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Leveraging its tremendous economic growth and high per capita income, Dubai has developed a robust health care system that provides a high level of medical services to its citizens. The Dubai Health Authority, responsible for the regulatory and strategic oversight of health services in the emirate outside the health care free zone, is further strengthening the sector through strategic partnerships to develop health care-related education facilities. However, while UAE health care expenditures are significant, at around $1450 per capita in 2010, they still lag behind global averages for OECD countries. Indeed, although the UAE accounted for 20% of the total GCC health care expenditures in 2009, this represented only around 3% of GDP. More positively, free zones are attracting investments and have seen tremendous growth of private clinics and specialised service centres. This strategy has also opened up a strong potential for medical tourism. This chapter includes interviews with Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, Chairperson, Dubai Healthcare City Authority; and Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman and Director-General, Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

Developed in 2010 and initiated in 2011, the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 aims to guide the emirate’s energy sector toward sustainability and enhanced efficiency. Like other energy importers, Dubai faces challenges, including potential price fluctuations. By investing wisely when domestic supplies were abundant, however, much has already been accomplished to solidify the emirate’s position even as oil and gas production decline. Ground was broken in 2011 on a four-unit nuclear power plant in Braka. The first of the 1400-MW reactors is expected to come on-line in 2017, and the three subsequent reactors in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Likewise, more investment in renewable energy, particularly solar, could bring about positive changes for the sector. Although the government enjoys secure gas supplies from neighbours and allies, it is already mapping steps to lead Dubai – and the region – to a more sustainable, post-fossil-fuel future. This chapter includes interviews with Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and Saeed Khoory, CEO, Emirates National Oil Company.

With wholesale and retail trade making up 30.7% of the emirate’s GDP in 2011, Dubai has become the Middle East’s chief retail centre. The emirate is home to one of the largest malls in the world, has a massive domestic consumption of retail goods and boasts a reputation as a prime shopping destination among well-heeled tourists. Despite a hiccup in numbers after the 2008-09 global financial crisis, the sector bounced back quickly, and the emirate continues to work to promote its image as a shopping destination for visitors from both East Asia and the West. With rising incomes among locals and expats alike, record-breaking numbers at the DSF and DSS, and a steadily increasing supply of international brands, local retailers are optimistic about the future. This chapter includes interviews with Iyad Malas, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Holding; and Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice-Chairman, Dubai Duty Free.

Since 2008 Dubai’s tourism sector has once again become a major economic contributor, following a downturn in the global economic crisis. In 2011 the industry attracted more than 9.3m tourists – up about 10% from the previous year – and contributed some 31% of the emirate’s total GDP. In the last couple of years political upheaval in the region has seen visitor numbers to popular tourist destinations in Egypt and Tunisia fall, with tourists instead favouring more stable destinations such as Dubai. Moreover, key segments such as local malls and other retail destinations have performed well, seeing an estimated 10% jump in spending. Indeed, shoppers from outside the UAE accounted for nearly 40% of the revenues local retailers brought in during the 2011 Dubai Shopping Festival. While challenges remain – including increasing competition from a number of other cities and countries in the region – if Dubai can maintain its current momentum, the emirate is well positioned to continue its reign as one of the world’s most popular and profitable tourism destinations for years to come. This chapter includes interviews with Helal Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre; and Gerald Lawless, President and Group CEO, Jumeirah Group.

Dubai’s real estate market is poised for improvement in 2013, as the emirate works to regain its reputation as a leading regional destination for investment. Recovering from the losses suffered in the aftermath of the 2008-09 global economic downturn - when property prices fell by as much as 50-60% - the residential real estate market is now forecast to greatly benefit from rapid population growth. One indication of a resurgence in activity is the price of building materials, including steel and cement, which has markedly increased in recent years. Additionally, market maturation has led to expansion in the residential segment in recent years. Local developers are steadily adopting a more long-term investment mentality, both as a result of straightforward market forces and a series of new government regulations aimed at improving transparency. The chapter includes interviews with Sultan bin Mejren, Director-General, Dubai Land Department; and Hussain Sajwani, Chairman, DAMAC.

The combination of Dubai’s central location and advanced infrastructure have attracted trade operators from around the world, and the emirate continues its legacy as a shipping point between East and West. In 2011 transportation, along with logistics, tourism and trade, accounted for 60% of Dubai’s GDP, the result of a number of recent investments. Authorities have initiated a $523m plan to build a series of interchanges and bridges to help increase traffic flow on Al Khail Road, one of the emirate’s most congested highways, while plans to increase aviation capacity should have a number of positive knock-on effects for other projects, facilities and aviation-related service providers. With major developments such as these – and growing trade volumes to support it – Dubai’s transport sector is set to be on steady footing in coming years. This chapter includes interviews with Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman and Executive Director, Roads and Transport Authority; Mohammed Ahli, Director-General, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Tim Clark, President, Emirates; Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports; and Jamal bin Thaniah, Vice-Chairman, DP World.