Navigating the Complexities of Expanding in the UAE with Jenny Hunt #46

What do you think of when you think of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE (United Arab Emirates)? Time was when it was just oil, but these days it’s also tourism and business in general – witness all those gleaming tower blocks one sees in photos. The growth of the economy has been staggering – and that’s led to ever increasing numbers of businesses planning to expand there. Some simply use the UAE as a base from which to service the whole Middle East and Indian Ocean regions, but there’s an increasing number recognising its importance and value for doing in-country business.

There’s an open economy, the income per capita is high and economic diversification away from the oil and gas sector have been successful. The country has changed dramatically from a poor region of small desert principalities as it was 50 years ago. The government spends a lot on job creation and infrastructure. It’s home to two global air hubs each home to one of the world’s largest airlines. Free trade zones, with 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes, encourage investment.

The strategic plan for the next few years focuses on economic diversification, promoting trade and tourism, developing business of all kinds, improving education and creating more private sector job opportunities for Emirati nationals.

So there are plenty of reasons for doing business in the UAE. All those gleaming office towers and five-star hotels are clear proof that most of the multinationals and thousands of small businesses have already moved in.  Unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward to set up a business as one might be led to believe – there are restrictions, licences and a wealth of bureaucracy to overcome – but the advantages of zero taxes and a rich and growing market can make it all worthwhile.

Talking to me about it in this podcast is Jenny Hunt. Jenny’s CV is impressive. She is ranked in FORBES’ Top 100 Most Influential Women in the Middle East and she is CEO Today’s 2019 Business Awards winner. Jenny’s also a best selling author, is an international speaker and regularly provides mission briefings to delegations about setting up and doing business in Abu Dhabi.

As the Founding Partner & CEO of the Gateway Group of Companies, based in Abu Dhabi, Jenny helps companies of all kinds navigate the complexities and get established successfully throughout the UAE.  So when it comes to this subject, she knows it all. Take a listen.

For more information and to get in touch with Jenny Hunt:

Contact details and Links

Website: https://www.gatewaytoabudhabi.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyhunt/

LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3881617/admin/

LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6773306/

Twitter Company: @gatewaytouae

Twitter Jenny Hunt: @Jennyat Gateway

Facebook Gateway To Dubai: https://www.facebook.com/Gateway-To-Dubai-Business-Setup-Unique-Secure-Sponsorship-PRO-Services-108697643838564/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Facebook Gateway To Abu Dhabi: https://www.facebook.com/gatewaytoabudhabi/

Facebook Jenny Hunt: https://www.facebook.com/jenny.hunt.12382

Instagram: @gatewaytouae

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