Hydrocarbons revenues still form the bulk of Abu Dhabi’s GDP and while falling prices are a concern, the emirate has been moving steadily towards its economic diversification targets in line with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. The past 10 years has seen the non-oil sector expand strongly on the back of business-friendly government policies, as a result of which non-oil sector growth now outpaces that of the oil sector.
The manufacturing sector has recorded consistent growth in recent years, accounting for 13.7% of the emirate’s GDP in 2013. Free zones such as the Jebel Ali Free Zone and the Dubai Auto Zone continue to play an important role in the sector, with incentives helping to draw in international players. According to the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, its 625 automotive companies generated trade...
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...
In many respects 2014 marked the transition from strong recovery to promising growth for Dubai. With many exciting projects in the pipeline, not least the hosting of Expo 2020, the emirate is continuing to build on its reputation as a dynamic and international centre for business.
Industry in Bahrain continues to grow as increasingly low borrowing rates, particularly for manufacturing, demonstrate banks’ willingness to finance projects in the sector. Bahrain’s manufacturing sector accounts for 15% of GDP making it the country’s third-largest economic contributor after hydrocarbons and financial services, and is expected to reach 20% of GDP within the next decade. The...
As the region faces up to the challenge of the recent drop in oil prices, Bahrain’s fundamentals indicate the kingdom is well positioned to weather the dip. The focus on diversification goals outlined in Economic Vision 2030 is helping establish a more competitive and sustainable economy in the kingdom. The financial sector, which represents Bahrain’s second-largest GDP contributor, has continued to recover robustly since the global economic downturn.
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