ABU DHABI // The Arab world is experiencing a historic "Gulf moment" in which the UAE and its neighbours are taking the lead in human development, a prominent Emirati political scientist argues in a new academic paper.
But political stagnation remains an obstacle, with little demand for reform.
The study, entitled "Contemporary Socio-Political Issues of the Arab Gulf Moment", by Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, the professor of political science at UAE University and the lead author of the 2008 Arab Knowledge Report, studies the key social and political challenges in the Gulf states, the reasons for the lack of demand for political reform, and why the UAE's business model has managed to outshine others in the region. Messy experiences in the wider Arab world, including sectarian tensions in Iraq and Bahrain, have contributed to a lingering distrust of democracy as a governing tool.
Dr Abdulla reeled off a list of key economic and development indicators that showed the economic might of Gulf countries and the growing prosperity of their citizenry. But economic prosperity had also come "at a daunting social cost", with citizens in the Gulf becoming minorities in their own countries.
Fast-paced globalisation had given rise to concerns over citizenship and national identity. Expatriate populations had become "virtually indispensable" to the smooth running of the economy.
kshaheen@thenational.ae
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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Pieces of Her
Stars: Toni Collette, Bella Heathcote, David Wenham, Omari Hardwick
Director: Minkie Spiro
Rating:2/5
OPTA'S PREDICTED TABLE
1. Liverpool 101 points
2. Manchester City 80
3. Leicester 67
4. Chelsea 63
5. Manchester United 61
6. Tottenham 58
7. Wolves 56
8. Arsenal 56
9. Sheffield United 55
10. Everton 50
11. Burnley 49
12. Crystal Palace 49
13. Newcastle 46
14. Southampton 44
15. West Ham 39
16. Brighton 37
17. Watford 36
18. Bournemouth 36
19. Aston Villa 32
20. Norwich City 29
The five pillars of Islam
Company%20Profile
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Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
ENGLAND SQUAD
Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes
Messi at the Copa America
2007 – lost 3-0 to Brazil in the final
2011 – lost to Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals
2015 – lost to Chile on penalties in the final
2016 – lost to Chile on penalties in the final
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
- Keep your oven open after cooking
- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
- Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat
- Put on extra layers
- Do a few star jumps
- Avoid alcohol
DUBAI%20BLING%3A%20EPISODE%201
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last-16. first leg
Atletico Madrid v Juventus, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company%20profile
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5