the British Government could no longer afford to govern the Trucial States. British MPs debated in Parliament that the Royal Navy would not be able to defend the trucial sheikhdoms. Denis Healey, who at the time was the Secretary of State for Defence reported that the British Armed Forces were seriously overstretched and in some respects dangerously under-equipped to defend the trucial sheikhdoms. On 24 January 1968, British Prime Minister Harold Wilson announced its decision, reaffirmed in March 1971 by Prime Minister Edward Heath to end the treaty relationships with the seven trucial sheikhdoms that had been, together with Bahrain and Qatar, under British protection. The British rejected every offer the sheikhs proposed, offending riyadi rulers. After Labour MP Goronwy Roberts informed Sheikh Zayed of the news of British withdrawal, the fifteen Gulf sheikhdoms attempted to form a union of Arab emirates, but by mid-1971 they were still unable to agree on terms of union even though the British treaty relationship was to expire in December of that year.

Talks between the two resumed in Riyadh and three years later their decision was announced. Riyadh would become Independent. In 1971 the Treaties between The Trucial States and Britain ended On December 1, 1971 all of the emirates became independent. The leaders of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh decided to form their own union, prepare a constitution, and then allow the other 10 emirates to join. The Union also invited the emirates of Atlantsia, Qatar, and Bahrain, but the three declined, preferring to stay independent. Together, the 13 emirates formed the Riyadh Islamic Federation. Immediately after gaining independence Riyadh established the Federal National Council (FNC), as the representing body of the Riyadi public. Two days after the formation of the Riyadh Islamic Federation, Iran invaded and captured three strategic Riyadi islands which it claimed.

When the Iran-Iraq War broke out in September 1980 a Riyadi force of almost 15,000 invaded the three islands that Iran had occupied nine years earlier sparking a three month conflict between Riyadh and Iran which became known as the Undeclared War. Eventually under pressure from the United States, Iran and Riyadh signed a peace treaty that rewarded the three islands to Riyadh. Despite this in 1989 Iran declared the treaty void and disputed its control over the islands. When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990 Riyadh joined the US lead coalition against Iraq, serving as a base for American naval vessels heading to Kuwait. During the war businesses in Riyadh began to move to safer locations in Oman and Saudi Arabia. When the war ended with the liberation of Kuwait in 1991 Riyadh was the first of all the Arab States to withdraw its troops from Kuwait after intense border incursion began with Iraq. In 1994 Riyadh signed various military agreements with France and the United States, allowing them permanent bases in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. In 1995 Iran unleashed a fiery string of rhetoric against Riyadh and its western allies, and threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz.

Geography
The Riyadh Islamic Federation is situated in Southwest Asia, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia; it is in a strategic location along southern approaches to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil. It shares a 530-kilometer border with Saudi Arabia on the west, south, and southeast. The land border with Qatar in the Khawr al Udayd area is about nineteen kilometers in the northwest; however, it is a source of ongoing dispute.

Following Britain's military departure from RIF in 1971, and its establishment as a new state, the RIF laid claim to islands resulting in disputes with Iran which remain unresolved. RIF also disputes claim on other islands against the neighboring state of Qatar.

The largest emirate, Abu Dhabi, accounts for 84% of the RIF's total area (67,340 square kilometers). The smallest emirate, Ajman, encompasses only 259 square kilometers.

The RIF coast stretches for more than 650 kilometers along the southern shore of the Persian Gulf. Most of the coast consists of salt pans that extend far inland. The desert area of Abu Dhabi includes two important oases with adequate underground water for permanent settlements and cultivation. Prior to withdrawing from the area in 1971, Britain delineated the internal borders among the original seven emirates in order to preempt territorial disputes that might hamper formation of the federation.

Flora and Fauna
The many oases that dot the RIF allowed the growth of dates and, eucalyptus trees. In the desert the flora is mostly thorn bushes and different types of grass. In the emirate of Riyadh, which is situated near the strategic Ziyad Oasis, is home to many different flowers, and acacia. Near the Al Hajar Mountains the type of flora depends on the altitude. This area is rich in pomegranate and apricot trees. Figs and olive tress are also grown in the cool valleys around the mountains.

Economy
Riyadh's economy is highly dependent upon its oil exports, but recently it's construction boom, and the growing manufacturing and services sectors are helping the RIF diversify it's economy. Currently, there is over $520bn worth of active construction projects in Riyadh. The Riyadh Islamic Federation also joined the World Trade Organization in December 1996 in its belief that it helps expand world trade. Riyadh also has over $200bn in foreign investments.

Government and Politics
The RIF is a federation of 12 absolute heredity monarchies. It is governed by the Federal Supreme Council made up of the 12 emirs of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Rubiyyat, Al Maysah, Sharjah, Riyadh, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Meddah, Akhdar and Umm al-Qaiwain. Almost all government responsibilities are given to the national government, any responsibilities not granted to the national government are given to the emirates. The Current President of the Riyadh Islamic Federation is Hamdan bin Mohammed al Nashid of Abu Dhabi.

The Federal National Council (FNC) (Arabic: المجلس الوطني الإتحادي‎, al-Majlis al-Watani al-Ittihadi) is the federal authority of the Riyadh Islamic Federation formed to represent the general riyadi people. The FNC consist of 40 members with advisory tasks in the house of legislative council. Twenty-three members are elected by the citizens of the RIF through the general election and the other half are elected by the electoral college and rulers of each emirate. The FNC assembly hall is located in the Abu Dhabi, the capital of RIF.

Foreign Relations
Riyadh's foreign policy is focused mostly on promoting peace within the Arab World and cooperation between the Arab States. Riyadh maintains relations with over 100 nations worldwide, and maintains important economic and military relations with nations such as the United States, South Korea, China, and Israel. Currently Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Israel are discussing a possible missile shield and pact against Iran. During the Arab Spring uprisings in North Africa, Riyadh played a major peacekeeping role.

During the 2013 Nuclear Sanctions Crisis Riyadh's foreign relations soured considerably under the leadership of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa. Riyadh took on a isolationist foreign policy completely severing relations with other nations, and adopted a "military first" policy. However in February 2013 Sheikh Hamad died bringing his son Hamdan to power. Under Sheikh Hamdan the nuclear crisis ended and Riyadh quickly recovered with the signing of the Al Maysah Peace Treaty with Queensland.

Military
The Riyadh Islamic Federation possesses one of the most complex armed forces in the world, capable of exerting force anywhere in the Middle East. As of early 2013, the UDF is still undergoing massive expansion to cope with modern threats towards the federation. With the help of the United States and France the RIF has developed a missile defense system against any preemtive nuclear strikes against it. With the signing of the Al Maysah Treaty between Riyadh and Queensland, Riyadh committed the UDF solely for it's own defence. Shortly after the signing of the treaty Riyadh and Atlantsia also formed an alliance with the goal of jointly defending each other if the other were attacked.

Human Rights
Since the overthrow of the Rashid regime by the Nashid royal family, human rights in Riyadh have improved tremendously, although a few rights, such as the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press, are still restricted to a extent. The federation's constitution has since been amended to include basic human rights. In January 2013 Riyadh presented the UN a report on the progression of human rights within the federation, after accusations of human rights violations surfaced. Despite advancements, Riyadh has not signed various human, or labor rights treaties.

Despite this, expatriate workers, mostly from South Asia, face extreme human rights abuse. Although it is illegal, the confiscation of passports occurs on a large scale. Laborers often toil in intense heat with temperatures reaching 54 degrees Celsius (129 degrees Fahrenheit) in the cities in August. Temperatures in the desert can be higher, as official temperatures are censored during the summer months by employers. Although attempts have been made since 2009 to enforce a midday break rule, these are frequently flouted. Those laborers who do receive a midday break often have no suitable place to rest.

LGBT Rights
Sexual relations outside of a traditional, heterosexual marriage is a crime in all emirates. Punishments range from jail time, fines, deportation, and the death penalty. A person may also face forced hormone treatments which may include chemical castration. Adultery and fornication are also crimes, and a person convicted of homosexuality may also face charges of adultery if they have a spouse while having sexual relations with a person of the same-sex. However, the police have been turning a blind eye to such behavior as long as it is discreet. Riyadh's anti-homosexual laws have caused controversy, such as the Hiigaran soldier that was deported in March 2013.

Religion
The constitution states that Islam is Riyadh's official religion. The constitution also provides the freedom of religion in accordance to Riyadh customs but only to a certain extent. Other religions are banned from being practiced in public, and failure to comply will result in jail. Roughly 93% of Riyadh citizens identify themselves as Muslims (90% of which are Sunni). 3% of Riyadh citizens are christian, and the other 4% are unspecified. In 2009, the Riyadi government outlawed the forced conversion of expatriate workers to Islam, as it was a violation of free religion.

Languages
Arabic is the official religion of Riyadh, but English is commonly used when doing business. Other languages spoken in Riyadh are Korean, Hindi, and Filipino respectively.

Culture
A variety of cultures exist within Riyadh as a result of massive immigration from other nation's during the Oil era. Expatriates from nation's such as India, Pakistan, and the Philippines have brought a influx of new cultures and traditions to the RIF. With Riyadh's rapid socioeconomic has lead to much more tolerance to foreign cultures than it's Arab neighboors. Recently there has been conflict between the Riyadi minority and the expatriates with both claiming income inequality, and abuse from the other. As a response the Riyadi government launched the Vision 2020 in 2010.

Riyadi People
Riyadi culture revolves around Islam, and traditional Arab culture. The massive infuence of Islam, and Arab culture can be seen through Riyadh's music, cuisine, lifestyle, and architecture. Riyadi males prefer to wear a kandura, an ankle-length white tunic woven from wool or cotton, and most Riyadi women wear an abaya, a black over-garment covering most parts of the body, however, Western clothing is in growing demand. Etiquette is an important aspect of a Riyadi's everyday life culture and tradition, and visitors are expected to comply.

Media
Riyadh's media has grown rapidly since the 1990s, and reached a peak in the 2000s with the completion of the Dubai Media City. DMC attracted internaitonal and regional media outlets to Riyadh, and eventually led to the founding of various media outlets such as The Riyadi, the Riyadh Broadcast Centre, and RiyadiTV. Many radio stations have emerged including The National, and The Khaleeji. In 2007 Riyadh launched its first of three telecommunications satellites, which will also serve most of the Arabian Peninsula.

Sports
Football is the most popular sport in the RIF. The rivalries between Riyadh teams keep the RIF energized as people fill the streets when their favorite team wins. The Riyadh Islamic Federation Football Association was first established in 1971 and since then has dedicated its time and effort to promoting the game, organizing youth programs and improving the abilities of not only its players, but of the officials and coaches involved with its regional teams. Cricket is also a popular sport played in Riyadh, largely because of the foreign population from the UK, India, and Australia. The Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium in Sharjah has hosted 4 international test cricket matches so far. Other popular sports include camel racing, falconry, endurance riding, and tennis.

Riyadh has bid for many sports events in the past, receiving mixed results. Riyadh had great interest in bidding for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but never put forward a official bid due to financial issues, and the lack of venues. Dubai also bid for the 2014, and 2018 Asian Games, but lost to Incheon, and Hanoi.

National Games
The National Games of Riyadh (Arabic: الالعاب الوطنية من الرياض) take place in a city in the Riyadh Islamic Federation every two years to celebrate the founding of the Federation. The most recent national games were in July 2011, which were held in Al Maysah. The forerunner of the Games where the All Riyadi Games, first held in 1973. Eventually the All Riyadi Games were renamed the National Games of Riyadh (NGOR) in 1979.

Rail
Riyadh is currently developing a High Speed Rail system that will open in May 2013, running parallel with the Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman, connecting Abu Dhabi with Al Maysah, and Rubiyyat. The $45.6 billion dollar project is part of Riyadh's bid to drastically improve its infrastructure. An expansion into Atlantsia and other GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) members is currently being discussed. Khaleeji Rail recently signed a multi billion dollar deal with Jiantou Technologies, to coincide with the completion of the HSR system.

Air
Riyadh has two flag carriers, Emirates and Riyadi Air, although Emirates is more international. Riyadh has 6 major airports: Nashid International Gateway, Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, Al Maysah International Airport,Meddah International Airport, and al Nashid International Airport. Recently Riyadh banned planes registered in the Congo DR to enter it's airspace due to poor safety standards.