Cultural Dimensions of Economic Development: A Case of UAE

Economic development, which is sought all over, is a long-term increase in national and per capita income for higher consumption and happiness. It may seem lacking in finer things that go under the name of culture. As such, this study sets to examine the cultural dimensions of economic development, with the case study of the fast-developed small nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The giant developing India is also drawn upon. The objectives of the exercise are to find out the nature and dynamics of economic development and its cultural dimensions or content and thereupon draw policy implications regarding economic and cultural development. The interesting conclusions that follow from the exercise are that, there are invariable cultural dimensions to economic development and that a cultural sector emerges in the course of economic development. More emphasis needs to be given to culture in development policy and planning, without culture, economic development is not wholesome, as the UAE is amicable of wholesome holistic development.