Final file of UAE Studies.docx

Week 6 – Features of Economic and Development in the UAE • The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. • Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP from the oil and gas sector to 30%. • Since the discovery of oil i...

Week 6 – Features of Economic and Development in the UAE • The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. • Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP from the oil and gas sector to 30%. • Since the discovery of oil in the UAE nearly 60 years ago, the country has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. • The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up utilities to greater private sector involvement. Production of Oil • UAE occupies an important position at the global level in the oil industry. • Huge reserves of up to 98.7 billion barrels as 9% of world reserves. • The UAE is the world's 7th crude oil producer and the 4th producer of petroleum liquids in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). • The UAE holds the 7th largest natural gas reserves globally. • The Petrochemical industry has witnessed a major development, with investment of billions of dollars in gas liquefaction complexes, oil refineries and petrochemical plants. • Individual emirates control their own oil and gas production and resource development. • Abu Dhabi holds 94 % of the UAE's oil reserves, or about 98 billion barrels of proven reserves, which can be found both offshore and onshore. • Additionally, Dubai holds an estimated 4 billion barrels of oil, followed by Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah with 1.5 billion and million barrels of oil, respectively. •In Abu Dhabi, the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) establishes the Emirate’s petroleum-related objectives and policies, effectively functioning as the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s (ADNOC) board of directors. • Abu Dhabi's position as a central player in the UAE's oil industry and wider economy means that the SPC is considered the country’s most important entity in regard to energy policy Oil Discovery and Economy Oil Played an Effective Role in UAE Society by: Oil has led in changing the characteristics of individual Oil has led to the establishment of state-of-the-art infrastructure. Oil has led in providing individuals with high quality of social services Oil has led to enhance the relationship of the society with many countries. Oil enabled UAE society to assist many countries all over the world. Strategic Geographic Location • The UAE has made major investments in its infrastructure, resulting in modern ports and airports that serve as some of the most active gateways into the Gulf region for business, commerce and tourism. The major ports in the UAE are: • Jebel Ali, Dubai • Mina Rashid, Dubai • Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi • Mina Khalid, Sharjah • Khor Fakkan, Sharjah The major airports in the UAE are: • Abu Dhabi International Airport • Dubai International Airport • Al Maktoom Airport • Fujairah International Airport • Ras Al Khaimah International Airport • Sharjah International Airport UAE Economic Growth • Focus Economics panelists forecast UAE’s GDP to expand 5.4% in 2022, which is up 0.2 percentage points from last month’s forecast, and 4.5% in 2023. Trends and Indicators of economic developments • UAE economy witnessed a remarkable recovery in 2000 due to the rising oil prices and it continued recovery in 2001. • This was less frequent due to the fluctuation of those rates and the turmoil in the global markets. • The events of the 11th of September resulted that USA seeking to “re-arrange the conditions in the world”. • This was done in the context of a philosophy of “Globalization” Globalization • Globalization is the word used to describe the growing interdependence of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations, brought about by cross-border trade in goods and services, technology, and flows of investment, people, and information. • According to World Health Organization WHO, globalization can be defined as ” the increased interconnectedness and interdependence of peoples and countries”. • It is generally understood to include two inter-related elements: the opening of international borders to increasingly fast flows of goods, services, finance, people and ideas; and the changes in institutions and policies at national and international levels that facilitate or promote such flows.” Dimensions of Globalization • Economic – Dominance of private sector and capitalist ideology. • Social or cultural – Dissemination of western cultural values. • Political and environmental Dimensions. Means (wherewithal) of Globalizations • Privatization. • Structural adjustment. • Liberalization of economy. • Increase the flow of capital. • Increase the size commercial exchange. • Flow of mass media and IT (especially internet). The advantages & disadvantages of the Globalization? What are the procedures taken by UAE to cope with globalization? 1. Encourage numerous economic and industrial organizations to establish several programs to improve the technical experiences and practical skills of the employees. 2. Establishing many Free Zones in order to increase the size of commercial exchange with international companies and to expand the production of their industrial base. 3. Establishing DIC (Dubai Internet City) to make technical information available for the investors and for the citizens and to facilitate communication among business groups all over the world. 4. Opening the doors for many investors to establish their own businesses in UAE. 5. Rules and regulations to fit the international commercial rules issued by World Trade Organizations (WTO). 6. Developing educational programs to improve the quantity and quality of human resources. Reasons behind the interest of globalization in the UAE • To Enhance the position of the UAE on the economic global map. • The vision of UAE is to create an open country for international business investment and to give their best for building better infrastructure. • UAE government believes that the private sector is ableto play a great role in supporting the national economy. • Because of the believe that privatization can be used to increase the base of investments and this leads to increase the GDP rate. Positive aspects of the Globalization in the UAE • The need to modify the educational programs to focus on the practical and technical skills and programs that is needed by the market and industry. • Enhancing the role played by economic and commercial organizations. • Developing and encouraging the vocational education. UAE Numbers UAE Global Ranking- Economy • Entrepreneurship • Inflation • Opportunities and threats •Resilience of the economy • Agility of companies •Public-private partnerships • New business density • Lower poverty rate at national poverty lines 2021- Year of the 50th • The late H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2021, as the ‘Year of the 50th’ to commemorate 50 years of the UAE’s formation in 1971. • Many projects were set to help UAE to achieve its centennial 2071. The first set of projects seek to establish the UAE as a global nation and a testbed for technologies and innovation: • comprehensive global campaigns to attract foreign investment, • national initiatives to support emerging Emirati companies and boost the quality of national products. •partnerships with major economies across the world, and programs to support the applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in all sectors. UAE Centennial 2071 The UAE Centennial 2071 is based on four pillars as follows: • Future-focused government • Excellent education • A diversified knowledge economy United Arab Emirates Economic Growth • Economic growth is seen further accelerating this year from 2021’s rebound, largely on a booming oil sector. • Growth in the non-oil sector will be broadly unchanged, but the government’s reform agenda will sustain its robust performance. • Regional tensions, volatile oil prices, U.S. monetary policy and new Covid-19 variants are key risks. • Economists forecast GDP to expand 5.4% in 2022, which is up 0.2 percentage points from last month’s forecast, and 4.5% in 2023. Effects of Globalization (How It Impacts Society and the Economy) To achieve this, the Government has set 12 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). They are: • Non-oil real GDP growth • Gross National Income (GNI) per capita • Net Inflow of Foreign Direct Investment as a percentage of GDP • Global Competitiveness Index • Share of UAE nationals in the workforce • Ease of Doing Business Index • Emiratization Rate in the private sector • SME's contribution to non-oil GDP • Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index (GEDI) • Global Innovation Index • Share of 'knowledge workers' in the labor force • Research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP Week 7 – Social Development The concept of social development • Development means that practical efforts to invest and mobilize all resources, human and material resources to achieve the objectives of the community. • Development was defined as “ all the processes and efforts that are planned and designed to produce a sequence of social and economic changes intended and designed to increase the overall welfare of members of society”. The concept of social development • Social development is the process of social changes that are designed to improve the living standard of a society, by improving the economic development. It also refers to the changes in the social system within a society. It may also refer to the notion of sociocultural evolution, or ‘social progress’. • Social development should reflect the society’s desire to live in prosperity and equality. Each member of the community must have achieved freedom from colonial rule and be actively involved in the process of development leading to a dignified and high-quality lifestyle. Social development is an important aspect in a country. When a society is strong, indirectly a country will always be strong and stable whether economically, socially, or politically. Therefore, in the building of a strong country or civilization, the aspect of social development has to be emphasized. Social Development Processes: • Social development process requires: Intended change in the social structure and existing system because of the compatibility of the ideology of society Rebuild the social system that exist in society on a new basis consistent with the requirements of the desired change in society Pre-Oil Social services • UAE society is known as a tribal society associated together by tribal ties and marriage relationships. • In-laws relationship are established according to customs and traditions. • Services were provided by the tribe to the individuals, such as a help in son marriage, building a ship and any emergency in a family. • Alliance which prohibits fighting and propagates the adoption of logical reasoning, dialogue, cooperation and understanding. • “alliance is a social law and the basis for cooperation of individuals of social services for the tribe’s members.” Pre-Oil Social Services • The head of the tribe was the political governor in it, and the head would lead the tribe to war or peace, used to collect money or other means of income from the tribe members to help in different social need. Social Development and Social services after establishment of the country • The emirates adopted the concept of “welfare and care state”. It provides the needs of society in the areas of income, education, health, food, and housing. Sheikh Zayed says:" Man is the most precious of what we own” • The social affairs sector is one of the key development departments. Social Development and Social services after establishment of the country The UAE government in its development strategy, saw the need to: • Legislation aimed at achieving equality between citizens and reinforcing what are available for them and their rights. • By providing the following services: • Educational services • Heath services • Improved transportation • Publishing and means of communication • Social care and family life • Cultural services • Housing services •Services to improve the conditions of women, youth, people with disability and children. Many social changes occurred Such as: 1. Changing in the formation of family (marriage systems). 2. Changing the pattern of the family from extended to nuclear family. 3. Changing the functions of the family. 1. Changes in the formation of family (marriage system) • “Endogamy” was dominant in the past (to get married to one from the same tribe or family or group) to protect and keep the wealth and to ensure security and stability. • After that it became “Exogamy” (to get married to one outside the tribe or the city in which he lives). • Customs and traditions of marriage started to change. • Cost of marriage became high. • In the past, marriage was at an early age. Men got married at an age between (16 - 22) and women at age between (16 - 18). Now women get married at age (18 - 22) where as men get married at (22 - 28). 2. Changing of the pattern of the family from extended to nuclear What are the differences between the extended family and nuclear family in UAE society? 3. Changing of family functions (1) Socialization • Socialization is the process through which people are taught to be proficient members of a society. It describes the ways that people come to understand societal norms and expectations, to accept society’s beliefs, and to be aware of societal values • It is social process by which the individual changes from biological being to social cultural being. • This means that the individual acquires his personality through internal of the social and cultural values into his or her mind. Consequently, he or she learns from the language of the society; acquires the religion dominant in his society and recognizes different values. How did the individual accomplish this? • This achieved through different roles performed by many groups, which they are real call agents of socialization. • The most important agent is the family. Extended family assisted individual to socialize their children in the past. But after political development or transformations of the society, different agents did support family in performing their task of socialization. • Give examples on those agent’s effect on socialization • Among these agents are educational institutions, mass media, peer groups (friends) and different social organizations (social, religious and economic). (2) Change of Economic function • Such changes are represented in changing the economic roles. Women became able to perform economic roles just like the husbands. Both parents sharing each other in satisfying the demands of the family members. Many reasons affected the economic role of women such as: • The availability of jobs opportunities for many females graduates. • The necessity of women’s participation in labor market in order to increase the no. of citizens employees. • The increase number of the female graduates. • The ability of women to combine between home duties and job duties because of the availability of home technology, day care centers and housemaids. (3) Changes of Reproductive function: • As we point out the extended family had large size because of having large number of children. But after the changes, many couples prefer to have a small number of children. The reasons for such preferences are: • High economic expenses of children socialization. • Working mother is not able to combine between their home duties especially raising children and job duties. • Changing values and customs related to having large no of children. • Increasing the educational level and the awareness of husbands and wives. Social change and social problems in the UAE society • In the process of development of any society, some changes must occur in that society, as what's happened in the UAE society. • Those changes have affected and led to a lot of problems which need solving. • We will learn what are these problems, what are the reasons of them, and how do they effect the society . Family change and the problems associated with it: • Series challenges phenomena, and problems in UAE. The occurrence of marriage of foreigners Lack of family's role in the socialization process The high rate of divorce Problems of servants and nannies The problem of drug abuse Spinsterhood Change in the social phenomena Incoming immigration A) Problems associated with marrying foreigners: • Negative impacts of marrying foreigners: • Weak links between the spouses and the relatives • The difficulties in integration of the foreign community • The socialization of children by the foreigner mother. • Weakening the sense of belonging and differentiation. • Children may suffer from some psychological and social damage and problems B) Problems of lack of family socialization Some reasons behind this problem: Media The complete dependence on the servants and the nannies in the task of socialization. The modern technology changes and the potential implications of the cultural verity Changes in values of the society and the consequent change in orientation of individual (ex. Love of wealth) Women working full time and the non-real supervision over the children C) Divorce • some reasons of this problem: a. From point view of wife: Examples: Marriage to another woman, parental involvement, alcohol, negligent, relationship with another woman, wives illness. b. From point view of husband: • Examples: Incompatibility between husband and wife, parental involvement, the wife's inability to conceive, physical differences, age differences. The effects of divorce in the UAE society? The negative perception of divorced woman. Some divorced women living situations and financial issues are below the poverty line. Children are deprived of care and attention. Children are exposed to behavior risk. With some children methods of compensating may result lack of emotional sense and security. D) The problem of drug abuse. The reasons of the spread of drug abuse in the UAE society: Friends influences Free time Travel without parental supervision Family problems (Neglect, father’s absence) Films spreading violence and drug ideas Financial Wealth E) Maids and nannies Some reasons of the dependence on the maids and nannies: High level of income of the individual. Woman are going out to work high volume of house The relatively low wages of domestic workers Preoccupation with events and exchange visit Divorce F) Spinsterhood Some reasons of spinsterhood High cost of marriage Education and work of women Rejection of the girls for marriage because of remoteness and living in another city. Marriage of girls in order The negative effects of the spinsterhood: The bad feeling for girls such as aggression, isolation Affecting the increment of the population in the society, Family breakup The rush to marry to get rid of the spinsterhood (may cause the divorce) The solution of this problem: Encourage marriage of UAE nationals Provide financial grants to citizens who have limited resources Try to reduce the marriage to foreigners Put a rule for the high cost of dowries H) Incoming immigration • The negative impact on the society regarding the incoming immigration: • Political concerns such as the risk of disappearance of identity. • Economic impacts such as the high rates of Emirati unemployment • Social effects such as create a mixer of social costumes and values • Professional effects because the companies depend on the foreign professionals to do their works • The effects of the public services such as health and educational services Week 7 part 2 •Women Empowerment is the vision of UAE’s founders since the establishment of the country. •Women has gained high position of respect, dignity, pride and are honored in all aspects of their life by the government and society. The country leaders expressed gratitude for their efforts, struggle, energy and for their mere existence. •Every little girl is taught to grow and become the greatest women in her country, with this much care and guardianship, the country has invested a lot in women empowerment and have become successful in many sectors as a result of this grooming and enablement. HH Sheikh Zayed Vision “Nothing could delight me more than to see the woman taking up her distinctive position in society. Nothing should hinder her progress. Like men, women deserve the right to occupy high position according to their capabilities and qualification” Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan After the establishment of UAE Shaikh Zayed, on various occasions, encouraged women in the UAE to study and work. He was a strong believer and a true supporter of women empowerment. “The woman is half of the society; any country which pursues development should not leave her in poverty or illiteracy.” "We expect Emirati women to excel as their counterparts who have succeeded in the rest of the Arab World" Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, UAE's Late Founding Father • Gender equality is very important to UAE. Under the constitution of UAE, women have equal rights as men and have the same legal status, and they are entitled to positions in all fields i.e. politics, education, health and inheriting property along with access to higher levels of educations and professions. Women in the Past •In the past, women faced numerous difficulties in their fight for equal rights. They were primarily confined to the role of housewives, responsible for household tasks and raising children. Their income options were limited, and their talents often went unrecognized. Despite these challenges, women played a crucial role in supporting their families in the UAE while their husbands were away. They were determined to meet their family's needs and provide support. Emirati Women have always been the backbone of Family life and the social structure of the UAE Emirati Woman in the past • In past, woman had great responsibility at home. List a number of tasks that a woman performed in her home List a number of tasks that a woman performed in her home 1. Cleaning 2.cooking 3. Taking care of children 4. Teaching children Holy Quran 5. Selling 6.Sewing 7. Making handcrafts from palm trees 8. Collecting wood Women Empowerment- overview • “women’s empowerment” refers to the process of increasing women’s access to control over the strategic life choices that affect them and access to the opportunities that allow them fully to realize their capabilities. • Empowering women is the key to economic growth, political stability, and social transformation. World leaders, experts and scholars alike are giving their voice to this critical endeavor. • By looking to empower women further, it is not political correctness. Rather it is about improving outcomes, investing in more stable and therefore stronger economies and healthier communities, ending conflicts, and sustaining peace. It is about improving the quality of life for people worldwide. Empowering women isn't just the right thing, it's the necessary thing. Women Empowerment in the UAE • Women Empowerment is the act of raising the status of women by re-defining the old values and recreating how and what they can do in circumstance that was previously denied. Women in the past were vulnerable to society's dominance and were deprived of their social rights. • Emirati women represent pride, power, dignity and grace and they have played an essential role in the society. • She has played crucial roles in all the stages of her life, either as a daughter, sister, wife or mother in preparing the new generation for the real world. • This fact cannot be denied that it is the woman who paves the way for the future of these generations by taking on great responsibility on their shoulders and passing on their morals and ethics in the most polished manner. • Today, their role has increased as compared to the past years and still, progress is being made in regards to the stability of their positions in some aspects to achieve complete balance. • The UAE understands that it is a national essential for women to participate in the development progress and they can play a demand rule. The UAE women have a strong support from the government. • The important step that government uses to start helping the women empower is giving them an opportunity to complete their studies. As a result, the literacy among the UAE women has increased sharply from the 1980 which was just 22.4 percent to more than 88.7 percent in 1995. In addition, the rate of women in the education is increasing more than the rate of male. Therefore, the higher education has empowered women to get high position in business fields. Why to empower women? • Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities and countries. • When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential. contributing their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children. They are also able to help fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large. WHY TO EMPOWER WOMAN? Equilibrium in the society Innovation & Creativity Better lives for family Higher Economic Development Environmental Sustainability Equal rights and benefits Essential Factors of Empowerment Education gives one the ability to think wisely and take thoughtful decisions. This is one of the most important factors for empowerment Gender Discrimination: A society which discriminates between the two genders can never be empowered. One must treat both men and women as equals Equal Opportunity 6-ways-empower-women-across-world • The main points: • Get more women in global leadership goals • Empower entrepreneurs in developing countries • Teach business skills to women • Encourage more women to take apprentice roles • In your opinion the most way to empower women across the world: Get more women in global leadership goals Empower women entrepreneurs in developing countries Teach business skills to women Encourage more women to take apprentice roles Create a better environment for career development • To which extent you are agree with the what you read, for the context of the UAE. Reasons Behind Emirati Woman Success • The UAE constitution declared clearly that both men and women are equal in their rights and obligations. • The leadership has always a great confidence in the capabilities of women in holding senior positions in society • The commitment and enthusiasm from Emirati women themselves to benefit from these opportunities Fields of Empowering Women 1. Education 2. Workforce 3. Socio-economic empowerment 4. Economic Empowerment 5. Political Empowerment 1. Education • Education for Emiratis is free in public schools, colleges and universities. • The UAE government focuses on elimination of gender differences in education and guarantee identical admittance to all stages of schooling for women and persons with disabilities. • The literacy rates of both women and men in the UAE are close to 95%. Today, more women than men complete secondary education and enroll in university and post-graduate institutions. 2. Women in the workforce • As for the distribution of positions in government institutions by gender, women make up 66 per cent of the public sector workforce. 30 per cent women are in leadership roles and 15 per cent are in technical and academic roles. • Women in the UAE contribute actively to the private sector in numerous roles as well as that of business persons and directors. • Women in the UAE have equivalent privileges to economic possessions, as well as admittance to ownership and control over property, monetary services, legacy or valuable and accepted incomes, in agreement with nationwide laws. 3. Socio-economic empowerment • Empowerment of women in the UAE had started in 8 February 1973 when the first women's meeting was held. The groundwork of related relations started in additional emirates. • The UAE has encouraged a number of enterprises for the monetary empowerment of females in the UAE. • In December 2012, the Government issued a conclusion on the obligatory association of Emirati women in the Boards of Directors of federal figures, corporations and organizations. 4. Economic Empowerment "I believe the development of an economy is measured by the development of its women,“ said Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qassimi. Amounts up to AED 5.12 Billion are managed by woman invested in various fields (estate real, finance industry, trade including construction, exhibitions and fairs, tourism) 30% are Entrepreneurs and Owners 23,000 Number of Emirati women are businesswomen 5. Political Empowerment • Support gender equality in public and private sectors. • Among the ministers of the UAE government, 9 are women. Women ministers handle the new portfolios of tolerance, happiness, youth and food and water security. The Minister of State for Youth & Affairs, Shamma bint Sohail Faris Al Mazrui was 22 years old when she took office in early 2016. • 50% of the Federal National Council held by women •Women make up 30 per cent of the diplomatic corps, where they occupy 234 positions, 42 working on missions abroad, and 7 being ambassadors. The UAE has started appointing women as ambassadors ever since 2009. UAE’s global rank in Women Empowerment •According to World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2016, the UAE's global rank is as follows: • 8th rank for the sub-index of wage equality for similar work • 1st rank for the sub-index of literacy rate • 1st rank for the sub-index of enrolment in secondary education • 1st rank for the sub-index of sex ratio at birth (female/male) •In May 2015, the country implemented a pronouncement to create a UAE Gender Balance Council to guarantee that Emirati Women in order to play a significant part in the development of the UAE. • The Council is charged to supervise their gender balance goals. •To achieve gender balance at workplaces, the council carries out functions like reviewing the legislation, policies and programs. UAE’s global rank in Women Empowerment • The UAE is ranked as a leading country in gender equality in the region, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Gender Gap report. • This achievement comes from the fundamental belief that women and men are equal partners in society. Through a series of public and private sector initiatives, women are playing an increasingly stronger role in business, government and STEM fields. • Demonstrating the UAE’s progress in women’s inclusion, justice and security, the UAE is ranked 24th among 170 countries and the highest regionally in the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security’s 2021 WPS 29 Index. UAE Initiatives 1. Emirati Women Empowerment National Strategy • March 2015; H.H. Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has launched the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women in the UAE from 2015-2021. • The strategy is meant to establish a framework that is juridical, legal and institutional and supports elements based on the best practices. It also improves the level of women empowerment and focuses on equality in all aspects. 2. In 2015, UAE established the UAE Gender Balance Council which is a Federal entity responsible for developing and implementing the gender balance agenda in the United Arab Emirates. The Council is chaired by Her Highness Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. • The Council’s objectives are: • To reduce the gender gap across all government sectors. •To promote the country’s ranking in global competitiveness reports on gender gap. • To strive to achieve gender in decision-making positions. •To promote the UAE’s status as a role model for gender balance. •To promote the UAE’s status as a benchmark for legislation on gender balance. 3. In UAE, number of legislations and policies were issued to secure women rights: •Social Assistance: According to Federal Law No. 2 of 2001, monthly assistance is provided to the following categories of UAE nationals residing within the UAE: • Widows • Abandoned women •UAE national women married to expatriate men who cannot earn a living for reasons beyond their control. • Housing: Sheikh Zayed Housing Program provides housing for Emirati women. •Women's’ Health: Provide healthcare services to woman to enhance her body and psychological health. The strategy provided mechanisms to achieve this goal: • Obtaining healthcare services to enhance woman health; • Giving more attention to healthcare needs of women in remote areas; •enhancing health awareness programs for women in different ages and all over the UAE; •establishing mechanisms and programs to enhance psychological health of women in all ages. •Education: Education for Emiratis is free in public schools, colleges and universities. The UAE govern focuses on elimination of gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education. •Socio-economic empowerment: Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak envisioned the need to cope with the unitary ideology of her husband, the late Sheikh Zayed who was the Founding Father of the UAE and established General Women's Union in 1975 joining all women associations in the UAE. Since then, the UAE has implemented a number of initiatives for the economic empowerment of women in the UAE. • Women in Politics: •The new federal government witnessed the largest structural changes in its history; several new portfolios were added and new ministers were appointed to handle these roles. •Among the 32 ministers of the new government, 9 are women constituting almost 27 per cent of the total ministers. •As per a directive by H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Emirati women must occupy 50 per cent of the Federal National Council’s (FNC) seats. •Transport and parking facilities: The provision of women taxis, in public transports the front seats for women and children, in few emirates pink parking spaces are reserved for women, etc. Emirati Women’s Day • Shaikha Fatima launched "Emirati Women's Day" in 2015 to recognize and celebrate the role of women in the country. • " We do not only empower women, but we empower the whole community through women" - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "Emirati Women's Day" Every year, on 28 August, UAE celebrates "Emirati Women's Day" a day when the UAE shows its appreciation and respect to women in addition to celebrating women’s achievements in different fields. Shaikha Lubna Khalid Al-Qassimi • 36th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes. • She was the first woman to hold a ministerial post in the United Arab Emirates. • She was previously the Minister of State for Tolerance • Awarded the “Distinguished Government Employee Award” in 1999 Shamma Al-Mazrui • Minister of Community Development • Was Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Head of the Emirates Youth Council • She is also a member of the Education and Human Resources Council • Al Mazrui was named as one of the Committee members that oversaw the UAE's Year of Tolerance Mariam al-Mansouri • The first female fighter pilot of the United Arab Emirates • She was one of the first women to join the United Arab Emirates Air Force Week 8 - UAE Domestic and Foreign Policies UAE Domestic and Foreign Policies • The United Arab Emirates was founded on the core principles of tolerance and open-mindedness towards people and cultures. • These principles stem from a desire to build constructive international political, economic and social relationships. • These relationships are built upon an understanding that national values lay the foundations of stability, sustainable development and peaceful co-existence. UAE Public Policy • The UAE local community, one that is well-known for its willingness to embrace other cultures and civilizations. •This approach is one of the characteristic features of the country's foreign policy. • It is a nature which is also reflected in the philosophy of the UAE, which the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, created. • The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan always aspired to contribute evermore to a world where people could live in peace. He did so through building strong relationships across the globe, and through providing his unwavering support for the long-term development of his country and indeed the greater region. • The UAE government believes that openness, dialogue and willingness to listen between different nations promote friendship, which in turn supports an environment of peace and understanding at the global level. • On the other hand, isolation and withdrawal promote conflict, disagreement and negative stereotypes between different communities. • As a result, the UAE strives to build positive communications and openness towards all countries and people across the world, translating this approach into actions and policies at national and international levels. The UAE Domestic Policy • The federal state of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was established on the 2nd of December 1971 with the ratification of an interim constitution which later became permanent in 1996. • The Constitution of the UAE establishes the fundamentals of the federal arrangement of the UAE. Undoubtedly, the Constitution represents the greatest example of Arab unity in modern times and outlines the functionality of the Nation’s political institutions, thus lending a legitimate voice for the government of the UAE. • Described as one of the most stable in the region, the political system of the United Arab Emirates is the fruit of the consistent efforts and perseverance of a number of exceptional leaders. • These leaders in their determination strived to build a solid and enduring national political system, which is capable of meeting contemporary demands and challenges. The success of the nation’s political system lies within the continued support of all seven Emirates. The UAE Government • The UAE is a constitutional federation. The political system is based on the UAE’s Constitution. • The UAE has its own flag, coat of arms and national anthem. • The UAE is run by a federal government and local governments of the seven emirates. Their powers and roles are defined by the Constitution. • The UAE Government took several steps to reform the political system in the UAE. • H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the current President of the UAE. He is also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. I the UAE, the post of the President is a constitutional one. The Constitution lays down the provisions relating to this post. He was elected the third current president of the UAE by the Federal Supreme Council on 14 May 2022. • Following the demise of his brother H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who was the second President of the UAE, and was elected on 3 November 2004, following the demise of his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. • H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the current Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE who was elected following the demise of his brother, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in early 2006. • Both federal and local governments are assisted by government institutions, which work in conjunction with upper authorities such as: • The federal entities and ministries at the federal level • The Rulers' Courts, the Executive Councils, the Municipalities and the Consultative Councils at the local government level. • In addition, traditional governance still exists in the UAE; the institution of 'Majlis' ensures mutual trust and citizens free access to their Rulers. What is the Constitution? • A constitution is an aggregate of fundamental principles or established precedents that constitute the legal basis of a polity, organization or other type of entity and commonly determine how that entity is to be governed. • A Constitution is a supreme law that is binding even on the government. A constitution organizes and constrains power. A constitution defines a state and the rights of its citizen. The Constitution of the UAE • The Constitution was permanently adopted in July 1996. It explains the main rules of the political and constitutional organization of the UAE. • The Constitution has 152 articles establishing the basis of the UAE and the rights of citizens in ten areas. The importance of the Constitution • It demonstrates the main purpose of the establishment of the federation and its objectives at the local and regional levels. • It also elaborates on the major social and economic pillars of the federation and stresses the public rights, responsibilities and freedoms. It guarantees for all UAE citizens equal rights and opportunities, safety and security, and social justice. Provisions of the Constitution • The Constitution has 152 articles establishing the basis of the UAE and the rights of citizens in ten areas that are: • The federation, its constituencies and principal aims • The fundamental social and economic basis of the federation • Public freedom, rights and duties • The federal authorities • Federal legislations, decrees and authorities in charge • The emirates. • Allocation of legislative, executive and international jurisdiction between the federation and the emirates • Financial affairs of the federation • Armed forces and security forces • Final and transitional provisions Key developments in the political system • Over the years, the UAE has taken many steps to develop its political system, make it more receptive to the needs of the socio-economic progress of the country and to ensure that UAE's population is equipped to cope with the challenges of global development. • The UAE Government took several steps to reform the political system in the UAE. Some of these steps are: 1. Federal National Council • The UAE's elections of the Federal National Council in 2006 and the creation of the electoral election were landmark steps designed to enhance public participation in the UAE political system. • Having followed the practice of nominating all its 40 members between 1972 and 2006, since 2006, 20 members of the FNC were elected by an electoral election and 20 were nominated by the rulers of the respective emirates. • In 2008, the Supreme Council also approved constitutional amendments to further empower the FNC and increase its scope of influence and coordination with the Cabinet. 2. UAE Government Strategy 2007 UAE Government Strategy in 2007: which aimed to: • Create cooperative interaction between federal and local governments. • Revitalizing the regulatory and policy-making roles of the ministries and improving their decision-making mechanisms, • Increasing the efficiency of governmental bodies and upgrading their services in accordance with the needs of the people. • Reviewing and upgrading existing legislation. 3. Amendments to the Constitution • A significant development was the amendment of Article 62 of the Constitution in late 2008. The amended law states that the Prime Minister or his deputies or any federal minister may not practice any professional or commercial job nor enter into a business transaction with the federal government or local governments. • In addition, the Supreme Council in 2008 also approved constitutional amendments in Articles 72, 78 and 91 to further empower the FNC and increase its scope of influence. Vision 2021 • In 2010, Vision 2021 was launched as a national charter aimed to transform the UAE into 'one of the best countries in the world' by 2021, by integrating the efforts at the federal and the local levels. • Vision 2021 focuses specifically on four objectives: • Ensure that UAE nationals have ambition and sense of responsibility, are capable of drawing the future with confidence and participate effectively in a sustainable socio- economic environment based on stability, solidarity, moderate Islamic values and national heritage. • Ensure a strong union with a common destiny that protects Emiratis and advocates balanced development. • Develop a knowledge-based economy that will be diverse and flexible, and led by skilled Emiratis. • Ensure prosperity for UAE nationals. UAE Centennial 2071 • It is a long-term, full-vision plan that extends for 5 decades after 2021. It forms a clear map for the long-term government work, to fortify the country's reputation and its soft power. • The plan aims at investing in the future generations, by preparing them with the skills and knowledge needed to face rapid changes and to make the UAE the best country in the world by the next centennial in 2071. • Its program includes: • fortifying the country's reputation • diversifying the imports and the exports by relying less on oil • investing in education focusing on advanced technology • building Emirati values and ethics for the future generations • raising productivity of the national economy • enhancing society's cohesion Human Prosperity and Wellbeing in the UAE • When oil was discovered in 1958, our late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed had the foresight to understand that our nation’s natural resources, if harnessed responsibly and effectively, would enhance the prosperity of our people and catalyze our country’s economic development. Equally, he recognized the value of partnership in building bridges with nations. • These leaded to the building blocks of our economy and catalyzed the socio-economic development of our great nation. They enabled us to construct roads, bridges and airports, open schools, universities and hospitals, develop world-class telecommunications and infrastructure and establish local industries. • UAE continues to ensure the progress of its people, and remains focused on making substantial contributions to international socio-economic progress and development. It considers the world peace and human prosperity are the main pillars of its foreign policy. All of these efforts – domestic and foreign – have burnished the UAE’s reputation for soft power. • The UAE will continue to play a central role in the global dialogue. Indeed, the next 30 years will see the most transformative change around the world as a new generation of young people seek answers to the social, economic and sustainability challenges that humanity faces. They will seek bold leadership and a clear blueprint for a prosperous future. • At home, the UAE has a well-established track record of coexistence, as well as religious and cultural tolerance among its residents. • Currently, more than 200 nationalities are registered as living in the country. All are governed by a legal system that protects their beliefs, respects their customs and traditions, and guarantees them the freedom to practice their faith in a fair and transparent environment that prevents religious, sectarian or ethnic intolerance from developing. • The nation is a living example of how positive and constructive interaction between differing cultures, languages, races, and beliefs can result in a unique harmony and peaceful coexistence among such a diverse community. The UAE's foreign policy • The principles guiding UAE foreign policy were expressed by the country’s first President, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed’s principles included: • an underlying belief in justice in international dealings between states, • a principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other states, and • the pursuit, wherever possible, of peaceful resolutions of disputes, • strong support for international institutions, such as the United Nations (UN). • Through its support for such institutions, the UAE seeks to reinforce the rule of international law, and to support the implementation of international conventions, protecting the interests of the small, the weak and the powerless. Foreign aid • The main goal of foreign aid offered by the UAE is to reduce poverty and improve quality of life in underprivileged communities, promote relations between the UAE and other states, including the recipient countries and other donor states, and encourage creation of economic relations with developing countries based on mutual interests. The UAE’s ranking in Foreign Aid • According to the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the UAE has maintained its ranking as one of the 10 largest donor states in the Official Development Aid (ODA) in 2015. • In 2014, the UAE was named as a participant member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Development Assistance Committee (DAC). The position allows the UAE to attend high-level and senior-level meetings as well as meetings of the DAC subsidiary bodies. This status gives the UAE a seat at the table in international development forums and global recognition as a world-class donor. Week 10 - Natural Resources and the Environment in the UAE The UAE Environment • The UAE is characterized by an arid desert climate with low rainfall and high temperatures during the dry and hot summer months. What is the difference between weather and climate? Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, such as temperature and precipitation, while climate refers to long-term patterns and averages of weather in a specific region. Weather is immediate, while climate is long-lasting. • In terms of terrain, it is divided into three different regions: the mountainous region - the low coastal area - the desert region. Environmental Issue • There are several major environmental issues facing the UAE: •First, the lack of natural freshwater, compensated for by water desalination (and the treatment of sewage water for use in irrigation). • Second, desertification, which the country has been trying to counter through major afforestation and greening projects. •Third, marine and coastal pollution from oil spills, sewage, and other human activity. •Fourth, air and soil pollution resulting from the growth of the country’s population (and its wasteful habits), urbanization, infrastructure and transportation, and industry. •Fifth, the violation of built-up areas and human activity on the fragile ecosystems of marine and desert environments. The many artificial islands and their commercial developments, as well as desert tourism and recreation using motorized vehicles, are of major concern to environmentalists Environmental governance • Environmental action has witnessed significant developments at the institutional level over four decades, starting with the Supreme Committee for Environment in 1975, to the Federal Environment Agency in 1993, and then the Ministry of Environment and Water in 2006. • In 2016, the UAE leadership expanded the role of the Ministry of Environment and Water, to manage all aspects related to international and domestic climate change affairs and named Ministry of te Change and Environment. What is the Climate Change? • It enhances the UAE’s efforts to addressing the issue of climate change, through the implementation of comprehensive policies and initiatives to moderate and adapt to climate change and protect our unique environmental systems. • Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA) in 1997, renamed the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) in 2005; it describes its mission as ‘protecting and managing biodiversity, providing a clean environment and promoting Sustainable Development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’ (EAD, 2009). • Other governmental agencies include the Dubai Coastal Zone Monitoring Programme and the Environment and Protected Areas Authority – Sharja. There are also some nongovernmental and voluntary environmental organization, such as the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG). Environment in Vision 2021 • Creating and maintaining a sustainable environment and infrastructure is a pillar of National Agenda in line with Vision 2021. • The UAE Government wants to ensure sustainable development while preserving the environment, and to achieve a perfect balance between economic and social development. • The UAE has set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure its performance against its targets of 2021. Such as: • Improving the air quality index • Improving the percentage of treated waste of total waste generated • Improving the share of clean energy contribution • Decreasing the water scarcity index • Improving the quality of air transport infrastructure • Improving the quality of port infrastructure Environment Vision 2030 (Abu Dhabi) • The emirate of Abu Dhabi was developed to ensure integration among the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social vision. • Environment Vision 2030 identifies the following 5 priority areas: • Climate change - minimizing the impact of climate change • Clean air and noise pollution - contributing to safe and healthy living conditions • Water resources - efficient management and conservation of water resources • Biodiversity, habitats and cultural heritage - conserved for current and future generations • Waste management - enhanced value creation through optimized material flows and waste management. Environmental protection • Environmental protection is considered the main objective of the UAE's developmental policies aimed at increasing green areas, developing water resources, improving marine environment and protecting it from pollution, preserving fisheries and livestock, developing strategies to protect biodiversity. • The UAE has set a body of legislations to ensure sustainable environment for life. • It has introduced many federal laws, ministerial decrees and executive by-laws to preserve the environment. • The United Arab Emirates joined the world in recognizing environmental problems by signing and ratifying environmental agreements. Environmental awareness • Environmental awareness aims at developing the culture of the society regarding environment and promoting environmental behavior of individuals, which helps to conserve and properly manage natural resources. • The bodies concerned with the environment protection organize educational campaigns at the emirate or federal level in coordination with the respective federal agency. • The type and slogans of these campaigns are based on the needs of the UAE's community in the areas of environmental awareness and education. • In recent years, environmental education has become one of the salient elements in curriculum development in the United Arab Emirates. Accordingly, efforts have been directed to include environmental content in school curricula and textbooks. • Therefore, Ministry of Education has been keen to incorporate the environmental dimension in school curricula of all stages, by addressing the environmental issues that affect student's environment, in order to open the way for discussion on sustainable solutions. • As part of the involvement of global stakeholders in the wheel of promoting environmental knowledge, the Eco- Schools Initiative was launched. It is a global initiative led by the Emirates Wildlife Society in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), aiming to encourage environmental action in schools. The Strategic Goals of the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment Climate Change • Climate change describes a change in the average conditions — such as temperature and rainfall — in a region over a long period of time. • Average weather patterns include average temperature, rainfall, wind conditions and numerous other climatic conditions. These changes may take place due to: 1. The dynamic processes of the Earth (e.g. volcano eruptions or earthquakes), 2. External forces (e.g. changes in the intensity of solar radiation or fall of large meteorites), or 3. Human activities (e.g. deforestation, tree burning or the three types of pollution – land, air and sea), resulting in an ecological imbalance, the disappearance of certain animal and plant species, and the appearance of others. Reasons of the Interest in Climate Change • Climate change has brought many environmental risks to human health, such as ozone layer depletion, loss of biodiversity, increased pressures on food-producing systems and spread of infectious diseases. The three main categories of climate change impact on human health are: (a) Direct impact (e.g. as a result of heatwaves, large-scale air pollution, natural disasters). (b) Impact on ecosystems and environmental relationships (e.g.damage to agricultural crops, overabundance of mosquitoes, depletion of marine species). (c) Indirect impact (e.g. poverty, displacement, conflict over resources such as water, post-disaster epidemics). As a result, climate change threatens to reduce, impede or reverse global progress for those suffering from malnutrition and dying of infectious diseases, especially in developing regions of the world. UAE Efforts toward Climate Change • This issue has received considerable and early attention in the UAE and the country has exerted numerous efforts to address the effects of climate change and to adapt to its potential impacts on ecosystems and economic sectors. • In line of these efforts, the UAE has adopted important policies, including the economic diversification policy, focusing on green economy, energy sources diversification policy, focusing on renewable and clean energy and promoting energy efficiency, sustainable transport policy, sustainable urban planning, etc. The UAE Natural Resources • The major natural resources of the UAE are petroleum and natural gas. UAE is an important strategic player in global energy markets. It is: • A top-10 global crude oil producer. • Member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). •Major oil producer and exporter, producing an average of 4 million barrels per day (bpd) of petroleum and other liquids, with reserves of nearly 100 billion barrels of crude. • The seventh largest natural gas reserves globally. • UAE is one of the top suppliers of aluminum foundry alloy, high-purity aluminum, and extrusion billet to more than 45 countries • UAE also produces refined petroleum products, gypsum, lime, cement, sulfur, and steel. UAE's energy sector • The UAE efforts in the field of energy aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix and double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. • The energy sector plays an important role in shaping the UAE's internal and external policies. • Since the discovery of oil and gas more than half a century ago, the UAE became a central player in global hydrocarbon energy market. • The demand for electricity and water continues to grow at a fast pace due to a rise in pop