The government's need to encourage economic growth stems from the fact that the population of the UAE may more than double by the year 2010. In order to accommodate this population boom, the government is actively pursuing a campaign to expand the country's infrastructure. The population boom will drive up the country's need for water and power. The population increase may also strain the UAE's welfare state, which is one of the most extensive in the world. Citizens of the UAE enjoy free education and first class health facilities.
Medical care is provided at a very low cost.
Unemployment is practically non-existent for UAE nationals. Sector Analysis Oil and Gas Oil has formed the backbone of the UAE economy and will continue to play a significant role as there is an estimated 130 years of production left to be extracted. Discovered in 1962, oil has given the UAE one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. Dubai produces approximately 252,000 bpd and Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah bring in about 5 thousand bpd. Ajman and Umm al-Quwain are hoping to exploit hydrocarbons reserves and become producers of gas.