Dubai Department of Economic Development
Key Competitive Attractions
Invest in Dubai...
Dubai sits at the heart of a region that is home to 2.1 billion people, with a combined GDP worth $1.8 trillion, and growing at an annual rate in excess of 5%. This region is undergoing a profound social transformation, with one third of the population aged under 15 and two thirds aged under 30*. The fast-growing middle classes are expressing their spending power in both consumption and investment.
Dubai’s status as both a global business hub and a trade gateway to a thriving region reflect investors’ two primary decision factors in choosing Dubai - access to new markets, and positioning for the economic recovery. Dubai is home to the regional headquarters of over 25% of the Fortune 500 companies.
Dubai’s strategic location provides unique business opportunities and competitive advantages to the hundreds of multinational companies that choose to invest here. It sits at the heart of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. On its doorstep to the east lie the booming markets of the Indian subcontinent; to the west, north Africa and the Levant. Its time zone stretches from the late trades in Tokyo to the opening bell in New York.
The promise of a tax-free salary is a key incentive. Employees also value the stimulation of Dubai’s fast-paced business environment, the variety of its multicultural workplaces, and the career opportunities provided by a dynamic city.
The Emirate of Dubai is a member of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven states including Abu Dhabi to the south and five smaller northern emirates. The UAE extends from the south shore of the Arabian Gulf across the peninsula to the Gulf of Oman.
* Source: World Bank and DIFC
Assistance and Support For New Business Investors
We want to help you with setting up your business in Dubai. The Foreign Investment Office (FIO) is a government agency whose mission is to help investors capitalise on economic opportunities in Dubai. We are constantly available to listen to investors’ requirements, walk with them through as they get established in Dubai, and sustain our support as a long-term partner.
Services for companies seeking to invest in Dubai:
Advice and facilitation on establishing a company
- Securing licences
- Evaluating Free Zone options
Support on compliance
- Compliance need assessment
- Support on securing approvals
Market orientation
- Networking and introductions
- Identification of potential partners
Existing Business Base
A long-term programme of strategic investment in infrastructure and diversification initiatives has successfully broadened Dubai’s economic base. Dubai’s economy today is driven by a healthy balance of tourism, finance, construction, trade, manufacturing and services.
Dubai’s status as a global business hub is founded upon the long-term stability of its political and economic environment. The government is progressive and businesslike; its policies have shaped a balanced and resilient economy that has proven its ability to sustain growth despite economic shocks. Even in 2009, during the global economic slowdown, Dubai remained the number one FDI destination in the Middle East*
Dubai’s business culture is unusually dynamic and entrepreneurial. This reflects the “can-do” mentality of its leadership, the city’s historic roots as a thriving centre of trade and enterprise, and the diverse mix of cultures that thrive among its 185 nationalities. This multicultural pool of talent gives employers access to a flexible, qualified and cost effective workforce.
*Source: fDi Intelligence
