Business Barometer: Gulf CEO Survey Copyright (c). All rights reserved. This survey has been designed to assess business sentiment amongst business leaders (Chief Executives or equivalent) and their outlook for the next 12 months. Unlike many surveys, the OBG Business Barometer is conducted by OBG staff on a face-to-face basis, across the full range of industries, company sizes and functional…
Read my evaluation of the OBG Business Barometer: UAE CEO Survey results OBG Business Barometer: UAE CEO Survey Copyright (c). All rights reserved. This survey has been designed to assess business sentiment amongst business leaders (Chief Executives or equivalent) and their outlook for the next 12 months. Unlike many surveys, the OBG Business Barometer is conducted by OBG staff on a face-to-face…
Officials from Ajman are hoping that investors can be convinced that size does matter when it comes to setting up shop and are taking the message to overseas markets that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be a good fit for the Ajman Free Zone (AFZ).Established in 1988 and given autonomous status in 1996, the AFZ has expanded steadily and now has some 7000 companies registered. With an area…
The emirate of Ajman is looking to broaden its tourism horizons, investing in new upmarket resorts and facilities while also hoping to attract a greater slice of the UAE’s business and conference trade. It will, however, have to compete with many of its near neighbours, which have already established a strong position in the market and have the infrastructure needed to support their tourism industries.A…
The year 2009 was a turbulent time for global business, with the UAE in particular facing some stiff challenges. To say that Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) sailed through the economic hurricane untouched would be false, but thanks to sound economic planning, 2009 was a year of stable progress for the emirate. The authorities have encouraged the development of the manufacturing sector, part of a long-standing…
The UAE's tourism sector is attracting attention as mixed early results for the summer season have shown a decline when compared to previous years. Despite a strong start to the year, some hotels are reporting that their occupancy rates in June and July are the lowest they have seen in years. "In 2006, the summer has been weak," said one general manager of a major hotel chain in the northern emirates.…
Abu Dhabi made major advances this year in terms of government policy, structure and economic initiatives. Changes in 2007 were focused on the government's continued effort to diversify and build a sustainable economy bolstered by foreign direct investment in multiple industries. In the beginning of the year, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, revamped…
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is said to be looking to take advantage of the UAE dirham's current liquidity by entering the sovereign debt market. According to reports, the RAK government is planning to issue a bond to raise Dh1bn to Dh1.5bn. A foreign bank with a large regional presence is thought to be acting as lead-manager, with the bond expected to fund domestic infrastructure developments. The news…
2008 was another impressive year for Abu Dhabi, as the emirate continued to make high profile global investments despite depressing economic statistics abroad. Additionally, diversification reforms focusing on the environment, capital markets, transport and tourism continued at a vigorous pace. During the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit at the beginning of the year, Sheikh Mohamed…
As demand continues to rise, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is looking to bolster its power infrastructure. With plans for several new power plants under way, the emirate is following a strategy that utilises both traditional and sustainable energy sources, falling in line with global trends to maintain efficiency and respecting environmental concerns. The need for greater power capacity was highlighted this…
