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July 1st, 2008 — Issue 9 July/Aug 2008, Special
The entire Middle East seems to be getting a rail network. If all the projects materialise, the region should be well connected in the next few years.
The MENA region is burgeoning with plans for rail infrastructure, which are sparking much curiosity. The Rail Infrastructure MENA 2008 conference held on May 22 and 23 at the Park Hyatt was timely and had industry experts talking about the latest happenings in their respective countries.
June 1st, 2008 — Issue 8 June 2008, Special
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority’s slogan ‘Turn sand into gold’
appears to be coming true, thanks to Aqaba’s strategic location and top-class
infrastructure
When the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) launched Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) in 2001, it set out to earn Jordanian Dinars (JOD) 4.2 billion (US$6 billion) from investors by 2020. By 2006, however, it had already raked in JOD 5 billion (US$7 billion), thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign and interest from around the region, particularly Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.
June 1st, 2008 — Issue 8 June 2008, Special
Kuwait Free Trade Zone (KFTZ) has everything an investor needs, except space
Kuwait is pursuing the benefits of privatisation
Long before Kuwait discovered and exported oil it had a free market economy based on trade and pearl diving activities. Today, the Gulf country is actively pursuing the benef its of privatisation, seeking to diversify away from oil, while remaining an active trade partner to its neighbours.
June 1st, 2008 — Issue 8 June 2008, Special
Located centrally, Iran’s Chabahar town with its many ports and free zone has become the main area for development in the east of the country
Chabahar remains Iran’s only oceanic port
On the south east coast of Iran lies the town of Chabahar. As the entry point to the mainland via the Gulf of Oman, Chabahar is best known for its access to abundant fisheries, and remains Iran’s only oceanic port. Renowned for its climate, Chabahar is situated in the warmest part of Iran in winter, and the coolest part in the summer.
June 1st, 2008 — Issue 8 June 2008, Special
Picturesque Ras Al Khaimah might not be such a sophisticated address like neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But with all costs being a fraction of what they are anywhere else, Ras Al Khaimah is attracting investment fast.
The cost of living in Ras Al Khaimah is lower than Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Everyone knows billions, maybe trillions, of dollars are floating around Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but most would be surprised to learn that Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) has brought in over AED 7.3 billion (US$Two billion) in investment since 2005.
June 1st, 2008 — Issue 8 June 2008, Special
Somewhere amongst the Dubai-Sharjah traffic you’ll find Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah’s addition to the UAE’s long list of economic developments
Sharjah’s Hamriyah Free Zone has access to both east and west coasts
An interesting piece trivia – which of the seven emirates has sea ports on both the east and west coasts of the UAE? By now you’ve guessed Sharjah. And you should know Sharjah’s Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) is the only economic zone in the region to take advantage of this location.
June 1st, 2008 — Issue 8 June 2008, Special
Saudi Arabia is concentrating more on its non-oil exports and drawing
international attention to its economic cities.
King Abdullah Economic City is Saudi Arabia’s largest proposed economic city
Saudi Arabia’s economy is booming and along with any boom comes development plans for the future. Seeking integration with the world economy,
Saudi Arabia continues to increase its non-oil export options, while encouraging a more conducive environment to foreign investment.
June 1st, 2008 — Issue 8 June 2008, Special
Almost 6,000 companies are based out of JAFZA and the government wants to make it the most sought-after investment location. Not a lofty aspiration
JAFZA contributes to 26 per cent of Dubai’s GDP
One could argue that Dubai’s economic surge is directly attributed to the adoption of the free trade zone concept. Created by royal decree in 1980, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) was established with the goal of providing a space where normal trade restrictions would not apply, enticing global companies to invest. It has worked. To date, JAFZA’s success has walked hand in hand with Dubai’s exponential growth. In fact, a recent study shows JAFZA contributes to 26 per cent of Dubai’s GDP.
June 1st, 2008 — Issue 8 June 2008, Special
Mohammed Al Zarouni, Director General, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA), and Vice Chairman/CEO, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)
Mohammed Al Zarouni, Director General, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority, and Vice Chairman/ CEO , Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority
In 1996, Mohammed Al Zarouni handed in the thesis for his PhD in Economics at Durham University in the UK. His topic – a case study on Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). “The Jebel Ali Free Zone played a major role in increasing movement through the port,” says the UAE national on his findings.
Today he is Dr. Al Zarouni, Director General, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA), and Vice Chairman/CEO, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA).
May 27th, 2008 — Special
The Rail Infrastructure MENA event showcased rail projects in progress and in the offing in the region. If all the projects materialise, the region should be well connected in the next few years. Munawar Shariff reports
The entire MENA region seems to be burgeoning with plans for rail infrastructure, which are sparking much curiosity. The Rail Infrastructure MENA 2008 conference held on May 22 and 23 at the Park Hyatt was timely and had industry experts talking about the latest happenings in their respective countries.
