Doing Business in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) benefits from a strategic location between Europe, Africa and Asia, and has become a global trade center. The country is already recognized as the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Middle East and Africa and offers a huge consumer base of more than 2 billion.  

This confederation of seven Emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah — has world-class infrastructure, including some of the best-designed airports and seaports in the world, making it a portal to regional as well as international markets.

The UAE is an attractive destination for a variety of industries. This popularity does not come as much surprise due to its strategic positioning and ease of doing business policies.

Key industries in the UAE include:

• Oil and gas account for about 30% of GDP. Companies in the energy sector, especially from the USA, China, and India, are heavily established in this region.

• Real Estate is a booming market in the UAE with massive investments in projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This industry is particularly attractive to investors from India, the UK, and China, who represent a significant portion of real estate transactions.

• Tourism and hospitality are vital sectors, with Dubai attracting over 17 million tourists in 2023. Investments mainly come from India, Russia, and Germany, enhancing the tourism and hospitality infrastructure.