By Since its foundation in 1971, the UAE has come a long way to success. Earlier, it was a deserted nation with limited resources, but now it is the global leader in the region. This success is nothing short of a remarkable commitment.
UAE leadership realized early to shift from an oil-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. Thus, they invested heavily in their infrastructure, economy, and technology. It is the reason that the UAE attracts millions of investors and tourists from around the world annually.
This remarkable transformation is not just about economics, but it spans all elements of society.
From the vast infrastructural changes to the women’s empowerment, world-class healthcare, and the education systems.
The UAE has shown other nations the way that rapid modernization can be achieved, while also maintaining its deep traditional cultural roots.
In this comparison of the past and the present, we will discuss 10 areas that show unbelievable change.
Economy
Past:
Well, in the past UAE’s economic growth was limited. The following are the 4 resources on which their economy previously relied.
Pearl Diving: the truce nation was dependent on pearl diving. Men used to spend several months recovering pearls and oysters.
Fishing: Fishing was another source of income for UAE residents in the past.
Agriculture: though the land is tough and arid, but as Sheikh Zayed called it, a blessed soil. So it supports some basic agricultural activities. For instance, the date was their prominent crop.
Trade: people in the past used to trade pearls, dates, and other commodities. Furthermore, trade routes connected India, Persia, and East Africa. Thus, it could be said that the UAE has always been a global village.
Present:
Now the UAE has become one of the best-performing economies in the world. Oil plays a major part in the UAE economy. The UAE has the world’s fifth-largest gas reserves and one-tenth of the oil supply to the whole world.
Well, the UAE is still dependent heavily on the oil and gas reserves. But initiatives like Vision 2021 and Vision 2030 allow the UAE to think forward beyond the oil economy.
These initiatives’ main purpose is to shift the UAE from an oil-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. Now the UAE economy is driven by the following sectors such as
Tourism: The UAE becomes the hub of tourism in a short amount of time. Places like Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah draw millions of tourists every year.
UAE Airlines: UAE world-class airlines such as EITHAD and Emirates connect millions of people around the globe.
Banking and Finance: The UAE banking sector is leading in the Middle East.
These are the factors like tourism, aviation, real estate, and finance that make the UAE a truly diversified economy today.
Infrastructure
Past:
In the past, the UAE had a limited infrastructure because most of the land was covered by a desert. They had a shortage of roads, ports, and landscape. There were only small villages and towns.
Roads: The country had a limited network of only a few roads.
Modern Transportation: There was no concept of modern transportation or utilities.
Building: The buildings of the UAE were made from mud bricks and decorated with palm fronds. With thick walls and little space for window insulation, these mud-made homes provide great shelter from scorching heat.
Mosques: the places of mosques also served as community centres. Mosques were designed according to geometric patterns and Islamic principles.
Marketplaces, like souks, were places where bargaining, trading, and social interaction were common. These were like narrow alleyways where traders used to meet buyers and customers.
Present:
Now UAE is a league of its own in terms of infrastructure. They have advanced infrastructure. Which make up new airports, seaports, and highways.
Furthermore, the UAE government invested heavily in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They have been central to attention for trade, tourism, and finance.
The iconic examples of the UAE infrastructure
Burj Khalifa: it is the world’s tallest building and attracts millions of tourists around the world.
Jebel Ali Port: It is the largest and busiest port in the Middle East.
Dubai International Airport: a world-class airport that is the home of many international flights.
Dubai metro: the Dubai metro is a modern with efficient transit system. It consists of two lines, red lines, and green lines.
This architecture reflects the country’s rapid modernization.
However, the country now focuses on a more sustainable future. This involves sustainable urban planning and the awareness of environmental responsibility. So, more green projects, the installation of solar panels, and the latest water reservation techniques are the top priorities in the UAE architecture landscape.
Population And Demographics
Past:
The population of the UAE was very small. They mostly consist of the group of Bedouin, pearl divers, and fishers. Additionally, the community was pre dominately from arab. Moreover, they had a strong connection to the traditional culture, and they lived desert life.
Present:
Now the UAE is a highly diversified region where many cultures and identities live peacefully. About 80% of the population in the UAE is expatriates. This helps to make a dynamic society and proves that different cultures and traditions can coexist.
The population began to surge when immigration was doubled. As of today, people from India, Pakistan, the USA, and the UK make a significant portion of the UAE population. This rapid increase in the population also has a profound effect. Now the modern cities are architect in a way that they can accommodate as many people as they can.
Furthermore, the government invested in these opportunities to make the economy more diversified. But the UAE’s main focus is to build a sustainable future for its own people. That’s why it is invested heavily in finance, tourism, trade, and the latest technology.
Education System
Past:
Education was limited to small schools then. The education was mostly religious-based. The children were taught the Quran and the Arabic script in the mosques.
Furthermore, basic practical skills were taught to make a living past days. Some notable skill-based work includes carpentry, weaving, and metalworking workshops.
Present:
Now UAE has become one of the best educational systems in the world. They are the hub of many world-class institutions, research centres. Where both locals and international students are encouraged to apply for admission.
Oil discovery also helped in the transformation of the education system in the UAE. because the UAE leadership, besides an oil-based economy, wants to expand it to a knowledge-based economy. So the skilled workforce can develop.
Now in the educational institutions of the UAE, focus is on STEM education, i.e, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The UAE has seen an improvement in the literacy rate in recent years.
The UAE education system also emphasizes teacher training and innovation in teaching methods.
International students often hire Assignment help UAE for their academic problems.
Healthcare
Past:
People were dependent on traditional medicine. Besides that healthcare facility was so basic. And if they are, they are quite a number.
In the 1950s, health facilities were only available for the British. And unallowed for the local population. The first healthcare facility was opened in 1943, which was then converted into a hospital in 1950. In the 1960s mortality rate was high as most of the new newborns did not survive. Post formation government adopted significant strategies that were able to control the mortality rate over the next few years.
Present:
Today, uae healthcare system is standing on its own feet with state-of-the-art technology. Whether it’s a private or public hospital, it is equipped with modern technologies.
The UAE national receives free treatment or heavily subsidized healthcare at public facilities. While expatriates who combine most of the UAE population also rely on the mandatory health insurance provided by their respective employers.
Furthermore, now the surgeries are also successfully performed by the rocovts in the UAE. And they also have AI Diogontisc tools available for early detection of the diseases. Current initiatives feature early detection of diseases like cancer and diabetes. Use of digital technologies like telemedicine and maintaining records with the help of electronic medical records.
Furthermore, the country also promotes medical tourism. which means attracting patients for specialized treatment such as infertility, orthopedics, and aesthetic treatment.
Technology
Past:
Decades ago, the UAE was largely underdeveloped. It comprises small villages, unpaved roads, and rudimentary communication systems. Because the economy was dependent on the pearl and fishing. In the 1990s, the ICT was formed, whose purpose was to facilitate basic computerization and the administration of government initiatives.
While the UAE lacks a solid technology base. Thus, it imports from the advanced countries; they also import skilled workers from different countries.
Present:
Now UAE has the most advanced digital infrastructure and a tech-savvy population. The current national technological landscape is defined by
AI: UAE aims to become a leader in AI by 2031. Thus, they also formed a special ministry for this. Furthermore, they started integrating AI in various sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and governance.
Smart cities: formation of a smart city like Dubai, in which autonomous transportation will be found.
Space exploration: The UAE also aims to extend its technology to space programs. Thus, the UAE citizens also encourage learning in space programs.
To get more information about the technological investment, you can connect with the CIPD Assignment help
Culture
Past:
Previously, it was focused on the Bedouin tradition. Furthermore, they gave value to a simple lifestyle, hospitality, and family values. This means showing respect to the family members and respect for elders. The religion of Islam, then and now, still plays a significant role in their daily lives. To learn more about culture, connect with Assignment Help.
Present:
Although the modernization in the UAE has changed various aspects of life. But they can manage their traditional cultural values. While the UAE allows different cultures to prosper peacefully, at the same time, it emphasizes preserving its true culture. Emirati people welcome their guests by opening both hands. They offer them food and shelter. The man still wears a kandkura, and the woman wears an abaya. Traditional marketplaces like the souks still serve customers. Arabic language, poetry, and art are important parts of Emirati culture.
To preserve its culture UAE frequently announces its traditional culture festivals and events.
Furthermore, the UAE held events like camel racing to preserve its old heritage. Moreover, they also organise falconry. The blend of modernity and culture is what makes the UAE unique.
Tourism
Past:
Tourism was almost non-existent in the early days of the UAE. Because uae was covered by the desert landscape. Thus, international tourists find no attraction in visiting this place.
Present:
Now it has become the favorite tourist destination for people around the world. Millions of people travel to uae annually. Luxury hotels, famous shopping malls, cultural sites, and entertainment places make them well-known. The famous points of attraction are Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Diplomacy
Past:
The UAE was isolated from the world in the past. Because it had limited international and diplomatic relations with other nations. Before 1971, the UAE came under British protection.
Thus, their relationship with other nations mostly depends on the tribal alliance, trade meetings, or the regional interest. Furthermore, they were not allowed to use it beyond the Arabian Gulf. Therefore, they are limited to pearl and fishing. The unified political arrangement found it challenging to form a solid formal diplomacy.
Present:
Now it has become a vital player in leading world diplomacy. Because it has developed deep ties with other nations. Furthermore, uae is a key player in resolving regional and international affairs. The UAE recently tied the relationship with Israel, making it one of its kind developments in the Middle East region. This comes under the Abraham records. The UAE has played a significant role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine. It helps to exchange 5000 prisoners between the two countries.
The UAE is also seen as actively involved in the Gaza ceasefire. Furthermore, it is now in touch with the USA and Israel to make a roadmap of governance in Gaza. Post 2019, the UAE focuses more on diplomacy than militarization action. Thus, it also normalizes its ties with other regional powers such as Iran, Qatar, Turkey, and Syria.
The UAE believes in trade and investment. Thus, it makes strong ties with nations like India, Pakistan, and South Korea through high-level meetings and signs trade agreements. For AI and technology in the UAE, it makes a deal of 1.4 trillion USD with the USA, so an advanced AI hub can be formed and procurement of advanced defense.
Women Empowerment
Past:
Women were gifted with limited opportunities in the past. Their only responsibility was to take care of their homes. Moreover, women giving birth to boys were highly respected at that time. Their presence was limited to doing domestic chores. And raising children in cultural norms. However, access to education and the workplace was minimal. Before the oil discovery, formal education was very minimal. Furthermore, under the personal status law, women required their male counterparts’ permission in legal proceedings. Laws like divorce and inheritance were skewed in favor of men, mostly. Moreover, women’s representation was absent in the political or administrative meetings.
Present:
Now things have changed. Women are highly respected in all fields. Now, women in the UAE can be seen everywhere, whether in politics, business, or even sports. Women are now equal to men in all businesses. The government of the UAE plays a key role in achieving women their goals. There are so many businesswomen in the UAE who have been awarded due to their exemplary leadership. Although there are still obstacles from society to them. But women’s education shows tremendous efficiency; thus, 70% university graduates in the UAE are women. Moreover, 50% 0fthe federal ministries are now held by women, with 26% of them holding leadership positions.
Recent legislation changes allow equal pay in both the public and private sectors. Abolishing laws that permitted violence against wives, allowing women that now they can take action against abusers. Over 23,000 women in the business in the UAE account for 60 billion AED. Moreover, women make up a significant percentage of investors in the stock exchange.
Wrapping up!
The UAE’s past and present landscapes have major differences thanks to strategic thinking and technological advancement. Whether it is healthcare, the education system, the economy, tourism, or women’s empowerment. The UAE has seen tremendous growth in all aspects. The UAE is still committed to a sustainable economy in the future. This nation’s development serves as an example to other nations as well.
