The Middle East

Long seen as a future powerhouse in the emirate’s diversified economy, Dubai’s aviation sector is starting to live up to expectations. Local carriers have been posting strong profits and expanding their network of routes, though the risk of turbulence remains.

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) warm reception of Jordan’s membership application to join the wealthy six-member bloc could have a positive impact on the kingdom’s economy.

Iraq and Kuwait appear to be laying the foundations to rekindle economic relations, with businesspeople and political leaders from both countries recently meeting to discuss opportunities for bilateral trade and investment.

In an effort to develop local businesses and provide more job opportunities, the Omani government is actively supporting new initiatives to promote domestically manufactured products.

On April 3, 2011, Qatar officially launched the National Health Strategy (NHS) 2011-16, the government’s plan to upgrade and improve the country’s health care sector. Based on principles originally outlined in National Vision 2030, Qatar’s long-term development programme, the NHS has the potential to bring about substantial changes to the sector.

With some of the region’s leading tourism destinations such as Egypt, Tunisia and Jordan still affected by domestic unrest, Dubai is offering a safe haven for foreign holiday makers keen on a Middle Eastern getaway. Arrival numbers are up, hotels are benefitting from nearly record-high occupancy rates and business tourism is on the rise as professionals seek quieter and safer places to do deals.