The answer is relatively straightforward; although the Emirates all have Sheikh ruling families the current rulers have shared the wealth derived from oil with native Emiratis or invested the income in the projects that I have described in earlier postings.
So what are the benefits: a free house (A substantial villa) upon marriage, free education including university either in the UAE or abroad and free health care. There is no income tax, no VAT or employment taxes.
These benefits vary a little between Emirates, for example in Fujairah a local who lives in he mountains would be given land or a house in the mountains unless they can prove they have a job in the city in which case they are given an house there.
Another substantial benefit of such oil wealth is that the Emiratis can afford to encourage foreign workers from all over the world but mainly India and Bangladesh to become migrant workers in the construction and service industries – hence the scrupulously clean streets and immaculate flower beds everywhere.
I can’t remember if it is in Dubai or Abu Dhabi that you can be fined for having a dirty car!!
The photo is from the peak of my mountain safari – see next posting.
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