UAE to focus on Northern Emirates

The UAE is aiming at more infrastructure investment in its less developed Northern Emirates and creating more jobs for nationals this year, its economy minister said on Monday.

The UAE promised in March to spend $1.6 billion on electricity and water networks in Northern Emirates.

Asked if the government plans additional measures in the north, Economy Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri said: "Of course. There is real focus on really creating projects in the Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain area."

He did not give details when speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Dubai but said creating new jobs for locals was also in focus.

"The government is very keen to move on with creating jobs for all of the UAE nationals... In different sectors we need to do something, more and more nationalization," he said.

The UAE's relatively small local population enjoys one of the world's highest incomes per capita, at over $47,000.