Key View: The UAE is one of the best connected markets for international trade and its well-developed infrastructure and strategic location attract major logistics and shipping firms. The government has also encouraged trade and investment by scaling back bureaucratic requirements and offering numerous free trade zones strategically close to

Key View

• At Fitch Solutions, we believe that the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, will have limited impact on the country’s domestic and foreign policy trajectory.
• We see limited succession risk, as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Sheikh Khalifa’s brother, has been nominated president of the UAE after de facto

Key View

• The UAE medical device market will benefit from strong economic recovery driven by a surge in hydrocarbon output and elevated oil prices.
• The market will further be propelled by recovery in tourism activities.
• Despite the market’s heavy reliance on imports, opportunities for medical device companies to form regional hubs in UAE will

Key View

• The rollout of private 5G networks in the UAE will aid the development of the country's automotive sector as it will facilitate a high degree of factory automation, which will be crucial for a country with a small population such as the UAE.
• The UAE's improving relationship with Israel is an added benefit for the adoption of private

Key View

• We at Fitch Solutions forecast the UAE’s real GDP growth will accelerate from an estimated 3.4% in 2021 to 4.6% in 2022.
• Rising hydrocarbon output due to the easing of OPEC+ supply restrictions along with the ongoing recovery in private consumption, will support robust economic activity in 2022 and 2023.
• Indeed, while economic

Key View

• At Fitch Solutions, we forecast real consumer spending in the UAE to post growth of 3.6% in 2022, a deceleration from the estimated growth of 7.5% in 2021 as favourable base effects wear off.
• Consumer spending growth in 2022 will be driven by accelerated economic growth, supported by increasing hydrocarbon output against the backdrop

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• At Fitch Solutions, we believe Houthi attacks on the UAE are likely to continue in the short term following the UAE’s reinvolvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
• That said, we see limited physical damage due to Abu Dhabi’s advanced defence system and while the attacks may weigh on the UAE’s reputation as a safe hub for investment

UAE tourism performance in 2021 was stronger than initially envisaged with strong pent-up demand being unlocked in both leisure and commercial tourism after the crippling headwinds of 2020. Hotel occupancy rates were trending steadily upwards with the Dubai Expo (2021-2022) supporting momentum in tandem with relaxing of overseas travel advisories

Key View

• The UAE will increasingly ramp up collaboration efforts to enhance clinical research and improve the quality of healthcare provision, driving health sector growth.
• The post-pandemic revival of the medical tourism sector will be a priority for the UAE’s government, offering attractive prospects for multinational drugmakers.
• The

Key View

• Solar and nuclear power will grow considerably within the UAE's power mix over the coming decade, making up more than two thirds of total net growth in capacity between 2021 and 2030.
• The completion of new nuclear reactors will, in combination with new solar and thermal capacity, push growth in the UAE's power capacity beyond that of