Guide to Doing Business

CONTENTS

British Embassy Dubai

Commercial Section

P.O. Box 65

Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Telephone: (9714) 3094445

Facsimile: (9714) 3094302

Website: www.britain-uae.org

Email: commercial.dubai@fco.gov.uk

Dear Exhibitor
I am delighted that you will be attending the Index Show and we look forward to seeing you in November.
I enclose with this letter a two-part e-briefing pack that includes:

• 
  An overview of the UAE, Dubai & the Northern Emirates
  
• 
  A guide to doing business
  
• 
  Websites for the main free zones
  
• 
  Useful contact information
  
• 
  A location map of the British Embassy
  

Should you need any assistance during your stay in Dubai, please call us or visit us from 07:30 to 14:30 daily, except the local weekend (Friday-Saturday). Should you require emergency assistance, outside office hours, please call the Duty Officer on 050 6243774.

Yours sincerely

Claire Evans

First Secretary (Trade & Investment) and Deputy Consul General

1. INTRODUCTION

This two-part overview and guide to doing business has been compiled by the Trade and Investment Section, British Embassy Dubai. It should ideally be read in conjunction with an OMIS (Overseas Market Introduction Service) report.

OMIS is a chargeable service tailored to the demands of UK companies seeking to develop export business. Reports include information requested by the customer and other general considerations, tips and hints for companies visiting Dubai and the Northern Emirates. OMIS reports are available at five service levels ranging from £225 to £1800. Reports can be commissioned by eligible UK companies through their local International Trade Advisor, details of whom can be obtained by calling the enquiry line on 0845 6009006 or visiting www.businesslink.gov.uk.

The overview is designed to provide the reader with some basic information about the UAE and Dubai and the Northern Emirates in particular. The guide to doing business includes some considerations for companies looking to export or set up and a document prepared by international law firm, Trowers & Hamlins on conducting business in the UAE.

We hope you find the information helpful.
Trade and Investment Section

British Embassy

Dubai

PART ONE: OVERVIEW

2. UAE

Political Authority

The UAE is a federation of seven semi-autonomous emirates. Abu Dhabi is the capital. The highest federal authority is the Supreme Council of Rulers comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates. The Head of State is elected from among its number. The current Head of State is HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Decisions reached by the supreme council must have the agreement of at least five members including the representatives of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the two largest members. Ministers are appointed by the supreme council and each emirate is represented by at least one minister. There are no political parties. The first elections to the Federal National Council (FNC), a consultative body, took place in December 2006. The FNC has 20 appointed and 20 elected members representing the separate emirates.

Economy

The UAE has continued to pursue a progressive economic agenda built on liberalisation, enhancing the role of the private sector and economic diversification notably in tourism, manufacturing and the financial sector. Oil remains the UAE's dominant economic sector, accounting for over 20% of GDP in 2006.

Real GDP is estimated to have grown by more than 8% in 2005. The UAE has one of the world's highest GDP per capita levels and one of the highest population growth rates. The UAE is the regional leader in attracting foreign direct investment.
On 17 April 2007 the UAE's first national strategy was launched. This called for improvements in a number of areas including education, healthcare and justice. It also called for clearer strategy, a better legislative and regulatory framework and more effective co-operation between the federal and local governments.

UK/UAE Trade

The UK exported goods worth £3.637 billion to the UAE in 2006. It is by far the UK's largest market in the Middle East and the 14th largest globally. The value of UK service exports is substantial though more difficult to quantify precisely. Over 95% of UK/UAE trade is conducted through Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The main export sectors were manufactured goods, telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles and power generation equipment.

UK Exports to the UAE: 2003-2005

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