Knowledge is Power
An old English chap named Francis Smoked-Beef said that years ago. The UAE government seems to believe it.
The actual Emirati-Expat ratio in Dubai is a closely held figure. A National friend of mine who is heavily into real-estate reckons the ratio is declining rapidly and (assuming all the accommodation being built will be filled by an influx of fresh expats) will reach about a 95/5% ratio by 2020.
Hence the moves to grant 'citizenship' to an increasing number of long-term residents. Also the push for 'e-government' and automated services, despite the high under-employment among Emiratis.
Interesting times.