Dubai has opened the provision of ambulance services, public transport buses and abras to investment from the private sector. The resolutions were issued by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
They will most likely result in more cost-effective and better services for residents of the emirate, as new investment brings about increased competition as companies try to win the support of consumers.
Importantly, Dubai has put regulatory authorities in place to ensure that the services private companies provide are safe and of a high standard. The quality of ambulance services in particular can mean the difference between life and death for any resident who falls ill or is involved in an accident. Those who run transport services will also hold the lives of residents in their hands and they must be held accountable for the quality of their equipment, personnel and services. However, the authorities will have to ensure that even as they regulate the industry, they allow competition between companies to thrive.
But by opening key sectors to private companies, Dubai is again showing that it is committed to creating an environment that will attract investment and facilitate economic growth.
