UAE: Ajman

Sharjah is looking to further reinforce its place as the centre of industrial production in the UAE, continuing to invest in projects designed to attract manufacturers to its shores while also stepping up efforts to promote the emirate as a prime investment destination.

The year 2009 was a turbulent time for global business, with the UAE in particular facing some stiff challenges. To say that Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) sailed through the economic hurricane untouched would be false, but thanks to sound economic planning, 2009 was a year of stable progress for the emirate.

As demand continues to rise, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is looking to bolster its power infrastructure. With plans for several new power plants under way, the emirate is following a strategy that utilises both traditional and sustainable energy sources, falling in line with global trends to maintain efficiency and respecting environmental concerns.

The America's Cup drama continues to play out after months of legal wrangling and substantial construction in preparation for the event in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). The two competitors in one of the sailing world's most prominent regattas – Alinghi and BMW Oracle Racing (Oracle) – are awaiting an appeal decision, expected this month, after a federal court in New York ruled in October that RAK was not a suitable venue for the race. With the appeal decision outstanding, there is still a chance – however slim – that the race could ultimately set sail in RAK. Regardless of the outcome, the emirate is still moving confidently towards an expanded tourism sector.

Though some segments of Sharjah's construction industry have been affected by the global economic downturn, others can look forward to an increasingly busy new year as activity and investment is set on an upward trajectory.