The United Arab Emirates' open economy and society have won praise, but lax enforcement of some laws is causing U.S. concern over proliferation of advanced technology to Iran; terrorist transiting; and human trafficking, particularly in the emirate of Dubai. The UAE undertook its first major electoral process in December 2006, although with a small, hand-picked electorate and for a body with limited powers.

This report describes the open economy and society of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as U.S. concern over proliferation of advanced technology due to said open economy and the UAE's lax export controls. It discusses these issues in relation to a recently-signed U.S.-UAE civilian nuclear agreement and also provides a general description of the UAE's government and political structure, as well as the effects of the recent global economic downturn on the UAE in general and on the city of Dubai in particular.

This report provides background information on the UAE nuclear program, reviews developments to date, analyzes proposed nuclear cooperation with the United States, and discusses relevant legislative proposals and options.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about hijackers of the Japanese airlines jet with 143 persons aboard who are preparing to take off from the Dubai airport on the Arabian Peninsula.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about rescue boats which was equipped with search lights are searching the seas off Northern Tahiti for victims of the crash of Pan American jetliner.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about passengers and crew of a Japan Airlines where 747 hijacked are still being held in the Arab sheikdom of Dubai.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about hijacked Japan airlines which remains on the ground at Dubai.