
United Arab Emirates: Risk April 2019
The United Arab Emirates is a stable country in terms of politics and economics but has been a ected by repercussions from the Qatar blockade and OPEC’s quota caps.
Economic risk (MEDIUM): The economy looks set for a sustainable 3.5% growth rate. The decision by the two largest emirates to inject scal stimulus reduces the risk of a deeper downturn.
Political risk (MEDIUM): A fresh claim of brutal treatment of a British visitor is straining relations, while a 10-year prison term for political activists points to growing authoritarianism.
Financial risk (LOW): Large foreign asset reserves and a scal surplus will protect the UAE from falls in export revenues as Moody’s has kept its rating of the bank sector at stable.
Commercial risk (MEDIUM): To boost growth and competitiveness, the authorities announced a series of structural reforms in 2018. Its new investment law allows foreign investors to take 100% states in sectors yet to be de ned.