A global economic crisis, rising regional political tensions, and a dismal outlook to the macro economic stance all make for an exceptionally tumultuous atmosphere to navigate through. Nevertheless, the United Arab Emirates led by its capital Abu Dhabi, has met these challenges head on while spear heading invigorating initiatives that would keep this nation ahead of the pack. The UAE just introduced a game-changing investment law, which allows for up to 100 per cent ownership to foreign investors in various sectors and is expected to further excite and attract private and foreign direct investments into the country.  The laws will be finally introduced in the last quarter of this year making for an exceptionally exciting H2 2018.

This law, enthusiastically awaited by the commercial community, is expected to change not only the investment landscape of the UAE, but also create significant growth opportunities attracting more foreign direct investments (especially into the non-oil sectors) and enhance the SMEs contribution to GDP. It will make way for a more lenient fiscal policy, significant inflow of investment in infrastructure and increase private investment momentum for years to come.

“Economists expect an annual surge of up to 15-20 per cent in FDI flow once the law comes into effect. In 2017, the UAE remained the main destination of FDI inflows at about $11 billion, accounting for 22 per cent of total foreign direct investment to the Middle East and North Africa region”, according to Garbis Iradian, Chief Economist at the Washington-based Institute of International Finance.