2021-09-08-牛津经济研究院-MENA_UAE_s_50_initiatives_Abu_Dhabi_fees_solid_regional_PMIs_4页_242kb

The UAE is launching 50 economic initiatives to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, marking its golden jubilee. These measures include new visa categories for freelancers and entrepreneurs, extended job search periods, and an AED5bn investment in IT and tech industries, aiming to attract AED550bn in foreign direct investment by 2030. Concurrently, Abu Dhabi is reducing administrative fees to ease business operations and encourage economic growth, following similar reforms that lowered business setup and license renewal costs.

Regionally, the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) indicates sustained expansion in non-oil sectors, with the UAE at 53.8 in August, Saudi Arabia at 54.1 (slight decline from July), and Qatar reaching a record high of 58.2. Forecasts suggest continued growth, with non-oil GDP expected to rise, supported by easing travel restrictions and events like Expo 2020. The briefing also highlights upcoming inflation data releases and provides economic forecasts for MENA countries, underscoring a cautiously optimistic outlook amid global challenges like the Delta variant.