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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20

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

26

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.