IMF cautions UAE on risks of debt rollover

Recovery set to continue as real GDP growth reaches an estimated 4.9% in 2011, supported by increase in oil production. Dubai The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday cautioned the UAE on risks involving debt rollover of government-related entities (GRE) due to the uncertain global economic and financial environment. An IMF delegation said the UAE's real gross domestic product (GDP) will grow at 2.3 per cent this year, down from 4.9 per cent growth rate recorded last year, while inflation will remain at 1.5 per cent. "The economic recovery looks set to continue. Real GDP growth reached an estimated 4.9 per cent in 2011, supported by increases in oil production. Non-hydrocarbon growth also strengthened to around 2.7 per cent backed by strong trade, tourism, and manufacturing, and despite continued oversupply in the property sector. Real non-oil GDP growth is projected to further strengthen to 3.5 per cent in 2012," said Harald Finger, the IMF team leader following a two-week visit to the UAE. "With limited potential for further increases in oil production in the near term, overall GDP growth is expected to moderate to 2.3 per cent. Inflation is likely to remain subdued at around 1.5 per cent this year," he said. From: Gulfnews