Updated: Nov 08, 2024
According to the Economic Vision 2030 of Abu Dhabi, there is an anthropomorphism of a strategic and innovative plan to diversify away from oil and for even more expansion of the non-oil sectors for expansion. The plan aims at diversification, higher productivity, and the integration of people with disability in the Emirate. Thus, by 2030, Abu Dhabi has a vision of becoming a world-connected, vibrant economy with high-value prospects for everyone. In the next series of sub-topics, we shed more light on this vision as supported by statistical analyses and real-time facts from the Vision document.
The Vision's strategy is built around several pillars designed to guide Abu Dhabi’s development:
Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 goal of diversifying GDP away from oil and into non-oil sectors is also reflected in Equation 4 below. The targets for the oil and non-oil sectors are:
Year | Targeted Oil GDP Contribution | Targeted Non-Oil GDP Contribution |
2020 | 48% | 52% |
2025 | 40% | 60% |
2030 | 36% | 64% |
The first and foremost goal of the vision is to increase the contribution of the non-oil sector, such as tourism, aviation, and manufacturing, to GDP by 2030.
The other key part of the Vision is building up a high-performing workforce, especially women's workforce, and steps towards enhancing youth employment. The following statistical snapshot forecasts workforce dynamics:
Indicator | Current | Target 2030 |
Female Workforce Participation | 18.5% | 40% |
Unemployment Rate (Nationals) | 5% | <3% |
Youth Employment (15-24 years) | 30% | 60% |
To support this anticipated growth, The Vision has put in place good infrastructure investment in transport, ICT, and energy. Its goal is to create strong fundamentals that have to foster the projected 6-7% GDP growth. Abu Dhabi already promises these good funds in these areas:
The following table presents sectors identified as key growth engines under the Vision 2030.
Sector | Contribution to GDP by 2030 |
Energy (Oil & Gas) | 36% |
Tourism & Hospitality | 10% |
Aviation and Aerospace | 7% |
Financial Services | 15% |
Manufacturing | 8% |
ICT and Media | 12% |
The aim provided in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030 was considered quite reasonable and feasible, though challenging enough. The Emirate has thus rightly set goals of economic diversification, creation of skilled human capital, and infrastructure development to transform itself into one of the most competitive, open economies of the world by 2030.
On the social aspect, like in other Gulf states, inclusion, as spelled out in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030 is to ensure that all parts of the Emirate including underdeveloped regions like Al Gharbia (Western Region) and Al Ain benefit from development without undue hardship to residents. The planned education investment and health, as well as additionally proposed infrastructural investments are part of a general strategy to achieve more balanced regional development.
The population increase of the Emirate is progressive; according to estimates, the population might significantly rise by the year 2030. Currently, the youth below 24 years of age comprise a very large group of the population, and this group is very important for future employees. The authorities also expressed their intention to increase levels of youth and female employment, primarily in rural areas.
Demographic Indicator | Current (2023) | Target (2030) |
Total Population | 3.2 million | 4.5 million |
Youth Population (Under 24) | 62% | 55% |
Female Workforce Participation | 18.5% | 40% |
In the process of social development, based on the data, Abu Dhabi plans on preparing the young generation for future economic demands. It is believed that an additional effort will be made to update curricula, develop vocational education, and create an internship and part-time job base for youth.
The Abu Dhabi government has also been driven by the need to balance regional growth, especially focusing on Al Gharbia and Al-Ain, to share the available growth and development factors and social requirements. These flows entail the development of education, health as well as infrastructure that foster the eventuality of the economy, reduction in poverty, and social development.
Region | Contribution to GDP (2023) | Targeted Contribution to GDP (2030) |
Abu Dhabi Region | 80% | 70% |
Al-Ain Region | 15% | 20% |
Western Region | 5% | 10% |
Source: Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030
The region's Vision 2030 has a pertinent part in the Infrastructural Business in Abu Dhabi. As it is clear from the above discussion, the Infrastructural Business plays a vital role in Abu Dhabi's Vision 2030. These investment plans in transportation, energy, and ICT will assist in transforming the Emirate into an international hub for trade and innovation.
The following table outlines Abu Dhabi’s major infrastructure targets:
Infrastructure Area | Current Status | Target 2030 |
Transport (Road Network) | 5,000 km of roads | 6,500 km of upgraded and new roads |
Public Transport | 2,000 buses, 3 metro lines | Expanded metro network, 4,000 buses |
ICT Coverage | 85% urban coverage | 100% coverage (urban and rural) |
Energy Capacity | 15 GW (installed) | 25 GW (installed) |
The public transportation sector will be greatly enhanced, particularly road construction and the promotion of a first-rate public transport system to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate movement within the Emirate. ICT infrastructure investment will support the ability to create a status of Abu Dhabi as a digital economy.
As shown in the above excerpt, apart from stimulating economic growth, Abu Dhabi is also concerned with environmental issues. Hence, by establishing various sources of renewable energy and introducing green building standards, the Emirate will be ready to realize a sustainable economics and economy at large. Abu Dhabi has already drawn its Vision 2030 strategy which aims at reducing the carbon dioxide emission intensity by 30% by 2030 and the long-term goal of increasing investment in the production of solar as well as clean energy technologies.
Environmental Indicator | Current (2023) | Target 2030 |
Renewable Energy Share | 10% | 30% |
Carbon Emissions (Tonnes CO2) | 200 million tonnes | 140 million tonnes |
Economic Vision 2030 for Abu Dhabi also shows a concrete framework of how the Emirate can transform from an oil-based economy to a knowledge-based, sustainable, and more inclusive economy. With articulated objectives in its drive to diversify its economy, develop infrastructure, and nurture human capital, the Emirate is ready to become one of the most competitive players in the global economy, with the citizens and residents of the Emirate being presented with special opportunities in their endeavors.
As in this journey, the public and business sectors are advised to reach a consensus if they want to ensure the success of the Vision and its prolongation and maintenance of its effects for many generations.
The new vision for the Economic Integrated Abu Dhabi 2030 includes diversification of the economy since oil seeks to regain its place in the global economy and support sectors such as tourism, finance, manufacturing & ICT. It also speaks to the social factors and the improvement of social participation, assets, and structures.
Moreover, non-oil-free sectors like tourism, manufacturing, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), and financial businesses are aimed to be the source of 64% of the GDP by 2030 in Abu Dhabi. The Emirate will also foster FDI, boost entrepreneurial activities, and establish SMEs.
In the Vision 2030 document, several sectors are considered to be future growth drivers:
Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 calls for promoting employment opportunities for women in wage employment, especially in rural areas. The government, for example, targets the FWP rate to rise from the current 18.5% to 40% by 2030 by providing women with education, vocational training, and home-based businesses.
The vision is based on education reform to prepare the youth, vocational training, and Internship placements. The intended purpose can be to provide the younger generation with the necessary skills to compete in the contemporary global economy, targeting the worth-oriented industries and sectors of the knowledge-intensive economy.
Transportation, ICT, energy, and utilities are sectors of focus in Vision 2030, with big plans that mainly focus on putting in place basic infrastructures. The vision of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by 2030 is to provide the basic infrastructure of a smart Emirate within the Emirate by establishing a Road network, improving public transport, and connecting to the digital World.
The Emirate is determined to support the renewable energy sector, green buildings, and energy-efficient solutions to achieve the dual objective of economic development and environmental protection. The goal is to reduce carbon intensity by one-third by 2030 with the share of renewable energy in total generated energy, to grow.
Vision 2030 also includes improving regionality by increasing investments in sectors like education, health care, and facilities in Al Gharbia (Western Region) and Al Ain. This will assist in reducing the development parity of those areas vis-à-vis Abu Dhabi and ensure equitable growth distribution to all its inhabitants.
Currently, Abu Dhabi is the perfect sales pitch as the place for anyone to work if they have a skill or the place to invest since it offers employment, a good legal environment, and proper infrastructure. The measures associated with the Vision include improving the business environment, opening up the business environment, and investing in the major areas of growth.
The outcomes that Economic Vision 2030 aims to produce include an improved standard of living for the entire Cambodian populace due to employment opportunity creation and enhanced per-capita income, Construction of superior physical infrastructure, provision of efficient services, and Sustainable growth of cities. In turn, the economic diversification, social investments, and infrastructure would yield sustainable growth and stability for Emirati citizens and residents in the future.