Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ABUDHABI402
2008-04-01 14:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Abu Dhabi
how-toVZCZCXRO0201 RR RUEHDE RUEHDIR DE RUEHAD #0402 0921455 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 011455Z APR 08 FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0670 INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000402
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID ECON AE
SUBJECT: BARRELS OF GENEROSITY
Sensitive but unclassified. Please Protect accordingly.
UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000402
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID ECON AE
SUBJECT: BARRELS OF GENEROSITY
Sensitive but unclassified. Please Protect accordingly.
1. (SBU) With oil prices soaring and petrol-rich Abu Dhabi enjoying
a booming economy, new building projects are rampant, standards of
living for UAE citizens are well above comfortable, and an envious
expatriate community enjoys what perks it can glean from local
largesse. Making ends meet at a standard that even attempts to
"keep up with the al-Joneses" is increasingly beyond the reach of
many. Inside sources, however, indicate that the government of Abu
Dhabi is about to share a perk sure to boost the spirits of the
downtrodden -- helping foreign diplomats upgrade their
transportation.
2. (SBU) The UAE has always enforced a strict vehicle inspection
regime, with the slightest dent requiring a police report and
expeditious repairs. Foreign diplomats do their best to follow the
regime, but often take small liberties on the theory that "petty
infringement," falling under the category of "diplomatic immunity,"
is forgivable, and drive cars somewhat below the prevailing host
country standard. Some have even been seen washing each other's
cars to keep down expenses and keep up appearances. In the interest
of hosting a presentably "well-wheeled" diplomatic corps, the Abu
Dhabi Executive Council is reportedly poised to step in with a
program to subsidize car purchases for accredited diplomats in the
emirate. Under this visionary initiative, arriving diplomats will
receive vouchers toward purchase of one of the more expensive Toyota
dune bashers, but may also be able to leverage these funds to
upgrade to more conservative models of their choice. Furthermore,
long and faithful service in the Emirate is anticipated to boost the
generosity of the allowance.
3. (SBU) Comment: This is the one time that the U.S. Embassy may
be the beneficiary of Abu Dhabi largesse without extending the tin
cup -- the staple of demarche regimes of late -- with Embassy morale
expected to escalate accordingly. If only it were not April 1. End
comment.
QUINN
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID ECON AE
SUBJECT: BARRELS OF GENEROSITY
Sensitive but unclassified. Please Protect accordingly.
1. (SBU) With oil prices soaring and petrol-rich Abu Dhabi enjoying
a booming economy, new building projects are rampant, standards of
living for UAE citizens are well above comfortable, and an envious
expatriate community enjoys what perks it can glean from local
largesse. Making ends meet at a standard that even attempts to
"keep up with the al-Joneses" is increasingly beyond the reach of
many. Inside sources, however, indicate that the government of Abu
Dhabi is about to share a perk sure to boost the spirits of the
downtrodden -- helping foreign diplomats upgrade their
transportation.
2. (SBU) The UAE has always enforced a strict vehicle inspection
regime, with the slightest dent requiring a police report and
expeditious repairs. Foreign diplomats do their best to follow the
regime, but often take small liberties on the theory that "petty
infringement," falling under the category of "diplomatic immunity,"
is forgivable, and drive cars somewhat below the prevailing host
country standard. Some have even been seen washing each other's
cars to keep down expenses and keep up appearances. In the interest
of hosting a presentably "well-wheeled" diplomatic corps, the Abu
Dhabi Executive Council is reportedly poised to step in with a
program to subsidize car purchases for accredited diplomats in the
emirate. Under this visionary initiative, arriving diplomats will
receive vouchers toward purchase of one of the more expensive Toyota
dune bashers, but may also be able to leverage these funds to
upgrade to more conservative models of their choice. Furthermore,
long and faithful service in the Emirate is anticipated to boost the
generosity of the allowance.
3. (SBU) Comment: This is the one time that the U.S. Embassy may
be the beneficiary of Abu Dhabi largesse without extending the tin
cup -- the staple of demarche regimes of late -- with Embassy morale
expected to escalate accordingly. If only it were not April 1. End
comment.
QUINN