Sea and infrastructure projects worth over US $26 billion are being planned or in progress in the UAE which will help firm the country’s position as a global trade and logistics hub. According to a report from Standard Chartered Bank, expanding sea ports and airports is an important way the nation can achieve economic diversity. Senior MENA economist for Standard Charter said “We believe that the government is right to be pursuing its expansion aggressively.”
The UAE is within four hours travel (by plane) of a third of the world’s population – due to its geographic location. Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East can access the UAE via shipping routes. If UAE is able to develop into a logistics center this will encourage more companies to establish regional headquarters. Dubai is home to the world’s largest man made harbor, the Jebel Ali at 152 square meters and this will be expanded to 50 million 20 foot Equivalent Units.
