The Middle East

Abu Dhabi's tourism sector is buoyant following the inaugural Abu Dhabi Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix, which marked a milestone in the emirate's development, promoted the capital internationally and gave its hospitality sector a welcome fillip.

The H1N1 virus is still spreading globally – a worrying trend, no doubt – but an apparent boon to pharmaceutical industry around the world, including that of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). While economic uncertainty has plagued most sectors recently, the historically non-cyclical health industry – and the pharmaceutical sector in particular – has been faring well, receiving an additional boost from the fallout of the global swine flu pandemic.

Though there have been marked improvements across Turkey's educational infrastructure, the system needs further investment and development to meet the growing demands being placed upon it by the market.

Although the insurance industry in Abu Dhabi has felt the effects of the global economy, downturns in regional equity markets and a slump in construction activity, it still presents opportunities for growth.

Qatar is planning to improve further its information and communications technology (ICT) services through a public access government portal, while encouraging the wider use of advanced technological applications by the public in their dealings with the state, business and leisure.

Abu Dhabi can afford to look forward to a promising year given evidence indicating an increasingly robust economy, despite mixed results for the broader UAE.