All Countries and All Sectors

The America's Cup drama continues to play out after months of legal wrangling and substantial construction in preparation for the event in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). The two competitors in one of the sailing world's most prominent regattas – Alinghi and BMW Oracle Racing (Oracle) – are awaiting an appeal decision, expected this month, after a federal court in New York ruled in October that RAK was not a suitable venue for the race. With the appeal decision outstanding, there is still a chance – however slim – that the race could ultimately set sail in RAK. Regardless of the outcome, the emirate is still moving confidently towards an expanded tourism sector.

Indonesia's IT industry could be in line for an increase in state support, with the government looking to boost funding for infrastructure while backing calls for greater assistance to the domestic software sector.

Brunei Darussalam is to ramp up medical research in an effort to combat the rise in lifestyle-related health problems in the Sultanate, while also looking to profit from the burgeoning health tourism industry.

Thailand is planning to step up spending on information and communications technology (ITC) in order to strengthen the education system and better prepare the country's youth to work in an increasingly knowledge-based society.

Though some segments of Sharjah's construction industry have been affected by the global economic downturn, others can look forward to an increasingly busy new year as activity and investment is set on an upward trajectory.

Kuwait's real estate market appears to be moving towards recovery, with falling interest rates and increasing confidence helping to lift sales.