UAE: Dubai

Affordable housing is a government-driven segment in Dubai. Subsidised housing is exclusively for Emiratis, and private developers eschew the low-margin segment in favour of mid- to high-end residential projects. However, market dynamics are changing on the back of Dubai’s successful Expo 2020 bid. With over 270,000 new jobs expected to support...

The speculation-driven market crash saw property prices in Dubai slump by up to 65% between 2008 and 2009. Despite the shrinking amount of projects throughout the market downturn, the number of construction companies held fast at pre-crisis levels, resulting in strong competition and lower margins. Recent developments nevertheless provide cause...

Dubai has invested heavily in the creation of competitive infrastructure and a business-friendly regulatory framework to help solidify its status as a regional hub for trade and manufacturing. In terms of logistics, the Jebel Ali Port and the rapid expansion of the national airline, Emirates, provide companies with streamlined import/export...

According to the Dubai Chamber, manufacturing is among the greatest contributors to the UAE’s non-oil GDP, accounting for roughly 14% of non-oil GDP over the last decade. This figure grew to 16% in 2012 and was expected to rise as high as 19% in 2013. At the national level, the bulk of manufacturing investments are concentrated in heavy industry...

Over the last decade, through committed investments and the reduced influence of traditional media centres such as Egypt, Dubai has grown into a true hub for media production of all types. Seen as a base from which companies can serve both local and regional markets, Dubai is home to an increasingly mature, and thus far resilient, print sector,...