While Dubai moved up one spot compared to last year's index, Abu Dhabi jumped two places on the back of higher costs for housing, goods and services.
Growth in UAE outpaces global surge of 5.3% in 2016 to $166.5T
Lenders seen finding ways to create efficiencies, innovative methods to stay relevant to customers
The merger deal with Hapag-Lloyd is estimated between $7.6 billion and $8.7 billion