Economy

After weathering the effects of the global financial crisis, Dubai is swinging back toward a more guarded optimism as it regains its status among regional and international economies. In 2012 GDP was expected to reach $386bn, and the IMF estimates that GDP will continue growing, reaching $450bn in 2017. However, Dubai’s economy is currently operating at about 15% of capacity, implying that economic gains can be made by increasing efficiency and productivity. While the emirate still faces challenges relating to its exposure to regional and global volatility, efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework and improve oversight of GREs should help it to better withstand future turmoil in the global economy. This chapter includes interviews with Ahmad bin Byat, CEO, Dubai Holding; Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chairman, Al Ghurair Group; Hamad Buamim, Director-General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Anand Sharma, Indian Minister of Commerce & Industry.