Industry
From The Report: Dubai 2014
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Easy access to air and sea transport, combined with expansions at the Jebel Ali Port and of the national airline, has helped establish Dubai’s position as both a trans-shipment hub and a destination for export industries. The industrial sector continues to provide a major contribution to non-oil GDP, with heavy industries able to take advantage of low energy prices. The emirate’s free zones are perhaps the most important driver of manufacturing growth, responsible for around 75% of exports and more than 25% of Dubai’s GDP in 2012. Key outputs, including refined petrochemicals products (plastics, fertilisers, synthetics), aluminium, precious metals and processed foods, are expected to trend positively throughout 2014, buoyed by strong economic fundamentals and major planned infrastructure and development projects.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Welcome contribution: Manufacturing and trans-shipment are helping to diversify the economy
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Dubai has invested heavily in the creation of competitive infrastructure and a business-friendly regulatory framework to help solidify its status as a regional hub for trade and manufacturing. In terms of logistics, the Jebel Ali Port and the rapid expansion of the national airline, Emirates, provide companies with streamlined import/export options and some of the world’s most well-connected air cargo terminals. Demand for logistics is being driven by industrial production, globalisation dynamics,…

Analysis

Diverse participants: Companies of all sizes play key roles in the industrial sector
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According to the Dubai Chamber, manufacturing is among the greatest contributors to the UAE’s non-oil GDP, accounting for roughly 14% of non-oil GDP over the last decade. This figure grew to 16% in 2012 and was expected to rise as high as 19% in 2013. At the national level, the bulk of manufacturing investments are concentrated in heavy industry, including petrochemicals, aluminium, steel, cabling and marine industry products (ship construction). Investment The UAE has a significant competitive…