The Middle East

This chapter outlines the legal framework in which local and foreign investors operate in Abu Dhabi. It includes an overview of the court systems and arbitrations options, a breakdown of the various ways to establish a business in the emirate and a look ahead to the new company and foreign investment laws that are on the way.

Abu Dhabi City hosts the UAE government, with the ruler of Abu Dhabi customarily serving as the president, while the ruler of Dubai serves as the country’s prime minister and vice-president. In mid-2013 Abu Dhabi’s population stood at an estimated 2.45m, with Emiratis making up 20.2% of the population and expatriates accounting for the remaining 79.8%. The economy has witnessed rapid expansion...

The guide contains listings of some of the leading hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi and contacts for government offices and services. It also offers useful tips and information for first-time or regular business and leisure visitors.

This chapter contains an overview of the tax framework in which local and foreign investors operate in Abu Dhabi including a look at the limited tax laws in place and an outline of the incentives available for companies in the free zones.

Just over 50% of Al Ain’s Emirati population is under 20 years old and this young labour force, coupled with efforts outlined in Plan Al Ain 2030 to promote diversification should see the metropolitan area of Al Ain become an economic centre moving forward. The region’s status as an aerospace industry hub is growing rapidly, with this set to generate both direct jobs in the industry and to...

The telecoms industry is valued at $7.9bn and currently accounts for 3% of national GDP with the sector witnessing expansion of 6.6% in 2013, comparing favourably with the country’s overall GDP growth of 5.2%. Meanwhile the ICT sector added $5.7bn in real terms to the economy in 2013, representing a rise of 13.2% and equivalent to 2.9% of GDP. Indeed ICT has been a government focus in recent...