Abu Dhabi Economic Research Highlights
Government policy and emerging technologies support drive towards environmental sustainability
Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
In this Global Platform video, Shaikha...
Report: Will digitalisation in UAE higher education spur longer-term economic growth?
The UAE’s robust current account balance cushioned the economy against the twin global challenges of Covid-19 and the oil price drop in 2020.
Abu Dhabi Economic Research & Views
Economic News
Can the “buy now, pay later” model unlock e-commerce potential in emerging markets?
Building on the e-commerce momentum from the Covid-19 pandemic, the “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) model is one of the fastest-growing segments in consumer finance, particularly in emerging markets.
Economic News
Can proptech disrupt real estate in emerging markets?
Emerging markets are increasingly harnessing data and software to disrupt and streamline their real estate markets and meet the needs of young people and businesses.
Economic News
Which sectors stand to benefit from a UK-GCC trade deal?
As part of plans to expand and diversify its global trade partners, the GCC has launched negotiations with the UK on a free trade agreement that is expected to bolster the bloc’s economy, help attract investment and provide greater opportunities for local businesses.
Economic News
The competitive outlook for artificial intelligence in MENA
As part of ongoing efforts to diversify their economies and build a platform for sustainable future growth, MENA nations are increasingly turning towards artificial intelligence (AI).
Economic View
Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
On policies to stimulate growth, trade and technology transfer
Economic News
Could a shift towards 5G boost the GCC’s Covid-19 recovery?
With connectivity being widely recognised as a key driver of the post-coronavirus economic recovery, GCC countries are poised to benefit from the expansion of their 5G networks.
Can the “buy now, pay later” model unlock e-commerce potential in emerging markets?
Can proptech disrupt real estate in emerging markets?
Which sectors stand to benefit from a UK-GCC trade deal?
The competitive outlook for artificial intelligence in MENA
Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Could a shift towards 5G boost the GCC’s Covid-19 recovery?
Abu Dhabi ESG Research & Views
Economic NewsWhich markets are pioneering lower-carbon desalination technologies?
Long seen as a high-cost, energy-intensive process, desalination mega-projects are seeking to tap renewable resources to limit the cost and environmental concerns of this crucial technology.
Economic News
Urban areas experiment with cooling technologies to combat climate change
With temperatures in cities set to rise in the coming decades, many public and private players in emerging markets are looking to tackle the challenge of extreme heat through technology, sustainable building techniques and the expansion of urban green spaces.
Economic News
Emerging markets are targeting a share of the global electric vehicle market
With electric vehicles (EVs) set to proliferate and become more accessible to drivers around the world, several emerging markets are looking to expand their EV manufacturing.
Economic News
Can grid expansion keep pace with the coming surge in solar power generation?
As the capacity to generate wind and solar power continues to expand around the world, hopes of accelerating the phase-out of coal as the leading source of electricity may depend on the expansion of a less discussed but equally important part of the energy supply chain: electricity grids.
Economic News
What impact will the rise in oil prices have on the energy transition?
Amid an increase in global demand and concerns over key supplies, global oil prices are approaching $100 per barrel for the first time since 2014. But, with prices rising, what does this mean for the renewable energy transition, especially in Gulf countries?
Economic News
How the UAE and Saudi Arabia are expanding the representation of women in the workplace
More female employees are joining workplaces and boardrooms in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with gender equality a key target of a regional drive to improve environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.
Economic News
What does the future hold for Islamic finance?
After remaining resilient in 2020, the Islamic finance segment is performing strongly this year, as an improved economic environment, a rise in the number of large projects and an increased focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors combine to drive demand.
Economic View
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)
On major sustainability projects and partnerships
ESG Intelligence Reports - Abu Dhabi & GCC
ESG Intelligence ReportReport: The road to a zero-emission automotive industry in the Middle East and Africa
Automotive stakeholders are increasingly aware that the business-as-usual scenario that has sustained the industry for more than 100 years is no longer tenable. Regulatory changes and emissions-reduction targets at the national and global level are spurring a pivot to low-carbon and zero-emissions vehicles.
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: How can sustainable finance support the transformation of hydrocarbons-dependent economies?
With the world economy heading into a complex post-pandemic recovery, GCC governments have outlined a wide-ranging set of environmental targets – and shone a stronger spotlight on sustainability. At a time when sustainable finance is reaching maturity in more developed markets, regulators and financial services providers across emerging markets are working to adapt environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles to the local economic, social and cultural context.
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: The future of sustainable finance in Kuwait’s banking sector
The regulatory landscape for Gulf financial service providers is changing, with growing awareness of the need for banking institutions to adopt sustainable finance frameworks and responsible lending and operational practices in order to manage risk and attract international investment.
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: How Qatar is confronting environmental and social challenges
With the publication of its National Environment and Climate Change Strategy in 2021, Qatar has recognised that a proactive and holistic approach is needed to meet the challenge of global warming and environmental degradation.
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: How can Saudi Arabia finance sustainable industrial development?
As the Kingdom works towards reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, corporations and supporting bodies such as the Saudi Industrial Development Fund are taking actions to reduce their carbon footprints and adopt clear environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies to ensure future expansion is sustainable and inclusive.
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: What factors are driving social development in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 includes social development initiatives to empower micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and citizens, promote entrepreneurship and widen access to financing. Meanwhile, the Kingdom committed to net zero in 2021, and retains a focus on responsible governance for sustainable development.
The Report: Abu Dhabi 2020
Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s sixth-largest proven oil reserves and is working to achieve self-sufficiency in natural gas. It has been successfully pursuing diversification, particularly in terms of manufacturing, banking...
Education: Shaping Abu Dhabi's Future
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: How has the UAE responded to Covid-19, and what does it mean for higher education?
The UAE’s efforts to develop an advanced higher education sector, coupled with its robust fiscal position, meant it entered the pandemic from a position of relative strength.
Economic News
How has the pandemic changed university course offerings in the Gulf?
With the current semester winding up, many higher education institutions in the Gulf are already planning an expanded offering of courses for the next academic year – with a focus on supporting the needs of the region’s post-pandemic economy.
Economic News
Can higher education institutions shape the Gulf’s post-Covid-19 economy?
As Gulf countries look to rebound from the disruption of 2020, higher education institutions are playing a key role in meeting the needs of the region’s post-coronavirus economy.
Economic News
How are universities driving the transition towards net zero in emerging markets?
Higher education institutions have a leading role to play in helping emerging economies adapt to the effects of climate change, as well as to meet their net-zero goals.
Focus Report
Report: Will e-learning transform tertiary education in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia’s tertiary education system is underpinned by a strong network of 28 public universities accounting for 81% of student enrolment.
Report: How has the UAE responded to Covid-19, and what does it mean for higher education?
How has the pandemic changed university course offerings in the Gulf?
Can higher education institutions shape the Gulf’s post-Covid-19 economy?
How are universities driving the transition towards net zero in emerging markets?
Report: Will e-learning transform tertiary education in Saudi Arabia?
Abu Dhabi: Economic Analysis
Economic News
How is Abu Dhabi diversifying its economy?
Having declared its independence from the UK in 1971 as part of the federation of the UAE, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has significantly raised its political and economic profile in the intervening years, both regionally and internationally.
Economic News
Which emerging sectors are boosting Abu Dhabi's economy?
Lower oil prices and a rigorous process of fiscal reform have led to a challenging economic backdrop for Abu Dhabi’s residents and businesses in recent years.
Economic News
Will new discoveries help Abu Dhabi boost energy production?
Home to approximately 95% of the UAE’s total oil reserves and 92% of its natural gas, Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s leading hydrocarbons producers and its energy sector is among the most developed.
Interview
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi): Interview
On promoting cultural and business tourism
Viewpoint
Mark Schofield, Partner, PwC Middle East Tax & Legal Services Leader: Viewpoint
On the evolving tax and regulatory framework in the UAE
Economic News
Role of private sector in Abu Dhabi's Islamic finance market
The global sukuk (Islamic bond) market entered 2020 on the back of a strong year. Total worldwide issuance reached $162bn in 2019, up from $129bn the year before, according to credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P).
Interview
Khalifa Salem Al Mansouri, Chief Executive, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX): Interview
On promoting sustainability and transparency
How is Abu Dhabi diversifying its economy?
Which emerging sectors are boosting Abu Dhabi's economy?
Will new discoveries help Abu Dhabi boost energy production?
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi): Interview
Mark Schofield, Partner, PwC Middle East Tax & Legal Services Leader: Viewpoint
Role of private sector in Abu Dhabi's Islamic finance market
Khalifa Salem Al Mansouri, Chief Executive, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX): Interview
2021-22 GCC Economic Reports beyond Abu Dhabi
Covid-19 Response ReportReport: How is the pandemic shaping the future of Abu Dhabi’s health care sector?
Sustained investment and foresighted policy initiatives meant that the UAE and Abu Dhabi had developed a modern and effective public health system prior to the pandemic, supported by a growing number of private operators offering complementary services.
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: What is the post-Covid-19 outlook for GCC chemicals and petrochemicals?
The GCC chemicals and petrochemicals industry demonstrated considerable resilience in the face of Covid-19 and oil price fluctuations. With economic diversification a leading concern for GCC economies, this publication details the structure, key stakeholders, and strategic contribution of chemicals and petrochemicals to economic diversification in the region.
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: Can agri-tech offer sustainable solutions to GCC food security challenges?
Food production in the GCC has long faced obstacles ranging from water scarcity to a lack of arable soil – factors that are being exacerbated by climate change. Prior to Covid-19, imports accounted for 85% of the region’s collective food needs.
Video
Saudi Arabia’s economy is positioned for growth in the coming years
This Market Profile video highlights how the Kingdom’s diversified approach to economic development is helping to position it as one of the fastest-growing G20 economies in 2022.
Future Readiness Report
Report: Is the Gulf shipping and logistics sector future-ready?
In the wake of a period of severe disruption to global trade, Gulf shipping and logistics companies are adapting to government efforts to boost self-sufficiency in the region, while also investing in corporate digital solutions to improve communication with stakeholders, and predict and mitigate challenges along the supply chain.
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: How did the Covid-19 pandemic impact remittance flows from the UAE?
The UAE was relatively well placed to withstand the sudden shock of the Covid-19 pandemic thanks to its diversified economy, record forex reserves, moderate public debt levels, high credit rating and strong net external asset position.
Video
Highlights from The Report: Bahrain 2022
Elevated oil prices are helping Bahrain rebound from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and driving an economic expansion that is expected to continue through 2022 and into the coming years. With some $30bn in infrastructure projects in the pipeline, the country is seeking to strengthen its position as a regional logistics destination.
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: How is the Covid-19 pandemic re-shaping the global oilfield services sector?
The global oil industry had yet to recover from the price crash of 2014-15 by the time the pandemic hit in early 2020, which meant that upstream operators and service providers were already grappling with cost-related challenges and falling profit margins.
Video
Highlights from The Report: Qatar 2022
This 16th edition of our national macroeconomic analysis shines a spotlight on Qatar’s efforts to leverage its abundant natural gas resources and its status as host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to develop a diversified, knowledge-based economy.