Dubai’s free zones are drawing in businesses unfamiliar with the Middle East, thanks to a combination of an impressive infrastructure, sound business advice being on offer and low taxation. 

The United Arab Emirates has enjoyed an influx of foreign companies capitalising on the incentives of the country's free zones, and competition among the zones is intensifying. But with uncertainty surrounding the draft of a new company law, questions remain about the ease and efficiency of setting up shop in the UAE.

Adel Ali, CEO of Air Arabia, explains how the global economic downturn has benefited the low-cost carrier, as the increasing number of passengers opting for a cheaper service has allowed it to increase its fleet and service more destinations, putting it on course for continued international expansion.

The aviation industry was one of the main casualties of the global economic crisis in many regions around the world, but in the Middle East its growth has continued unabated. Central to this growth has been the expansion of Qatar Airways, which, according to its CEO, has no plans to slow down.

Led by the efforts of the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority, the emirate has made business attraction a priority. Investors who have heeded the call tell fDi about their experiences so far 

Ras Al Khaimah's investment authority has played a key role in establishing the emirate as a manufacturing hub since it was founded in 2005. Its CEO, Dr Khater Massad, tells fDi how he is spreading the word about RAK's low-cost, high-quality business environment.

Ras Al Khaimah's five ports offer a varied and high-class service in an envious location near the entrance to the Persian Gulf. These factors have seen the emirate's maritime industry thrive amid uncertain global economic conditions.

As of five years ago, Ras Al Khaimah had no private healthcare provider, which was seen to be putting off investors from settling in the emirate. However, RAK Hospital has since filled this gap, and now has its sights firmly set on attracting international medical tourists.

John Brayford, CEO of RAK Airways, explains how Ras Al Khaimah's growing appeal as a tourist destination has given his company the perfect opportunity to expand, albeit at a steady pace.

As high-profile investors turn their attention to the rapidly growing economy of Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate is keen to ensure that it balances this influx of investment with the preservation of its natural landscape.