In February 2010, the UAE Federal Government outlined a unified vision for the country’s golden jubilee. While such an initiative should be lauded for its emphasis on women’s empowerment and environmental concerns, among other issues, the next step no doubt will be the most challenging – implementation and follow up. Read more »
Some long-term residents should have residency
The idea being called for and debated is a long-term residency programme for expatriates so they would no longer have the status of transient interlopers, but instead be acknowledged as stakeholders. Read more »
Book that proves some Emiratis are more equal than others
The vast majority of Emiratis have a family book except for a small number of children of Emirati mothers and foreign fathers. In the past few years the UAE government has taken positive steps to naturalise the children of Emirati mothers who married non-nationals so that they could be given the same rights of children whose fathers are Emirati but whose mothers are not. Previously these mothers had to resort to seeking exemptions for their children to enrol in public schools and to receive treatment in government hospitals. Read more »
To safeguard our future, learn from mistakes of the past
While the Dubai government is working diligently to raise the capital needed to meet its creditors’ demands for 2010 and beyond, it must also look into the causes of this crisis. Read more »
When ‘thanks, but no thanks’ can be good for business
Many of the problems that ail the UAE have their roots in a lack of good business practice. There is plenty to be done to meet international standards. Read more »
Arab world will feel the pain of division in forsaken Sudan
In the five years since the signing of the peace treaty between the ruling Muslim majority in the north and rebels from the Christian minority in the south, what has the Arab world done to strengthen the unity of the country? Very little. Read more »