Dubai Market

Dubai market has a number of attractive features, as follows:

Free
There are no foreign exchange controls, quotas or trade barriers. Import duties are extremely low, and many products are exempt.

Large
Dubai has very small population and despite a relatively small population, Dubai's total imports exceed $14 billion. The reason is that Dubai is the major re-export centre for the region.

Diversified
There is potential for almost any type of goods and services. 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.

Growing
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.

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 nearly 100 airlines.Also, overseas businessmen will find that their counterparts combine local and regional expertise with a full understanding of international business practices.

Competitive
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.

Business Hours

The official weekend is on Thursdays and Fridays. Some multinationals close on Fridays and Saturdays. However, most of the smaller private companies only close on Friday, although Thursday may be a half day.

Government offices open at 7.30 a.m. and close at 2.30 p.m. Private offices tend to keep longer hours, many coming back to work in the evening after an extended mid-day break while others are open from 8 a.m. to 5 pm.

During Ramadan most work is accomplished in the early hours of the morning or much later in the evening after the day's fast is broken (at sunset).

Women in Business

Professional women are commonplace in the UAE and are generally treated seriously, particularly if the woman acts in a confident and self-assured manner. It is advised to dress conservatively and here again good grooming is essential - you will find that all business people, male and female, are impeccably dressed.