Doing Business in the UAE

In 2022, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival celebrated the vibrant cultural heritage of the UAE. The festival, which was organized in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth and the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C., drew in visitors from across the US, giving them the opportunity to participate in workshops led by UAE artisans and performers, listen to traditional Emirati pearl music, and learn about the ancient sport of falconry. Scroll down to learn more about the featured exhibitors and performers that represented the UAE at Folklife.

Why the UAE

The UAE offers a business environment built for international companies.

100% Foreign Ownership:

in most sectors, including technology and data centers.

Competitive Tax System:

9 percent federal corporate tax, with many activities at zero.

40+ Free Zones:

including globally recognized financial centers such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

37 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements:

providing preferential market access across multiple regions.

Strong Legal Protections:

aligned with international standards for IP and dispute resolution.

Direct Access to Capital:

from leading sovereign wealth funds including Mubadala and ADIA.

Currency Stability:

the dirham is pegged to the US dollar.

Getting Started

Starting a business in any market carries risk. For comprehensive guidance on establishing a business
in the UAE – including free zone versus onshore options, licensing and regulatory requirements –
visit Invest UAE or contact local Chambers of Commerce.

For additional information on the accelerating UAE-US economic relationship, visit UAE Preferred.

UAE Preferred

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Investing in the UAE

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Why the UAE