Why Djibouti Is The Next Dubai

Though Djibouti is a small country, it is a strategic and politically stable one, thanks to its unique geographical position along the world’s busiest shipping routes. Recent investment from China has led to development enthusiasts dubbing it the ‘next Dubai’. Here’s everything you need to know.

Background

Geographically located in the easternmost projection of the African continent within the Horn of Africa, Djiboutiis uniquely positioned on the southern side of the Gulf of Aden, along the world’s busiest shipping routes, with some 21,000 ships passing through the Gulf every year. As it navigates the same orbits as big world economic and military powers and in particular China, all eyes are now on this minute spot on the map.

Current Economic State

The economy of Djibouti is primarily based on services, particularly port facilities and related logistics. The Port of Djibouti is one of the busiest in the region, serving as a key transshipment hub for goods destined to and from the landlocked countries of Ethiopia, South Sudan, and beyond. Additionally, Djibouti has invested in infrastructure projects, such as railways and free trade zones, to further boost its economy.

Djibouti faces challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and limited natural resources. However, the government has implemented initiatives to promote economic growth and improve living conditions. The country also places importance on regional cooperation and has been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts in the region.

The president’s masterplan for Djibouti

With a grand masterplan, Djibouti’s president Ismail Omar Gellah aims to launch life-changing developmental projects that will reduce poverty and unemployment, which will in turn revolutionize the face of Djibouti. The country’s amazing nature assets and tourism opportunities are well-known already: this project has the objective of transforming Djibouti’s tourism with a world-class cruise liner terminal, in turn building a dynamic core hub of global stature.

Whether you’re transiting from China, India, Turkey, UAE or the Persian Gulf towards further African countries, Asia or the Middle East, chances are that you will stop at the Doraleh multipurpose port. Djibouti will provide you with a safe harbour for your crew, family and goods.

A focus on tourism

Like Dubai, Djibouti city will deliver a world-class central district with key free zones. Djibouti aims to exponentially make its way towards developing the tourism sector, in order to offer visitors the best facilities to witness the country’s extremely rare natural phenomena such as the reproduction of the whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjourah.

China’s involvement

China has quickly understood that Djibouti is to Africa what Dubai is to the Gulf, and it has become its first economic partner, investing in massive projects such as the railway between Djibouti and its neighbor Ethiopia. Now, you can effortlessly hop on the train going to Addis Ababa for a quick visit to its iconic leather markets and legendary greeneries. Not only this, you’ll also enjoy shopping in commercial facilities that benefit from the free zone advantages, overlooking stunning waterfront scenery, all thanks to massive direct investments from countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia. Your favorite hotel will be probably within a walking distance from your favorite coffee shop in Djibouti’s business district.

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