What factor drove the rapid modernization of the UAE after its formation?

The rapid modernization of the UAE after its formation can primarily be attributed to oil revenues. Following the discovery of oil in the late 1950s and its subsequent commercialization in the 1960s, the UAE experienced a significant influx of wealth. This wealth enabled the government to invest heavily in various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and housing, leading to a dramatic transformation of the country.

Specifically, the revenue from oil exports allowed for the development of modern cities, transportation networks, and public services that were essential for fast-tracking progress and improving the quality of life for residents. The strategic use of these revenues facilitated the establishment of a diversified economy, moving beyond just reliance on oil, and setting the stage for tourism and other industries to flourish.

While tourism development and foreign educational exchange have played important roles in the UAE’s growth trajectory, they were largely made possible because of the financial foundation built on oil revenues. Similarly, investment in agriculture has not been a primary driver of modernization in the UAE, especially given the country's arid climate and greater focus on industrial and urban development.