United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates or UAE, is a federation of seven emirates (states): Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah. The country's landscape consists mostly of gravel plains and sand dunes desert; its main cities and urban centers are located mainly along its coasts. Border countries are Oman and Saudi Arabia; the UAE shares maritime borders with Iran and Qatar.

The country covers an area of 83,600 km², compared it is about the size of Austria, or slightly smaller than the US State of Maine. The UAE has a population of about 9.9 million people, including foreigners (in 2020). The male population of the country is twice as large as the female population.

The capital city is Abu Dhabi, the country's largest city is Dubai, a metropolis of a strange shisha dream, a playground for international architects. The city is a mirage in the desert with huge shopping malls and extravagant entertainment attractions, including the world's highest skyscraper (Burj Khalifa), and palm-shaped artificial islands. Spoken languages are Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, and Urdu.

Health Care

The UAE has a comprehensive, government-funded health service and a rapidly developing private health sector that delivers a high standard of health care to the population. Healthcare is regulated at both the Federal and Emirate level. Public healthcare services are administered by different regulatory authorities in the United Arab Emirates including the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Emirates Health Authority (EHA).

Due to the success of this high standard of care across all stages of the health care system, life expectancy in the UAE is 76.8 years, reaching levels similar to those in Europe and North America. To date, health care in the UAE has been funded mainly by the Government. The UAE in its modernization and path of reform is now evolving this funding to focus on increasingly important public-private partnerships.

The UAE’s public policy for health care focuses on developing organizational and legal frameworks based on best practice, and to overhaul and upgrade the private and public sector health service capabilities. In addition, public policy action will set priorities for health services development within the sector.

Health Care Transformation in Abu Dhabi

Health care delivery in Abu Dhabi is undergoing a significant transition that will affect the entire spectrum of stakeholders: patients (citizens and expatriates), providers and those responsible for planning, assuring the quality of services and financing the health system. The key objectives for the Health Authority in Abu Dhabi are to:

• Improve quality of care, always the primary consideration, to be promoted through application of rigorous service standards and performance targets across the board.
• Expand access to services, giving all patients access to the same standard of care with the power to choose health care services thus promoting excellence through free-market competition.
• Shift from public to private providers safely and efficiently so that private providers, rather than government, service health care needs, with the role of government restricted to the development and enforcement of new, world-class health care standards.
• Implement a new financing model through an innovative system of mandatory health insurance.

Insurance for all workers, including domestic, is required and funded by sponsors. The compulsory health insurance plan for private sector employees, as implemented in Abu Dhabi, came into effect across the country in 2008. Hallmarks of the new system included a clear and transparent reimbursement process, affordable access for all residents and reliable funding for quality health care in Abu Dhabi.

A charitable fund continues to operate for underinsured expatriates and to aid in financing more serious medical conditions such as cancer, dialysis, polytrauma and disability.

In neighboring emirate Dubai, healthcare is experiencing rapid innovation through modernization of patient service delivery and infrastructure projects. The Dubai Health Authority serves a dual role as regulator and operator of the Emirate of Dubai’s healthcare sector. Priorities for the health care sector in Dubai include retaining and attracting high caliber medical and healthcare staff, strengthening initiatives around postgraduate healthcare education and continued investment in primary and specialized health services.

There are also two healthcare free zones in Dubai, Dubai Healthcare City and Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, which have their own regulatory bodies. Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) was launched in 2002 by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid to meet the demand for high-quality healthcare, today DHCC has two hospitals, over 120 outpatient medical centers and diagnostic laboratories with over 4,000 licensed professionals. Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, launched as part of Dubai’s 2010 vision to establish a knowledge-based economy, is the world’s first free-zone dedicated to life sciences.

Travel & Culture

The United Arab Emirates is one of the world's fastest growing tourist and business destinations. Traditional Arab hospitality and comfortable winter temperatures are complemented by sophisticated and world-class amenities.

The UAE also has become a world-class venue for conferences, regional and international exhibitions and major global sports events such as the Dubai World Cup for horse-racing, the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, the FIFA Club World Cup, world class film festivals in Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi, and in conjunction with the White House, the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. The UAE has won the bid to host the 2020 World Expo.

The United Kingdom's largest online travel agent, expedia.co.uk, selected Abu Dhabi as one of the world's top 10 travel destinations in 2008. Dubai International Airport won the award for the Middle East's leading airport in the 2012 World Travel Awards.

There is much to do in the UAE beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi. First settled during the Bronze Age, Sharjah is the cultural capital of the emirates. The Heritage Area of Sharjah City includes a Maritime Museum, an Islamic Museum and museums for traditional and contemporary Arabic art, among many others. Ajman attracts international visitors with beautiful beaches, as does Fujairah which also offers snorkeling and diving and excursions to the Musandam Peninsula, renowned for the unspoiled nature of its sheer cliffs, rocky coves and coral reefs. Ras Al Khaima, on the border with Oman, is probably best known among local adventure travelers for the rugged Hajjar Mountains.

Political System

The United Arab Emirates is a Federation of seven autonomous Emirates. The country is governed as an absolute Islamic (Sunni) monarchy. Head of state is the President, officially elected every five years by the Federal Supreme Council, but because the ruler of Abu Dhabi customarily also holds the presidency of the UAE, the office is de facto hereditary. The head of government is the Vice President and Prime Minister. The Federal Supreme Council is the highest legislative and executive body, consisting of seven members (one for each emirate).

Under the UAE system of government, the President of the Federation is elected by a body known as the Supreme Council of Rulers. The Supreme Council is the top policy-making body in the UAE, and the President and Vice President are both elected from its membership for renewable five-year terms.

The Supreme Council has both legislative and executive powers. In addition to planning and ratifying federal laws, the Supreme Council approves the President’s nominated Prime Minister and is equipped to accept his resignation, if required. The introduction of indirect elections represents the beginning of a process to modernize the UAE’s system of government. Under these reforms, individual Rulers select an electoral college whose members total 100 times the number of FNC members held by that Emirate. The members of each college then elect half of the FNC members, while the other half continue to be appointed by each Ruler.

Future initiatives are expected to expand the size of the FNC and strengthen the interaction between it and the Council of Ministers, to further improve the efficiency, accountability and participatory nature of government in the UAE. In November 2008, the terms for FNC members were extended from two to four years, which is more consistent with other parliaments in the world. In addition, the government will report to the FNC about proposed international treaties and agreements, and those agreements will be discussed by the FNC before their ratification.

Historically, the political environment of the UAE has been characterized by great affection for the country’s leadership and institutions of government. This is largely in response to the rapid growth and development the UAE has experienced under their guidance in recent decades.

Recognized Leadership

A number of global business indexes have recognized the advantages that the UAE brings to international business. AT Kearney ranks the UAE as one of the top 20 best places in the world for global service business. And the UAE is ranked in the top 30 on the World Economic Forum’s “most-networked countries”—ahead of all other Arab nations, as well as countries like Spain, Italy, Turkey and India.

The UAE also gets positive rankings from Transparency International’s corruption index, ranking in the top quarter as a least corrupt country. US business has also recognized the importance of the UAE-US economic relationship. In May 2007, the US-UAE Business Council was launched. Today, the Business Council’s members include over 100 companies from both countries.

Economic System

The UAE has one of the most open economies in the world. This tradition of welcoming business and trade goes back to early Gulf history, when ships sailed to India and along the coast of East Africa as far south as Mozambique.

It forecast real non-hydrocarbon growth - adjusted for inflation and excluding the oil sector - of 3.8% this year and 3.9% next year, though it cautioned that projections were susceptible to lingering uncertainties amid the pandemic. The UAE economy benefited from a recovery in global travel and a pickup in domestic and external demand in the second quarter, the central bank said. It has also had a successful vaccination drive.

The real estate market - a vital economic sector in the country - has improved. Prices in Abu Dhabi registered year-on-year gains for the second quarter running, the first time it has done so in more than five years. Those were still declining in the second quarter, although at a slower pace, said the central bank.

Dubai said that it expects economic growth of 3.1% this year and 3.4% next year. The emirate has seen a rebound in tourism and hospitality, with hotel occupancy increasing to 62% in the first half of the year, up from 54% during 2020 as a whole, said the central bank.

The Middle East tourism hub expects to receive a further boost from the Expo world fair, which started on Oct. 1, though economists have said ongoing global travel restrictions may limit the event's economic upside. The central bank in June had forecast UAE real gross domestic product growth of 2.4% this year and 3.8% in 2022.

Diversification Creates Trade Opportunities

The UAE launched a diversification and liberalization program to reduce reliance on oil and transform its economy from a conventional, labor-intensive economy to one based on knowledge, technology and skilled labor. The federal and individual Emirate governments have invested heavily in sectors such as aluminum production, tourism, aviation, re-export commerce and telecommunications.

Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030(link is external) and Dubai’s Strategic Plan 2015(link is external) are leading the drive towards diversification. The strategy is to increase investment in industrial and other export-oriented sectors, including heavy industry, transport, petrochemicals, tourism, information technology, telecommunications, renewable energy, aviation and space, and oil and gas services. Much has already been achieved in these fields, especially in satellite and telecommunications, the aviation sector and in renewable energy, and although short-term priorities have been altered to accommodate changing realities, the long-term strategy remains the same.

At the federal level, the UAE is pursuing its 2021 Vision, which aims to place innovation, research, science and technology at the centre of a knowledge-based, highly productive and competitive economy by the time of the federation’s golden jubilee in 2021. Young people are at the heart of this forward-looking vision, taking on key leadership roles in business, government, science and more. In fact, Arab youth increasingly look to the UAE as the top country to live in, citing the country’s wide array of job opportunities as its greatest draw.

Tourism has played a large part in the success of economic diversification. Abu Dhabi's 156 hotels recorded their best year ever in terms of visitor numbers in 2014, while Dubai's 634 establishments have also experienced a significant increase in guests. Other emirates are following suit. The UAE's two world-class airlines, Etihad and Emirates, as well as constant upgrading of aviation infrastructure, have played a major role in the advance of the tourism industry and are key contributors to the economy. Dubai, in particular, expects that the aviation industry will contribute 32 per cent to its GDP by 2020.

Expo 2020: Change The Way You See The World

Golden Jubilee celebrations promise breathtaking showcase of UAE

Expo 2020 Dubai is a world expo, officially known as International Registered Exhibitions. These exhibitions have been taking place for centuries. This time hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, initiated on October 1, 2021 and closing on March 31, 2022.

The event is a festival of human ingenuity under the theme 'connecting minds, creating the future'. With the first event held in London back in 1851, and now presented every four years, the expo takes place around the world, showcasing the possibilities of new ideas and technologies. All World Expos are focused on presenting solutions to various challenges, and the global gatherings have become an important platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between governments, companies and people. The Expo 2020 Dubai is a groundbreaking edition – not only is it the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, but it’s also the first to be held after the coronavirus pandemic took hold. Dubai led the way from the start, having reopened to tourists in July 2020, and ensuring the highest standards of health and safety for every visitor. With the overarching theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, Expo 2020 Dubai is an incubator for new ideas around the world, while the sub-themes of Opportunity, Mobility.

Food and Culture

A dining destination in its own right, there’s more than 200 culinary experiences to try at the world fair. Whether you’re looking for menus from award-winning chefs, homegrown restaurants serving up seasonal specials, food truck treats or authentic flavors from every nation, you’ll find it all at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Some of the world’s most talked-about restaurants, such as Beirut’s Baron and London’s Bread Ahead Bakery, are also making their Dubai debut at the Expo, while plant-based restaurants such as Veg’d by Matthew Kenny bring tons of flavor to the Sustainability Pavilion. There’s also meals cooked and served by robots in Talabat Kitchen, and large-scale themed celebrations such as the region's first Vegan Food Festival.

Top entertainment and events

Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai enjoy a front-row seat to around 60 events every single day. If you're short on time, head straight to Al Wasl Plaza – the must-visit stage of live entertainment, where 360-degree projection, sound and lighting present an unmissable, immersive experience every evening. There are also great roaming acts, talented street performers, family-friendly theatrical shows and special occasion gala concerts, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

Headline concerts

A star-studded opening ceremony on September 30 featuring the likes of world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli, Grammy-nominated, Golden-Globe-winning actress, singer and songwriter Andra Day, platinum-selling British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi and international pianist Lang Lang and four-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo set the stage of what’s to come in corresponding months.

Pakistani singer Atif Aslam

The popular pop singer and composer Atif Aslam brought his catchy brand of tunes to Expo 2020 with a concert held as part of Celebrate Pakistan events that took place in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Various performers will represent each region. Aslam, who had performed in the UAE on many occasions, was even awarded a star on the Dubai Walk of Fame in 2019.

Nancy Ajram and Ragheb Alama

Two of the biggest stars from the Arab world, Lebanese singers Ajram and Alama had set to dazzle audiences at Expo and online as their concert had streamed globally.

Festive experiences at Expo 2020 Dubai

UAE’s Golden Jubilee

With the UAE celebrating 50 years of formation this year, Expo 2020 Dubai featured a month-long celebration that paid tribute to the last five decades of the country, while looking ahead to next 50 years. Not only this will served as a sense of pride for Emiratis but also those who call the UAE their home.

Business opportunities

After spending $7 billion on the site, Dubai hopes it will attract new businesses and draw more foreigners to buy properties in the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates. However, it also renewed long-standing criticisms of this skyscraper-studded sheikhdom built largely by low-paid workers where speech and assembly remains strictly controlled.

SMEs

The Expo 2020 is a boon for SMEs as it will have a great effect on Small and Medium Entrepreneurs. Dubai stands out to be a commercial trading centre, and according to a report, more than 90% of the registered businesses turn out to be SME. Dubai SMEs will see a drastic growth by 2020, which is expected to contribute 40% to the overall country’s economy.

The large business entities established in Dubai including companies like Dubai Properties, Emaar, DAMAC etc., holds multiple opportunities for small business entities rounding to a count of 3,00,000 direct jobs and 1 million indirect options. When it comes to Expo 2020, the business owners of the SMEs can focus on the following points:

1. Build up relationships with clients and customers
2. Seek a competitive edge for themselves
3. Build strategies to enhance the brand value etc.

Considering the above points, the SMEs will be able to utilize the presence the Expo 2020 and can take advantage to transform their business to the next extent. If you hold the idea of starting an SME in UAE, then take the incorporation steps now.

Engineering

Dubai stands as a perfect example when it comes to engineering creations. The umbrella of engineering turns out to be a huge one comprising of various segments like aviation, computing, construction, energy, healthcare, defense, oil and gas, telecommunication etc.

The Expo 2020 is turning out to be a massive ground for the engineering industry as it gets implied with all the other business sectors. Setting up a business dealing with the engineering industry will pave out various options for you to excel in your business in different domains.

Real Estate

As mentioned above, the Dubai Expo 2020 is on its way to increase the number of business entities dealing in various sectors, and it indirectly uplifts the real estate sector to a great extent. The numbers of commercial and residential complexes are on their way to get their shape, which will demand real estate property to establish their business roots. According to a recent report, more than 59,800 have been scheduled for delivery in 2019. Dubai properties are holding a worldwide demand, and this turns out to be an excellent opportunity for the investors to come forward and set up their real estate business in Dubai.

Consultancy Firms

The increasing numbers of companies in Dubai do require consultants dealing in marketing and finance background to boost the company’s growth and earn more profits. Subject matter experts and freelancers opt to open consultancy firms to provide services to clients effectively. Since the number of business entities is expected to increase by the end of 2020, the demand for consultancies will grow accordingly. If you are planning to set up a consultancy firm, you can do that by obtaining a consultancy license.

In short, we can say that Expo 2020 has got a massive platform for business organizations to come forward and set up their business. A business owner has got multiple options to start a business based on his preference, and be it small or big; Dubai is the perfect place to give a kick start. Initiating the process of company formation in a foreign land might involve a specific documentation process that needs to be followed accordingly. At the initial stage, it is advised to take the help of a business consultant who can be your guide and stand by your side to help you carry out the process in an easy way.