Analysis
The statement aligns with the UAE’s strategic initiatives (e.g., Dubai Internet City, Expo 2020, sovereign wealth funds like Mubadala) that explicitly aimed to diversify beyond oil, reducing its GDP share from ~90% in the 1970s to ~30% today. However, the claim ignores foundational advantages: oil revenues initially funded diversification, while controversies over labor rights (e.g., *kafala* system) and reliance on expatriate workers complicate the narrative of self-made success. The phrasing also implies uniform success across emirates, though disparities exist (e.g., Dubai vs. less diversified regions like Ras Al Khaimah).
Background
Since its 1971 founding, the UAE—led by Dubai and Abu Dhabi—has pursued economic transformation through free zones, tourism (e.g., Burj Khalifa, Louvre Abu Dhabi), and renewable energy (Masdar City). While GDP per capita grew from $37k to $48k (2010–2022, World Bank), critics argue this model depends on global capital flows and low-wage migrant labor, raising questions about sustainability and equity. The 2019 *NYT* interview occurred amid regional tensions (Qatar blockade, Saudi rivalry) and pre-pandemic optimism about Dubai’s Expo-driven growth.
Verdict summary
The UAE has actively pursued economic diversification, but attributing its *entire* success to proactively 'creating opportunities' oversimplifies complex factors like oil wealth, geopolitical alliances, and labor policies.