The Middle East Industry

Some of the emirate’s most attractive opportunities for industrial investment exist in the industrial zones established by the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones (known as ZonesCorp). ZonesCorp has four industrial zones currently under operation, with three more in the pipeline. Its industrial zones are estimated to account for close to 50% of Abu Dhabi’s...

The automotive sector in Dubai has seen some spectacular growth in recent times, with a recent and widespread economic recovery and the new mood of consumer optimism driving domestic demand.

The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) subsector has come in for special focus in recent times, with Dubai seeking to reduce its bills for imported food and beverages (F&B), while also growing its own business and employment opportunities – and by doing so, also tackling growing concerns about food security.

Recent times have seen Dubai’s industrial sector emerge from the downside of the 2008-09 global crisis, with order books growing and confidence returning. The expectation of major future business is also strong, particularly since the emirate was awarded Expo 2020. Though there is an underlying mood of caution among many, this new conservatism has been generally positive...

While the general outlook for global shipping remains underwhelming, the route into the region has been performing strongly. In October 2014 the energy analysis and research firm, Platts, reported that there was an undersupply of ships serving the Gulf. This has led to a sharp spike in rates in the region and the diversion of several Aframax...

With a long tradition in boat building and a central location on one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, Dubai remains a serious player in the shipbuilding industry. The UAE, as a whole, invested between $170m and $220m on boat design and boat building in 2013, according to the Dubai Council for Marine Industries and Drydocks World. While this includes pleasure crafts...