The main point is that the UAE (along with Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, etc.) limits citizenship and government benefits to citizens, and citizenship is basically impossible for immigrants or their descendants to attain. America's immigration model invites in tons of people, but makes it relatively easy for them to become citizens, vote, and become public charges.

An aunt of mine is Indian-origin but has lived her entire life in Dubai; and she will never be an Emirati, legally or culturally. She will always be an Indian from Dubai, as will her descendants