792-Dr. J. K. Patel Institute Of Management - Gujarat Technological ...

4. Overview Different Economic Sectors of UAE
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing
As a result of adverse climatic conditions (nutrient-poor soil, extreme aridity, and
high summer temperatures) in the UAE, in 2005 agriculture represented a relatively
small portion (an estimated 3 percent) of the country’s gross domestic product.
Employment in the agricultural sector occupied only approximately 7 percent of the
employed population in 2005, but because a relatively high proportion of UAE
nationals are employed in farming, the sector receives a disproportionate share of
government subsidies at both the federal and local levels. Dates remain the UAE’s
major crop in terms of area cultivated, but the production of vegetables has
increased dramatically, particularly in Abu Dhabi, and currently generates the most
revenue. Other major products are eggs, dairy products, and poultry.
Mining and Minerals
The UAE’s economy is dominated by the oil and gas sector, which accounts for more
than 30 percent of total gross domestic product. The Supreme Petroleum Council,
headed by the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, has ultimate control over energy policy in
the UAE. Despite the crown prince’s commitment to diversifying the economy by
reducing dependency on oil, the UAE government is investing billions of dollars to
increase crude oil capacity from approximately 2.7 million barrels per day in 2006 to
4 million barrels per day by2010.
Industry and Manufacturing
Industry (including mining, manufacturing, construction, and power) accounted for An
estimated 54.2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2005 and employed
almost 36 percent of the workforce in that year. The major heavy industries in the
UAE are related to oil and gas, and the bulk of the manufacturing industry is
centered in the Jabal Ali Free Zone in Dubai and the Jabal az Zannah-Ar Runways
industrial zone in Abu Dhabi. The main products are liquefied petroleum gas,
distillate fuel oils, and jet fuels. Manufacturing constituted 12.9 percent of GDP in
2004 and employed 13 percent of the workforce in that year. Aluminum has emerged
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