The challenges stemming from demographic and technology issues within the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

This research explores the internal security threats posed by both the disproportionate expatriate resident population and the impact of modern technologies within the UAE. More specifically, we analyze UAE government efforts to regulate and monitor the flow and activities of expatriates, as well as measures such as Emiratisation, which seek to replace workers with nationals within, select sectors of the private labor force. To balance the benefits and risks that are inherent with the application of technology, specifically communication related technologies, safeguards have been implemented and policies have been created that suit the interest of the culture to monitor and regulate the flow of information among the people. Based on our inductive exploration of the case of the UAE we generate specific policy recommendations such as to strengthen and move ahead with Emiratisation policy, to impose high values for charges related to the violation of the rules in relation to all security policies, and to impose a mandatory military service for all of the UAE nationals that would enhance national defense internal security response. In addition we have provided general arguments for future testing.