Poverty in the UAE
Poverty in the UAE is not spread evenly. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the two wealthiest Emirates of th efive and they are known for their impressive economy. The other three emirates are the complete opposite. They rely on their government for resources and support as they are generally impovershed regions. Despite the sterotype of everyone in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is rich, there are still low income regions, squatter settlements, and slums in those Emirates. The slums of Dubai are depicted in the image to the right. These settlements border the CBD of Dubai and there is a distict sepparation of where they split visually due to a gap in infrastructure. The UAE has policies and strategies in order to combat the issue of poverty. They recently implemented the Education 2020 Strategy which i sintended to encourage and provide higher quality education to evey citizen. Studies have shown that education reduces the poverty rate.
Haves vs Have NotsThe UAE, on average, is one of the most priveleged countries in the world. Urban areas have developed infrastructure, great water avalibility, and a surplus of jobs. There are a lot of economic opportunities, communication systems, deliver services, internet systems, and education opportunites in the country. Despite the myriad of haves in the UAE, the have nots are many as well. There is little arable land in the country due to the climate and rapid desertification. In addition, culural differences, unequal development, and gentrification cause lower income areas to be set aside with very little haves whatsoever. Another have not in the UAE is social freedom. For example, being gay, having premarital sex, substance abuse, and beign drunk in public are not socially acceptable and can get you into serious trouble.
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