A cost-cutting measure
The decision to introduce self-help petrol stations in Abu Dhabi may not be path breaking as an idea - though it is the first of its kind in the country - but it does seem to provide an indicator that it could become the norm in future. The raison d'être behind this move is simple: economics. Cost-cutting could well become the order of the day especially at a time when the price of oil seems to be bubbling beyond control. The price of petrol at gas stations in the country is well below the expected rate; therefore there is a definite shortfall while doing the maths.
This inspires the idea of introducing self-service and possibly other potentially financially viable measures in future. The reduction of staff at petrol stations is also a case in point. Suffice to say, though the decision hypes up convenience, the sums must always add up.