Economy

The guide includes listings of some of the leading hotels and resorts in Dubai and contact details for important government offices and services. It also contains useful tips and information for business and leisure visitors alike.

The introduction of compulsory medical insurance in 2015 will provide universal coverage for all residents of Dubai by 2016, with the health insurance market expected to grow from 1.5m to 4m covered individuals by that time. The UAE’s insurance sector is the largest in the region, accounting for some 45% of all gross written premiums in 2013, but its low penetration rate highlights the market’...

The UAE’s 2014 upgrade from frontier to emerging market status by the MSCI is a major accomplishment for the state and one that has brought both more liquidity and greater international attention. Rules for listings are being relaxed to encourage more private sector companies to join the exchange, particularly SMEs, and a spot gold contract is due to be launched in the near future. In 2013 the...

With Dubai’s economy growing by 4.6% in 2013, and the emirate posting a GDP of $88.65bn, opportunities in various sectors, including Islamic finance and infrastructure and hospitality development, are drawing the attention of investors. The emirate is building up its reputation as an international centre for Islamic finance and under a new Islamic finance master plan it intends to focus on...

The guide contains listings of some of the leading hotels and resorts in Bahrain and contacts for important government offices and services. It also contains useful tips and information for first-time or regular and business and leisure visitors alike.