Strategic Location: Dubai is a time zone bridge between the Far East and Europe on the East-West axis and the CIS and Africa on the north-south axis. It is a gateway to a market that can be characterized as:
Large – well established trading links exist with the greater than 1.5 billion people in the neighbouring region covering the Gulf,
Middle East / Eastern Mediterranean, CIS, Central Asia, Africa and the Asian sub-continent.
Growing – Dubai’s total international trade has grown on average by over 11% per year since 1988 and regional economic growth and liberalization should boost demand further.
Prosperous – a buoyant local economy strategically located in the midst of one of the world’s richest regions and well endowed with ample supplies of cheap energy and primary aluminium; also adjacent to major regional suppliers of vital agro-export commodities.
Diversified – varied and significant import requirements generate opportunities for product suppliers and re-exporters.
Accessible – served by over 120 shipping lines and linked via 85 airlines to over 130 global destinations.
Open – no exchange controls, quotas or trade barriers.
Dubai is well connected to the twin cities Abu Dhabi & Sharjah.
The Emirate of Sharjah is currently witnessing non-stop investment movement due to its sound economic policies.
Located on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, Sharjah’s ports are a gateway to two billion consumers in 160 countries.
With a strong industrial base (and a manufacturing sector accounting for 19% of the Emirate’s GDP in 2010), the number of companies operating in the sector has been growing at a CAGR of up to 10. (Source : The Sharjah Investment & Development Authority SHUROOQ).
Sharjah also boasts the second-largest free zone in the country with Hamriyah free zone, further contributing to its burgeoning investment opportunities and strategic growth.
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has also emerged in recent years as a potential investment hub & has posted real growth in its gross domestic product of 7.4 per cent in 2013, up from 5.6 per cent in 2012. (Source: Department of Economic Department).
