The Middle East

Rising incomes and population growth are driving increased demand for private education in Abu Dhabi. From 2007 to 2011, enrolment in private schools increased 34.5%, and the trend is set to continue. Private schools, from local providers to global corporations, are expanding their footprint in the emirate.

In recent years dates have taken on new significance in the local economy. Since 2005 the emirate has made a concerted effort to boost annual production of dates and improve the quality of the date crop, with the long-term goal of turning the industry into a driver of growth within the agricultural sector. The government-led initiative has...

Fuelled by higher incomes; the growing, ageing population; a rise in the prevalence of lifestyle diseases; and the introduction of mandatory health insurance, Abu Dhabi’s health sector has expanded rapidly in the past five years. This has placed pressure on the sector, and the government is building new facilities, hiring doctors and training...

As it invests in human capital, Abu Dhabi is focused on building up the local capacity for scientific research and innovation in key growth sectors. Research and development (R&D) facilities remain in their infancy in Abu Dhabi, but through substantial funding and industry partnerships, the government has demonstrated its commitment to...