Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Volcanism
Consequently, the oceanic crust and Today, the Arabian Plate with Abu Dhabi
overlying sediments of the ancient Tethys as its ‘passenger’ continues its ancient
Ocean were thrust upwards onto the journey northwards relative to the Africa
north‑east margins of the Arabian Plate to Plate at 5–14 millimetres per year and to
form the unique geological structures of Eurasia at 27 millimetres per year.
the Semail Ophiolite and the underlying
Hawasina Nappes. The collision between
the smaller Arabian and massive Eurasian
Plates buckled and uplifted the plate
Basaltic volcanism
margins to form the Zagros Mountains. More
Erosion
More recently, in the Oligo-Miocene,
the opening of the Gulf of Aden and
Red Sea split the Arabian Plate away
from the African Plate, continuing its
journey alone. The forces associated
with this resulted in further uplift along
the north-eastern margin to produce the Less
Erosion
Hajar Mountains, which are still rising,
depending on location, at 2–6 millimetres
per year.
Continental crust
Crust uplifted
This movement received a powerful push and thinned
Lithosphere
in a north-easterly direction about four to
Ophiolite
Erosion Over Time
African Plate
What lies beneath? - Ophiolite Formation Ophiolite
Obduction &
Deposition
Ophiolites are rare sequences of rocks where a section of
the Earth’s upper mantle, oceanic crust and overlying
Continental crust sediments have been thrust upwards by tectonic forces.
Oceanic crust The Hajar Mountains include the world’s largest and best
exposed ophiolite complex which can be seen outcropping
Lithosphere between Dhaid and Dibba. It provides a unique
opportunity to examine rocks from deep within the Earth
Asthenosphere
and to understand plate tectonics and related processes.
35
Climate Over Time The Air Masses Affecting the UAE Arctic
Characterised as being colder
than polar air masses, this
Rainfall
Baynunah
Average Annual Rainfall Each Year
Az Zafrah The highest rainfall occurs during the
40 60 80 100 120 140 160 mm winter, the result of cyclonic cloud bands
that pass over the UAE driven by the
Liwa
westerly troughs. The average rainfall in Continental Tropical Maritime Tropical
Abu Dhabi is less than 100 mm annually,
although this varies across the Emirate Coming from the desert of The result of warm waters
The Indian The onset
of the geographically and from year to year; e.g. southwest Sudan, this air from the Arabian Sea and
Monsoon system last inter-g flowing from southeast of
lacial mass builds moisture over
fluctuated in
period saw
an
one day’s precipitation could exceed the
and rapid in abrupt total rainfall of two or three years. the Red Sea and can lead to the UAE, this air mass is
strength, influence crease
and geographic extent rainfall over in
The r thunderstorms over the Highland responsible for the majority
southern A e
rabia exper gion Arabian Peninsula. of thunderstorms in the UAE.
ience
anoth s
er p Air masses in the highlands, such
in rain eak
fall as the UAE’s Hajar Mountains,
can lead to thunderous conditions,
especially in the summer.
The
plu mos
vi tr
th al, k ece
Clim e ‘Ho now nt
a lo na
had tic O cene s
im a pr
p t im Winter (December to March) Spring (April to May)
dev pact o ofou um,’
elo n h nd
reg p um
io me a The Siberian High Pressure System
th n an n in n As the sun appears to move
arr e wa d pa the is dominant in the winter season,
iva y fo ved towards the north, the temperature
pas lof N r th
tor
al n eolith
om ic
e Autumn (October to November) its effect diminishing towards the begins to rise. The Siberian High
ads end of the season. The system Pressure System moves
250,000 180,000 causes north-westerly “Shamal”
190,000 As the sun appears to move towards northward, leaving the UAE’s
130,000 winds, leading to noticeable
120,000 the south, the surface air temperature weather at the whims of various
temperature fluctuations and rough
82,0
00 Summer (June to September) gradually decreases and weakens the
seas. The system, combined with
other synoptic pressure systems.
75,0 thermal lows as they move away Most notably, the extension of a
Palaeoclimate and Climate Change 00
50,0 from the region. The Siberian High westerly upper ridge winds and tropical cyclone from the Indian
The Emirate’s surface air
74,0 00 Pressure System moves towards its clear nights, can cause heavy fog Ocean to the Arabian Sea usually
00 temperature may exceed 50°C in
The Gulf region has experienced climatic changes throughout both 17,0 winter position, which can lead to late at night or in the early morning. results in rain and thunderstorms.
geological and human history. The overall trend or cycle of climatic change
0 0 some areas, especially the southern
Little Ice Age regions. This intense daytime high winds during the autumn. Fog is also quite common during
basically comprises warmer and wetter interglacial periods alternating Clear skies can also lead to rapid the spring.
with much cooler and drier glacial episodes, often spanning many Two hundred years ago, the last climate
9,0 heating causes a thermal low over night-time cooling. In fact, it may
00 Throughout the autumn, a col area
thousands of years. Historical evidence indicates conclusively that such disruption occurred, known as the ‘Little Ice 6,0 the Arabian Peninsula, which usually reach zero Celsius, or slightly
Age’ and, although there have been warmer
00
causes a hot, dry south easterly (an area located between two lows
environmental transitions are sometimes quite rapid and sudden. and two highs opposite each other) below, on high mountains and in
periods prior to this disruption, the world 5,0
00
wind. some interior regions.
has since been experiencing a persistent affects the region. When the water
and accelerating warming phase.
Furthermore, the Indian Monsoon temperature of the Arabian Gulf
Low provides the region with hot, reaches its highest point, atmospheric
Reconstructing Palaeoclimate humid air masses coming from the moisture increases and causes
southeast. The eastern mountains frequent fogs throughout the UAE.
The Emirate’s landscape holds evidence of climatic changes including ancient often catch these air masses, causing
pluvial (wet) episodes. These resulted in the formation of lakes and deposition of a dynamic uplift and convective
lacustrine (lake) sediments, alluvial fans and gravels, palaeosols (fossil), soils cloud formation. In fact, the huge
and speleothems (cave formations) created by secondary mineral deposits, amount of moisture driven by the
typically in limestone. There are also many indicators of extreme dry periods that monsoon is responsible for most of
resulted in the development of extensive dune and sand seas such as the Rub’ the precipitation that falls over the
al-Khali, or ‘Empty Quarter’, which extends into the UAE south of the Liwa Oasis. eastern area of the UAE, which is
The climate cycle, especially rainfall, is partly affected by the intensity of the very high in the summer compared
southwest Indian Ocean monsoon system. to other parts of the country.
During the past 400,000 years, studies show that global temperatures have Abu Dhabi has taken several steps to ``The Renewable Portfolio Standard,
risen when CO2 levels increase. Sudden increases in global CO2 reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) which commits Abu Dhabi to
concentrations, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution, have led scientists emissions and is working to enhance deploying renewable energy
to believe with greater than 90% probability that most of the global warming its understanding and to respond to its equivalent to 7% of Abu Dhabi’s
witnessed in the last 50 years is the result of human activities. own vulnerability to climate change. electric generation capacity by 2020
These include:
40 0 40 0 ``Vision 2030, an urban planning Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
CO2 Concentration (ppmv)
Carbon Dioxide Variations ``The MASDAR initiative, which strategy that emphasises
targets clean energy technology sustainable transport and land use
350 350 The shifting of the ITCZ significantly affects air circulation
investments planning
Summer Winter patterns in the UAE and, therefore, its climate conditions.
30 0 30 0
During the UAE’s summer, the Earth’s northern
``The Estidama programme, which ``The greater use of Compressed Arctic Circle
UAE hemisphere faces the sun, while the southern hemisphere
aims to ensure green building Natural Gas (CNG) in municipal Arctic Circle
Tropic of Cancer faces the sun during the country’s winter. As the transition
250 250 design vehicle fleets
Equator
UAE
between hemispheres takes place, its surface heating
Tropic of Capricorn SUN patterns shift along with it; due to this effect, major
40 0 ``The Ecological Footprint initiative, ``Takreer, which aims to produce Tropic of Cancer
20 0 160 0 20 0 pressure systems, wind belts and the ITCZ follow the
30 0 which seeks to measure and better Sulphur-Free Gas Oil (SFGO) to Equator
Thousa 20 0
Year (A 180 0 same route as the sun from hemisphere to hemisphere.
nds of Y 10 0
D ) understand the country’s GHG decrease diesel emissions and is Antarctic Tropic of Capricorn
ears Ag 0 20 0 0
The ITCZ leads to intense thunderstorm rains wherever
o emissions expected to be completed in 2010 Circle Antarctic
Circle it goes. Additionally, continental distribution affects
Earth’s Axis Earth’s Axis heating patterns and, thus, the location of the ITCZ.
41
56 12% 23% 7% 2%
can be traced back to the Domestic use of
Bronze Age, commencing
3,000 years ago with various
% water for homes
and businesses
owned by citizens, although there are a small
number of large, government-run farms.
Generous government subsidies have promoted
innovations through the accounts for about agricultural expansion. Since 1970, farms owned
Iron Age and early Islamic 23% of total water by citizens grew from less than 2,000 hectares to
consumed in Abu Dhabi. Much
period through to pre-oil Marine Springs Rainwater Harvesting domestic water ends up at the
an estimated 80,000 hectares in 2007 – with
growth of nearly 5,000 hectares per year since
times and onto today. sewerage treatment plant, where it is the mid-1990’s. Agricultural expansion is
While fresh water springs are found There is evidence also offshore on treated and reused for urban landscape currently restricted due to the limitation and, in
Bronze Age wells discovered along the coastal belt of the UAE, mostly Marawah and on other islands, like irrigation. However, because of limited some cases, exhaustion of groundwater
at Hili show evidence of irrigation distribution networks, only supplies.
in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Aryam, of ancient water use in the 56% of the total treated water is re-
a traditional system of Fujairah, less notorious offshore marine form of rainfall harvesting. Gulleys used. The remainder is discharged into
accessing water that relied upon buckets. The traditional springs (which discharge freshwater were constructed to capture run-off and the Gulf.
jazra system, which uses animals to pull water from deep from the sea bed) have been known for channel it into nearby wells or cisterns.
wells, was still in use in the Emirate until a few decades centuries and have long been associated Six late Islamic period wells have been
ago. The same system may have been used over 4,000 with the pearling industry. The marine located about one kilometre west of the Urban Landscape
Offshore Water
The offshore marine environment in the Gulf is extensive and quite diverse. predatory creatures such as sharks, dolphins and sailfish that use stealth, Deadly Invaders
It contains a rich and increasingly rare variety of species ranging from the speed and strategy to hunt their prey. The relative numbers of species may The heavy reliance on ship transport from
microscopic to the truly massive, all playing integral roles within the marine be quite small but the inter-dependent web-of-life sustained within the deep overseas has resulted in many marine pests
ecosystem. The Arabian Gulf offers a unique and challenging environment waters of the Gulf is intricate and essential to the vitality of the entire sea. arriving in the Gulf. The adverse impacts of
for its deep water inhabitants. These range from the microscopic ‘forests’ of invasive species are not only ecological but also
economic, amounting to billions of dirhams of
phytoplankton converting the sun’s energy into food; the ‘grazers’ that harvest losses to fisheries and aquaculture alone,
the plankton, including small jellyfish and massive whale sharks, and finally, including costly efforts to eradicate and mitigate
often persistent and devastating effects. Every Lesser Crested Tern
year, an estimated 400,000 to 750,000 cubic Sterna bengalensis
metres of ballast water and other oily water is
Beware of Harmful Algal Blooms discharged from tankers and ships that enter
Arabian Gulf waters, potentially releasing
Commonly known as algae, phytoplankton harmful invaders such as alien fish and jellyfish,
are usually a healthy green colour. crabs, toxic phytoplankton, worms and shellfish.
Changing conditions in the environment,
however, can cause rapid deterioration
into a heavy green, brown, yellow or red
discolouration with the
appearance of an oil slick.
This is termed a Harmful
Algal Bloom (HAB) that has
negative impacts on other
marine organisms and even
Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins
Lungs of the Ocean - Phytoplankton Revealed humans. Sometimes known
as ‘red tides’, HABs can Curious, gentle and social, the Indo-Pacific
Phytoplankton are microscopic single cell tiny plants that stretch for many kilometres bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) is the most
and are especially damaging common cetacean in the Gulf waters, making up
might not seem very important, but they are probably the about 70% of groups and individual marine
most critical component of the ocean food web. During to marine life in the shallower mammals. Recognisable by their elongated snout or
waters prevalent along the Abu Dhabi Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin rostrum, bottlenose dolphins travel in groups or
food production (photosynthesis) using sunlight as their Tursiops aduncus
source energy, they fix carbon-dioxide (CO2) into organic coast. Under such conditions, HABs ‘pods’ ranging from a few to several hundred
deplete the dissolved oxygen in water and individuals and will often swim alongside the
compounds. During this process, these microscopic bow of a moving boat. Their practice of
plants consumes large amounts of carbon-dioxide from release toxins, resulting in mass fish kills
‘porpoising’ or leaping out of the water while
atmosphere and release oxygen. It has been and serious economic losses for fisheries. swimming can be dramatic and is thought
estimated that phytoplankton produce more to improve efficiency of locomotion.
than half of the oxygen we breathe. Since
the phytoplankton are removing carbon-
dioxide and releasing oxygen into
atmosphere, they are sometimes
referred to as lungs of the ocean.
Yellowstripe Scad
Selaroides leptolepis
Narrow-barred
Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus
Whale Shark commerson
Rhincodon typus
Indo-Pacific Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterus
Blue Jellyfish
Catostylus
mosaicus Sailfish Distribution and Migration
Coastal Habitats
The coastal habitats of Abu Dhabi are diverse, comprising of mangrove forests, of the coastline and serve many valuable ecosystem functions. Cyanobacterial
Plant Communities and Contrasting Diversity
Soil salinity, its capacity to hold water and the frequency of tidal inundation have a Rock Cliffs
great influence on plant distribution and diversity in the coastal zone.
salt marshes, tidal flats with cyanobacterial (algal ) mats, sandy and rocky mats are widespread along the more extensive and sheltered areas of coastline. Precarious Habitat for Plants and Nesting Birds
beaches, coastal flats with low dunes, sabkhas, cliffs and rocky headlands. The Higher-order plants are able to colonise these mats when a thin covering of Salt-tolerant chenopods such as Arthrocnemum (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum),
Medium-sized cliffs relieve the monotony of
Halocnemum (Halocnemum strobilaceum) and Salsola (Salsola drummondii) are
coastal vegetation of the region is likewise diverse, specialised and extremely blown sand accumulates on the surface providing the invading plants with the coastal landscape and are a characteristic
predominant near the shoreline as are mat-forming grasses and dwarf shrubs such feature along the southern Gulf coast.
productive, notwithstanding often harsh growing conditions. Vegetation a growing medium and anchor for their roots. Cemented sand dunes form as Sea Lavender (Limonium axillare). Halophytes like Sphaerocoma (Sphaerocoma Depending on the influence of salt-laden
types include halophytic (salt tolerant ) Dwarf Shrubs of the Goosefoot rocky outcrops in scattered localities along the coastline in the more western aucheri) and Cornulaca (Cornulaca monacantha) colonise the coastal dunes while dust, these exposures are colonised by a mix
salt-tolerant succulents like Seidlitzia, (Seidlitzia rosmarinus) and Zygophyllum of halophytic and non halophytic species.
family ( Chenopodiaceae ) and Caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae ). The parasitic parts of the Emirate. Halophytic and non-halophytic annual plants occur on Plant species include Cornulaca (Cornulaca
(Zygophyllum qatarense) occupy the sand sheets. Commonly known as the 'string
plants Red Thumb ( Cynomorium coccineum ) and Desert Hyacinth ( Cistanche these rocky outcrops, sometimes occupying the most precarious and unlikely of beads', Halopeplis (Halopeplis perfoliata) is the most tolerant of all the halophytes
monacantha), Helianthemum (Helianthemum
lippi), Panicum (Panicum turgidum) and
tubulosa ) are common in coastal areas in association with the chenopods. Salt- of locations. and is the dominant species in sabkha. Salsola (Salsola drummondii). The rock cliffs
tolerant grasses can also be found. Mangroves are well developed along parts are excellent habitat for Sooty Falcons (Falco
concolor), a medium-sized bird of prey that is
one of the most endangered bird species in the
Emirate.
Chestnut-bellied
The Coastal Sabkha Sandgrouse
Osprey Salsola Pterocles exustus
Sabkha (meaning salt flat) is an Arabic term describing the often remarkably Pandion haliaetus drummondii
flat and salt-encrusted desert that is usually devoid of significant plant cover haliaetus
or indeed any obvious signs of life. The Emirate’s sabkha extends over
hundreds of kilometres along the coast and is a unique feature of the inland
landscape. High concentrations of salts (mainly calcium carbonate, gypsum, Sooty Falcon
anhydrite and sodium chloride) on the sabkha surface prevent the growth of Desert Wheatear Falco concolor
most plant species, and as a consequence, landscapes dominated by sabkha Zygophyllum Oenanthe deserti
qatarense
appear distinctly barren. Plant life is usually restricted to the margins of the
sabkha with Halophytes (chenopods) dominating these marginal niches.
Some plants are able to germinate on the sabkha surface after heavy rainfall, Cyperus
Cornulaca
since this leads to a temporary reduction in salt concentrations. Although arenarius
monacantha
appearing lifeless, upon closer examination sabkhas can support limited
plant communities, which, through resilience and adaptation, have come to
populate this most extreme of environments. The cracked crusty surface Sphaerocoma
provides a remarkable shaded micro-habitat exploited by several insect Curlew aucheri Rockrose
Sandpiper Helianthemum lippi
species in an otherwise barren landscape.
Calidris
ferruginea
Eurasian
Stone-curlew
Burhinus oedicnemus
Western
Reef Heron Sea Lavender
Egretta Limonium
gularis axillare Arabian Ground Gecko
Zygophyllum
schistacea Bunopus tuberculatus
simplex
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus
Asian
Desert Warbler
Hawksbill Sylvia nana
Turtle
Eretmochelys
String of Beads imbricata Blue
Halopeplis perfoliata Spotted Arab
Colotis phisadia
Oil & Natural Gas Economy “Oil is worth nothing unless it is used in the service of the people”
Sheikh Zayed
The Paradox of Plenty
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has transformed its society into a modern city-state Most importantly, the revenues continue to be used to provide essential
primarily due to the income from its oil and gas production. While some services and educate the people, whom he described as “the real wealth of
hydrocarbon rich nations have experienced a ‘natural resource curse’ including the nation.”
corruption, conflict and one-dimensional economies subject to volatile
international terms of trade, Abu Dhabi and the UAE have avoided this plight As a result, Abu Dhabi’s economic policies have been prudent and forward-
as a result of the resolute leadership and vision of the late President looking with surplus revenues from oil and gas exports being invested at
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who correctly observed that oil could be home and overseas to purchase a range of assets and to diversify sources of
“both a blessing and a curse.” national income. Government promotion of public-private partnerships has
also fostered diversification within and beyond the energy sector to remain Pursuing Innovation
Sheikh Zayed implemented a policy where the revenues from oil and natural competitive within a dynamic world economy.
Abu Dhabi has embarked upon many innovative projects
gas should be invested in the development of other sectors of the economy. to become a global leader in knowledge as well as energy-
based activities. For example, as one of the world’s
Oil Proven Reserves lowest-cost producers of oil and natural gas, Abu Dhabi
Fundamentals of the Oil and Natural Gas Economy has a comparative advantage in non-fuel uses. Through a
(Colour represents crude oil reserves, in billion of barrels)
joint venture, ADNOC’s investment in polymers
Proven oil reserves are defined as in global demand, which can be development is one of the most sophisticated in the
those that have a reasonable affected by economic conditions, world, while its strategic geographic position provides
certainty (90% confidence in geopolitical events and even access to both the mature markets of Europe as well as
accuracy of projections) of being weather conditions throughout the newly-emerging economies like China and India.
recovered utilising current world.The UAE’s current production
technologies and under current allocation by OPEC (mid-2009) is Furthermore, for many years state-of-the-art plants have
political and economic conditions. set at about 2.2 million barrels per used natural gas to produce both Abu Dhabi’s electricity
As of 2007, the UAE had an day. Based on current reserves
267 bn
and desalinated water needs. As population projections
estimated 97.8 billion barrels of and production rates, the UAE is demonstrate rising demand for both these resources
proven oil reserves, 95% of which projected to continue its oil and
110 bn
throughout the UAE, technological innovations will
belongs to Abu Dhabi Emirate, gas production well into the next continue improving efficiency in the power, water, oil and
along with significant natural gas century.
30 bn
gas sectors to not only meet future demand, but to also
reserves. Based on these estimates,
address and minimise environmental impacts.
0
Abu Dhabi ranks fifth in the world However, decisions about how
much oil and gas to extract, and Reserves in billions of barrels
in oil and gas reserves, although
relative to the number of its citizens, from which reserves, and assuring
Saudi Arabia 266.7
it ranks second only to Kuwait. efficient delivery to local and Canada 178.1
Iran 136.2
Moreover, much of the Emirate’s oil international customers, is a highly
Iraq 115
is relatively easy and inexpensive complex business that the UAE Kuwait 104
to extract, particularly onshore. addresses at a national level. In Venezuela 99.4
Abu Dhabi, such intricate decisions UAE 97.8
The UAE is a member of the are guided by the Supreme Russia 60
Libya 43.6
Organisation of the Petroleum Petroleum Council and supervised Nigeria 36.2
Exporting Countries (OPEC). by the Abu Dhabi National Oil
Member countries try to achieve
stable prices and sustainable
Company (ADNOC) and its 14
subsidiaries and joint venture
production capacities, permitting companies.
them to alter their actual amount
of production to meet variations
Masdar City
(Night View of
Street, Artist's
Impression)
The Drive for Diversification
Masdar Solar Plant
Established in 1971, ADNOC and its 14 subsidiaries and joint venture companies
are now diversified into exploring, producing, processing and marketing the Abu Dhabi’s Economic & Population Growth
natural hydrocarbon resources on which the world economy depends. This
Environmental & Social Considerations
includes crude oil, natural gas, liquefied gases, refinery products, polymers,
lubricants, fertilisers, chemicals, and services like onshore and offshore drilling Total GDP 26,588 79,930 519,922 ADNOC and its Group of Companies have an Abu Dhabi has a truly long-term vision for
operations, construction, transportation, storage and distribution. (AED millions)
excellent track record of dealing with and its leadership role in the energy sector. In
Population 211,812 829,535 1,559,000
reporting on Health, Safety and Environmental particular, it has created the Abu Dhabi Future
However, economic diversification is gradually reducing the role of oil and issues. As part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Energy Company (ADFEC) to develop innovative
Non-Oil GDP 24% 44% 36%
gas in Abu Dhabi’s economy. Its share in total GDP varies with the price of oil Group, coordinated by EAD, ADNOC will expand solutions for energy security and environmental
but has fallen from over 70% during the 1970s to about 50% today. Oil refining Oil GDP 76% 56% 64% its monitoring and reporting strategies to cover sustainability. ADFEC’s many projects and
now represents less than half of Abu Dhabi’s growing manufacturing sector. economic, social and environmental issues in initiatives, including the Masdar City Project
1975
2008
1992
Diversification is a key element of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. While accordance with the United Nations sponsored (world’s first carbon neutral city), aim to promote
the oil and gas sector will continue to grow and will remain significant, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Working innovative technological solutions to combat the
strategy calls for an increased share by other sectors of the economy, including together with the Air Quality Committee, ADNOC social and environmental externalities of oil and
downstream oil and gas activities. The overall intent is to reduce the economy’s and EAD are also striving to convert 20% of the gas dependency and to also support the Emirate’s
relatively high dependence on oil and the cyclical swings which accompany it. most polluting government-owned vehicles in vision and goal of economic diversification.
the Emirate to run on clean natural gas by 2012.
87
5
Population & Economy Growth
Top Expatriate
Nationalities by Population
India
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Egypt
The emirate of Abu Dhabi’s population has been growing at a phenomenal was tiny (46,500 in 1968) and lacked most of the technical skills needed for a Jordan
rate, from 46,500 in 1968 to an estimated 1.72 million in 2009. Furthermore, modern society. The commercial production of oil triggered rapid population
anticipated growth would leave the city of Abu Dhabi, whose population was growth that resulted in improved living conditions for the national population
22,000 in 1968, at over 3 million in 2030. Incredible growth was also seen in all and the large-scale influx of mostly male expatriate labourers. This has created
of the other emirates, including Dubai and Sharjah, whose 1968 populations an imbalanced population composition in favour of males. About half of the
were 59,000 and 31,500, respectively. expatriates in the Emirate are South Asian, whereas the remainder are mainly PHILIPINES
from other countries in the Gulf, East Asia and western English-speaking
Experts predict that the teenage and mid-life population sector will dominate countries.
NEPAL BANGLADESH
by 2030, while life expectancy will surpass 80 by 2050, resulting in a rapid
growth in the number of retirees. As the population profile shifts in this Oil resources have enabled massive modernisation in the UAE. Small coastal INDIA
INDONESIA
PAKISTAN
manner, areas of growth and demands of public services change significantly. towns have been transformed into commercial capitals integrated into the SYRIA IRAN
global economy. Because of the harsh desert interior and massive inflows of UNITED KINGDOM
LEBANON IRAQ
SRI LANKA
The emirate of Abu Dhabi has also continued to become more ethnically expatriates, 80 per cent of the population lives in the modern coastal cities of JORDAN
OMAN
diverse, with Emirati nationals, known as al Muwateneen, accounting for only the Emirates, which have become highly dynamic and culturally diverse. GAZA STRIP
about 20 per cent of the population. Before 1970, the Emirate’s population YEMEN Top 20 Expatriate
EGYPT
SOMALIA Nationalities by Population
3 mi
llion
6.03%
The last census for Abu Dhabi in 2005 highlighted a of Abu Dhabi is typified by a disproportionately
rapidly growing and diversifying population in the high percentage of young people who will have Pillars of Economic Vision
15° 15°
Emirate. Abu Dhabi is a favoured regional high expectations in terms of their quality of life 1.7 m
destination for expatriate workers, the majority of and tend to exert higher demands on social as well illion The Abu Dhabi government plans to
Average annual
balance the revenue generated from
whom come for temporary and financial reasons. as environmental resources. In fact, the age group population increase
non-oil trade with new national
Population
They include thousands of labourers working in the between 10 and 29 years for the UAE represented of Abu Dhabi emirate
industries by 2028. Their aim is to
from 1958 to 2009
construction sector, skilled ‘white collar’ over 45% of the total population in 2005 and may reduce unemployment among
professionals and several other prominent groups. have increased in subsequent years. Instilling citizens to 5%, effectively achieving
Abu full employment, and to increase
The resulting diversification of Abu Dhabi’s environmental awareness amongst these young Rapi Dhabi’s GDP by more than five times by the
d Gr
population has been dramatic – especially in the people is essential to preserving the Emirate’s owt
h year 2030.
years corresponding with rapid economic growth. unique environmental inheritance.
58,0 0
0
Improvements in health care, education and 1952
living standards from the 1970s onwards fuelled a
population explosion. Today, the Emirati population Age
80+ Female Male 2010
2030
80%
75-79
70-74
65-69
Expatriates 60-64 UAE Nationals
55-59 Expatriates
32.8% 96.5%
50-54
532
45-49
40-44
35-39
Abu Dhabi’s percentage 30-34 2007 Employment
of UAE’s total population 25-29 Number of schools in rate of Abu Dhabi
“The Emirate has the largest
20%
20-24 Abu Dhabi Emirate (2007)
15-19
10-14
‘sovereign wealth fund’ in the world”
Emirati Nationals 5-9 (Population in Thousands)
80+
0-4
75-7
9
75 25 0 25 75 125 175 225
4
70-7 E
9
MAL
65-6
ALE
4
60-6
FEM 9
55-5
4
50-5
9
45-4
4
40-4
9
35-3
4
30-3
9
25-2
400
20-2
4
Environmental
Economy Fuelling Population Growth
225
15-1
9
125
350 Well Being
4
10-1
300
Diversifying Towards Sustainability
75
5-9
2002
25
Sustainability remains the cornerstone of generations with the assets, expertise and
population, recent decades have
2005
150
Dem economic diversification in Abu Dhabi, skills to adapt to a dynamic world while
witnessed a similar trend within
2006
ogra 100
phic which now has many strategic plans for making steady progress towards a
2007
28.7%
diversified into products such as slowly.” Many diversification initiatives and infrastructure that allow people to work
in the region. In 2008 the Emirate obtained over 60% of its GDP
plastics, lubricants, fertilisers,
from oil and gas, a sector whose share has expanded in recent investments have been under way for some together more productively.
chemicals and services including
years due to increasing world-wide energy demand. However, construction, port operations and time and can be readily funded from current Sovereign
for decades, Abu Dhabi has invested in the transition from specialised vessels, storage and oil revenues even during global economic Abu Dhabi, through its Economic Vision Wealth Fund
Abu Dhabi’s GDP growth distribution. Beyond the energy sector, slow-downs or recessions. The Emirate has 2030, plans to enhance the combination
dependence on the finite commodity of oil and gas to an
rate between 2004-2007 recent initiatives include the the largest “sovereign wealth fund” in the of human, physical and financial
economy that is well-diversified and sustainable. Because development of steel and aluminium
of these investments, the Emirate’s non-oil economy has industries as well as manufacturing,
world and its present and future citizens will capital to generate the productivity and
grown substantially over the last 20 years. such as vehicle assembly. not only inherit a diversified economy but competitiveness it needs to drive economic
also leading-edge assets and opportunities growth forward. With these elements in
Balance Towards Sustainability to pursue creative, knowledge-based harmony, the twin targets of economic
activities. This will build the essential development and stability will be met.
52°E 53°E 54°E 55°E
153
25°N
Nitrate-N (µg/L) 3,135.08 1.3 3,133.78
Total coliform(cfu/100ml)
977.50 7.1 970.40
281.17 0 281.17
172.7
Arabian Gulf
12.2
10.5
Since 2002, EAD has conducted monthly marine water quality Results of water quality surveys indicate
0.1
29.5
surveys at eight sites in the Arabian Gulf. The goals of EAD’s that confined areas (near-shore locales
monitoring programme are to: characterise the spatial and surrounded by islands) are more
temporal patterns of basic marine water quality parameters; Arzanah susceptible to the negative effects of
identify significant changes that may indicate environmental trends anthropogenic activities compared to
and emerging problems; assess all point and non-point sources coastal and open waters. These confined
of pollution; evaluate the impact of anthropogenic activities on areas, such as Musaffah, are experiencing
marine water quality; and provide data that can be used to make deteriorating marine water quality
appropriate decisions regarding coastal permit applications. conditions. Based on the success of the
103.1
2.0
programme, EAD revised and increased Abu
189.6
12.6
Dhabi
12.6
their survey to include 17 sites in 2006.
16.1
12.0
0.4
189.0
0.6
153.4
11.7
109.7
13.4
36.8
31.3
Al Yasat
0.4
25.3
Corniche
MPA Dalma
212.6
Marawah Marine
11.9
Mubarraz
Biosphere
0.8
Reserve
184.4
12.5
12.3
Musaffah
37.9
Bul
176.1
12.8
Syayeef Bani Yas
168.4
0.6
10.9
11.0
35.3
31.1
Ruwais
Sila'a
Silicate (µM)
Nitrate-N (µg/L)
Ammonia (µg/L)
Phosphate-P (µg/L)
Nitrite-N (µg/L)
Tarif
24°N
24°N
20 0 20 40 Kilometres
Al Ain
52°E 53°E 54°E 55°E
Ghayathi
25°N
6
Phytoplankton is a microscopic single cell plant (algae) that occurs HABs have been monitored by the EAD
naturally in marine waters, contains chlorophyll and is usually green since 2002. In response to increased bloom
4
in colour. Massive proliferations of these microscopic plants are called incidences in Abu Dhabi’s Arabian Gulf
phytoplankton blooms or algal blooms. A Harmful Algal Bloom 8
waters, EAD initiated a survey to study
(HAB) is a bloom that has deleterious effects on marine organisms the impacts of harmful algae on marine 2
in HABs over the last decade, presumably caused by airborne dust, Arzanah
bloom-forming species is being examined 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
coastal development, anthropogenic activities and climate change. and plans are being developed to control
Algal Bloom Incidents, 2002 - 2008
and lessen the harmful effects of these algal
blooms.
Marawah Marine
Biosphere 6
6
Reserve
Abu
5 Dhabi
Al Yasat Corniche
MPA Dalma
6
9
Mubarraz
Musafah
Bul
5
3 Syayeef Bani Yas
Sir Bani Yas
Al Yasat
Jebel Marawah
Dhanna
Abu al-Abyadh
Ruwais
24°N
Total Different Types of
Harmful Algae 20 0 20 40 Kilometres
in
Abundance
Al A
52°E 53°E 54°E 55°E
Ghayathi
52°E 53°E 54°E 55°E
171
Archaeological Umm
al-Qaiwain
Qatar
Site Density
More than 1,600 cultural heritage sites are south to the desert interior at Umm al-Ishtan and Jaw
25°N
25°N
presently registered within Abu Dhabi Emirate. al-Dibsa. Archaeological sites are found throughout
These include more than 1,300 archaeological sites, the Emirate with notable concentrations on the
150 palaeontological (fossil) sites, and 80 historic coast and islands as well as Al Ain. Historic buildings
buildings. are restricted mostly to Abu Dhabi Island and the
surrounding area, Al Ain, Liwa and Dalma Island.
Fossil sites are concentrated in the Western (Al
Gharbia) Region along the coast between Jebel
Barakah and Rumaitha, and extending inland 45 km
Dalma
Abu
Dhabi
Marawah Musaffah
Bani Yas
Jebel
Dhanna
Al Ain
Ruwais
Rumaitha
Sila’a
Tarif
Jebel Barakah
24°N
24°N
bi
Dha
in
We
Ab
Al A
Abu
ste
uD
rn
Oman
ha
Ghayathi Habshan
Re
bi
gio
Jaw Al Dibsa
n
Madinat Zayed
Um Al Ishtan
Muzaira Fort, Liwa
Bu Hasa
Palaeontological,
Archaeological &
23°N
23°N
Historic Site Density
n
egio
1-3
rn R
in
3-8
Al A
te
Wes
8 - 14
14 - 23
23 - 78