Industry

Al Gharbia encompasses the western part of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and, at 35,250 sq km (59% of Abu Dhabi emirate), is also larger than any other emirate in the UAE. The government’s strategy for the development of the region is laid out in Plan Al Gharbia 2030. Priority sectors for development include energy, desalination, petrochemicals, tourism and food production, with major...

With proven crude oil reserves of 98bn barrels and an established downstream infrastructure, which has positioned the UAE as the sixth-largest petroleum producer in the world, the country’s industrial landscape is dominated by hydrocarbons activity. In 2014 the Investment Development Bureau identified several targets for future development, including building materials, petrochemicals, metals...

Abu Dhabi’s security, aerospace and defence industries have become a critical component of the emirate’s ongoing push to both protect critical national infrastructure and its interests abroad, as well as transform itself into a knowledge-based, diversified economy. Total military spending in the UAE stood at 5.1% of GDP in 2012 before rising to 6.1% in 2013 and then moderating to 5.7% in 2014...

With the decline in oil prices placing the federal budget under pressure, and demand for power and water increasing at a rapid rate, the authorities have turned their attention toward more effective consumer pricing and demand management. Diversification away from reliance on combined-cycle gas independent water and power producers will have a transformative effect on the supply side of the...