UAE: Dubai

Dubai is home to the region’s principal financial free zone, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The zone hosted 1648 registered companies in 2016, including 447 financial services firms. The zone also hosts the Nasdaq Dubai stock exchange, which lists the largest amount of sukuk (Islamic bonds) in the world, with a...

Given Dubai’s track record in the GCC region and wider Middle East, for both financial services and IT technology development and entrepreneurship, it is unsurprising that the emirate is now also establishing itself as a regional centre for the development of financial technology (fintech). The rise of the segment is being driven by...

Over 10 years have passed since I assumed the position of prime minister and vice-president of the UAE. In those 10 years we have launched a number of plans and strategies, led a number of reforms of our government, developed systems to track performance and improve services, encouraged innovation and the application of technology across all...

While government-related entities (GREs) play an important role in the economy, Dubai has one of the most dynamic private sectors in the Gulf. A diversified activity base and attractive business environment have drawn in high levels of foreign direct investment. Private firms are particularly dominant in the small and medium-sized enterprise (...

Dubai’s economy is among the most diversified in the region, thanks to factors such as a highly attractive business environment that has brought in large amounts of foreign investment. Despite producing little oil, growth has been affected in recent years by the knock-on effects of the fall in international oil prices and a consequent slowdown...