
United Arab Emirates: Risk December 2018
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): There is little sign of a likely end to the diplomatic dispute between the UAE and Qatar, while the row with the UK over an imprisoned student has shocked its allies.
• Financial risk (LOW): Large foreign asset reserves and a scal surplus will protect the UAE from falls in export revenues but there is a risk from falling real estate prices.
• Commercial risk (MEDIUM): The UAE has risen just shy of the top 10 best places in the world to do busi- ness, according to the World Bank. It is rated the 13th best investment destination by UNCTAD while Dubai has jumped four places to 15th in a new global ranking of nancial centres.