The value of infrastructure contracts awarded in the UAE in 2014 is expected to increase by more than five times, to $15.2bn. This rising trend is reflected in Dubai’s construction sector, which accounted for about 8% of GDP in 2013. The sector’s growth has been driven by projects linked to higher tourism numbers and upcoming international events, and Dubai Expo 2020 in particular. Expo 2020...
Dubai’s maritime industry adds $3.92bn in economic value annually and the emirate’s government has placed a strong emphasis on the sector in the last decade. Long-term goals include implementing smart technology, maintaining high-quality infrastructure and developing local human capital. In the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East, the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre in Dubai...
The introduction of compulsory medical insurance in 2015 will provide universal coverage for all residents of Dubai by 2016, with the health insurance market expected to grow from 1.5m to 4m covered individuals by that time. The UAE’s insurance sector is the largest in the region, accounting for some 45% of all gross written premiums in 2013, but its low penetration rate highlights the market’...
Islamic finance is a highly competitive market in Dubai and the emirate is angling to become a leading centre for the sector. The UAE’s Islamic banks hold about 7% of global Islamic banking assets and have a market share of roughly 25% locally. The takaful segment has grown steadily since 2009 and this trend looks set to continue: total takaful contributions reached $1.16bn in 2013, up from $1...
The UAE’s 2014 upgrade from frontier to emerging market status by the MSCI is a major accomplishment for the state and one that has brought both more liquidity and greater international attention. Rules for listings are being relaxed to encourage more private sector companies to join the exchange, particularly SMEs, and a spot gold contract is due to be launched in the near future. In 2013 the...
Dubai’s banking sector, which forms part of the wider UAE banking system, has continued to recover since the global financial crisis. Banking sector assets climbed 13.1% in 2013, from $487bn to $552.5bn, while deposits rose from $318bn to $348bn, a 9.5% advance, and capital adequacy ratios remained strong, at 18.3% overall. New regulations designed to protect financial institutions from...
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