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The
UAE is a highly cosmopolitan well-educated society,
familiar with the methods and means of doing business
worldwide, however there are a few points which
people new to the Arabian business environment
should keep in mind.
Here, more than anywhere else, business is conducted
on the basis of personal relationships and mutual
trust. It is vitally important to build on these.
Although it is changing rapidly and large firms
are structured as in the rest of the world, companies
are often a family affair, with the ultimate decision-maker
being the head of the family. Even if this is
not the case, it is essential to clearly identify
the decision-maker. However, your initial meetings
will probably be at a lower level. These are also
very important as a means of building mutual trust.
Print your business card in English and Arabic
and make sure that all brochures and presentation
material are full-colour and well produced.
Language
Although Arabic is the official language, English
is widely used in business transactions.
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
The first port of call for anyone interested in
doing business in Abu Dhabi should be the Chambers
of Commerce of the individual emirates. These
are invaluable sources of information and assistance
for all visitors to the Abhu Dhabi (UAE). They
are also the primary source of business services
for investors.
The
Federation of United Arab Emirates Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (www.fcci.gov.ae) is the
umbrella organisation for all the Chambers of
Commerce and Industry in the country.
Abu
Dhabi Chamber of Commerce
POB: 662
Tel: 02 6214000; fax: 02 6215867
Email: mohd.almehairbi@adcci.gov.ae
Website: http://www.adcci-uae.com
Free
Zones
Establishing a business entity in one of the UAE’s
12 Free Trade Zones (FTZs) can be an attractive
option for foreign investors
The major advantage in setting up in a free zone
is that you are entitled to:
·
100 per cent foreign ownership of the enterprise
· 100 per cent import and export tax exemptions
· 100 per cent repatriation of capital
and profits
· No corporate taxes for 15 years, renewable
for an additional 15 years
· No personal income taxes
· Assistance with labour recruitment, and
additional support services, such as sponsorship
and housing.
ABU
DHABI Business Guide:
Abu
Dhabi Government - Business Links
Department
of Civil Aviation -- Abu Dhabi
Department of Planning, Emirate of Abu Dhabi
General Industry Corporation -- Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Customs Department
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority |
