A recently published report by the Dubai National Bank reveals that the number of industrial enterprises operating in the Emirate of Dubai had grown to 878 by the end of 2000, a 7.2 percent rise compared with 1999.
As a result, the sector‘s labor force also increased, from 80,658 workers in 1999 to 84,460 workers in 2000, reflecting a 4.7 percent climb, reported Al-Bayan daily.
Free trade zones have played an instrumental role in attracting manufacturing industries to the country. Cement, building materials, aluminum, chemical fertilizers and food products are some of the most flourishing industries, with clothing, furniture, paper, plastics, and metals taking a less significant, nonetheless important role in the sector.
In 1999, nearly 7,000 factories employing more than 145,000, with investments estimated at more than Dh 14 billion operated in the UAE. Sharjah has the largest number of firms followed by Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al-Khaimah.
Some 140 factories were established in 1998, about the same number as in 1997, while employment increased by 20 percent. Industry in the northern Emirates focuses mainly on small textile factories, most of which were located in Ajman. ― (MENA Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
