Exporting to Dubai
Why do business with Dubai?
Exporting to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is attractive due to its role as a strategic hub for trade, a dynamic economy with high purchasing power and excellent infrastructure. It offers access to markets in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The UAE consists of seven emirates, of which Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the best known. Abu Dhabi is the country’s rather quiet driving force, whilst Dubai is known as the flashy sibling that regularly sets new records.
The country is experiencing strong economic growth and attracts investment from around the world. The UAE boasts world-class logistics facilities, ports and airports, which facilitate distribution. The population and businesses in the UAE have high purchasing power, ensuring strong demand for a wide range of products and services.
There are more than 45 free trade zones in the UAE. Jebel Ali is home to over 200 companies; it features a deep-water port and a free trade zone for manufacturing and distribution, where goods intended for re-export benefit from a 100 per cent tax exemption. The complex is currently undergoing expansion, with plots of land reserved for various industrial sectors.
A major international airport is also under construction there and is almost operational.
The UAE’s population is highly diverse, with a wide range of incomes and spending patterns.
There is high demand for innovative and high-quality products and services.
How to do business with the UAE?
Building relationships and establishing a local presence are crucial to business success in the UAE.
Networking is essential, as trust plays a key role in the country’s business culture. It is important to build strong relationships and take part in networking events to forge lasting connections.
Furthermore, considering a local presence – for example, by setting up a local office or entering partnerships with local companies – can enhance your credibility and streamline operational processes. A local presence reassures potential partners and customers that you are committed to the market.
A thorough understanding of the laws and regulations is also of great importance. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the various regulations that apply in the different free trade zones (FTZs) and on the mainland.
Each zone has its own rules tailored to specific sectors, so understanding these nuances is crucial.
Choose the right business structure based on your target audience and the nature of your offering. This strategic alignment helps to streamline your operations and optimise your market reach.
In a dynamic market such as the UAE, agility is essential. Ensure your business can adapt to rapidly changing trends and regulations. Keep learning and updating your market knowledge so that you stay ahead of the competition.
Take part in key trade fairs and relevant events; these platforms offer valuable insights into demand and emerging opportunities, helping you to adjust your strategies effectively. This approach will enable you to navigate the dynamic business environment of the UAE successfully
Tips for success in the UAE?
LANGUAGE
The official language in Dubai is Arabic, but due to the large number of international residents (expats) and tourists, English is the most widely spoken language in everyday life. You’ll get by just fine in Dubai using English, from hotels to shops.
CULTURE
Understanding the diverse cultural and religious landscape in the UAE is crucial to success. The local population consists of a mix of Emiratis and expats (80 per cent of the population), resulting in varying market preferences.
Building trust through personal relationships and recognising and respecting the traditions that shape social and professional dynamics in the region is essential. Hospitality is central, with coffee (gahwa) and dates offered as a welcome. Daily life is strongly influenced by Islam, with dress codes requiring respect for local norms.
MEETINGS
Face-to-face meetings are essential in the UAE for building trust and credibility. The first meeting serves as an introduction; securing a follow-up appointment demonstrates a genuine interest in collaboration.
Bear in mind that negotiations can take time, as finalising contracts may take several months.
Including a UAE telephone number (+971) on your business cards and making yourself available via WhatsApp can facilitate communication.
Summer holidays: During the summer holidays, from June to August, many people in Dubai travel abroad, making it a less ideal time for business activities. It is advisable not to conduct business during this period.
GREETING
In the United Arab Emirates, greetings are formal and respectful, often using the Islamic phrase ‘Assalaam Alaikum’ (‘peace be upon you’). Men often shake the right hand, sometimes followed by a kiss on the cheek or a nose-to-nose greeting. Women often greet one another with two kisses. Always use your right hand and be discreet in public.
COMMUNICATION
Emiratis are generally indirect and polite, focused on maintaining harmony and avoiding loss of face. Avoid pointing with your finger and be mindful of conservative norms regarding physical contact.
Use formal titles and forms of address. A respectful tone is essential, particularly in the early stages of business relationships.
BUSINESS LUNCH – DINNER
A business lunch or dinner is very common in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and forms an essential part of business culture. It is seen as an excellent way to build relationships, gain trust and discuss deals outside the formal office environment.
In the UAE, doing business revolves around personal relationships. A meal is often intended to help people get to know one another better before formal business matters are discussed.
Business lunches and dinners often take place in high-end restaurants, particularly in hotels, as these are renowned for their excellent service and tranquil surroundings. Many restaurants in Dubai offer special two- or three-course ‘business lunch’ menus.
Accepting an invitation to a meal is appreciated and shows respect for your business partner’s hospitality.
TIPS
Tipping in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not compulsory, but it is very common and appreciated. In restaurants, 10–15 per cent is customary, even if a ‘service charge’ is already included on the bill. Taxi fares are often rounded up, and a small tip (3–5 AED) is appropriate for hotel staff.
PAYMENTS, PRICING AND CLOSING DEALS
Be aware of the laws and regulations: There are various Free Trade Zones, each with its own rules. If you wish to set up an office, you will need specific licences or approvals. Work with the local authorities or legal experts to ensure that all required licences are obtained and that you are always up to date with the latest legislation.
A correct commercial invoice is crucial for customs clearance.
Invoices may be drawn up in Arabic or English.
Every invoice must bear the words ‘Taks Invoice’.
From 31 July 2026, e-invoicing will be mandatory..
The payment terms are usually 30 or 60 days. For large projects or new clients, an advance payment is recommended. To avoid late payments, it is advisable to draw up a clear contract when finalising a deal.
Be patient: Decision-making can take time. Be prepared for a slower process, as decisions often require multiple levels of approval. Be sure to allow for a timeframe of 18 to 36 months to finalise a deal, and be patient and flexible regarding your payment terms.
Embassies in the UAE
We recommend that any company thoroughly vet a potential partner in the UAE before entering into a partnership with them. To do so, you can contact your country’s local embassy.
BELGIUM
Belgische Ambassade Abu Dhabi
Capital Plaza Office Tower, 8th floor
Corniche, Abu Dhabi – PO Box 3686
UAE
Tel.: +971 2 410 02 00
abudhabi@diplobel.fed.be
HE Hr Antoine Delcourt
Ambassador
Mw Sarah Gerard
Consul
Flanders Investment & Trade
Hr Albert Feytons
Tel: + 971 4 546 87 11
E-mail: dubai@fitagency.com
Walloon Region
Awex – Walloon Export & Foreign Investment
Mme Edith Mayeux
Tel: + 971 4 332 31 23
E-mail: dubai@awex-wallonia.com
THE NETHERLANDS
Centro Capital Centre
Office Tower – Bldg no. 11, 14th floor
Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street
(ADNEC area) Abu Dhabi
Verenigde Arabische Emiraten
Tel. : +971 26 95 80 00.
Hr Hans Sandee
Ambassador
Hr Jeroen Schillings
Economic advisor
DBA-EA@minbuza.nl
LUXEMBOURG
Embassy of Luxembourg
Nation Tower Residences
Corniche Road, Appt. 6201
62e Floor
Abu Dhabi.
Tel.: +66 2 677 7360
abudhabi.amb@mae.etat.lu
Mr. Sam Schreiner
Ambassador
Ms Marie-Anne Marx
Exc Director, Luxembourg Trade of Investment office
sam.schreiner@mae.etat.lu
USELFUL WEBSITES
Belgium
https://www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com
https://export.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/nl/subsidies/
https://www.awex-export.be/fr/aides-et-subsides
https://info.hub.brussels/nl/subsidies/premie-om-te-exposeren-op-een-fysieke-beurs-het-buitenland
https://export.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/nl/landen/verenigde-arabische-emiraten/infofiche
https://www.walloniaexportinvestment.be/fr/
https://diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/landen/verenigde-arabische-emiraten/reizen-naar-de-verenigde-arabische-emiraten-reisadvies
https://acginter.com/nl/zaken-doen-in-dubai-en-de-verenigde-arabische-emiraten-waar-moet-je-op-letten/
The Nederlands
https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/contact/ambassades-consulaten-generaal/verenigde-arabische-emiraten/ambassade-abu-dhabi
https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/landen-en-gebieden/vae
https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/subsidiespelregels
https://nlinbusiness.com/landen/verenigde-arabische-emiraten
Luxembourg
https://adudhabi.mae.lu/en.html
https://luxembourgtradeandinvest.com/
https://luxembourgtradeandinvest.com/our-international-network/ltio-abu-dhabi
Traveling to Dubai?
TIME DIFFERENCE
During our summer time, it is 2 hours later in Dubai than in the Benelux; during our winter time, the difference is 3 hours. Dubai is in the UTC+4 time zone.
FLIGHTS
There are direct flights to Dubai from Belgium with Emirates
From the Netherlands (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport), there are direct flights with KLM and Emirates.
HOTELS
For this, it’s best to check booking.com.
The new DEC exhibition centre has also recently opened, and work is in full swing there to build hotels. A hotel on the red metro line gives you a direct connection to the exhibition centre.
The World Trade Centre is on Sheikh Saeed Road, where there are countless hotels: on the exhibition centre grounds there is a Novotel and an Ibis hotel, and within walking distance: 25 Hours, Conrad, Sheraton, Fairmont, Voco, …
GETTING AROUND IN DUBAI
You can travel all over Dubai by metro. Taxis and Ubers are very reliable and not at all expensive.
CURRENCY
Currency: 1,00€ = 4,17AED
Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere
DOCUMENTS
For travellers with a European passport, there are no additional
Our exhibitions in Dubai?
Tourist spots near Dubai
BURJ KHALIFA
Currently the world’s tallest tower at 828 metres. It offers a 360° panoramic view.
If you’d like to visit, it’s best to book online in advance. You’ll get the best view on a clear day.
Booking link: https://www.tiqets.com/NL/
HIGH TEA & AFTERNOON TEA IN THE BURJ AL ARAB
An ideal way to see the extravagant interiors of the ultra-luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel.
Booking link: https://www.getyourguide.nl/burj-al-arab-l3309/
SOUK MADINAT (MADINAT JUMEIRAH)
A compact shopping centre in a typical Arabic style, with plenty of restaurants. You can also take a short boat trip on one of the abras.
Link to further information: https://www.jumeirah.com
DUBAI MALL
The world’s largest shopping centre, featuring an aquarium and an ice rink. Every evening, you can also enjoy a water fountain show there.
Link to further information: http://dubaimall.startpagina.nl/
DUBAI CREEK
Dubai Creek runs through the city centre. In the past, the Creek was a fishing harbour and a trading centre for local merchants, but nowadays it is mainly used as a crossing point for tourists wishing to get from one side to the other.
ATLANTIS HOTEL AT PALM ISLAND
This artificial island, shaped like a palm tree, consists of a crown with 16 branches and a trunk, surrounded by an 11 km-long breakwater. It is home to various restaurants, beaches and luxury hotels. The most famous hotel on the island is the 5-star Atlantis The Palm.
DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN
A flower garden featuring 45 million flowers of 60 different varieties. There are not only flowers and plants to admire, but also other attractions.
Some examples include the world’s largest flower clock, cars decorated with flowers, a replica of the Burj Khalifa, and so on. It is also accessible by public transport.
DUBAI MARINA
A lovely promenade by one of the marinas. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, shopping centres and playgrounds there.
Link for more information: http://www.thebeach.ae/
