Dubai

United Arab Emirates

The UAE is an amazing amalgamation of the traditional values of the East and the modern technologies of the West and a melting pot of various nationalities and cultures living together and working in harmony. The UAE offers a standard of living that is comparable to the world's most advanced nations makes it one of 20th century's success stories. Along side that a literally crime-free environment makes the UAE one of the most attractive places to live.
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates or states, each with its own unique character and personality but yet united with a common goal and destiny. The seven emirates are Abu Dhabi; Dubai; Sharjah; Ajman; Umm Al-Qaiwain; Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah

Dubai

The second largest- by GDP- of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a superb example of a New Economy business hub that has evolved on the solid foundation of a rich cultural heritage. Once a city of seafarers and merchants, Dubai is today recognized as an international trading port. While rapid sophistication of the 21st century has changed the face of Dubai from timeless deserts to a thriving economy with strengths in trade, services, manufacturing and technology, Dubai maintains a fine balance of cultural legacy and a modern metropolis.

A strategic location

Over the years, Dubai has built an international reputation as a regional commercial base and successfully leveraged its advantage to a market of over 2 billion people in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Strategically, Dubai is the ideal launch pad to a flourishing GCC market with easy access to neighboring Saudi Arabia, the biggest market in the region.

A surging economy

To strengthen its industrial base and with the aim of diversifying the sources of income, in 1985 the Government opened the doors of opportunity for private sector investments in small and medium manufacturing industries by establishing the Jebel Ali Free Zone. New dimensions of high technology and liberal benefits such as complete freedom of capital movements, no imposition of taxes on profits or income led to a surge in foreign investments in the region. Encouraged by the success in managing Free Trade Zones, the Government of Dubai launched a multi-billion dollar initiative- Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, comprising the Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City. Dubai Internet City has placed Dubai on the global map in the IT industry. Dubai Media City is the media hub for the region offering world-class infrastructure, talent, services and technology. Both ventures have proved immediate and prodigious successes for the Free Zone.

A cosmopolitan lifestyle

Looking beyond economic advantages, Dubai offers superb quality of life for individuals and families. A welcoming and safe place to live with an attractive choice of lifestyles, in a widely diverse multicultural environment. Luxurious accommodation, leisure and sports facilities, quality education, advanced healthcare, top class entertainment, great shopping and exciting events year round complete the picture of Dubai as one of the most pleasant places to live in and operate from in the region.

Dubai fact sheet

Monetary Unit: Dirham, divided into 100 fils. Official exchange rate-US$ 3.675.
Ethnic groups: Cosmopolitan city with over 120 nationalities.
Languages: Arabic, English
Air passenger movement: 11 million people
Market Size: more than $17 billion in domestic imports annually; gateway to a $150 billion p.a., 1.4 billion population regional import market;
An accessible market - served by more than 170 shipping lines and 86 airlines;
Highest PC, Internet penetration in the region