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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) presents a unique example in the political economy of resource-rich developing nations. Despite its vast hydrocarbon wealth, the UAE has embarked on ambitious diversification strategies, fostering a dynamic economy beyond oil and gas. This research explores the intricate interplay between the UAE's political system, its economic development, and social welfare provision. This paper will be examining the role of oil revenues in shaping the state's economic and political structures, and how the government has utilised these resources to drive economic diversification, by analysing the government's involvement in strategic sectors, infrastructure development, and the fostering of private sector growth. In addition, the chapter will be exploring how the UAE utilises its wealth to provide education, healthcare, and other social services, and how these policies affect citizen loyalty and political participation. Further, this paper will investigate the UAE's efforts to develop alternative economic sectors like tourism, technology, and renewable energy, and the challenges associated with navigating a global market increasingly focused on sustainability. It will also evaluate the role of sovereign wealth funds on its connectivity approach. Furthermore, it will look at how the UAE strategically leverages its hydrocarbon wealth and geographical location, to exert influence in the region and beyond, which includes fostering close ties with major powers, playing a significant role in regional security dynamics, and using its financial resources to project soft power. Finally, we will assess the long-term sustainability of the current model in the face of fluctuating oil prices, demographic shifts, and global economic trends. This research seeks to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the UAE's political economy, by examining the complex relationship between its political system, economic development strategies, and social welfare provision. By analysing these interconnected elements, the overall aim is to shed light on the UAE's unique development trajectory, and its potential future challenges and opportunities.

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The Economy of the United Arab Emirates: Balancing State Power, Economic Diversification, Social Welfare and Geopolitics

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Jalal Qanas

摘要

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) presents a unique example in the political economy of resource-rich developing nations. Despite its vast hydrocarbon wealth, the UAE has embarked on ambitious diversification strategies, fostering a dynamic economy beyond oil and gas. This research explores the intricate interplay between the UAE's political system, its economic development, and social welfare provision. This paper will be examining the role of oil revenues in shaping the state's economic and political structures, and how the government has utilised these resources to drive economic diversification, by analysing the government's involvement in strategic sectors, infrastructure development, and the fostering of private sector growth. In addition, the chapter will be exploring how the UAE utilises its wealth to provide education, healthcare, and other social services, and how these policies affect citizen loyalty and political participation. Further, this paper will investigate the UAE's efforts to develop alternative economic sectors like tourism, technology, and renewable energy, and the challenges associated with navigating a global market increasingly focused on sustainability. It will also evaluate the role of sovereign wealth funds on its connectivity approach. Furthermore, it will look at how the UAE strategically leverages its hydrocarbon wealth and geographical location, to exert influence in the region and beyond, which includes fostering close ties with major powers, playing a significant role in regional security dynamics, and using its financial resources to project soft power. Finally, we will assess the long-term sustainability of the current model in the face of fluctuating oil prices, demographic shifts, and global economic trends. This research seeks to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the UAE's political economy, by examining the complex relationship between its political system, economic development strategies, and social welfare provision. By analysing these interconnected elements, the overall aim is to shed light on the UAE's unique development trajectory, and its potential future challenges and opportunities.