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INTRODUCTION
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven
emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajmam, Ras al-Khaimah, Umm
at-Qaiwain and Fujairah) came into being on 2 December 1971.
Earlier it was under the British control which formally relinquished its
mandate over the seven lower gulf Sheikdoms, on December 1, 1971,^
collectively known as the Trucial States. On the following day, i.e.
December 2, 1971, six of the seven (except Ras al-khaimah) formed a
federation, the United Arab Emirates. Ras al-Khaimah joined later on
February 11, 1972.
The United Arab Emirates is located in the middle of the
Arabian Gulf, north of the equator, between latitude 22°, 26.30° to the
North, and longitude 51°, 56.30° east of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT). It is bordered to the north by the Arabian Gulf, and to the
west by the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to
the south by Sultanate of Oman and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to
the east by Gulf of Oman.
The total area of the country is 83,600 sq. km. This includes an
archipelago of an area of about 5,900 sq. km.^ It extends for some
' Long, David E., The Persian Gulf An Introduction to its People. Politics and Economies, New York, Wesmew Press, 1978, p.35 " Ministry of Planning, Central Statistical DspanvKvii, Annual Statistical Abstract. 1992, Seventeenth Edition, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 1992, p 3
3
1.000 kilometre along the shores of the lower gulf and towards east
along the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.^
1.1 Physical Divisions of the United Arab Emirates:
The geography of the United Arab Emirates varies from one
place to another. Broadly speaking its total area can be divided into
the following physical divisions .
(a) The Coast and the Coastal plain,
(b) The Desert and the Oases,
(c ) The Upland Plains, and;
(d) The Rugged Mountains.
(a) The Coast and the Coastal Plain:
Being a part of the shallow gulf region most of the long gulf
coast of the UAE merges into the water of the gulf. Sometimes it
becomes difficult to define the junction of land and water due to the
numerous islands, reefs and shoals except along the coast of Dubai,
which is a natural harbour. The slight tilt of the Gulf floor along the
coast of Abu Dhabi, makes this place the shallowest part of the
shallow Persian Gulf, hence it becomes a difficult coast for
navigation. The effect of the shallowness of the sea floor combined
with summer heat of the area can easily be seen along the coast of
Abu Dhabi where surface water temperature may reach 38°C (100°
" MER] Repon, I imedArab Emirates. Middle East Research Institute, university of Pensilvania, London: CroomHelm, 1985, p. 3
4
Fahrenheit) in summers. Along the long gulf coast of the UAE tidal
currents are generally weak, except at the strait of Hormuz, river
estuaries and narrow passages between land masses."
Generally the 400 kilometres long coast of Abu Dhabi is
without any diverse topography. Along the coastline the emirate is
characterized by Sabkha or salt flats. The largest of these coastal
salt flats, Sabkha a/ Matti, lies in the extreme west of the country,
near the borders of Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Sabkha al Matti
stretches 56 kilometres along the coast and more than 96 kilometres
inland. The upper crust of the sabkhas become hard due to the high
summer temperature combined with evaporation of underground salt
seepage. Sometimes on this hard crust vehicles can be driven,
whereas sometimes these sabhkhas become extremely hazardous
when rain or sea water makes the upper crust weak.^ Apart from
sabkhas there are also mangrove swamps, coral reefs and sandy
beaches. Whereas, the eastern part of the coastline breaks into a
series of islands, one of which is occupied by Abu Dhabi city.
Further towards Dubai the coast is generally flat and unbroken.
Moreover, it is without any dramatic topography until the creek at
Dubai, the only exception being a new harbour named Jabel AM,
which has been built in the western part of the creek. The creek is
known as Khor Dubai, is 10 kilometres long and divides the town into
'' Al\in J Cottrell ,etal. (eds ), Tfie Persian Gulf States A General Sun'e\ Baltimore and London John Hopkins University Press, 1980, pp 541-542
5
two divisions. The southern division of the town is known as Bur
Dubai, and the northern known as Diera Dubai. The length of the
coast of Dubai is approximately 72 kilometres along the Persian Gulf.
The Emirates of Sharjah is located along the coast of the Persian
Gulf over a distance of 16 kilometres. Sharjah commands an inlet,
which is like Dubai's creek, a busy modern harbour. The towns of
Ajman and Umm al-Qaiwain are situated on comparatively natural
bays. The Emirate of Ajman is situated on the coast of the Persian
Gulf, extending over a distance of 16 kilometres. While the Emirates
of Umm al-Qaiwain, stretching over a distance of 24 kilometres along
the Persian Gulf. The town of Umm al-Qaiwain which is the capital of
the emirate, situated on a one kilometre wide and five kilometres long
deep creek.
The emirate of Ras al-Khaimah occupies the extreme northern
coast of the United Arab Emirates over a distance of 64 kilometers
long along the Persian Gulf. It is the only emirate of the UAE where
the coast line shows some dramatic topography. The emirate is
adjacent to Oman's Musandam Peninsula, the flat coastal plain gives
way to cliffs, and to the rocky mountains reaching an elevation of
about 5,000 to 7,000 feet. A number of important islands are part of
the emirate, the most well known are the greater Tumb and lesser
Tumb. The other Important topographical feature is the small creek
' Malcolm. C. Peck., The United Arab Emirates: A ]'enture in ('nit\; London; Croom Helm, 1986, p. 7.
6
named khor Ras al - Khaimah, which divides the town of Ras al-
Khaimah (capital of the emirates) into two parts. The western part is
known as old Ras al-Khaimah, while the eastern part known as al-
Nakheel. These two separate parts are connected via a large bridge
built across al-Khor to make traffic facilities smooth between the two
parts.
Fujairah, is the only emirate of the United Arab Emirates which
is situated entirely on the Gulf of Oman and has no coastline on the
Persian Gulf. It's coast extends along the Gulf of Oman over a
distance of 90 kilometres. Fujairah's coast is characterized by a
combination of long and unruined sandy beaches and rocky
promontories. In summers in the Gulf of Oman, the water is a few
refreshing degrees cooler than on the Persian Gulf side. A narrow
coastal strip lies immediately behind the shore, which is fertile owing
to the run-off of water from the wades.
(b) The Desert and the Oases:
The coastal lands of Abu Dhabi's coast merge into a belt of
desert that is a part of the great Arabian Desert. The areas of desert
or semi desert are interspersed with the oases which have been used
since ancient times by the people of the desert for the cultivation of
date palms and for other uses^ In the center of the peninsula rolling
* Ministry of Information and Culture, United Arab Emirates. A Record of Achievement, 1979-1981, Abu Dhabi, UAE, p. 135.
sand dunes can be seen, while in the extreme south-western part of
Abu Dhabi on the edge of the desert of Rub al-Khali, great dunes,
that are the main characteristic features of the desert, began to
appear.
In the eastern side of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain oasis
lies some 160 kilometres far from Abu Dhabi city. With the lower
humidity as compared to the areas lying near the coasts, and greater
supplies of subterranean water coming from of the Hajar mountains,
the Al-Ain Area is the heart of Abu Dhabi agriculture. Al-Ain is
roughly circular in shape, about 10 kilometres in diametre, and
contains ten villages of which seven belong to Abu Dhabi and three
to Sultanate of Oman. Sometimes the oasis is referred as Buraimi,
but the village of Buraimi is one the three in Oman. The other two
villages of Oman are Saara and Hamasa. The seven villages of Al-Ain
oasis located in Abu Dhabi's territory are al-Ain (the main centre),
Hili, Jimi, Qatarah, Mutarid, Masudi and Muwiji.^ Jahili situated near
al-Ain Oasis is a separate village, full of green gardens and
dominated by a large fort, which is the birth place of president Sheikh
Zayed.
In the emirate of Abu Dhabi another important oasis is Al-Liwa,
located more than 200 kilometres far from Al-Ain oasis.
Topographically Al-Liwa and Al-Ain are different from each other. The
Fenelon, KG., The United Arab Emirates. An Economic and Social Sun'ey. London: Longman, 1976,p.4.
Al-Liwa oasis stretches over a distance of some 64 l<ilometres in an
arc like shape. Moreover, the villages of Al-Liwa oasis are not
located together like AI-AIn oasis, but spread out along the arc. A
close observation makes it clear that Liwa is not one oasis, but a
chain of some thirty small oases, located in a depression, sided by
high sand dunes to north and south. Al-Liwa is situated 160
kilometres south-east of Abu Dhabi city. Difficulties of communication
make the vi l lages of this oasis somewhat isolated. The traditional
economy of the people of these vil lages is based on the date palms
and animal husbandry.
Oasis are also found in other emirates of the Federation.
Sharjah possesses an oasis about thirty miles east of the Sharjah
town at Dahid. This has an area of about 24 kilometres, which is
bounded by Hajar mountains on one side, and merges into sand
dunes on the other. A few miles away in the same wadi, there is
another oasis, known as Falaj a l - Mulla, which belongs to the
emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain; date palms and fruits are successfully
cult ivated there. In the interior of Dubai, Aweer oasis is located.
(c ) The Upland Plains :
The third geographical zone of the federation is the area of
gravel plains. These lie in the west of Hajar mountains and slowly
narrow down to the Musandam Peninsula. Most of the part of the
gravel plains of the UAE are located in the Ras al-Khaimah and in
some areas of eastern Sharjah. This region is more ferti le as
compared to coastal plains and interior deserts as it receives water
from Hajar mountains. The emirate of Ras al-Khaimah has higher
rainfall than other areas of the UAE, because it is situated in the
foothil ls of the mountains. There are several areas of the gravel
plains that support permanent natural vegetation.
Semi-fertile plains extend from Jebel Sumaini in the south to
Ras al-Khaimah town in an area of about 96 kilometres. The plains
progressively become smaller from south to north. These plains are
very fertile as palm groves, acacia, eucalyptus trees and some
vegetables are grown in these areas. Moreover, half of the country's
fruits, vegetables, cereals and livestocks are produced in the plains
of Ras al-Khaimah. Dates, cucumber and alfalfa are among the main
crops of the plains.
(d) The Rugged Mountains :
Hajar mountains form the fourth distant geographical zone of
the UAE. The eastern mountain range runs about 80 kilometres north
and south and about 32 kilometre across. The highest peaks are
7,000 feet and 8,000 feet high in the UAE, while in Sultanate of
Oman, the height of these ranges is the highest, reaching almost
10,000 feet. The mountain range plays an important role in cutting off
the Arabian states from the Batinah coast. Several decades back
10
UAE-MOUNTAINS AND WAOJES
T H * ^
STRAITS OF HORMUZ'\
MUSANOUM PENINSM.LA
AbMMuso
ARABIAN GULF
Wodi
tOUWCE: F«i>«lon,K.G.,ThtUni t td Arob Emiro te t ; A EcM*nici Socio I Sufvty. London'. Low^wowi 1973
Corlographic Lob,CWAS(AMU) nG-2
11
when there was not any trans-peninsular road, only the passes of the
wadi Ham provided an access to the eastern side of the Peninsula.
Numerous wades are found in the mountains and their foothills.
In these some of the wades retain sufficient water to support modest
agriculture, whereas others are steep in which, rain water may often
flow with tremendous force. Consequently, dangerous floods can
occur with the runoff of water from mountains to the narrow steep
valleys.
1.2 Climate:
The United Arab Emirate lies in the arid tropical zone,
extending across Asia and northern Africa. The location of the area
and the coastline along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman mainly
influence its climatic conditions.
Essentially there are two seasons: winter and summer.
However, differences in the climatic conditions can easily be seen
and characterized from one geographical region to another.° winter is
generally pleasant, extending from November to April. In winters
temperature ranges between 21° to 32° Celsius (65° to 95°
Fahrenheit) in the midday, while during night it falls as low as 9°
Celsius (48° Fahrenheit).® Winter is the season in which there is
some rainfall which is essentially scanty. Rain is infrequent and
' Malcolm, C, Peck, op at, p 14 ' MERI Report, op.cit. p. 3
12
irregular. Generally it does not exceed five inches in a year and is
some times as low as an inch or even lesser. Usually, it is greater in
the mountain regions.
On the other hand, summers extend from May to October. This
is an uncomfortable season with high temperature and even humidity.
In summers, temperature ranges between 38° and 50° Celsius (100°
and 122° Fahrenheit) in the midday. Mostly interior deserts
experience 50° Celsius temperature in daytime, though it may drop
20° Celsius (68° Fahrenheit) or even less during nights.
Along the coast, diurnal range of temperature is not as high as
in the deserts. In the evening temperature drops only a few degrees.
Moreover, intense humidity and high temperature make the climatic
condition of the coastal areas quite uncomfortable during summers.
When air-conditioners were not introduced, wind-towers were the
main source of cool-air circulation.
Sandstorms are an important feature of the climate in the UAE,
just like other desert areas. Sandstorms are very hazardous for the
travellers and for the man-made objects made of metal and glass.
Sometimes it becomes impossible to travel during the time of dust
storms. Dust storms may occur from time to time, usually
accompanied by a strong north wind shamal and the hot khamsin from
13
the south in summer.^° In the past, monsoonal winds of Indian ocean
were very helpful for the sailors, sailing from the Gulf to India and
Africa.
The comparison of present climatic conditions with that of past
gives an indication of slight change in the climate of the UAE. A
report by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)"
suggests a drop of some 4 or 5 degrees in summer temperatures.
Slightly higher rainfall is also experienced in some areas of the UAE
such as Ras al-Khaimah. There may be change in climatic conditions
because to an extent desertification has been checked out with the
construction of huge buildings and plantation all over the country.
1.3 Natural vegetation:
UAE lies in such a climatic region where usually rainfed and
irrigated food crops and trees are cultivated. Eucalyptuses are
irrigated trees whereas acacias are both irrigated and rainfed. Palm
trees are found in oases. Tamarisks^^ and tamarinds^^ grow naturally
ir inland areas, while mangroves occur in swampy areas along the
coast. A variety of hardy grasses and shrubs (specially wild castor oil
plant) manage to survive in the harsh climate of the desert.
'"Malcolm, C Peck, op at. p 17 ^^Ibid.p 17 " Tamansks are ever green tree or shrub with slender branches, very small leaves and spiky flowers
Tamarinds are tropical trees, its pods containing sour brownish pulp
14
On the coast of the gulf and over the desert areas, natural
vegetation is sparse due to scanty rainfall and non-availability of
underground water. Nothing grows in the salt flats, but in desert
areas plants and flowers may appear almost within a night after the
rain. Desert plants are wonderfully adapted to their environment. The
cactus type of plant stores water in its cells and use it gradually.
There is marked contrast in the natural vegetation of desert
areas and the areas of oases, Batinah coast and some favourable
regions of Ras al-Khainah where water is available from Hajar
mountains. Here different varieties of fruits and vegetables are
successfully grown.
1.4 Area, Population and Tribal Structure:
The total area of UAE without archipelago (covers an area of
5,900 sq. km.), is 77,700 sq. km., in which Abu Dhabi alone covers
87.67 per cent (67.340 sq. km) of the total area of the UAE. Dubai
covers 5 per cent (3,885 sq. km.); Sharjah 3.33 per cent (2,590 sq.
km.); Ajman 0.33 per cent (259 sq. km.), Ras al-Khaimah 2.17 per
cent (1,683.5 sq. km.) and Fujairah covers 1.50 per cent (1,165
sq.km.) of the total area of the UAE (see table 4.4).
Though the area of Abu Dhabi as compared to other emirates is
too large but population concentration as compared to Dubai is not as
high as it should be according to the area. Abu Dhabi is a sparsely
15
populated emirate. The concentration of population in Abu Dhabi is
mainly near the oases, in main islands, Abu Dhabi city and in coastal
areas. While desert, which covers most of the area of Abu Dhabi
emirate is almost uninhabited.
Table 4.4 shows a fast increase in population in all emirates.
The economic development, modernization and industrialization are
main pulling factors of foreign population. So far as the population
concentration is concerned, despite covering a small part of the UAE,
Dubai is densely populated as compared to Abu Dhabi. Density of
population is also increasing in Sharjah though not as fast as in
Dubai. The reason of fast increase in the population in these two
emirates as compared to other emirates, are the trading based
economies, which need a large number of manpower as compared to
oil and gas industries which are the main pillars of the economy of
Abu Dhabi.
Table 4.4 Shows that in 1975, the total population of Abu Dhabi
was 211,812 (37.97 per cent of the total). While in 1995, after 20
years it increased to 928,360 (39.20 per cent of the total population).
In 1975, 183,187 (32.84 per cent of the total) persons were living in
Dubai. Further in 1995, in Dubai the number of persons increased to
674,101 (28.46 per cent of the total population). Sharjah occupies
third position in terms of population. In 1975, its population was
78,790 (14.12 per cent of the total UAE's population), whereas, in
16
1995, number of persons living in Sharjah increased to 400,339
(16.90 per cent of the total). Ajman and Fujairah have substantial
population due to mainly agriculture and to some extent physical
features and strategic location.
The high concentration of expatriate work force and the tribal
nature of population are the main characteristics of UAE's population.
In the population structure of the UAE, foreigners share is greater,
though the exact data of the expatriate population is not available
because of the secretive government policies in the field of
manpower. However, estimates give an impression of 80 per cent
non-citizen and 20 per cent citizen population.
Another feature of UAE's population is its tribal nature
basically. In the past, tribes of varying size and statures roamed in
the Eastern Arabian desert in search of pasture for their herds. These
pastures were totally dependent upon unpredictable rain, therefore
for the sustenance of their animals nomads were dependent upon
rain. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the encounter of
these tribes with the sea led to the gradual rise of a more settled life
along the gulf coast, characterized by a new mode of economic
activity such as seafaring , fishing pearling and subsistence
17
agriculture.^" Later-on the discovery and exploitation of oil. in the
area converted rural tribalism into urban tribalism.
In the UAE six principal tribal groups inhabit the area: the
Baniyas, a confederation of tribes of differing histories and origins;
the Manasir (singular: Mansuri), a nomadic tribe which is mostly
found in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the Qawasim (singular: Qasimi),
which is historically an eminent tribe of north east, the AM, or Al Bu
AM; the Sharqiyim (singular: Sharqi); and the Nuaym or Naim
(singular: Nuaymi or Naimi).^^
Baniyas which is a confederation of different tribes, has been
characterized by both settled and nomadic people. Most of the
Baniyas were nomads, but by late 1760s, some of them had founded
the town of Abu Dhabi as a pearling and fishing centre. The head of
the main branch of tribe, Al Bu Falah settled down in Abu Dhabi
during 1790s. Present ruling family, the Al-Nahayan, comes from this
branch of Baniyas.
Another family of Al Bu Falah branch Al-Maktoum, settled down
in Dubai in 1833. Al-Nahayan of Abu Dhabi and Al-Maktoum of Dubai
both are the members of Baniyas tribe. The Al-Nahayan reflect their
Bedouin roots; while Al Maktoum have a decidedly urban approach
14. Khalifa, Ali Mohammed., 77?̂ United Arab Emirates: Unity in Fragmentation, London : Westview Press, 1979, p. 75. " Long, David, E , op.f;r., p.6.
18
which is directly linked to the geographical location and
characteristics of Dubai town.^^
The Qawasimi have a history of controlling on both of the sides
of the gulf at one time. While after signing a general treaty with
British in 1820, the prestige of Sharjah went into decline. But after
some time rulers of Sharjah were able to gain control over Ras-al-
Khaimah, the inland oasis of Dhaid and the islands of Abu Musa and
two Tumbs. Qawasimi people were engaged in pearl diving and
fishing in the coastal areas; and in inland areas in the cultivation of
dates, oranges, mangoes and wheat.
The AM is the principal tribe of Umm al-Qaiwain, which is ruled
by one of their member. Ajman is ruled by a member of Al Bu
Kharayban branch of the Nuaym tribe. And Fujairah rulers comes from
Shariq tribe^^ .
Throughout the history, the tribal structure of the UAE gave
birth to violence among the tribes of the Trucial states. That is why
political boundaries of the Sheikdoms are not even, and the map of
UAE look like a patchwork quilt (see fig.3). The enclaves and
dependencies of emirates are intruding into one another territory and
subsequently dividing sheikdoms into two or more parts. The internal
history of the country reveals that the geographical boundaries of the
Zahlan, Rosemarie Said., The Making of the Modem Gulf States, London Unwin Hyman Press, 1989, p. 94 ' Long. David E.,op.c;/., p. 17.
19
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Sheikdoms were not the same as today. Several Sheikdoms were at
various times parts of other Emirates. Ras al-Khaimah which is an
independent emirate since 1921, once was under the possession of
Sharjah's rulers. Kalba, now a part of Sharjah was at one time
independent. Fujairah, the youngest trucial state, got independence
only in 1952.
Above discussion of physical features, climate, natural
vegetation, area, population and tribal structure of the country is
required for a better understanding of the three principal themes of
the present work, that are resources (natural), manpower and
economic development of the UAE.
1.5 Purpose of the Study:
It is a known fact that the overall development of any country to
a greater extent is linked to the above factors
Notwithstanding limitations, the purpose of the present study is
to undertake a detailed analytical assessment of the natural
resources, manpower and economic development of the UAE. As a
sequel, it highlights the shortcomings in the rational development of
these aspects and to give suggestions for further development on
sustainable basis.
UAE is fortunate enough to have large reserves of oil and gas.
Substantial oil reserves have enabled the government to build a solid
21
foundation for a stable and prosperous country with an impressive
and modern infrastructure and an international status in the world
economy.
Except oil and gas, UAE, generally lacks in other natural
resources. At the same time fast depletion of oil reserves is a cause
to worry for geographers, economists and planners. Hence, it is
necessary to conserve the depletable natural resources of oil and gas
for future generations. Moreover, it is important to develop other
existing natural resources, that are fishes and natural pearls (marine
resources), for which trucial states were world famous at one time
and enercy resources such as solar, wind, geothermal and tide power
to minimise the dependence on oil and gas, and to harness the
climatic blessings of hot sunny and windy days almost throughout the
year, especially in desert areas.
Mineral resources such as chromite, nickel, copper, platinum
and asbestos have been discovered in the UAE, but still they are not
commercially exploitable. The present work deals with the area and
production of natural resources. An emphasis has been given on the
commercial exploitation of that natural resources, which are not
developed.
Manpower is the second dimension of the study. Since
independence, the government of the UAE has invested huge funds
for the development of manpower, particularly in the field of
22
After oil and gas trade is the second main sector in which UAE
is diversifying to its economy. The UAE is fortunate in having a
strategic location in the Gulf to exploit this natural asset to its best.
Almost central geographical location of the country between East and
West has helped in the development of trade. The study of
composition and direction of trade of the UAE, with special emphasis
on Dubai's trade has been done. Study of other sectors, which
facilitate to the development of trade i.e. transport and
telecommunication , finance and banking is also undertaken.
Though trade is the main sector besides oil and gas, in which
UAE is diversifying it's economy, But there are other sectors also,
which are getting a lot of attention of UAE government e.g.
agriculture, manufacturing industries and tourism.
The present work also evaluates as to what extent
diversification of economy in other sectors viable and able to support
the economic infrastructure of the country.
1.6 Importance of the Study:
It has been mentioned earlier that the present study deals with
the three major aspects of the development of the UAE, that are
natural resources, manpower and economy. Nowadays in the Gulf
countries geographers and planners have started to look at these
dimensions from a fresh angle. On the one side, the importance of
23
education (both professional and non professional) and health in
order to create an indigenous pool of skilled manpower to sustain and
boost up its pace of economic growth. However, the country has not
yet been able to be self sufficient so far as manpower needs are
concerned.
Manpower development is the sum total of demographic issues,
educational attainment, vocational training and health development of
the citizens. In the present work, an attempt has been made to
analyse the aspects of demography, labor force, education and
health. A separate study of expatriate and indigenous population in
all the fields, which I think is very important from the angle of
manpower development could not be done due to the non-availability
of separate data of citizens and non-citizens, just because of the
government policy of non-publicizing the separate data of population
and labour force.
The third aspect of the study is the pattern of economic
development. It is a well known fact that the country has rich
deposits of oil and gas, which are the backbone of the UAE's
economy. The present work deals with the trend of oil and gas
production, moreover, it has also been analysed how far the
dependence of the country has decreased on oil and gas sector. The
study also highlights what can be done to conserve oil and gas for
future generations.
24
every aspect in itself is not less than the other hand, while on the
other, every aspect is interrelated and dependent on each other.
So far as economic development is concerned, it is directly
dependent on the natural resources and manpower of the country.
Natural resources (oil and gas) brought prosperity in the UAE, that
consequently gave way to a highly developed infrastructure,
modernization, urbanization and most important is the highly
developed economy.
This highly developed economy needs skilled and unskil led
workers in large number, in which the country is badly lacking, due to
its small population size, low educational attainment, insufficient
vocational training and conservative cultural outlook.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The present work on resources, manpower and the pattern of
economic development in the UAE covers three broad aspects of the
development of UAE. Under the head of these three broad headings a
wide range of study of natural resources of the UAE, demography,
labour force, education, health, oil and gas agriculture,
manufacturing industries, tourism, trade, transport,
telecommunication and banks has been carried out.
The content of the work shows that the scope of the present
study is unlimited. First of all it will be helpful for the students of
25
geography, population studies, sociology and economics of West
Asia. Secondly, wide range of data has been collected for the
analysis of the above mentioned aspects, that is why it will definitely
pave the way for geographers, sociologists, economists and planners
those who want to do work on different problems of the UAE. Thirdly,
what is most important, is the model building which tries to eliminate
various existing problems in the UAE.
If planners and government give a thought to the suggestions
given in the study and further research could be carried out in beat
direction, it will definitely be a fruitful research.
On the one hand, the scope of the present work appears wide,
while on the other, there are certain limitations. First of all it is
important to make it clear that owing to the financial limitation, a trip
to the region which would have provided greater access to the
literature, could not be undertaken. However, intense efforts were
made to locate all available literature in India and the UAE.
Secondly, owing to the non-availability of station-wise data of
meteorology (Temperature and wind-diurnal and monthly), separate
data of expatriate and indigenous labour force, employment (hours of
work and wages) the analysis to a certain extent has limits in terms of
natural resources and manpower.
The data of diurnal and monthly temperature and wind velocity
at different stations of the UAE could not be obtained, which is
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necessary to make a model for solar and wind energy. Moreover,
suitable sites can be suggested for installation of solar plant and
wind turbine and a map of wind direction and velocity can be
produced.
Owing to the non-availability of data on diverse aspects of
population and labour-force, the problem of manpower could not be
treated in such a way as it should be.
1.8 Methodology and Plan of the Study:
The present study is historical-cum-analytical of the above
mentioned aspects of UAE, since its independence (2 December
1971). So far as the selection of the period of study is concerned it
has obvious reasons. First, small sheikdoms of the UAE, which were
previously known as Trucial States joined together to make a
federation on 2 December, 1971, after the British withdrawal from this
region. Secondly, since 1971, government thoroughly and
systematically started to use the revenues obtained from the oil in
making the modern, industrial and high standard infrastructure of all
emirates (UAE).
Since UAE got independence in 1971, the publication of
Systematic data has started a few years later. That is why 1975 has
been chosen as the base year. Wherever, data is available before
1975, it has been incorporated. The study would, however, try to scan
27
facts from various sources, UAE and international and would present
them in a systematic and cohesive manner. Since the study is of
general nature very simple statistical tools have been employed. The
main aim of the study is to built certain developmental models on the
ground of theoretical and statistical analysis. This work is, therefore,
a humble attempt in that direction.
For a systematic analysis the analysis is divided into the
following six chapters:
Chapter I places the UAE in its historical perspective in relation
to Persian Gulf. Trucial States (at present UAE) were situated on the
trade route of Persian Gulf, therefore, the history of these emirates
was directly or indirectly effected by the activities going on in the
Persian Gulf.
Chapter II evaluates the natural resources of UAE that are
mainly oil, gas and fishes; and attempts to watch the future prospects
of development of other natural resources like pearls, solar, wind,
geothermal and tide energy.
Chapter Hi deals with a detailed analysis of manpower and
related aspects of the UAE. That is the sum total of the development
of demographic, labour force, education and health aspects etc.
Chapter IV attempts to highlight the pattern of economic
development of the UAE. It inspects the contribution of different
28
sectors to the (3UP during the period under corjisideration. It also 1
aims to take into account the changes brought ab(i>ut in the economic
edifice of the other sectors (agriculture, manufacturing industries and
tourism etc.) with the fueling of the oil wealth. It also tries to watch
the prospects of economic diversification of the UAE.
Chapter V deals with the composition and dii^ection of trade with
special emphasis on Dubai trade. The development of other sectors
which facil itate trade like transport, telecommunication and banks has
also been dealt with .
Finally chapter VI summarizes the main f indings of the study
and draws major conclusions for init iating programmes of
development. It highlights, the relationship of natural resources,
manpower and economic development. Areas foir development have
been unlimited and developmental strategies have been suggested
for ail the three aspects of study.