UAE: Abu Dhabi

The government has overseen Al Ain’s development in line with the policies laid out by the current ruling family of Abu Dhabi, which is committed to maintaining the traditional character of their ancestral home. Al Ain’s heritage and the area’s many natural attractions have made it a popular tourist destination for Emiratis and foreigners alike. Under Plan Al Ain, Jebel Hafeet and the surrounding...

Accounting for the majority of the emirate’s oil and gas reserves, Al Gharbia generates more than 44% of Abu Dhabi’s GDP, with economic output exceeding $31bn per year. In the coming years, it is set for substantial investment as the government looks to rejuvenate the region and ensure that local talent is retained and plays an integral role in development. As such, over the next two decades, a...

In a bid to develop a sustainable and diversified economy, non-hydrocarbons industry is becoming increasingly important, and the government of Abu Dhabi has set ambitious growth targets for the sector over the coming two decades. The emirate is developing the infrastructure to achieve these aims, with the objective of creating an attractive environment for industrial investment across a range of...

The UAE overtook Saudi Arabia as the Gulf’s largest construction market in terms of contracts awarded in 2012. In 2013, the UAE construction market continued to post growth, led by Abu Dhabi’s capital investments in infrastructure, housing and health care facilities. The value of the UAE’s construction sector was forecast to grow by 4.5% in 2013, reaching $41bn, and is expected to continue to...

Developing Abu Dhabi’s domestic transport infrastructure and broader transport industry has been one of the government’s priorities over the past decade. At the same time, the rapid expansion of the local aviation and maritime shipping industries has contributed to the emirate’s growing reputation as a transit and logistics hub. Further expansion is under way to meet the need of anticipated...

The government has played a key role in the expansion of the security, aerospace and defence industry over the past decade in an effort to strengthen the UAE’s defence capabilities and as a means of boosting economic diversification. The UAE has traditionally purchased the majority of its military hardware and equipment from the world’s largest suppliers; however, this is changing as more local...