Although the emirate’s economic growth can be primarily attributed to its vast hydrocarbons resources, it has also made progress diversifying into new sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, aerospace, defence, finance and logistics. In addition to its economic investments, Abu Dhabi has also made major contributions to social welfare as well as infrastructure, which has been identified as the bedrock for future growth. The government has played a key role in the expansion of the security, aerospace and defence industry over the past decade in an effort to strengthen the UAE’s defence capabilities and as a means of boosting economic diversification. Despite challenges such as a high level of regional competition, most local defence and aviation firms expect to see continued expansion for years to come. The evidence suggests that the emirate has succeeded in nurturing new economic sectors and is on track to meet its goals. The oil and gas sector accounted for 56.5% of Abu Dhabi’s GDP at current prices in 2012, followed by construction (9.6%), manufacturing (5.9%) and real estate (4.4%).

Hydrocarbons revenues still form the bulk of Abu Dhabi’s GDP and while falling prices are a concern, the emirate has been moving steadily towards its economic diversification targets in line with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. The past 10 years has seen the non-oil sector expand strongly on the back of business-friendly government policies, as a result of which non-oil sector growth now outpaces that of the oil sector. Outside of hydrocarbons, construction and manufacturing represent the biggest GDP contributors in the emirate, with the construction sector poised to enter a period of renewed expansion and manufacturing identified as a key area for future growth, leveraging the emirate’s natural resources, growing downstream capabilities and strategic location. Elsewhere Abu Dhabi’s financial sector continues to assert itself and the expected 2015 launch of Abu Dhabi Global Market, the UAE’s second financial free zone, is expected to boost activity in the sector. Meanwhile visitor numbers to Abu Dhabi continue to rise, with around 3.5m arrivals in 2014, up 25% on the previous year. This growth is expected to continue as major infrastructure upgrades continue apace. These include the expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport and the development of the 1200-km wide Etihad rail project.

Subdued oil prices prompted a trimmed federal budget for 2016 as the UAE, like other countries in the region, tightened its belt in response to falling hydrocarbons revenues. However, a sustained focus on economic diversification and targeted investment in Abu Dhabi’s key non-oil sectors in recent years means the emirate is well positioned to weather the storm. Looking forward, plans for future development are mapped out in Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, a comprehensive economic policy document that aims to reduce dependence on oil and gas, thereby creating a more sustainable knowledge-based economy for the emirate and its inhabitants. Aided by hydrocarbons reserves that are among the world’s largest and substantial financial resources, Abu Dhabi has built up a strong foundation to become a regional leader and an increasingly important global player in a wide variety of sectors, including oil and gas, financial services, health care, aviation and renewable energy.

Derived from the renowned multi-volume International Encyclopaedia of Laws, this analysis of media law in the United Arab Emirates surveys the massively altered and enlarged legal landscape traditionally encompassed in laws pertaining to freedom of expression and regulation of communications. Everywhere, a shift from mass media to mass self-communication has put enormous pressure on traditional law models. An introduction describing the main actors and salient aspects of media markets is followed by in-depth analyses of print media, radio and television broadcasting, the Internet, commercial communications, political advertising, concentration in media markets, and media regulation. Among the topics that arise for discussion are privacy, cultural policy, protection of minors, competition policy, access to digital gateways, protection of journalists’ sources, standardization and interoperability, and liability of intermediaries. Relevant case law is considered throughout, as are various ethical codes. A clear, comprehensive overview of media legislation, case law, and doctrine, presented from the practitioner’s point of view, this book is a valuable time-saving resource for all concerned with media and communication freedom. Lawyers representing parties with interests in the United Arab Emirates will welcome this very useful guide, and academics and researchers will appreciate its value in the study of comparative media law.