The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy
Abstract
The UAE's open economy and society have won praise from advocates of expanded freedoms in the Middle East, but lax export controls, particularly in the emirate of Dubai, are causing U.S. concern over proliferation of advanced technology, terrorist transiting, and human trafficking. These concerns -- as well as concerns about the UAE oversight and management of a complex and technically advanced initiative such as a nuclear power program -- underscore some congressional and other opposition to a recently-signed U.S.-UAE civilian nuclear agreement. Despite its social tolerance and economic freedom, the UAE government is authoritarian, although with substantial informal citizen participation and consensus building. The UAE Federation President, Shaykh Khalifah bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan, technically serves a 5-year term, renewable by the Federal Supreme Council (composed of the seven heads of the individual emirates), although in practice changes usually only take place in the event of a leader's death. After several years of resisting electoral processes similar to those instituted by other Gulf states, the UAE undertook its first major electoral process in December 2006, although with a small, hand-picked electorate and for a body with limited powers. There remains little evidence of unrest, despite a severe economic downturn caused by the global financial crisis and recession, which has hit Dubai emirate particularly hard. Many expatriate workers are reportedly leaving UAE after widespread layoffs, particularly in the financial and real estate sectors. This report will be updated. See also: CRS Report R40344, "The United Arab Emirates Nuclear Program and Proposed U.S. Nuclear Cooperation," by Christopher M. Blanchard and Paul K. Kerr.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA501533
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress