Dubai added 98 new economic activities in 2021, up 88 per cent from the previous year, highlighting the emirate's rapid recovery from the coronavirus-induced headwinds.
The new activities cover specialised business sectors and include green hydrogen production, artificial intelligence, gaming services, 3D printing, the manufacture of video game consoles and media, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) said on Thursday.
“The continuous development of new sectors is a milestone that reflects the strength and attractiveness of Dubai's economy for traders, entrepreneurs and major international companies,” the DET said.
Dubai, the commercial and tourism centre of the Middle East, has made a strong rebound over the past year after a comprehensive testing regime and well-rounded inoculation campaign helped it to remain open to business.
The emirate's economy attracted Dh15.9 billion ($4.3bn) in foreign direct investment from 378 projects in the first nine months of 2021 while its economy grew 6.3 per cent during the period.
“Dubai has expanded the horizons for business sectors to meet the needs of urban development, upgraded infrastructure and enhanced [the] legislative environment to establish the city as one of the leading investment, commercial and tourism centres in the world”, said Waleed Malik, director of business registration in the business, registration and licensing (BRL) sector at the DET.
Dubai issued 72,152 new business licences in 2021, compared to 42,729 licences in the previous year, according to figures released by the BRL sector this month.
The emirate has also diversified into new fast-growing sectors such as blockchain, hydrogen, e-sports and gaming among others.
Last month, The Jet ZeroEmission, a Switzerland-based start-up, said it will manufacture the world's first hydrogen-powered hydrofoil in Dubai.
The Jet ZeroEmission signed an agreement with the UAE’s Zenith Marine Services and Dwyn to manufacture and operate what it says is the first hydrogen-powered “flying boat”, the Dubai Media Office said.
The UAE is also prioritising hydrogen production to reduce emissions. The Gulf country aims to capture about 25 per cent of the global hydrogen market share and is in discussions with many countries to export it, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei said last month.
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Essentials
The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes.
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com
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Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
