Thailand's hotel and tourism industry has gone from strength to strength over the past half century and locally owned Dusit International has been well placed to take advantage of this. Opened in 1948, it has evolved from a Bangkok boutique to an international hotel chain catering for the growing number of people travelling both into and out of south-east Asia.

Jan Hoffmeister, the managing director of global virtual data room provider Drooms, explains how important it is for the company to remain limber and adapt to emerging M&A trends.

Economic free zones, political stability and diversification have fuelled development and growth in Sharjah – the emirate now accounts for one-third of the UAE's manufacturing sector – but its government has further plans to maximise its appeal to international investors. 

While the airports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have focused on long-haul flights for wealthy passengers, Sharjah's smaller international airport has acquired a reputation for speed and efficiency while carving out a niche for short-haul flights aimed at middle-class travellers.

Sharjah is positioning itself as a safe, family-friendly holiday destination and is anticipating increased demand, particularly at the high end of the travel and leisure sector.

Marine and air freight services, waste management and education are just some of the areas in which Sharjah is leading the way not only in the United Arab Emirates, but throughout the whole of the Middle East.