While Dubai is known for its grandiose skyscrapers, a flair for luxury living, and a fair mind towards various ideas, its political sphere is quite distinctive and blended with cultural, economic, and social aspects altogether. While their glossy look seeks to emphasize it, the political scene in Dubai is varied and characterized by a mix of traditional and modern governance practices as existent.
Beside the political structures in Dubai, the ruling Al Maktoum family led His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum holds a vice presidency, the premium minister of United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Dubai. Beneath the visionary guidance of him, the Dubai city has transformed radically, now becoming the city of business, tourism, and creativity.
Ma assembling a monarchy, the Dubai operates under a safety net and inclusiveness where its main priority is economic diversification, social development, and the harmony of it. The fact that these government strategic plans like Dubai plan 2021 or UAE Vision 2030 are indications of its aim of creating a more sustainable, prosperous and happy life for its residents publicly shows how the government is serious about that.
The interplay of ethnicities and identities constitutes a main feature of the political realm in Dubai, populated by a large international diaspora with diverse nationalities. As the definition of voting rights for foreigners is not specified, these people greatly contribute to the city’s market, culture and social setting. They are the important “architects” of the political discourse and the social norms.
Firstly, fair governance and the Rule of Law ensure the healthy political environment of Dubai. This also involves legal regulations and transparent practices. The jurisdictional trap, the free zones, the tax exemptions, and the investor-centric regulations have basically contributed to the setting of conducive circumstances that are ideal for business expansion and innovation.
Yet, one should be cognizant that political freedom and participation in democracy in Dubai are marked by restrictions to freedom of speech and assembly when compared to Western type democracies. The government, however, as it places import to stability and security, receives criticisms about the state of the economy and labor practices from international observers. These concerns include also the matters related to human rights which need reforms and greater transparency.
