How We Source, Analyse, and Present Data
Economic Vision 2030 applies a consistent methodology across all analysis. This page explains how we source data, construct assessments, track performance indicators, and compare the two economies.
Data Sources
Our analysis draws on four categories of source material.
Official government documents form the foundation. These include the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 document (146-page strategic blueprint published November 2008), the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 document (published 2008, subtitled “From Regional Pioneer to Global Contender”), government budget statements, statistical authority publications, central bank reports, regulatory authority disclosures, and official strategy documents from institutions including ADIA, Mubadala, ADQ, ADNOC, Mumtalakat, the CBB, and the Bahrain EDB.
Government statistics provide the quantitative basis for analysis. The Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (SCAD), the Bahrain Information and eGovernment Authority, the UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, and other national statistical offices publish GDP data, trade statistics, employment figures, demographic data, and sectoral performance indicators.
International data sources provide comparative context and independent verification. We draw on data from the International Monetary Fund (World Economic Outlook, Article IV consultations), the World Bank (Doing Business reports, development indicators), the World Economic Forum (Global Competitiveness Reports), the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, credit rating agency assessments (Fitch, S&P Global, Moody’s), and specialised sectoral databases.
Primary research includes review of corporate filings, annual reports, investor presentations, IPO prospectuses, regulatory filings, and reporting from credible financial publications.
Assessment Frameworks
Institutional assessments evaluate entities across defined dimensions: mandate clarity, governance quality, financial scale, operational track record, transparency, and strategic relevance to Vision 2030 objectives. Each assessment states its evidence base and identifies areas where data is limited or contested.
Sector assessments evaluate industries against Vision 2030 objectives: contribution to non-oil GDP, employment generation (particularly for nationals), international competitiveness, investment trajectory, and regulatory environment quality.
KPI Tracking Methodology
Performance tracking uses key performance indicators derived from the vision documents themselves and supplemented with internationally recognised economic metrics. Core KPIs include:
- Non-oil GDP as a share of total GDP
- Government non-oil revenue as a share of total revenue
- National employment in the private sector (Emiratisation and Bahrainisation rates)
- Foreign direct investment inflows
- Sovereign credit ratings
- Ease of doing business rankings
- Sector-specific output measures (financial services GDP, manufacturing GDP, tourism receipts)
For each tracked KPI, we assess the baseline value (from the vision’s base year), the stated 2030 target where one exists, the most recent available data point with source and date, and whether the trajectory is sufficient to achieve the target by 2030. KPIs receive status assessments: on track, at risk, off track, or ahead of target.
Comparison Methodology
Head-to-head comparisons present data in parallel for both economies, using consistent metrics, time periods, and definitions. Where Abu Dhabi and Bahrain use different statistical definitions or reporting periods, adjustments are made where possible and discrepancies are noted explicitly. Comparisons use absolute figures, per capita figures, and ratios as appropriate to provide accurate context despite the significant scale difference between the two economies.
When comparing institutions of vastly different scales (ADIA versus Mumtalakat, ADNOC versus BAPCO), we present both absolute figures and relative context to avoid misleading impressions.
Data Update Frequency
KPI assessments are reviewed quarterly. Institutional profiles and sector analyses are updated when material developments occur — new data releases, significant policy changes, major transactions, or structural reforms. Editorial analysis is published on a rolling basis. The date on each page reflects the most recent data incorporated.
Sources Cited
All factual claims are traceable to identified sources. Where analysis relies on estimates rather than official figures (such as ADIA’s assets under management or ADQ’s total portfolio value), this is stated explicitly and the basis for the estimate is identified. We do not present estimates as facts, and we do not present aspirational targets as achieved outcomes.