The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. We offer our services from Dubai. It is the second largest Emirate after Abu Dhabi and the most important port and commercial centre of the UAE. Traditionally an oil state, the non-oil sector now contributes around 80% of the total produced domestic products and is continuing to expand in importance. Dubai is quickly becoming a competitive gateway for international companies.
The UAE has concluded many advantageous tax treaties. In addition, the corporate income tax in the UAE is 0% and there are no withholding taxes, creating interesting opportunities for corporations.
With its strategic geographical location that provides easy access to Africa, Asia, Middle East and Europe, our Dubai office is a natural link in our global network. With a professional and experienced team, we can help you with the entire global service portfolio.
Geography |
Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia - 24 00 N, 54 00 E |
Capital |
Abu Dhabi |
Time zone |
UTC+4 |
Population |
4,798,491 Note: estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census that included a significantly higher estimate of net immigration of non-citizens than previous estimates (July 09 est.) |
Nationality |
Noun: Emirati(s) - Adjective: Emirati |
Languages |
Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu |
Government type |
Federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates |
Legal system |
Based on a dual system of Sharia and civil courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
Economy overview |
The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP based on oil and gas output to 25%. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE more than 30 years ago, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up utilities to greater private sector involvement. In April 2004, the UAE signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with Washington and in November 2004 agreed to undertake negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement with the US. The country's Free Trade Zones - offering 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes - are helping to attract foreign investors. Higher oil revenue, strong liquidity, housing shortages, and cheap credit in 2005-07 led to a surge in asset prices (shares and real estate) and consumer inflation. The global financial crisis and the resulting tight international credit market and falling oil prices have already begun to deflate asset prices and will result in slower economic growth for 2009. Dependence on oil and a large expatriate workforce are significant long-term challenges. The UAE's strategic plan for the next few years focuses on diversification and creating more opportunities for nationals through improved education and increased private sector employment. |
Currency |
Emirati dirham (AED) |