ABSTRACT
This chapter shows the recent trends in United Arab Emirates (UAE) orders from the US. The UAE is in a unique position in that it faces only a limited threat of direct invasion, but depends on other Southern Gulf states and the US for its security. UAE forces also need to cease their present emphasis on political purchases and "glitter factor" procurements. The UAE's military build-up, and its alliance with the US and the other Southern Gulf states, should provide a high degree of external security-although it cannot guarantee the return of Abu Musa and the Tunbs. Although the government quickly exiled troublesome foreign workers, and instituted tighter controls on foreign workers, it took no effective measures to deal with the longer term problem of growing dependence on foreign workers-and the cultural implications of the nation's growing dependence on non-Arab residents.
