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This chapter contains an overview of the tax framework under which local and foreign investors operate, including a look at the GCC-wide value-added tax, which is being rolled out in 2018, a guide to international taxation treaties, and the investment and tax incentives available in the emirate’s free zones. This chapter contains a VP from Dean Kern, Middle East Tax and Legal Services Leader, PwC.

A key driver of non-oil GDP growth, Dubai’s industrial sector continues to play an integral role in both its own diversification plans and those of the UAE. With a new sector strategy providing guidance for the government’s long-term goal of making the emirate a centre for global innovation, Dubai has plenty of opportunities to further develop its industrial sector. Its network of free zones, both established and nascent, together with a new focus on key sectors with high potential for growth, should contribute to substantial expansion of Dubai’s manufacturing and industrial footprint in the coming years, facilitating increased trade across the region. This chapter contains an interview with Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director-General, Dubai Airport Freezone Authority.

Like the UAE as a whole, Dubai has one of the most advanced telecoms and IT markets in the Middle East, boasting high levels of smartphone and internet penetration, fast mobile internet speeds and a rapidly growing start-up scene. While prices in the sector – and the fixed-line market in particular – are relatively high, both the fixed-line and mobile segments are expected to see increasing competition in the coming years. A 2015 infrastructure-sharing agreement, as well as technological advances, should allow more customers to switch between the two main operators for fixed-line services. This chapter contains an interview with Aisha bin Bishr, Director-General, Smart Dubai Office.

With a vibrant and growing private school system generating annual revenues of Dh6.8bn ($1.9bn) and a cosmopolitan collection of international universities, Dubai’s education sector continues to flourish and to attract investment. Its schools and universities are striving to provide their students with the skills they will need to thrive and contribute in a rapidly evolving workplace. In recent years Dubai’s students have made great strides in international indices; now, while it continues to focus on academic achievement, the sector is putting a new emphasis on extra-curricular activities and career support. This chapter contains an interview with Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman and Director-General, Knowledge and Human Development Authority.