The UAE leadership has driven forward economic diversification efforts already before the oil price crash in the 1980s, and the UAE is nowadays the most diversified economy in the Middle East and North Africa region. Although the oil and gas sector does still play an important role in the UAE economy, these efforts have paid off in terms of great resilience during periods of oil price fluctuations and economic turbulence. While the government may still adjust the exact arrangement of the VAT, it is not likely that any new taxes will be introduced in the foreseeable future. Additional taxes would destroy one of the UAE's main enticements for businesses to operate in the country and put a heavy burden on the economy. The UAE emits a lot of carbon dioxide per person compared to other countries. The Barakah nuclear power plant is the first on the Arabian peninsula and expected to reduce the carbon footprint of the country.
The UAE will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the qiyam al-dawla and qiyam al-ittihad on Dec. 2. Since 1971, when the emirates regrouped under the guidance of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the Emirati political elite has addressed the complex responsibilities of building a functional bureaucratic apparatus while shaping the nation's identity. An oil-based model informed this state-building process and the expectations of citizens for decades, but the country now faces a more complex environment. The United Arab Emirates has an advanced surveillance system, which includes all online modes as well as real life monitoring of public spaces.
Media outlets in the country are either owned by the state or must abide by its image and rules in order to operate. Cases of blocking content as well as persecuting journalists are rarely handled with transparency. The judiciary system plays no role in balancing powers and protecting users' rights. With the cybercrime law and latest regulations for social media, there is no room for expression that can go without state persecution, leading users to self-censor their online content. The UAE has developed from a juxtaposition of Bedouin tribes to one of the world's most wealthy states in only about 50 years. Between 2000 and 2018, average real gross domestic product growth was at close to 4%.
It is the second largest economy in the GCC , with a nominal gross domestic product of US$414.2 billion, and a real GDP of 392.8 billion constant 2010 USD in 2018. Since its independence in 1971, the UAE's economy has grown by nearly 231 times to 1.45 trillion AED in 2013. The non-oil trade has grown to 1.2 trillion AED, a growth by around 28 times from 1981 to 2012. Backed by the world's seventh-largest oil deposits, and thanks to considerate investments combined with decided economic liberalism and firm Government control, the UAE has seen their real GDP more than triple in the last four decades. Nowadays the UAE is one of the world's richest countries, with GDP per capita almost 80% higher than OECD average. Government officials and market experts have endorsed the federal government decision to amend the working hours system.
Abdulrahman Al Awar, minister of human resources and emiratization, has declared that the decision will allow the UAE economy to be more competitive and engage in more business and trade in the world economy. Likewise, Ziad Daoud, a market economist, said the decision would make the UAE more attractive as a regional destination for foreign companies. In the meantime, bottom-up attempts at renegotiating what "Emirati-ness" means are blossoming in informal settings, especially shopping malls. In these "glitzy spaces" of globalization, Emiratis can establish social relations and experience life while defining and performing new expressions of authenticity. Malls might seem like "superficial, ostentatious, consumerist and 'inauthentic' places with no 'soul' proffered in abundance," but they have also become a place where young locals feel safe to question aspects of their national identity and discover alternatives. The impact of these commercial complexes should not be minimized but rather deconstructed in order to better grasp the deep social functions they have in allowing identities to be defined, consumed, and renegotiated.
When we consider identity outside the "Orientalist stereotypes" currently used in the official state narrative, what emerges is a country in transition where there is no homogeneous Emirati national identity but a variety of manifestations of belonging. Ultimately, "what makes the UAE special and a vibrant community is this diversity," concludes Idil Akinci. The United Arab Emirates is a Middle Eastern country located on the southeastern end of the Arabian Peninsula bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The country is made up of a federation of seven political territories ruled by an Islamic monarch, or emirates.
Previously under the administration of the U.K., six of the emirates -- Abu Dhabi, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn -- declared their independence and merged to form the United Arab Emirates. Today, the economy of the UAE, based almost exclusively on the export of crude oil and tourism, rivals those of many westernized nations. Also, because of its moderate approach to foreign policy, the UAE is far more stable than many other countries in the region, avoiding armed conflict and civil unrest. Ras al-Khaimah is situated to the northern part of the UAE, bordering part of Oman's territory, the Musandam.
The population of this emirate is 205,000 people, and the Emirati citizens are the largest group. Ras al-Khaimah does not have any oil, and it has, therefore, focused on advancing its industrial sector. The primary economic areas of Khaimah include real estate, tourism, building materials, service sector, and agriculture. The most recognized types of attraction in this emirate include shopping, nature, parks, water, and amusement parks. The capital city of this emirate is also referred to as Ras al-Khaimah and it is a home to most of the citizens of Ras al-Khaimah emirate.
The Prime Minister, who is appointed by the Federal Supreme Council, appoints the ministers. The Council of Ministers is made up of 22 members and manages all internal and foreign affairs of the federation under its constitutional and federal law. The UAE is the only country in the world that has a Ministry of Tolerance, a Ministry of Happiness, and a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence. The UAE also has a virtual ministry called the Ministry of Possibilities, designed to find solutions to challenges and improve quality of life. The UAE also has a National Youth Council, which is represented in the UAE cabinet by the Minister of Youth. The President and Prime Minister are elected by the Federal Supreme Council.
Usually, a sheikh from Abu Dhabi holds the presidency and a sheikh from Dubai the prime minister-ship. All prime ministers but one have served concurrently as vice president. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is the UAE founding father and widely credited for unifying the seven emirates into one country. He was the UAE's first president from the nation's founding until his death on 2 November 2004.
On the following day the Federal Supreme Council elected his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to the post. The United Arab Emirates' oil and natural gas reserves are the world's sixth and seventh-largest, respectively. Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi and the country's first president, oversaw the development of the Emirates by investing oil revenues into healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates has the most diversified economy among the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
In the 21st century, the country has become less reliant on oil and gas, and is economically focusing on tourism and business. The government does not levy income tax, although there is a corporate tax in place and a 5% value-added tax was established in 2018. Since then, the UAE has been a sovereign nation, enjoying the profits of its natural resources—its reserves of oil and natural gas are the seventh-largest in the world, and it has the seventh-highest GDP per capita. This wealth has turned the Emirates into a major hub of trade, travel, tourism and finance. Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world, is emblematic of the Emirates' dramatic construction boom and rise to global prominence.
Recognizing the inherent diversity within the UAE social fabric, however, does not mean neglecting the role of genuine expressions of love for the country. Indeed, official national holidays such as Flag Day, Commemoration Day, and National Day are occasions when Emirati citizens collectively convey their sense of belonging through public celebrations and events. Manifestations of national pride have become increasingly popular among the Arab Gulf monarchies as the mounting urgency to move away from oil revenues has raised the stakes of competition in the region.
With Gulf Cooperation Council countries adopting similar diversification strategies in areas such as luxury real estate, mass entertainment events, artificial intelligence, and high tech, the need to stand out from one other becomes an imperative. The United Arab Emirates Destination Guide will provide a historical overview, scholarship information, health and safety tips, plus identity-specific resources to ensure students feel prepared with insight and resources for their global experience in the UAE. The information shared below is a bird eye's view and meant to provide some country-specific context. If the Supreme Council objects to the conclusion of these conventions, the matter must be put on hold until the Federal Court decides as quickly as possible on that objection. Apart from being the capital city, it is also the second largest emirate in the world with an approximate population of 1.6 million people.
Abu Dhabi is classified as one of the wealthiest cities in the world with most of its revenue originating from petroleum products. This emirate accounts for approximately two-thirds of the UAE economy. Unlike Dubai which is more Westernized, Abu Dhabi is more into cultural traditions. Abu Dhabi is also a major tourist attraction state where most people visit for cultural reasons such as to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, have fun on the sandy beaches, visit the Yas Island and the famous Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Dubai is the most populous and the largest emirate in the UAE with approximately 2,502,715 people. Notably, it is the most progressive emirate among the seven emirates.
Despite being a desert, the country has managed to utilize its resources and according to the 2015 statistics, it has an annual GDP of 105.6 billion USD. Unlike its neighboring emirates such as Abu Dhabi, the oil reserves of Dubai have been exhausted; oil contributes only 2 % of the total GDP of this emirate. Although it started as a port, Dubai has developed into a luxurious emirate that is home to the world's tallest building. The UAE's monetary policy stresses stability and predictability, as the Central Bank of the UAE keeps a peg to the US Dollar and moves interest rates close to the Federal Funds Rate. This policy makes sense in the current situation of global and regional economic and geopolitical uncertainty. In the mid- to long term, however, the peg will become less important, as the UAE transitions to a knowledge-based economy – and becomes yet more independent from the oil and gas sector .
The first ever national elections were held in the UAE on 16 December 2006. A number of voters chose half of the members of the Federal National Council. The UAE has largely escaped the Arab Spring, which other countries have experienced; however, 60 Emirati activists from Al Islah were apprehended for an alleged coup attempt and the attempt of the establishment of an Islamist state in the UAE. Mindful of the protests in nearby Bahrain, in November 2012 the UAE outlawed online mockery of its own government or attempts to organise public protests through social media. By 1966, it had become clear the British government could no longer afford to administer and protect what is now the United Arab Emirates. British Members of Parliament debated the preparedness of the Royal Navy to defend the sheikhdoms.
Secretary of State for Defence Denis Healey reported that the British Armed Forces were seriously overstretched and in some respects dangerously under-equipped to defend the sheikhdoms. Days after the announcement, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, fearing vulnerability, tried to persuade the British to honour the protection treaties by offering to pay the full costs of keeping the British Armed Forces in the Emirates. The UAE set up a model of managing its nuclear power programme based on contractor services rather than more slowly establishing indigenous expertise.
United Arab Emirates authorities continue to invest in a "soft power" strategy aimed at painting the country as a progressive, tolerant, and rights-respecting nation. Many activists and dissidents, some of whom have completed their sentences, remain detained simply for exercising their rights to free expression and association. Prisons across the UAE hold detainees in dismal and unhygienic conditions, where overcrowding and lack of adequate medical care are widespread. The UAE continues to block representatives of international human rights organizations and UN experts from conducting in-country research and visiting prisons and detention facilities. These high-profile, state-sponsored events "disseminate narratives about the country's national identity"and allow the government to continue the successful strategy of uniting citizens through an appeal to their common Bedouin heritage.
The UAE's nation-building effort is deeper and more structured than a generic public relations campaign. By implementing reforms and inaugurating cultural projects, the leadership is trying to achieve a long-term transformation that encompasses the behavioral, cultural, and personal dimensions of its citizens' daily life. During the last few years, the social engineering process has accelerated significantly with liberal reforms that position the country as a secure, business-friendly, and welcoming environment in a region known for conflict and instability. In March 2016, the government created two new Ministries of State — one for Tolerance and Coexistence and another for Happiness — and released the UAE Charter of Tolerance.
These announcements reassured nationals about the country's economic performance and solid international reputation, while signaling to foreign residents and international observers that the UAE is a modern country that is attractive for investment and migration. Calls for further centralization intensified divisions between "unequal brothers," the southern richest emirates vis-à-vis their northern cousins without natural resources. Even through these periods of conflict, however, the tribe-based Emirati national identity held firm. Since the discovery of oil, the GCC region has undergone a profound transformation and is now home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world. Today, the governments of the GCC countries undertake successful efforts to diversify their economies away from dependence on hydrocarbon industries. These diversified growth sectors, such as finance, logistics, aviation, communications, healthcare and tourism provide abundant business opportunities.
Liberal climates towards foreign cooperation, investment and modernization result in extensive diplomatic and commercial relations with other countries. The United Arab Emirates comprises seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al-Quwain – located along the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The country covers an area of around 84 thousand square kilometres and has a population of around 9 million.
Activists have faced repeated technical attacks designed to deceive them into downloading spyware. In May 2019, reports emerged that NSO Group, whose spyware enabled various countries to surveil journalists and activists, exploited a security flaw in WhatsApp to hack into targets' mobile devices. The government has allegedly manipulated the online information landscape to advance its interests. Du details the criteria it uses to block sites in a document available on its website.
Internet freedom in the United Arab Emirates improved slightly this year, although the overall environment remains significantly restricted. Fewer citizens, online activists, and journalists received long prison sentences for content posted online, however a number of people were arrested for their social media posts. Online censorship is rampant and government surveillance is still problematic. The UAE adopted a federal law that makes swearing in Whatsapp and on other forms of social media punishable by a $68,061 fine and imprisonment and any expatriates are deported. It is very important for your personal safety that you research any new laws that are enacted before you visit the United Arab Emirates.
With most of the emirates exporting oil products, the economy of the UAE has developed tremendously over the last decade, and it is now the second largest economy in Arab world after Saudi Arabia. To maintain its economy, the UAE has already laid down future energy plans. By the year 2050, this country aims at producing 44% clean energy, 38% gas, 12% coal, and 6% nuclear energy. An economy is pegged on the production of energy, with stable and clean energy by 2050.
Most of the residents in this emirate work in the service sector with the government, prohibiting foreigners from owning any business organizations or company more than 49%. Despite being the smallest emirate, Ajman is the fourth most populous state in the UAE with about 258,000 people. The major tourist attractions in this area include cultural destinations, hotels, and shopping malls. The city hosts the Ruler's office, several banks, and approximately fifty local and international retail shops.
Ajman was founded in 1803 after Sheik Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuami conquered the coastal settlements. The introduction of mandatory health insurance in Abu Dhabi for expatriates and their dependents was a major driver in reform of healthcare policy. Abu Dhabi nationals were brought under the scheme from 1 June 2008 and Dubai followed for its government employees. Eventually, under federal law, every Emirati and expatriate in the country will be covered by compulsory health insurance under a unified mandatory scheme.The country has benefited from medical tourists from all over the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. The UAE attracts medical tourists seeking cosmetic surgery and advanced procedures, cardiac and spinal surgery, and dental treatment, as health services have higher standards than other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf.
What Are The Names Of The 7 United Arab Emirates As impressive as economic growth has been in the UAE, the total population has increased from just around 550,000 in 1975 to close to 10 million in 2018. This growth is mainly due to the influx of foreign workers into the country, making the national population a minority. The UAE features a unique labour market system, in which residence in the UAE is conditional on stringent visa rules. This system is a major advantage in terms of macroeconomic stability, as labour supply adjusts quickly to demand throughout economic business cycles.
Foreign nationals subjected to forced disappearance include two Libyans and two Qataris. Amnesty reported that the Qatari men have been abducted by the UAE government and the UAE government has withheld information about the men's fate from their families. Amongst the foreign nationals detained, imprisoned and expelled is Iyad El-Baghdadi, a popular blogger and Twitter personality.
He was arrested by UAE authorities, detained, imprisoned and then expelled from the country. Despite his lifetime residence in the UAE, as a Palestinian citizen, El-Baghdadi had no recourse to contest this order. He could not be deported back to the Palestinian territories, therefore he was deported to Malaysia. According to The New York Times, the UAE is "an autocracy with the sheen of a progressive, modern state". The UAE has been described as a "tribal autocracy" where the seven constituent monarchies are led by tribal rulers in an autocratic fashion.
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