How to export to the UAE

You’ve built a successful business, but you want to broaden your horizons and trade with new territories. Here’s why the UAE should be at the top of your list. 

Barely 50 years ago, the United Arab Emirates, or UAE, was an economically unimportant and sparsely populated British protectorate. But striking oil in the 1950s and declaring independence from the British in 1971 transformed this Arabic-speaking state into a thriving and developed economy. 

Much of its success can also be attributed to its unique demographic profile: just 12% of the population are native Emiratis. The rest are expatriates from far and wide, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Europe. The UAE's net migration is the highest in the world, so its total population continues to grow at speed.

What’s the UAE’s business culture?

Inbound migration brings with it inbound investment, creating a virtuous circle that has helped the UAE diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil exports. A moderate, business-friendly outlook and zero income tax makes UAE trade an attractive proposition for workers and businesses alike. 

Seemingly overnight, the UAE has developed a mature e-commerce market: smartphones are commonplace and internet penetration is amongst the highest in the world. The UAE isn’t the most populous nation on earth, but almost everyone is online.

The opportunities for your business

Every e-commerce company and exporter is looking for new, fertile trading opportunities and the UAE’s rapid growth and developed economy make it a top contender for your next export market. 

Download the DHL Country Guide to the UAE

Get our country guide and find out:

- Why the UAE is such a prosperous target market 

- Which goods are in demand right now in the UAE economy 

- Why the UAE’s e-commerce sector is about to hit its stride