Dubai: The UAE Cabinet on Tuesday approved a host of national initiatives to mark the 41st National Day.

The initiatives were approved during a Cabinet meeting at the Union House in Dubai chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the presence of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Among the initiatives approved is the National Charter of Values and Ethics that aims to create a generation of Emiratis who are aware of their responsibilities towards their nation, families and society.

10 initiatives approved

1.The year 2013 has been declared as Emiratisation year: A host of initiatives and policies will turn it into a national priority at all levels.

2. Setting up of the Union Museum: To preserve the Federation’s historical documents and photos for future generations.

3. All Federal Government entities to assist SMEs: By allocating 10 per cent of its total purchases for such projects that are set up by youth.

4. Ramadan 19th is named as “Emirati Humanitarian Work Day”: Set as an annual event in memory of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

5. ‘Proudly Made in the UAE’ : A policy that aims to improve national products and their level of quality.

6. Emirati studies as a graduation requirement: A compulsory subject to be

introduced at all national and private universities.

7. Charter for National Ethics and Values: Outlines the responsibilities of all Emiratis towards their nation, families, and society.

8. The Legacy of the UAE’s Founding Fathers: A subject to be included in history curriculum in all schools.

9. UAE flag to fly high: Distinguished flag poles to be built across the

emirates.

10. A flag at every government building: All local and Federal Government entities will be required to raise the national flag.

The Cabinet ordered the circulation of this charter to all relevant bodies, and to use it as a reference for all efforts related to the new generation of Emiratis.

“The Union began in the Union House, and today, we launch it once again. We will not be reliving memories in this meeting, but to renew our determination and remember the UAE founder’s spirit of ambition and their vision that led to the creation of the UAE, a country which consolidated its status on the global stage in only 41 years. It is with this same spirit and ambition that we will be able to move forward with confidence and strength towards the future,” Shaikh Mohammad said.

The charter specifies the concept of nationalism and its forms, as well as key characteristics, values, ethics and skills that should be adopted by Emirati citizens. The charter aims to put in place a clear and general outline for an Emirati citizen’s character in a way that reflects their culture, values, traditions, heritage and Islamic beliefs.

The Cabinet approved a number of other resolutions and initiatives.

Shaikh Mohammad announced that 2013 will be observed as Emiratisation Year in which all efforts will be intensified to launch a host of national initiatives and policies that make Emiratisation a national priority in all levels. “What distinguished the founding fathers, and what we have learned from them, is that Emirati citizen is our number one priority, and that developing human being beings takes precedence over the development of buildings and structures. This is also in line with the framework adopted by my brother President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”

“In line with this framework, the achievements of 2013 will exceed those of 2012, and every year that follows will exceed the achievements of the year that has passed. There will be no room for failures or hesitation as we work towards achieving the aspirations of our people. It is important for all bodies to combine their efforts in order to work with these policies and initiatives for Emiratisation Year,” Shaikh Mohammad said.

Union Museum approved

“The spirit of the Union is to work as one team, under one vision with specific objectives. One will only be remembered by their achievements,” Shaikh Mohammad added.

The Cabinet approved a number of initiatives related to preserving the memory of the Union. The Cabinet approved setting up a Union Museum next to Union House. The Museum will include many pictures and documents on the Union’s history and its phases. It will also highlight important personalities that played an an important role in the Union. The museum aims to be a reliable reference for all researchers and those interested in the history of the Union, as well as for all Emirati citizens and visitors.

The Cabinet ratified a resolution instructing the Ministry of Education to include the ‘biography of the founding fathers’ in history and national studies curriculums in schools. The biography will impart lessons and meanings behind the march of development of the founding fathers, and forever immortalise their work and achievements that have helped the UAE attain a prominent position on the global stage.

In line with efforts to strengthen national identity and culture in universities, the Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to include ‘Emirati studies’ as a compulsory course in all national and private universities in the country.

The course includes subjects on the UAE’s history, culture, traditions, geography, laws and regulations, and other topics that concern Emirati society. The Cabinet announced that Ramadan 19 each year will be an annual occasion titled ‘Emirati Humanitarian Work Day’ in remembrance of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his role in setting up humanitarian work in the UAE. The day will see the launch of a number of humanitarian and charity initiatives in various public and private sector bodies.

“It was Shaikh Zayed who instilled in our people the spirit and love of giving without asking for anything in return. It is only natural to honour Shaikh Zayed, who we owe so much to, with such a day that highlights his humanity, giving and generosity. He made the UAE a global humanitarian destination,” Shaikh Mohammad said.

The Cabinet issued a resolution ordering the Ministry of Public Works to build massive flag poles for the UAE flag in all of the emirates. The flagpoles will be similar to those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

‘Made in UAE’ boost

The Cabinet also approved a national initiative under the slogan ‘Made Proudly in the UAE’. The Ministry of Economy was tasked with putting in place a general governmental policy to develop national products, and enhance pride in the quality of these national products, whether they are service products or national companies.

The Cabinet also approved an initiative to support small and medium enterprises of youths by allocating 10 per cent of all purchases made by ministries and federal government bodies to these enterprises.

“We will support Emirati youth, products and culture, because the UAE is our pride, and its citizens are the source of our pride,” Shaikh Mohammad said.

DUBAI A massive new development unveiled yesterday by the Ruler of Dubai is to include the world’s biggest shopping mall and more than 100 hotels.

Mohammed Bin Rashid City, which is also to encompass sprawling parkland, was announced yesterday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and comes amid a resurgence in the emirate’s economy.

“The current facilities available in Dubai need to be scaled up in line with the future ambitions for the city,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

The development – a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding – is to be located between Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Road and Al Khail Road.

MBR City represents a revival of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens project, first announced in 2008. The 2008 masterplan had suggested the Gardens project would cover 74 square kilometres, and cost $60bn (Dh220bn). It is not yet clear how closely the new plan is based on that.

Yesterday’s release did say that MBR City’s park would be 30 per cent larger than London’s Hyde Park, which is 1.4 square kilometres.

The new project is also to include the Mall of the World, touted to be even bigger than Dubai Mall. It is expected to have capacity for 80 million visitors a year, and to have 100 hotel facilities.

The Mall of the World is to be partly developed by Universal Studios. Under the 2008 plan, a Universal Studios theme park was to be situated in the proposed Dubailand theme park, but that project has been on hold. It is not yet clear whether the original plan will now be incorporated within the mall.

The original plan for Dubailand included a golf course called The Tiger Woods, in partnership with the famous golfer.

Although that has stalled, yesterday’s statement said MBR City would include “a number of golf courses under well-known international names”.

MBR City is to be linked with Business Bay and Downtown Dubai by what the release described as a “Cultural Crossing” – an avenue that is to be populated largely by art galleries.

The project is divided into four components, with the park, hotels and Universal Studios being grouped together, followed by a retail component in the mall, and finally the art sector.

The fourth component is to be “a unique area that will provide an integrated environment for entrepreneurship and innovation in the region”.

A timetable for the project is not yet available.

Yesterday’s announcement drew attention to a projected 90 million passengers passing through Dubai Airport annually by 2018.

“Our development initiatives concerning infrastructure in all sectors should be aligned with this growth rate and we have the determination to reach our objectives and be the first in the region to achieve them,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Matthew Green, head of research for the Dubai office of CBRE, a commercial estate agency, said there are currently around 400 hotels in Dubai.

“As long as it is structured as a long-term project – and we have to assume that a scheme of this size would be built over the next 20 years – then we think this could be successful,” he said.

“You’re not just going to get 100 hotels in one go. Dubailand was already going to include a large number of hotel rooms and having Emaar on board will add to the project’s reputation enormously. It is not a bad location and as long as it is planned properly there is definitely room for more housing.

“The development pipeline in Dubai has reduced massively over the past couple of years and now we are seeing demand coming back. This is an opportunity for the developers to create some quality housing.”

Some, however, questioned whether there was demand for such a big project. “On one hand it is good news,” said Mario Volpi, head of sales and leasing at Cluttons, an estate agency in Dubai. “We need more hotels in Dubai, especially if we win the World Expo. But 100 more sounds an awful lot.

“Similarly with the new leisure destinations, Dubai needs something like Universal Studios to drive tourism. And retail is doing well – Dubai Mall has been a tremendous success. But will this scheme also include thousands of villas?

“My initial reaction is that any new infrastructure is good but when you peel off the first couple of layers I just worry it could be too much too soon.”

Craig Plumb, head of research at the property firm Jones Lang LaSalle’s Dubai office, said the new plan is better positioned than the 2008 plan because of the emirate’s improved tourist infrastructure.

“The key to this plan succeeding would be whether the developers can actually get the attractions to attract the number of people they are proposing. If then can bring in the sort of numbers they are talking about then yes, they will need a lot of hotels,” he said.

The announcement of MBR City came only a week after Sheikh Mohammed announced a separate slate of development projects for the emirate, including a Dh2.5 billion expansion of Madinat Jumeirah, a pedestrian footbridge across Dubai Creek, a Dh390 million residential complex for Dubai Police, and the Dh1.5 billion expansion of Business Bay Canal.

The move came after Lt. General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior issued Ministerial Decree No. 418 yesterday for the year 2012 amending some provisions of the Regulations to the law of entry and residence of foreigners to the UAE.

According to the ministerial decree issued, cruise tourists will be able to get three months multiple tourist visa and stay maximum of 14 days during each visit. Earlier, they were given only single entry tourist visa.

Those eligible for the multiple entry visas include businessmen, property owners and their families, and cruise tourists. Rest of the categories remained unchanged. The move aims at further facilitating tourists, investors and businessmen coming to the UAE.

The decree further stipulates that businessmen and professionals abroad, who are dealing with a public or private institution or a company in the UAE, and who require frequent visits, are eligible for multiple entries for six months. They can enter the country as many times during this period.

Multiple entry visas can be issued by any of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the country and the UAE’s mission abroad when necessary the foreigner wishing to enter the country for the following purposes.

Also, wife and children of the foreigners who own property in the UAE are also eligible for the multiple six months visit visa.

Specific conditions need to be met to be eligible for the six month multiple visas.

Business visitors, who get multiple entries visas for six month should not stay more than 30 days during each visit.

If the visitors own a property in the country, the visa will allow them to enter the country several times during the six months from the date of issuance of the visa and allow them to stay as long as the visa is valid.

In case the purpose for visiting the country is tourism and the visitor is coming on board one of the cruises, the entry permit allow the tourist to enter the country several times during the three months from the date of issuance of the visa and stay a maximum of 14 days each time from date of entry.

According to Article 44 (repeated) 9 the UAE’s ambassadorial and consular mission abroad can also issue a ‘special visa’ to specific categories of visitors.

The UAE mission aboard are allowed to issue visit visas exempt from the requirement of a sponsor.

Holders of diplomatic and United Nations passports can be given multiple entry visas for three months by UAE missions abroad.

These visas allow entry to the UAE for multiple times during three months from the date of the issuance. It also allows the holder to stay during each of the visit for not more than 30 days from the date of entry as long as the visa is valid.

The new rules will take effect from the date of issuance.

“This is doubling the speed of 150 Mbps, we currently have on our 4G network and it is going to be demonstrated during Gitex,” Saeed Y. Abdulla Al Zarouni, Senior Vice President — Mobile Networks at Etisalat told Gulf News during an interview in the capital, commenting on the successful speed testing on the mobile broadband.

He said as many as 100 buildings in the UAE, including the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, are now covered by Etisalat’s 4G LTE network and there would be a countrywide expansion in its coverage area, in phases . “By 2015, we are aiming to have more than 99 per cent population coverage on the 4G LTE, similar to that of 3G levels,” said Zarouni.

In late 2011, Etisalat was one of the first telecommunication providers in the world to launch a 4G LTE network using 1800 MHZ and 2.6 GHZ bands with a population coverage of 80 per cent. In the first phase of its 4G LTE rollout, Etisalat had deployed around 1,000 base stations.

Al Zarouni said the customers will be able to enjoy 300 Mbps speed upon availability of devices, which are expected to come to the market, next year.

“From the network point of view, we are ready. However, currently, the 4G devices available in the market offer speeds of up to 100 Mbps only whereas the 3G devices that are available offer speeds of only up to 42 Mbps,” said Al Zarouni.

“With increase in smartphone devices compatible with 4G, we will see growth in 4G network users. There are various data plan packages and devices available with Etisalat to choose from,” he added.

Landscape-transforming project will pave way for a host of business and tourism avenues

Dubai: Dubai will spend Dh1.5 billion to extend the Business Bay canal by 12.8 kilometres, from the section of Shaikh Zayed Road flanking the Safa Park Interchange to the Arabian Gulf.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has endorsed the extension of the Business Bay Canal Project, including required modifications to roads and bridges.

Shaikh Mohammad has also directed the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to complete the project within two years.

The project will add a fresh urban and tourist landmark to the Dubai’s landscape and is expected to boost Dubai’s bid to host the World Expo 2020.

The extended Business Bay Canal will cross Shaikh Zayed Road before Al Safa Interchange and cut across Safa Park, Al Wasl Road, and Jumeirah 2, terminating in the Arabian Gulf

The canal will usher in a host of new business and investment opportunities including the possibility of utilising it to harbour floating hotels, or constructing hotels and restaurants on either side, or launching integrated tourist and recreational facilities in Al Safa Park, besides constructing canal view houses.

Dubai Creek extension plan

Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and executive director of the RTA, said: “The extension of the Business Bay canal is one of the key strategic projects undertaken by the RTA.”

The width of the extended canal will be between 80 to 100 metres. Major diversions on Shaikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Road will be in place as the work starts.

The project will see an 800-metre-long bridge being built on Shaikh Zayed Road with six lanes in each direction. The bridge will be 8.5-metres high to ensure smooth sailing for marine transport.

A six-lane bridge with three lanes in each direction will also be built on Al Wasl Road next to Safa Park and another six-lane bridge with three lanes in both directions will be built on Jumeirah Road.

The Dubai Creek Canal extension project is also part of Dubai’s ambitious plan to develop marine transport as the waterway will be used by private boats, water taxis and ferries.

Some 10 kilometres out of the total 12.8 kilometres envisaged under the creek canal extension work has already been completed under the Business Bay development project.

Dubai Creek, which begins at the point of the Arabian Gulf near Al Shindagha in Bur Dubai, currently spans 14 kilometres and culminates at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Once completed, the final length of the creek will be around 26.8 kilometres, with Bur Dubai becoming an island ringed by the Dubai Creek.

The creek has been the lifeline of Dubai since it was built along the creek.

The RTA plans to give shape to the canal’s banks employing the soil-cement method, an innovative engineering solution that will add to the aesthetics of the canal and its surroundings.

The creek extension will ensure the replenishment of water in the entire Business Bay Canal automatically without the need for pumps.

Due to the scale of the project and the need to expedite construction, the project has been divided into three contracts.

“The first covers drilling and landscaping works as well as the construction of marine transit stations. The other two contracts relate to road and bridge projects, and the project is set for completion early 2015,” Al Tayer said.

The RTA will carry out several improvements on key roads intersecting the canal as well as the surrounding areas such as Jumeirah and Al Safa and Al Wasl.

Three pedestrian bridges across the canal will ensure free movement and safety for pedestrians. Footpaths will also be provided on all the new main bridges passing over the canal.

Moreover, dedicated tracks for jogging and cycling will be constructed along both sides of the canal. Landscaping plans for both sides of the canal will ensure green spaces, benches, public relaxation areas and other facilities besides tourist-oriented projects.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced in January 2012 the launch of a long-term national initiative to build a green economy in the UAE entitled, “Green Economy for Sustainable Development,” which seeks to enhance the country’s competitiveness and sustainability of its development, and preserve its environment for generations to come,” said Al Tayer.

“The Supreme Council of Energy of Dubai was formed as a formal governing body and seeks to ensure sustainable energy resources for the Emirate’s growing economy in a cost-effective manner, and reduce and mitigate any negative impact on the environment. Within this legal framework, the Council governs all activities related to the energy sector in the Emirate of Dubai, including energy efficiency and resources management.”

“In 2010, the Council developed Dubai’s Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, and started implementation in January 2011. This Strategy is driven by our vision to make Dubai a role model to the world in energy security and efficiency. Accordingly, the Mission is to support Dubai’s economic growth, through a secure supply of energy and efficient energy usage, while meeting environmental and sustainability objectives.”

“By 2030, Dubai’s average energy growth is projected to be in the range of 4-5% per annum and our target under the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, is to reduce energy consumption by 30% through the implementation of enhanced energy-efficient initiatives and, by the same token, to significantly reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. Currently, the combined power generation and desalinated water production in Dubai are most-efficiently produced using natural gas and LNG as the primary fuel (99%), and supplemented by liquid fuel and diesel oil as a secondary fuel (1%). As per the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy, by 2030 Dubai will have diversified its fuel mix by adding new energy sources such as 12% from clean coal, 5% from renewable energy including solar power, 12% from nuclear power and 71% from gas,” added Al Tayer.

“It is well known that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rich in hydrocarbon resources. However, with the increase in population and electricity consumption as well as climate change, concern is mounting over the future security of energy sources. Renewable energy can play an important role in alleviating these concerns and will contribute considerably to our energy supply mix in the future. The global fossil fuel energy consumption rate is in the order of 80% of global total energy consumption. The reported information indicates that the Middle East has over half of the world’s proven oil reserves, and over one-third of the world’s natural gas reserves. As a consequence, gas and oil are the primary fuel sources currently for power generation and water desalination, with a very minor contribution from renewable energy.”

“In addition, we have identified that distributed rooftop solar power sources can make a practical contribution to Dubai’s power needs in the order of 20% or around 2,500MW by 2030. Technical, commercial and legal frameworks are currently being put in place to facilitate the integration of solar power. Small scale applications of solar are in use in Dubai, such as in commercial and industrial buildings, street lights and so forth. Recently, DEWA has constructed a building where over 25% of its electricity needs are managed by solar energy.”

Al Tayer concluded that, “We at DEWA share the same goals as the rest of the world to secure a diverse and sustainable energy supply, through the integration of renewable energy into our energy mix, rationalization of consumption and reduction of our carbon footprint.

Gulf Business

It is not surprising that huge ranges of businesses in Dubai are electing to use serviced offices today. Many new, but not necessarily small businesses cannot accurately predict their headcount figures over a two or three year time span. These companies take flexible offices in a serviced office facility where they will be able to take additional space when it is needed. A traditional office may feature in the next stage of their property strategy, but initially, they prefer to avoid large overheads with high set up costs.

A Business Centre is the collective term for an office building, or often just a floor or wing of an office building, in which a company provides a range of offices to tenants on relatively short term contracts in the form of serviced offices. These offices are fully fitted and furnished and ready for immediate occupancy. Serviced office operators also take responsibility for all of the services including reception services, secretarial support, and conference and meeting facilities, video conferencing, networking and high speed internet access.

While initial costs may look high, the charges that you pay includes almost all of the costs that you would normally expect to pay on top of rent in a conventional office; and better yet, they are fixed costs – from month to month, you know exactly what you’ll pay for your workspace. There are no additional costs for furniture, heating/air conditioning, lighting and power, security, cleaning, building and plant maintenance, elevators, insurance and other miscellaneous expenses that business owners are usually in the dark about until the bill arrives. For many start-ups, the up-front costs associated with a conventional office are simply unaffordable and the hassle-free monthly payments at a serviced office are far more manageable.

A major difference between serviced offices and traditional offices is the length of the lease. A serviced office contract may be as short as just one month, or more typically six, nine or 12 months. For start-ups uncertain about their rate of growth, initial costs and requirements, this offers an ideal solution to hit the ground running without being dragged down by logistical issues such as internet connections and employment visa paperwork. This arrangement is very different from the long lease normally associated with a traditional office and gives many businesses the much needed flexibility to shrink or expand as their business dictates.

In addition to the fixed low costs and flexibility a business centre offers, it is also the expertise that is invaluable and plays a significant role to a start-up or foreign company doing business in Dubai. Serviced offices offer a range of services, such as assisting with business incorporation, identifying appropriate local partners, taking care of work permits and UAE visas, advising on suitable corporate structures and advice on quick setup tactics appropriate for the Dubai market. Such offices are often experienced and well versed in all aspects of business setup as well and are well positioned to advise and assist local and foreign business owners in Dubai.

In Dubai, a business centre is not simply a space to work from and an address to put on a business card. For many business owners seeking a trade licence from the Department of Economic Development, the process can be long and arduous, and impossible without a local and knowledgeable partner. Business centres can manage the entire incorporation process including finding suitable local service agents or partners ensuring your business is up and running in no time.

It is also important to mention location, location, location – having a shared office in a well-known building is good for marketing purposes. Your clients will be able to remember you more easily if your office is located on a high-profile building. Since people often associate you with your surroundings you need to be careful in choosing your environment. We all know how important first impressions are, and a centrally manned reception will offer your clients a pleasant secure waiting area, and a great first impression.

Gulf News

Figures are the highest in Dubai’s trade history, Dubai Ports CEO says.

Dubai: Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade swelled by 12 per cent to Dh600 billion in the first half of 2012 compared to Dh535 billion in the same period last year, Dubai Customs announced on Monday.

Ahmad Butti Ahmad, CEO of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (DPCFZC), said that Dubai’s imports was valued at Dh356 billion during the first half of 2012 compared to Dh320 billion in the same period in 2011, showing a 11.5 per cent increase.

The value of exports and re-exports in the first half of 2012 amounted to over Dh245 billion, a 13 per cent increase compared to the Dh217 billion achieved in 2011, he added.

According to Butti Ahmad: “The figures of Dubai’s foreign trade in the first half of 2012 is the highest ever in the trade history of the emirate.”

“Comparing this figures to the same period of 2008, the booming era, Dubai’s foreign trade achieved Dh458 billion, later to drop to Dh361 billion in the first half of 2009 as a result of world economic crisis.”

However, Dubai’s trade grew steadily through 2010 and 2011 to Dh436 billion and Dh537 billion, respectively.

The UAE’s openness to the world markets, combined with its capacity to deal with diverse consumer products, has helped to address cultural diversification in the country, said Butti Ahmad.

Gold is the most valuable trade for the city with imports and exports worth a total of Dh59 billion, followed by Jewellery at Dh25 billion, Diamond at Dh24 billion, Telecommunication networks at Dh23 billion and vehicles at Dh15 billion.

Trade partners

India is currently ranked as Dubai’s top trading partner in terms of imports, exports and re-exports, achieving a total value of over Dh77 billion representing 13 per cent of the total Dubai foreign trade. It emerged as Dubai’s top exporting and re-exporting destination and came second in terms of imports, following China at Dh53 billion representing 9 per cent of Dubai’s overall foreign trade, the US came in third place at Dh36 billion by six per cent, Switzerland is at fourth place with Dh32 billion by five per cent followed by Saudi Arabia at Dh23 billion by four per cent, Dubai Customs said.

Customs data showed that growing purchasing power has contributed to the increase in the volume of imports exports. “Moreover, high quality Emirati made products, the promotion of the national industry and the strategic facilities offered to exporters have also played a significant role in increasing export volumes,” said Butti Ahmad.

The 12 per cent rise in trade to over Dh600 billion in the first half of this year will spillover into a similar rate of growth for the coming years as well, Irfan Al Hassani, a UAE-based economist told Gulf News.

Dubai has been showing steady economic growth despite global economic challenges, he added.

Dubai ports function as a re-export hub for the entire Gulf region with its port infrastructure highly praised for operating to global standards. Indeed DP World is the world’s third largest port operator and sets these standards. Dubai is the Hong Kong or Singapore of the Middle East.

“Trade facilities and well planned infrastructure, including the airports and ports, in addition to logistics services, have all made Dubai the preferred business centre in the region,” he said.

Inter-regional trade remains a great potential source of future business but the facts show that it is not at the moment. The Middle East sells oil, gas and petrochemicals and buys just about everything else it needs from the rest of the world with the exception of some modest local production, Al Hassani said.

Key numbers

12 per cent — Growth of Dubai’s Trade during the first six months of 2012

Dh600 billion — Dubai’s total trade during the first half of 2012

Dh535 billion — Dubai’s total trade during the first half of 2011

Dh245 billion — Value of Dubai’s exports and re-exports in the first half of 2012

Dh3603 billion is the value of Dubai export to Saudi Arabia.

Dubai: Saudi Arabia largest export and re-export market for Dubai Chamber members in first half of 2012 with a total value of Dh36.3 billion, a recent study developed by Dubai chamber of commerce and Industry said.

While the study highlighted that the Value of exports and re-exports of 9,194 members during the first half of 2012 grew by 13 per cent at Dh136.2 billion in the same period of 2012.

Dubai Chamber members’ exports and re-exports to Saudi Arabia during the first six months of 2012 reached a total value of Dh36.3 billion, representing 27 per cent of overall exports, making the kingdom the largest export market while Iraq was second at Dh19.4 billion.

The study further highlighted that proximity and ease of movement of goods within the region had made the GCC countries the busiest export and re-export destinations for Dubai Chamber members.

During the six-month period, 109,315 certificates of origin (COs) had been issued to export shipments destined to Saudi Arabia, accounting 30 per cent of all COs issued during the half yearly period.

The other large markets for the Chamber’s member were Qatar at a value of Dh10.4 billion, followed by Kuwait Dh8.8 billion, Oman Dh5.1 billion and India Dh2.8 billion.

While trade between UAE’s local companies and Dubai’s free zones and duty free shops placed the UAE as a large export and re-export market, at the value of Dh6.9 billion.

Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber, said that the study indicates the pivotal role played by the trading sector led by the exports and re-exports of Dubai Chamber members which have shown an impressive growth in the first half of the year by making a record in the Chamber’s history of operations. “This excellent performance is the result of the traders’ determination to explore new and emerging destinations to market their goods and expand their global outreach,” he said.

Iraq is fastest growing market

The exports and re-exports valued to Iraq has witnessed a rapid growth in the first half of 2012 by 376 per cent form Dh4.1 billion in 2011 to Dh19.4 billion for the same period in 2012.

Moreover, the study released that exports and re-exports to Saudi Arabia grew by Dh6.6 billion, making the country the second largest gainers. The third largest gaining market was Qatar, growing by 31 per cent at Dh2.4 billion.

Other GCC member countries that gained significantly were Kuwait and Oman, exports to each country increasing by Dh1.2 billion.

Irfan Al Hasani, UAE based economist, said: “Dubai’s market recovery form the impact of the global crisis has been reflected in the trade optimistic result.”

“In addition to the increasing demand, the location of Dubai as a main business hub in the GCC as well as the government’s friendly policies and regulations for trading across borders all together have led to this energetic trade flow.”

However, he remarked that the government should go on with its policies and procedures that are supportive of the trade sector, he added.

According to the Chamber’s report, the reconstruction of Libya led to a surge in demand in the country. “Exports and re-exports of Dubai Chamber members to Libya grew by Dh1.7 billion or by 260 per cent on an annual basis. The short-lived political turmoil in Egypt in the early part of 2011 led to lower exports to the country during the period. Thus, the export value of Dh2.7 billion in the 1st half of 2012 translated to an increase of 40 per cent to a value of Dh769 million.”

Other destinations that grew significantly were Jordan by 43 per cent at a value of Dh759 million, Turkey by 131 per cent at Dh663 million and Pakistan by 53 per cent at Dh661 million.

Khaleej Times

Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah have made it to the list of the Arab world’s top five cities to live in, according to a recent survey.

Conducted in part by the job-search website Bayt.com, the survey identified the top cities in the Middle East in terms of several factors that affect the lives of residents, including labour rights, the environment, socio-cultural factors, and quality of life. According to the survey’s respondents, the top five cities in the Arab world to live in are, in order: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Manama, and Muscat.

The residents of Dubai claim to have a high quality of life, with 73 per cent ranking their lifestyle as either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, while Abu Dhabi’s residents ranked it second with 70 per cent. People are most dissatisfied with the quality of life in Beirut and Damascus, though Algiers comes a close third. According to the survey’s respondents, the top five cities in the Arab world to live in are, in order: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Manama, and Muscat.

Doha is considered to have the most competitive salaries according to 44 per cent of respondents, though Abu Dhabi follows closely behind with 41 per cent. Other cities offering compensation that is considered to be high are Riyadh (40 per cent), Dubai (38 per cent) and Sharjah (30 per cent). On the other end of the spectrum, Damascus and Amman are considered to offer the lowest salaries, with 68 per cent respondents for each voting bad/poor.

In terms of housing, the most affordable place to find a home in the Middle East is Sharjah, with 47 per cent of its residents claiming residential costs are ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. This is followed by Manama with 44 per cent, and Muscat with 34 per cent, while Damascus comes in last with 76 per cent stating that the housing price situation is either ‘bad’ or ‘poor’. Beirut and Algiers come in close behind with 74 per cent and 73 per cent, respectively.

Would-be entrepreneurs of Sharjah (43 per cent) and Dubai (40 per cent) rate their cities highly in terms of ‘ease of starting up new businesses’. On the other end only 18 per cent those from Damascus state that it’s easy to start a new business in Damascus, making it one of the most challenging cities.

Cities in the UAE, are rated highly by their residents for their ‘lack of bureaucracy in procedures and paperwork; Dubai receives highest rating with four out of 10 respondents, followed closely by Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, each with 38 per cent.

Following on from its high positioning in terms of green areas, cities in the UAE — Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah — also rank highest in terms of the availability of parks and community recreation areas, followed by Muscat.