Cognition

Yes, some are very rich, others not so well off. All Emirati are encouraged to go to work but the wealth of the country is, of course, extreme and highly visible in Abu Dhabi City.

Families in the areas we work in have a range of social problems that we are familiar with back home. Drugs and alcohol are absolutely forbidden, but unemployment and single parenting contribute to an uneven wealth distribution, especially in the more rural and/ or/ Bedouin communities.

Al Ain is heartland Emirati, and many families spend all their lives there. The first ruler of the UAE, Sheik Zayed, who died 4 years ago, and who is still revered everywhere, was born in Al Ain.

Each Emirate has its own ruling family, but the Ruler of Abu Dhabi is also the President of the UAE, and the Ruler of Dubai, Sheik Mohammed, is the Deputy Ruler of the UAE.