Dubai Market

International businesses interested in developing their trade with Dubai will find that the market has a number of attractive features, as follows:

1. Large. Despite a relatively small population, Dubai's total imports in 1994 exceeded $14 billion. The reason is that Dubai is the major re-export centre for the region.
2. Growing. The emirate's non-oil imports expanded by 200% between 1986 and 1994. Many of the economies of the region served by Dubai are still at a relatively early stage of development, so there is plenty of long term scope for diversification and expansion in the future. Another important consideration is Dubai's rapidly developing role as a supplier to such emerging markets as India, the CIS, Central Asia and South Africa.
3. Diversified. There is potential for almost any type of goods and services. In the prosperous, but sparsely populated Gulf states, there is demand for foodstuff, high technology equipment and luxury products. But, through its re-export trade, Dubai also reaches an "outer ring" of less prosperous markets. This means there are also opportunities for manufacturers and exporters of less sophisticated equipment and mass consumer products.
4. Free. There are no foreign exchange controls, quotas or trade barriers. Import duties are extremely low, and many products are exempt.
5. Accessible. The emirate's transport infrastructure is unrivalled in the region in terms of size, facilities and efficiency. Its ports are served by more than 100 shipping lines and the airport by 65 airlines. Also, overseas businessmen will find that their counterparts combine local and regional expertise with a full understanding of international business practices. English ranks on a par with Arabic as the main business language of business and there are plenty of foreign banks, lawyers and other advisors - as well as the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, The Economic Department, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority to help those wishing to enter the market.
6. Competitive. Inevitably, the various attractions outlined above have caught the attention of manufacturers and exporters from around the world. Any exporters seeking success in the Dubai market must ensure that their products can hold their own in terms of their price, technology, design and value, just as in any other market of the world.

Economic Policies

In matters unrelated to diplomacy and defense, each emirate enjoys considerable autonomy in managing its own affairs. In business, the government of Dubai is committed to liberal, free market policies and to the creation of a business environment conducive to commercial activity. This approach is well illustrated by the incentives available to investors in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and by the continuing high level of public sector investment in the infrastructure.

Geography

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprise the seven member states of Abu Dhabi, the capital city, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

The total area of the country is about 83,600 square kilometers, much of it in Abu Dhabi emirate. Dubai, with an area of 3,885 square kilometers, is the second largest emirate. Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf which divides the city into the Deira district to its north and Bur Dubai on its south, the city ranks as the UAE's most important port and commercial centre.

The UAE has 700 kilometers of coastline, of which 100 kilometers are on the Gulf of Oman. Along the Arabian Gulf coast there are offshore islands, coral reefs and sabkha, or salt-marshes. Stretches of gravel, plain and barren desert characterize the inland region.

To the east, a range of mountains lies close to the Gulf of Oman and forms a backbone through the Mussandam Peninsula. The western interior of the country, most of it in Abu Dhabi, consists mainly of desert interspersed with oases.