Abu Dhabi in 50 Years
Contents
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Director General’s Foreword
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Al Abu Dhabi Overview Executive Summary – Al Abu Dhabi 2.2 Al Abu Dhabi Cities on scope 2.3 Vision Al Abu Dhabi 2030 2.1
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Al Abu Dhabi Business Climate 3.1
Facts & Figures
3.2
Regulatory Constraints & Reliefs
3.3
Taxation
3.4
Banking System
3.5
Prioritized Development Sectors
3.6
Al Abu Dhabi Comparative Advantage
4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5
What SCAD can offer What other entities can offer Success Stories – Investors in Al Abu Dhabi Frequently Asked Questions Al Abu Dhabi Strategic Partners 4.6 Useful Contacts & Addresses 4.1
DM Message
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DM Message
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the web portal of Statistics Centre − Abu Dhabi (SCAD), which will serve as the primary means of communication between the Centre and all those interested in statistical data about the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We shall be glad to cater to all your needs, in conformity with the highest standards of customer service, through to the largest database to meet all your needs in a timely manner and achieve our goal of raising the level of customer satisfaction on an ongoing basis. Through this website you will have access to our plans, strategies, projects and all of our statistical business activities. The website will also publish the latest economic, social, demographic, agricultural and environmental data and a wide range of indicators pertaining to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to diverse news, events and periodic statistical publications, bulletins, etc. You can also access the website of our Statistical Training Institute (STI) through SCAD’s portal in order to communicate with the Institute and learn about its training plans and programs, which aim to raise the efficiency of cadres working in statistical disciplines in various government and semi-government entities across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Butti Ahmed Mohammed bin Butti Al Qubaisi Director-General
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2.1 Executive Summary – Abu Dhabi
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Map of Abu Dhabi
Al Abu Dhabi –a unique opportunity waiting to be discovered Al Abu Dhabi, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, is UAE’s hidden gem, covering 51 % of the country’s landmass and 60 % of Abu Dhabi’s total area, contributing to 45% of its GDP Al Abu Dhabi is an oasis of stunning natural beauty at the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Within its vast edges extending between the desert and the sea, it hosts seven major cities: Liwa, Madinat Zayed Abu Dhabi, Ruwais, Mirfa Sila and Delma Island and is home to the world’s highest sand dunes and natural shores extending along 350 km, making it the meeting point of the desert and the sea. Al Abu Dhabi occupies a vast area of 60 thousand square kilometers and is characterized by its natural resources and wealth, such as the palm trees, pearls, oil, gas and solar energy. Location-wise, the region is close to the borders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar – and is considered the main gateway to the UAE.
managed and responsible growth. The overall strategic plan targets economic development, social health promotion, the preservation of cultural identity and environment protection. It strives to promote the region’s economic growth while valuing and maintaining its historical, cultural and ecological significance for the benefit of many generations to come. Investments in prioritized sectors identified by the thorough sector development study conducted during 2010 are particularly encouraged. On the other hand, many advantages and support are being offered to local and foreign investors and corporations as set out in the following sections.
As an integral part of the Abu Dhabi Emirate, Al Abu Dhabi is highly supported by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and the direction of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative for the Western Region. Leadership recognizes the need to broaden the region’s economic and business base and therefore welcomes all local and foreign investments considered to best fit into the current Economic and Development Plans put in Place for Al Abu Dhabi mirrored in the Plan Al Abu Dhabi 2030 which has been developed to lead Al Abu Dhabi towards a brighter future through
For more information about Al Abu Dhabi, please visit www.scad.ae
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2.2 AbuDhabi City - on Scope
Population: 2010: 24,900 Projected for 2030: 65,000 Distance to Abu Dhabi: 220 km Current Projects: Qasr Al Sarab Resort AED 700m, Shah Sour Gas Project AED 40bn Investment advantage: Liwa is set to be Al Abu Dhabi’s administrative center; the city is blessed with a prime location on the northern part of the Empty Quarter, with some of the world’s highest sand dunes and most significant desert sceneries. Liwa is also known for its date palm plantation and camel farms. The oasis is viewed as an ideal spot for tourism-led initiatives, showcasing its rich cultural and natural attributes.
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Population: 2010: 33,900 2030: 61,000 Distance from Abu Dhabi city: 160 km Current Projects: Al Dhafra Ranches AED 1bn, Masdar Solar plant AED 2bn Investment advantage: As the city with the highest population in Al Abu Dhabi, alongside with the main spot of services and retails shops in the region, Madinat Zayed is witnessing large residential and retail developments. Large gaps between Supply and Demand lie mainly in the fields of retail, education, medical and social projects, the thing which creates a huge opportunity for investments in these areas. In addition, Madinat Zayed hosts a large number of well-followed cultural events and ceremonies, which attract visitors and entrepreneurs from all over the GCC.
Delma Abu Dhabi Ruwais Liwa M. Zayed Mirfa Sila 1000
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2.2 AbuDhabi City - on Scope
Population: 2010: 14,000 - 2030: 21,000 Distance from Abu Dhabi city: 230 km Current Projects: 786 villas AED 1.5bn - Gasco plants and expansions AED 29bn Investment advantage: Abu Dhabi provides a prime location for residential settlements for staff and workers within the nearby industrial locations. Its close proximity to a large number of current standing businesses and companies makes Abu Dhabi a more preferred place for establishing residential facilities to cater to the expanding oil and gas sector and other associated industries in the area.
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1906
2012
Population: 2010: 17,300 – 2030: 75,000
Population: 2010: 28,900 - 2030: 130,000
Distance from Abu Dhabi city: 120 km
Distance from Abu Dhabi city: 200 km
Current Projects: Recreation centers AED 516m
Current Projects: Ruwais refinery expansions, AED 16bn & Ethiad Railway AED 40bn
Investment advantage: Mirfa has a unique coastal topography featuring a rocky hilltop spine, running parallel to the coast. This natural landscape and strategic location of Mirfa – being the city closer to Abu Dhabi city offers excellent potential for the development of residential, tourism, and commercial purposes. In addition, Mirfa’s central location also makes it conducive for industrial and logistics services. Retail and residential rates are some of the highest found in Al Abu Dhabi, and broadly comparable with the more established commercial centre of Madinat Zayed.
Investment advantage: Ruwais has the most advanced facilities for housing, retail, health, community services, amenities and recreation in Al Abu Dhabi. Being the primary industrial oil & gas centre, the city has a strong potential for further development in its residential segment to support the expected growth in population levels brought about specifically by the expansion of the industrial sector. The oil & gas sector is the city›s primary economic activity; hence, all supporting businesses and projects are beneficial, in addition to the high demand on residential and communityrelated services.
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2.2 AbuDhabi City - on Scope
Heading Population: 2010: 9,300 2030: 17,500 Distance from Abu Dhabi city: 350 km Current Projects: ENEC Nuclear plants AED 40bn, 788 villas AED 1.5bn Investment advantage: Sila lies directly on UAE›s west border and has therefore a prime location as the country›s gateway to Saudi, Qatar and the rest of GCC. The main area for future growth is expected to be in the retail and community services. Furthermore, the city has huge potential in the field of tourism and hospitality, targeting short-break travelers from neighboring countries.
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Heading Population: 2010: 5,500 2030: 8,300 Distance to Abu Dhabi: off-island – 30 min by Chartered Plane Current Projects: Desert Island Projects AED 3.3bn Investment advantage: Delma Island is seen to be well suited to a cultural and tourism led scheme with significant emphasis on the development of local industry and private businesses. Future development of the tourism sector could also pave the way for expansion of retail, leisure and hospitality related facilities in order to support demand coming from both local residents and outside tourists. To date, a high demand on
community facilities and provision of wider range social services. No commercial office facilities exist in Delma and this is broadly reflective of perceived demand levels. There are highly-profitable opportunities to consider tourism led development, possibly in conjunction with a hotel or leisure related project. As for Sir Bani Yas it has witnessed tremendous growth during the past couple of years, mainly in the form of Tourism-related investments placed into action by the Tourism Development & Investment Company. A remarkable project is Sir Bani Yas Hotel which has strongly introduced the island’s wildlife and natural beauty. Complimentary projects in addition to those of similar scope are considered of high value and profit range, given the islands’ natural resources and assets,
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