Trade & Investment
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2023
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Abu Dhabi’s commitment to diversification and improving its business environment led the emirate to record the MENA region’s fastest economic growth rate in 2022, at 9.3%. The focus on strengthening and diversifying manufacturing lines, alongside enhancing export capabilities, is propelling continued growth.

Regulatory updates and progressive development strategies seek to revitalise foreign direct investment across key sectors such as real estate and high-value manufacturing. Collaborative efforts to bolster international trade and dynamic government bodies are helping to improve Abu Dhabi’s investment climate, fostering a thriving economy.

As a result, Abu Dhabi has become a magnet for international investors, companies and entrepreneurs. The emirate’s expanding production profile is being harnessed to drive exports, contributing significantly to economic expansion. The synergy between public and private entities, exemplified by organisations like Mubadala Investment Company and ADQ, showcases the government’s commitment to driving growth and enhancing business ecosystems.

This chapter contains interviews with Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Deputy Group CEO, Mubadala Investment Company, and Chairman, Mubadala Capital; and Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director, Alpha Dhabi Holding.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Prosperity and commerce: Diversification-led efforts to boost trade and investment inflows
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Stimulating greater trade and investment inflows is vital to the Abu Dhabi government’s ongoing drive to diversify the emirate’s economy away from a dependence on hydrocarbons. While diversification has been a central goal for both the federal and Abu Dhabi governments for a number of years, the post-Covid-19 pandemic era has seen a sharpening of focus in this respect, as the emirate attempts to improve its business environment and strengthen legislative frameworks to attract international investors,…

Interview

New opportunities: Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Deputy Group CEO, Mubadala Investment Company; and Chairman, Mubadala Capital, on transitioning away from fossil fuels and promoting innovation
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Interview:Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi How is the international push to divest from fossil fuels impacting renewables-focused investment initiatives in Abu Dhabi and further afield? WALEED AL MOKARRAB AL MUHAIRI: Helping to find solutions to the world’s biggest challenges and maximising our positive impact is a key focus for Mubadala. In 2006 we played a crucial role in establishing Masdar, a renewable energy company. Now active in more than 40 countries and having invested in clean energy…

Analysis

Export evolution: The emirate is capitalising on its robust industrial base and federal economic incentives to drive international demand
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As part of the UAE’s efforts to enhance long-term economic resilience, the country has unveiled numerous strategic initiatives to support the growth and diversification of export products and markets. Notably, the federal government has stepped up efforts to develop comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs) with high-potential overseas markets, while supporting manufacturers to enhance their production and trade capacity through initiatives such as the 10x10 programme, Operation 300bn,…

Interview

Exemplary performance: Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director, Alpha Dhabi Holding, on generating investment opportunities through public policy that embraces diversification and technology
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Interview:Hamad Al Ameri How is technology shaping investment strategy, and to what extent is this disrupting the industry? HAMAD AL AMERI: Technology has repeatedly proven its capacity to redefine markets and drive change. The pace of innovation today has a profound influence on corporate priorities and is poised to shape our economic future. From unprecedented access to troves of data and information in real time, to the emergence of blockchain and financial technology solutions and the rapid…