Reports

UAE Focuses on Achieving Zero Oil in GDP in the Next 50 Years

With COVID-19 pandemic bringing unprecedented challenges to people and the economy, the UAE government aims to diversify its economy by having zero oil dependency on GDP and refining policies in a bid to grow non-oil based sectors and facilitate investments in them. 

Achieving Zero Oil Dependency in the Next 50 Years – UAE

UAE is aiming to become the first country in the world to achieve zero contribution of oil on its eGDP over the course of next 50 years. The country aims to enhance the investment opportunities in industries such as Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain and Robotics. In addition, UAE is also focusing on strengthening its position as a regional leader in finance, logistics, infrastructure for energy and other services which would help achieve the zero oil contribution to GDP.

Impact of FDI on Economic Diversification

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a critical role in the economic growth of UAE with the country leading the region in 2019. One of the major reasons for the increase in investments was the FDI law that was enacted in 2018, which opened up the UAE market to investors in certain sectors and relaxation of foreign ownership restrictions for 122 business activities. These initiatives cumulatively increased the FDI 52% reaching AED 50 billion (USD 14 billion) in 2019 compared to 2018.

Furthermore, the digitalisation strategies and promising business relations implemented by UAE has placed it 16th  on World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business list. UAE will continue to refine its policies that will maximise competitiveness, increase collaboration and provide opportunities for FDI in a bid to achieve zero oil contribution to GDP.

Key Emerging Sectors

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on FDI in UAE, it is estimated that the investments might start recovering by the year 2022. Some of the major segments that will see an increase in investments are e-Commerce, IT, Innovation, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail and Food & Beverage (F&B). Similarly, the emerging sectors that would see an increase in FDI are Communication Networks, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, 3D Printing and Machine-to-Machine Communication.

Research Konnection is one of the leading market research companies in Dubai that assists local and international companies to set up or expand businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and UAE. At Research Konnection, we specialize in Market Research, Feasibility Studies and Business Plan Development. Feel free to reach out to us on hello@researchkonnection.com…

Importance of Business Plan Development for Entrepreneurs & Startups 

A majority of entrepreneurs and business owners do not believe in writing a business plan unless they are seeking external funding. Often excited with the idea or consumed in the thoughts of starting their business as soon as possible, they fail to understand the importance of making a business plan or doing market research to ascertain business success. Consequently, more than half of the businesses fail during the first five years of operations. 

Some of the major reasons for new businesses to fail can be attributed to not properly investigating the market, understanding consumer need & demand and evaluating the business potential. Other reasons include failing to create a business model and business execution plan. 

For any entrepreneurial venture, either upcoming or existing, a business plan should be considered as a critical document and therefore the benefits could not be undervalued. Some of the major benefits of creating a business plan are as follows:

Market Research

A business plan can be used to double check critical aspects of a business such as the existing market conditions, competition, cost of goods sold, sales drivers and revenue projections. A market research company could support in assessing market conditions and potential. The need for market research is even more important to assess the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on business and economy. 

Business Modeling & Strategy Formulation

Based on market research findings, a business model and plan can be devised and implemented. Furthermore, market research can also help in formulating and implementing a business, operations and market strategy. 

Setting Priorities & Pivoting

A business plan helps in setting priorities with respect to business growth, operations and financial health. Additionally, a business plan is used as a document to pivot and revise priorities as the business evolves, matures and gets exposed to external factors (political, socio-economic, technological, environmental & legal).

Better Financial Planning

A business plan helps in computing the finances required, forecast cash flows, project cost, expenses and revenues. The plan also helps in understanding the investment required, profitability and return on investments. Managing cash flow is highly critical for any business and many entrepreneurs / business owners fail to understand the role of financial planning before and during business operations.

Risk Management

A business plan helps in identifying risks (i.e. economic, market, competition, end-user, demand & supply etc.) in initial stages. Likewise, the business plan also helps in periodically tracking different risks associated with a business (at present & in future) and helps with taking action to mitigate and treat them.

Obtaining Funds & Investments 

A business plan is a must requirement for serious investors, venture capitalists, angel investors and lenders. The business plan not only reflects the passion of the entrepreneur / business owners along with the future growth, but also indicates the level of seriousness and professionalism. 

Research Konnection is one of the leading market research companies in Dubai that assists local and international companies to set up or expand businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and UAE. At Research Konnection, we specialize in Market Research, Feasibility Studies and Business Plan Development. Feel free to reach out to us on hello@researchkonnection.com…

In an effort to contain and reduce the impact of the COVID-19 on the economy, the UAE government has taken several measures including allocation of flexible stimulus budget amounting to AED 256 billion (US$ 70 billion) and initiating the first phase of UAE’s “33-Initiative Strategy” to help recover the economy and draw investors in.

UAE’s 33-Initiative Strategy

On October 18th 2020, Under the leadership of UAE’s Ministry of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Mari; pioneered the first phase of 33-Initiative Strategy” for recovering and accelerating the country’s economic growth. With the support of 12 ministries, federal and local entities, a strategic plan aiming to provide immediate provision for business sectors and the economy through 15 major initiatives are being implemented initially. The six tracks of the plan include creating a new economy, opening of new markets, financing support, stimulating tourism, attracting talent & stimulating innovation.

The first phase is designed to generate a balance between the public health and economy, while the second phase plans on bringing support to accelerate economic recovery and the third phase will offer integrated support for vital sectors creating a development path for the economy and future.

Impact of 33-Initiative Strategy on UAE’s Economy

Implementing the first phase of “33-Initiative Strategy” is a good head start in ensuring that UAE’s economy recovers from the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by providing support to SMEs in  increasing their sales, providing accessibility to finance, latest technology and digital applications. While supporting the business activities of the SMEs, it will also focus on enhancing opportunities for advanced industries and critical sectors such as tourism, & hospitality, healthcare, IT, retail, etc.

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The Importance of Business Model in Entrepreneurship 

A Business Model is critical for the growth and success for every business and it needs to be created by entrepreneurs or startups that are planning to start a new business or expand an existing one. 

Often undermined, a business model is essential for the success of any venture and requires careful planning and research to understand the market and consumer dynamics. A major advantage of business modelling is that it supports in realistic evaluation of any business idea and its potential. 

Furthermore, the potential of any business idea, product or service can be validated by conducting a market research study. The research findings of market study can equip in better understanding the market dynamic and consumer demand, eventually helping entrepreneurs in formulating a Market Entry Strategy and Business Plan.

In the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic and global economic slowdown, it is imperative to create a well-researched business model before investing in a new business while for an existing business it is equally important to modify and re-assess market conditions. 

Some of the key elements to consider before creating a business model includes but not limited to assessment of market, competition, consumers, supply chain, value proposition, resource availability (human, financial and technical). A market research company can be hired to prepare a comprehensive market and financial feasibility study inclusive of business modeling and plan development.

Research Konnection is one of the leading market research companies in Dubai that assists local and international companies to set up or expand businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and UAE. At Research Konnection, we specialize in Market Research, Feasibility Studies and Business Plan Development. Feel free to reach out to us on hello@researchkonnection.com…