UAE: Abu Dhabi

Efforts to raise the profile of farmers and their produce in Abu Dhabi are gathering strength as the emirate steps up its bid to generate greater food production. Addressing the challenges stemming from the UAE’s arid climate and limited water supply forms a key component of the emirate’s agriculture drive and is expected to facilitate Abu Dhabi’s plans to to roll out extensive development projects in the coming years.

New developments in the logistics sector, alongside an increase in non-oil trade, are expected to keep Abu Dhabi’s economy on track for moderate expansion in the coming year, with plans for further diversification set to deliver increasingly balanced growth.

Rising confidence among local consumers is being matched by the steadily strengthening economy, both of which should encourage spending in Abu Dhabi’s retail sector.

The emirate’s education system is in the midst of a major overhaul, one aimed at making the school system more responsive to the needs of students in a changing community. The new system will reflect evolving social, economic and cultural trends, with English coming to share the platform with Arabic as the language of learning.

Following the significant increase in non-oil merchandise trade in 2011, market participants in the local transport and logistics sector appear to be preparing for a continued rise in activity in 2012, with one Abu Dhabi-based shipping firm recently investing $44m in a new vessel.