MikeB on 17 August 2008
@ Nutboy
I reckon that the average UAE person doesn't have a lot of money. The median should be very low.
I think one has to distinguish between native emiratis and foreign immigrants, they form a minority in their own country (about ~20%). The native emiratis nearly all live in expensive villas. All Emirati citizens get free education and health care, and subsidized utilities. Emirati men can claim free land and no-interest loans to build homes. Other benefits include for instance a $19,000 payment toward wedding costs.
Regarding the wellfare system for native Emiratis the government financially aids disabled, widows, unmarried women, orphans, those of limited income, married students, elderly, divorced or separated from husband women, families of those serving prison sentences, those married to foreign nationals. So Emirati people living below the poverty line are hard to find.
