The UAE is a confederation of seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain—which joined together in 1971 and formed the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, not Dubai.
The two countries are in close proximity, however, and share certain cultural similarities. They both have Arabic as their official language, and they follow the tradition of Islam as their main religion. There are also some geographic similarities. Both countries are situated on the Arabian Peninsula, and they both have access to the warm Arabian Gulf waters.
Economically, both countries are thriving. Dubai is known for its oil reserves, while Saudi Arabia has the world’s largest proven reserves of oil. Both countries also rely heavily on their tourism and hospitality sectors, but Dubai may have the edge here with its ever-evolving attractions, such as the world’s largest indoor ski slope and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
Dubai and Saudi Arabia also share similarities in their governments. Both nations are governed by monarchies and have authoritarian rule. Dubai’s government is smaller and more efficient, and the country has become a leader in technology, making it a major hub for international trade and business opportunities.
Despite their geographic proximity and similarities in the culture, economy, and government, Dubai is not the capital of Saudi Arabia. Dubai is instead the capital of the United Arab Emirates, an independent nation in its own right.
Geopolitics
The geopolitical relationship between the two countries is complex and dynamic. Dubai is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an organization that includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The GCC is a close alliance, and it works together to promote political and economic stability in the region.
In March 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia established a new bilateral agreement, the Strategic Vision for the United Arab Emirates-Saudi Arabia Joint Action, which was aimed at strengthening their political, economic, and social ties. This was part of an effort to solidify their relationship and expand cooperation between the two countries.
At the same time, the UAE has maintained close diplomatic ties with other countries, such as the United States, Iran, and Turkey. The UAE also sent forces to fight in Yemen with Saudi Arabia as part of the Saudi-led coalition.
Culture
Culturally, the two countries have distinct differences. Dubai is a vibrant, multicultural city that is home to people from around the world. The city celebrates a variety of festivals and events, and its food and nightlife scene are internationally renowned. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has traditionally been much more conservative, and the country has been criticized for its restrictions on human rights and women’s rights.
The UAE also has its own homegrown cultural attractions, from the Dubai Opera to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. In contrast, Saudi Arabia is home to the world’s largest mosque, the Grand Mosque of Mecca.
Economy
Both countries rely heavily on oil and gas, but Dubai has tried to diversify its economy. Dubai is a major hub for finance and business, and the city boasts the world’s busiest international airport. Dubai has also developed a bustling tourism sector, with visitors from all over the world.
Saudi Arabia has been trying to diversify its economy, too. For example, in 2016, the country announced its ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which aimed to reduce its dependency on oil and encourage investment in other sectors, such as technology and entertainment.
Future Prospects
The future prospects for the UAE and Saudi Arabia look bright. Even with the recent decline in oil prices, both countries remain economically strong, and they continue to attract investment from around the world. At the same time, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have both taken steps to diversify their economies and reduce their reliance on oil. This could open the door for increased economic cooperation between the two countries in the years to come.
The two countries may also be able to benefit from their close geographic proximity, and it is likely that there will continue to be a strong political and cultural relationship between Dubai and Saudi Arabia in the future.
Impact of Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on both countries, with an increase in unemployment and a decline in tourism. Dubai and Saudi Arabia both responded quickly to the pandemic, implementing a range of public health measures such as quarantine restrictions and business closures. These measures have been successful in mitigating the spread of the virus, but they have significantly impacted both countries’ economies.
Dubai and Saudi Arabia have both been actively looking for ways to support their citizens during the pandemic. For example, the UAE has set up a national fund to provide financial aid to businesses and citizens, while Saudi Arabia has launched its own fiscal stimulus package.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dubai is not the capital of Saudi Arabia, but the two countries share close links. They have similar languages, cultures, and histories, and their economies are both heavily reliant on oil and gas. Going forward, the two countries will likely continue to benefit from their close proximity and economic ties, while working towards further diversifying their economies and reducing their reliance on oil.
