(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
ABU DHABI, 19th June 2017 (WAM) - A new report just produced by the global research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG) provides a sweeping overview of Abu Dhabi's investment climate in light of continued lower commodities prices throughout 2016 and 2017.
The Report: Abu Dhabi 2017 provides detailed coverage of the local government's development targets following the release of the emirate's new 5-year plan, with a special focus on landmark mergers and consolidations seen over the last year across sovereign funds, energy, banking, and education.
OBG's 11th economic report on Abu Dhabi also tracks the ongoing drive towards economic diversification, where key investments like Abu Dhabi Global Market and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continue to boost the emirate's regional influence in areas like financial services and healthcare. Improving connectivity remains a key focus for the emirate , with ongoing work around Abu Dhabi International Airport's Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) and expansion at Khalifa Port being assessed in the 2017 report.
Additionally, The Report: Abu Dhabi 2017 charts the emirate's efforts to broaden its tourism industry, by augmenting the business travel and leisure segments with a new range of offerings that encompass niches such as culture. The report plots new projects under development, including initiatives on Yas and Saadiyat islands, as well as in Al Ain, which are designed to appeal to both cultural tourists and visitors looking for recreational facilities.
The latest developments in Abu Dhabi's energy sector are also examined, including the emirate's decision to sharpen its focus on downstream activities, optimise costs across the value chain, and seal new agreements with global partners. Major projects in the renewable energy space, including the region's first civilian nuclear programme and major solar investments, will be analysed in full.
The Report: Abu Dhabi 2017 contains exclusive commentary from H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, together with a detailed, sector-by-sector analysis for investors.
It also features comment from other high-profile figures across a number of key sectors, including: Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO and Managing Director of Mubadala Investment Company; Awaidha Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE minister of state and CEO, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company; Khalifa Al Kindi, Chairman of the Central Bank of the UAE; Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development; and Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports.
Oliver Cornock, OBG's Editor-in-Chief, said investors have welcomed the government's 2016 update on its development strategy, which has provided greater clarity on the next phase of its ambitious plans for the emirate.
"Prudent past decisions and foresight have provided the government with solid foundations on which to build a broader economic base, in line with its long-term vision for the emirate," he said. "While some of the upcoming reforms, such as the introduction of VAT, will require adjustment from the business community, our report also highlights the raft of new opportunities emerging in sectors ripe for growth, as Abu Dhabi's economic landscape continues to evolve. Ultimately we see Abu Dhabi as well placed from a fiscal perspective to weather global economic volatility."
OBG's Regional Director, Michelle Solomon, agreed that the Group's research pointed to myriad openings for investors, particularly as government spending continues to pick up and as the private sector's contribution to the economy continues to increase.
"Despite challenging macroeconomic headwinds, the emirate continues to show resiliency and be an engine for growth, with infrastructural development under way in segments such as power, transportation, tourism and real estate," she said. "Investors eyeing the market's potential have plenty to consider."
The Report: Abu Dhabi 2017 marks the culmination of a year of field research by OBG's analysts. The report assesses trends and developments across the economy, including those in macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and others. The Report: Abu Dhabi 2017 is available in online and print. The Report: Abu Dhabi 2017 has been produced with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, PwC and ReedSmith.
WAM/Bashir
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