Country Profile

The UAE celebrated the 42nd anniversary of its establishment in 2013. Over this relatively short period of time, the country’s capital, Abu Dhabi City, has developed rapidly to become a thriving metropolis. Although the emirate’s economy remains largely based around the exploitation of its considerable hydrocarbons resources, it has also made admirable progress diversifying into new sectors, such as manufacturing, tourism, aerospace, defence, finance and logistics, among others. In addition to its economic investments, Abu Dhabi has also made major contributions to social welfare – education and health – as well as infrastructure, which have been identified as the bedrock for future growth. This chapter contains interviews with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Khalifa Mohammed Al Kindi, Chairman, Invest AD; along with a viewpoint from Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.