Historically, the oil industry was what attracted investment and the expatriate population to the UAE. When massive fluctuations in oil prices highlighted the risk of this reliance there was an active drive to diversify the economy. Already the UAE has achieved a non-oil sector worth two thirds of its economy, which is the highest in the GCC region. Until the 1970s, the UAE relied on importing its glass needs from major producers in Europe and the USA, so the region's current glass manufacturing industry is, in economic terms, relatively new. It emerged along with finance and tourism following the credit boom after 2000, driven by strong overseas investment in the many major construction projects. In this article the author discusses how recovering GDP figures are driving float and safety glass consumption across the Gulf States.
