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Abu Dhabi Economic Research Highlights

The Report: Abu Dhabi 2023

Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of the MENA region’s economic expansion, posting a 9.3% growth rate in 2022. The emirate’s long-term development roadmap, the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, charts a course for economic transformation, targeting a 64% GDP

Abu Dhabi’s economy thrives, fuelled by global partnerships and market innovation

Oxford Business Group has launched The Report: Abu Dhabi 2023. The report delves into the emirate’s commitment to economic diversification through the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, aiming to...

Report: Social and governance considerations in the automotive industry

The rise of connected, autonomous, shared and electric vehicle megatrends in the automotive industry are bringing social and governance considerations to the fore of ESG strategic thinking...

Economic Spotlight: Abu Dhabi

Overview

How Abu Dhabi is working to attract foreign investment
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The emirate of Abu Dhabi is home to the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi City, and has the largest economy of the seven emirates, contributing around 60% to national GDP. The UAE has the world’s fifth-largest proven...

Overview

How COP28 will create opportunities in Abu Dhabi’s energy sector
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Despite Abu Dhabi’s history and reputation as a major oil exporter, the emirate is integral to the UAE’s ongoing transformation from an economy dependent on fossil fuels to one fuelled by clean energy...

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor, Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
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On the importance of innovation in finance

Analysis

Regulations, solar power keeps Abu Dhabi on track to meet climate goals
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Abu Dhabi has set an ambitious goal that goes beyond the UAE’s national energy strategy, which aims to increase the share of clean energy in its installed capacity mix to 50% by 2050...

Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director, Alpha Dhabi Holding
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On generating investment opportunities through public policy that embraces diversification and technology

Overview

Why foreign investors are attracted to Abu Dhabi
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The largest of the seven emirates that make up the federation of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is an archipelago that comprises 200 islands and a coastline that stretches 700 km. The emirate is home to...

How Abu Dhabi is working to attract foreign investment
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Minister of the Presidential Court of the UAE
How COP28 will create opportunities in Abu Dhabi’s energy sector
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor, Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
Regulations, solar power keeps Abu Dhabi on track to meet climate goals
Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director, Alpha Dhabi Holding
Why foreign investors are attracted to Abu Dhabi
 

Abu Dhabi Economic Research & Views

Economic View

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director, Low Carbon Solutions & International Growth, ADNOC

On Abu Dhabi’s carbon capture efforts and the role of hydrogen in the energy mix

Economic Views

Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO, Tadweer

On the business opportunities presented by sustainable waste management

Economic News

Gulf countries look to space to harness scientific and commercial opportunities
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In the push to embrace emerging technologies and harness their potential commercial opportunities, Gulf countries are launching new initiatives to bolster their domestic space industries...

Economic News

Gulf countries developing regulatory frameworks for decentralised finance
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As GCC countries look to harness new forms of financial technology (fintech) such as blockchain, deepen their financial services and expand financial inclusion, governments are embracing...

Economic News

Demographic and tech shifts alter the distribution of global talent
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As the global economy continues to adapt to ongoing macroeconomic shocks, many countries are looking to boost human capital through training programmes, technology adoption and immigration.

Economic News

What China’s uneven economic recovery means for emerging markets
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After three years of rolling Covid-19 lockdowns and trade disruptions, China posted faster-than-expected GDP growth in the first quarter of 2023, at 4.5% year-on-year (y-o-y), but the uneven nature of its recovery...

Economic News

How generative AI could transform education in the GCC
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As public and private entities across the world weigh how to utilise generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, GCC countries are embracing the new tool as a way to transform their education sectors.

Economic News

Emerging markets look to capture a larger share of the aviation market
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With global aviation passenger numbers rebounding, emerging markets are looking to capture market share through increased investment and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). As OBG reported in...

Economic News

Gulf countries explore e-sports as part of diversification plans
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As Gulf countries implement plans to diversify their economies and create jobs, they are increasingly investing in the growing industry around competitive video games known as electronic sports (e-sports)...

Economic News

How agri-tech start-ups are driving investment in emerging markets
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Even as global funding levels drop, agri-tech start-ups remain a key driver of investment in emerging markets as they work to make farming greener, more productive and more climate resilient...

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director, Low Carbon Solutions & International Growth, ADNOC
Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO, Tadweer
Gulf countries look to space to harness scientific and commercial opportunities
Gulf countries developing regulatory frameworks for decentralised finance
Demographic and tech shifts alter the distribution of global talent
What China’s uneven economic recovery means for emerging markets
How generative AI could transform education in the GCC
Emerging markets look to capture a larger share of the aviation market
Gulf countries explore e-sports as part of diversification plans
How agri-tech start-ups are driving investment in emerging markets
 

Abu Dhabi ESG Research & Views

Economic View

Ahmed Al Shamsi, Managing Director and CEO, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company (SWS)

On innovative approaches in water conservation and reuse


Economic News

Climate risk is reshaping the insurance sector in emerging markets

With the launch of a new joint initiative to support the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change, the global insurance industry is evolving in ways that could carry important implications for business in emerging markets. The Global Shield against Climate Risks (GSCR) was announced by the ministers of finance of the so-called Vulnerable Twenty Group (V20) and the G7 after the COP27 UN Conference on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt in November last year. It seeks to address weaknesses...


Economic News

How emerging markets are navigating the rising cost of solar power

With high energy prices and supply chain disruptions creating shortages of key renewable energy components and materials, emerging markets are reassessing how to build out utility-scale solar power to accelerate their energy transitions. After more than a decade of decline, the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has risen around the world, due primarily to the increasing cost of solar-grade polysilicon in China. A key component in PV panels, polysilicon spot market prices rose from less than $7 per kg in July 2020 to $39 in August...


Economic News

Which 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. In June 2022 ENOWA, the energy, water and hydrogen subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM mega-project, signed a memorandum of understanding with French energy company Veolia and Japanese trading company Itochu to develop a reverse osmosis (RO) water desalination facility powered by 100% renewable energy...


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. Cities cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface but currently house over half of the world’s population – a figure set to reach 70% by 2050. Urban population growth is predicted to be highest in emerging markets, with 90% of the shift to cities occurring in Asia and...


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. Once a luxury segment of the automotive industry, EVs have become popular among consumers and companies alike in recent years, with solid growth trends attracting public and private investment. EV uptake is essential to the global energy transition, as transport remains the sector with the highest reliance on fossil fuels, producing an estimated 37%...


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. Countries around the world are working to shift to more sustainable sources of power and facing challenges related to the expansion of their electricity grids. Last month Western Australia’s economic regulator ruled that Western Power...


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? After opening the year at around $78 per barrel, Brent crude prices rose sharply over the first six weeks of 2022 to surpass $94 as of February 14, the highest price in more than seven years. Driven primarily by a lack of supply and a recent post-lockdown spike in global demand...


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. Lockdowns were implemented to protect public health...

ESG Intelligence Reports - Abu Dhabi & the GCC

ESG Intelligence Report

Report: 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. This transition requires a period of intense innovation to develop new technologies that make electric vehicles (EVs) appealing, safe, reliable and affordable...


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. By establishing sustainable finance frameworks, banking institutions are able to structure their sustainable lending practices and strengthen systemic safeguards against social and environmental risks, while also diversifying their funding sources...


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. The adoption of circular economy principles is central to its goal of achieving a more sustainable economic model, with waste materials from production and distribution across a broad range of activities being collected, treated and recycled back into the value chain as cleanly as possible...


ESG Intelligence Report

Report: How can Saudi Arabia finance sustainable industrial development?

Guided by the Vision 2030 strategy for diversification, rapid advancements are being made in Saudi industry, mining, logistics and renewable energy. 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. This report outlines Saudi Arabia’s environmental, social and governance progress towards Vision 2030 aims and the UN Sustainable Development Goals...


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?
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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...

Economic News

Can higher education institutions shape the Gulf’s post-Covid-19 economy?
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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. Universities, schools and...

Economic News

How are universities driving the transition towards net zero in emerging markets?
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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. This role can be roughly divided into...

Economic Impact Assessment

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. However, the ongoing process of economic...

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

Overview

How is Abu Dhabi diversifying its economy?
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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...

Overview

Which emerging sectors are boosting Abu Dhabi's economy?
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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. Although concerns that the Covid-19 pandemic...

Overview

Will new discoveries help Abu Dhabi boost energy production?
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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...

Viewpoint

Mark Schofield, Partner, PwC Middle East Tax & Legal Services Leader: Viewpoint
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On the evolving tax and regulatory framework in the UAE

Analysis

Role of private sector in Abu Dhabi's Islamic finance market
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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...

Interview
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
 

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 Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, discusses the emirate’s pioneering efforts to conserve water supplies, replenish fish stocks...

2021-22 GCC Economic Reports beyond Abu Dhabi

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: 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. When Covid-19 reached the country, SEHA and other health stakeholders were able to scale up testing and treatment capacity rapidly, aided by data-led solutions such as a locally developed test-and-trace application, which warned residents about close contact...


Covid-19 Recovery Roadmap

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. The report evaluates regional petrochemicals and chemicals production, trade and mega-projects in light of the challenges of 2020-22...


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. However, the disruption to global supply chains precipitated by the pandemic – as well as the more recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia – has underlined the need to invest in production capacity and supportive technological solutions...


Market Profile Video

Saudi Arabia’s economy is positioned for growth in the coming years

Oxford Business Group has launched The Report: Saudi Arabia 2022. 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. The Report shines a spotlight on key developments in manufacturing, petrochemicals and mining, and the ways in which leaders are capitalising on the country’s natural resource wealth to generate downstream value-added businesses...


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. Looking ahead, shipping and logistics companies face growing sustainability challenges, as the transition to a net-zero economy increasingly focuses on Scope III greenhouse gas emissions in the supply...


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. Home to a large number of expatriate workers, the country had become the world’s second-largest source of remittance outflows before Covid-19. Despite the subsequent slowdown in global remittances, transfers from the UAE remained relatively robust, helping to sustain households in...


Market Profile 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. The kingdom is also diversifying its economy away from a dependence on hydrocarbons and investing in high-potential areas such as tourism, financial technology, ICT and renewables...


Post-Pandemic Prospects 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. The pandemic-induced shock to the global oil market served to exacerbate these trends and forced companies to reappraise expenditure plans and adopt innovative mitigation strategies...


Market Profile Video

Highlights from The Report: Qatar 2022

Oxford Business Group has now launched 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. At a time of great disruption in global energy markets, the report focuses on Qatar’s plans to cement its position as a leading player in liquefied natural gas with the North Field Expansion project, which will increase...


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