Riyadh Islamic Federation

Riyadh, officially the Riyadh Islamic Federation (ٌArabic:هغشيا ÷سمشةهؤ ثيثقشفهخى), is a federation monarch, comprised of 12 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.

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.

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.

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.

Formation of Islamic Federation
The original 8 Trucial States decided to form a Council to allow better communication between them, The Riyadh Islamic Federation. Territorial disputes between Abu Dhabi, and Dubai resulted in the formation of a 9th emirate, Riyadh. The capital was moved out of Abu Dhabi, to Riyadh a few months later. A year later another dispute between the 2 northern Emirates ended with the creation of the 10th emirate, Meddah. The last emirate to join was Muscat (Now Al Maysah). Continous border disputes between Riyadh and Oman resulted in Riyadh invading northern Oman with British support.



Independence
In 1966 Britain could no longer continue to govern the Trucial States (Now Riyadh Federation). Talks between the two began in Riyadh and four years later their decision was announced. Riyadh would become Independent. In 1971 the Treaties between The Trucial States and Britain would end. On December 2, 1971 Riyadh had become independent, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed Basim Rashid. That same year Riyadh joined the Arab League and in 1981 become a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Qatar and Bahrain joined the Federation in 1971 after gaining Independence from Britain, But in 1972 fighting between Qatar, Bahrain, and the other Emirates lead to both Qatar and Bahrain's departure from the Federation.

Iran-Riyadh War
The Iran-Riyadh War was a three month conflict between the Riyadh Islamic Federation and Iran for control of three Persian Gulf Islands. On 5 March 1972 Iranian troops invaded the Riyadi controlled islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb, claiming the islands belonged to Iran. The islands, part of the Ras Al Khaimah emirate were immediately occupied. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and RAK disputed this, and threatened military action if the islands were not returned.

Iran ignored the threat and attacked Abu Musa, which belonged to Sharjah. The invasion was repelled, and the Iranian army retreated back to Greater and Lesser Tunb. Riyadi troops from Al Maysah crossed the Strait of Hormuz an attacked the Iranian island Qeshm. The Iranians managed to route the Riyadi and hold their positions in Qeshm. The next day a force of almost 100,000 Iranians crossed the Strait of Hormuz and invaded Al Maysah in an attempt to gain a foothold against Riyadh. The invasion failed and Iran withdrew its troops back to Qeshm. Riyadh, taking advantage of this, invaded and recaptured Greater and Lesser Tunb.

Riyadh then attacked Qeshm again, managing to take 2/3 of the island before being halted by Iranian reinforcements.

Attempted Sharjah Coup
On January 15, 1972 eight members of the Sharjah Defense Force including the previous ruler of Sharjah, who had been overthrown by the British, attempted to capture, and kill the new leader of Sharjah, Sheikh Asim Najib Hussain. The small force managed to capture the Sheikh's palace but failed to locate and kill the Sheikh. The Union Defence Force managed to take back the Palace resulting in 18 deaths, including the 8 members of the Sharjah Defense Force.

Civil War
In 1971 the Rashid regime controlling the emirate of Riyadh attacked the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah which was ruled by the Nashid Royal Family, sparking a war between the two. The ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Rasheed bin Aziz al Nashid, knowing his was severely outmatched by Riyadh, turned to Abu Dhabi for assistance. Abu Dhabi invaded southern Riyadh, nearly capturing Riyadh City, but it's advance was halted when Dubai joined the war coming to the aid of Riyadh. This prompted the emirate of Muscat to assist RAK with supplies coming through Al Maysah.On 12 December 1972 the forces of Riyadh captured the city of Ras Al Khaimah forcing the emirate's royal family to flee to Al Maysah.

The emirate of Muscat then seceded from Riyadh forming the People's Democratic Republic of Riyadh. From the PDRR Sheikh Rasheed managed to continue commanding the RNC, using guerrilla warfare to halt Riyadh's advance into the People's Republic. Civil unrest in the RIF eventually led to the withdrawal of Riyadi troops from the PDRR, and back into its own land to try and restore order. The RNC (Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm al Qaiwan) took advantage of this, and invaded the RIF. Advances into the RIF were slow to progress and became lengthy. In May 1972 the RNC seized the emirate of Dubai, cutting of Riyadh's supply routes with its other allies. With Riyadh now surronded on all three sides it surrendered, and on June 3, 1974, with the signing of the Treaty of Al Maysah, the war was officialy over. Sheikh Mohamed Basim Rashid was executed, and the Nashid family took control of the emirate of Riyadh.

Reunification
In the early months of 1976 talks began between Riyadh and the PDRR for a peaceful reunification, but talks broke down with the PDRR's sinking of a Riyadi destroyer near disputed waters. The Riyadh Federation and the PDRR then agreed on a DMZ hoping to resolve any long standing border disputes. Riyadh, hoping to avoid a war continued a peaceful approach up until the PDRR made an alliance with Iran. Riyadh then severed relations with the PDRR, and prepared for war. The People's Democratic Republic threatened Riyadh with preemptive nuclear strikes, but withdrew it's statements in fear of Riyadi retaliation. The PDRR then invaded the RIF briefly occupying the city Al Ain and struck the Riyadi Navy, rendering it unable to defend RIF against a amphibious invasion. Despite this Riyadh's superior airforce and ground forces defeated the People's Democratic Republic in 1977, with an official surrender in 1978.

21st Century
Riyadh enjoyed peace and stability throughout the beginning of the 21st Century until the death of Sheikh Zayed Sayyid al Nashid in November 2004. His eldest son, HH Hamad bin Khalifa al Nashid gained the role as Sheikh of Riyadh. He made it clear that his goal was to make Riyadh a military state. He focused on increasing Riyadh's military strength, and solidifying the federation's place as a regional power. His actions lead to the 2013 Nuclear Sanctions Crisis which severely damaged international opinions towards Riyadh, including its long time ally Atlantsia. Before he could further damage Riyadh's situation, he died on February 13, 2013 leaving control of Riyadh to his son, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Nashid.

Arab Spring
Riyadh was largely unaffected by the Arab Spring movement but it became largely involved. Public support for the rebellions in Syria and Bahrain grew, and people began pushing the government to intervene. Riyadh immediately opened it borders to refugees fleeing Bahrain and Syria, and deployed 5,500 troops to Bahrain and Syria, violating it's policy of non-intervention. Iran, a supporter of the Syrian Government, condemned Riyadh for supporting a rouge opposition, and threatened to sever relations. In 2013, Riyadh, along with the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council officially recognized the Syrian National Coalition as the legitimate government of Syria.

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.

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.

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 right to free speech, 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 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.

Ethnic Groups
National Emirati are a minority in Riyadh, making up 15% of the nation's population. Despite this, National Emirati have many more rights and privileges than foreign nationals. National born Emirati make up less than 20% of Riyadh's workforce.

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.

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. Khali 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.

Culture
Riyadh has a diverse and multicultural society. Major holidays in the RIF include National Day (1 December), and Eid al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country. Since 2006, the weekend has been Friday-Saturday, as a compromise between Friday's holiness to Muslims and the Western weekend of Saturday-Sunday.

Most 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 Riyadh 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.



Architecture
Riyadh's architecture is largely based on Islamic architecture. Although during Riyadh's modernization period many Islamic traditions were lost with buildings become more modern and complex than before.

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.