For someone who has lived and worked intermittently in the UAE over a period of time, beginning in the late 1980s and as recently as two years ago, the most striking impression of this vibrant Gulf country is how fast it has changed and developed in a relatively short time. There is always that sense of awe whenever one visits Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Sharjah and even the other emirates.
And now as the UAE marks the 40th anniversary of the most successful Arab experiment in federal unity and cooperation, the feeling that this country has managed to overcome insurmountable challenges in a changing regional and global environments is an enduring one. Economic indicators are important and they are for an outsider looking at the UAE's constant growth and successful management of its economy. But for someone who is living there the real success story is perhaps in the leadership's ability to turn a multi-cultural reality into a huge asset while maintaining a unique and rich local identity.
The UAE has excelled in many fields making use of its diversity and providing a launching pad for ingenuity. This sets it apart from its neighbours. In return it had achieved what most other countries strive for: stability. Much has been written about the wisdom of the country's founder and first president, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision for the future of the newly founded union of the seven emirates was both ambitious and intrepid in an era of great regional volatility and scepticism. We often forget that in the 1970s the Gulf region was going through a formative phase, both at the state and regional levels. Shaikh Zayed's ability to forge a union will go down in history as the most pivotal geopolitical event in that part of the Middle East.
By doing so he was able to protect the newly-founded UAE from regional upheavals and put the country on the road of an amazing journey of development and nation building. His rule saw great leaps forward in infrastructure development, education, health, agriculture, services and others. The stability that was created allowed other emirates to launch their own development plans, notably Dubai's transformation into a key regional trading city led by Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and continued today by his son His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Long-term planning
The UAE's strength today lies in the decentralisation and diversification of economic activities. Abu Dhabi's oil-based economy has enabled it to keep the union together, support other emirates' development plans and launch its own ambitious vision to shift into non-oil economic activities.
Economic prudence and long-term planning have protected the UAE, to a large extent, from the tremors of the 2008 global fiscal debacle. The union was able to withstand the early waves of the crisis and today the UAE is able to maintain growth and credibility in its own economy as a result. The UAE's success story has to do with its flourishing media sector which has played an important role in the region from an early start. The UAE is home to some of the most influential Arabic and English language newspapers regionally and internationally. Freedom of expression and diversity of opinion can be found in most UAE publications today. This is quite an achievement and a sign of confidence and vision. Dubai's Media City has become a base for many regional news channels and broadcasters. Many important regional magazines are published and distributed from the UAE. The effect of this media powerhouse on regional journalism and the entertainment industry has been tremendous. Many talents and creative minds are now based in the UAE.
The UAE continues to be the preferred hub for many industries. Dubai occupies its rightful place as a global city of international trade and business. Abu Dhabi is a leader in many innovative industries such as renewable energy. The wealth, stability and vision provided by the country's leadership are incomparable. UAE's President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has captained the country through rough waters and successfully, with the aid of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, reached safe harbours.
Forty years on the union has never looked stronger. The UAE continues to attract investors and visitors. New sectors are now flourishing such as tourism and international sporting events. Multiculturalism and diversity remain the UAE's most attractive assets in a world that is closing its borders and leaning dangerously to the right. The future is not without challenges but judging from the country's 40-year track record, the leadership can rely on its wisdom, prudence and openness. This is perhaps why the UAE remains the biggest success story in the region; a country that is always open for business, providing the best care for its people and racing towards an even better future.
Osama Al Sharif is a veteran journalist and political commentator based in Amman.