framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...
framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...
framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...
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The <strong>for</strong>mer president and <strong>the</strong> founder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE, H.H. Sheikh Zayed<br />
b<strong>in</strong> Sultan Al-Nahyan, emphasised <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> education and <strong>the</strong><br />
importance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> skilled manpower stress<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> human:<br />
“Man is <strong>the</strong> real wealth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE “ 102 .<br />
H.H Sheikh Zayed B<strong>in</strong> Sultan Al Nahyan<br />
Moreover, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed b<strong>in</strong> Rashid Al Maktoum <strong>the</strong> UAE<br />
prime m<strong>in</strong>ister and <strong>the</strong> ruler <strong>of</strong> Dubai has assured many times that <strong>the</strong><br />
UAE‟s strategy towards its nationals stress<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> human resources<br />
is <strong>the</strong> most effective factor <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> countries development plan.<br />
2.6.2 Economical Status<br />
The UAE is classified as <strong>the</strong> second largest country <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf region <strong>in</strong><br />
terms <strong>of</strong> economies after <strong>the</strong> K<strong>in</strong>gdom <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia. The UAE is one<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most flourish<strong>in</strong>g and fast develop<strong>in</strong>g countries <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Middle East<br />
region. The year 2000 marked an <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE GDP to over 60<br />
billion dollars. The growth amount <strong>of</strong> 4.4% is considered high accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to <strong>in</strong>ternational standards. 103 The numbers <strong>in</strong>dicate that <strong>the</strong> UAE is<br />
record<strong>in</strong>g its fastest growth <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last decade. The economy witnessed<br />
an <strong>in</strong>crease by 17%. The non-oil sectors account<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> 66% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
GDP. 104 The ma<strong>in</strong> source <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>come <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE is <strong>the</strong> oil resource,<br />
similar to most Gulf countries. Meanwhile <strong>the</strong> UAE developed a vision<br />
to m<strong>in</strong>imise <strong>the</strong> dependency on oil resources. A new <strong>the</strong>me <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
economic development was established which supports diversification <strong>of</strong><br />
economy. The UAE government is giv<strong>in</strong>g great attention to projects like<br />
tourism and trade zones. The government also has <strong>in</strong>itiated o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>in</strong>novative projects such as Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City.<br />
The UAE is also <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g on projects such as renewable energy. Abu<br />
Dhabi is aim<strong>in</strong>g to be <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational centre <strong>for</strong> renewable energy<br />
which reflects <strong>the</strong> UAE‟s <strong>in</strong>terest on multiply<strong>in</strong>g its resources.<br />
101 Federal Research Division. (2007). op.cit. p10.<br />
102 ODPM - In<strong>for</strong>mation Affairs, (2005), Immortal Words <strong>of</strong> Late Sheikh Zayed, <strong>the</strong> Cultural and Media<br />
Centre UAE.<br />
103 M<strong>in</strong>istry <strong>of</strong> In<strong>for</strong>mation and Culture, (2009), UAE Yearbook.<br />
104 Al-Ali, J. (2008). op.cit. p365-379.<br />
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