The United Arab Emirates: a dynamic market and regional hub for exports

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for companies looking to expand internationally. Jean-Pierre Labry, Associate Director of TTE Gulf Management Consultancy and Co-President of Globallians, and Karim Gaoua, Head of the Project Management Business Unit at TTE Gulf, highlight the dynamics, opportunities, and specificities of the UAE market, while emphasizing its role as a strategic crossroads between Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The United Arab Emirates: a rapidly changing and highly diversified market

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), comprising seven emirates, stands out for its strategic geographical position between Europe, Africa, and Asia, making it a leading logistics and trade hub. Emirates Airlines provides rapid access to a large part of the world’s population, and free trade agreements and membership of BRICS+ reinforce the country’s openness.

With a population of 11 million people, more than 85% of whom are expatriates, the UAE has a cosmopolitan profile. Arabic is the official language, but English dominates in business.

The economy is characterized by low public debt (30% of GDP compared to 115% in France), strong growth, and low inflation. Per capita GDP stands at USD 48,141 (according to the COFACE 2025 guide). This country offers many opportunities for international companies. Economic diversification is a priority: less than 25% of GDP comes from oil, with the remaining 75% coming from trade, real estate, finance, and construction.

Ambitions and strategic sectors by Emirate

The UAE Vision 2031 aims to double the size of the economy and attract USD 65 billion in FDI per year. Priority sectors include finance, logistics, healthcare, tourism, education, and creative industries, but each emirate makes a unique contribution to the national economy:

• Dubai aims to be among the top three global economic centers by 2033, doubling in size and attracting $650 billion in investment. To achieve this, Dubai is focusing on trade, financial services, tourism, and creative industries.
• Abu Dhabi (Economic Vision 2030) wants to diversify its economy by doubling the contribution of non-oil sectors to GDP by 2023. To achieve this goal, it is focusing on R&D, cutting-edge technologies, finance, and clean energy. The Hub71 technology hub is home to more than 200 startups.
• Sharjah is the cultural and educational capital with a focus on the creative and manufacturing economy.
• Ras Al Khaimah is known for its industries (cement, ceramics) and its nature and adventure tourism.
• Fujairah is banking on its port on the Arabian Sea to develop its maritime economy and tourism.

Innovation, tourism, and health: among the key sectors

The UAE is investing heavily in innovation: AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, govtech. Dubai, a pioneer in smart urban services, wants to become a “Smart City.” The country aims to be carbon neutral by 2050 with projects such as Masdar City.

Tourism is a major pillar, combining luxury, sustainability, and medicine. Dubai attracted 15 million visitors, thanks to iconic projects such as Expo City in 2021. To learn more about the tourism sector in the United Arab Emirates, read the article “Why the UAE’s Hospitality Sector Is Booming in 2026.”

In healthcare, the UAE aspires to become a regional hub. Investments are targeting biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and telemedicine. (For more information: Abu Dhabi Launches “Future Health” to Drive Global Healthcare Innovation)

The country is also looking to space: the Hope mission to Mars in 2021 symbolizes its desire to be a major player in space exploration.

EAU: a favorable business environment for entrepreneurship

The UAE is ranked among the world’s best business environments, with fast business start-up procedures (taking just a few days). Most sectors allow 100% foreign ownership, with no mandatory local co-investor. The legal framework is stable, transparent, and combines Islamic law and English common law. The country attracts talent through long-term visas such as the Golden Visa. Numerous free trade agreements, membership in BRICS+, and its location reinforce the UAE’s position as a strategic global hub. Among the UAE’s strengths and unique features are:

• Finance: international regulatory framework via the DIFC and Abu Dhabi Global Market.
• Technology and data: GDPR-inspired laws and enhanced cybersecurity.
• Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals: strict standards and rigorous certifications, aligned with international standards.
• Halal and Islamic finance: compliance required for food, cosmetics, and financial services.

The consumer market in the United Arab Emirates

The consumer market is segmented. There is an ultra-wealthy clientele seeking luxury and high-end products, an expatriate middle class opting for affordable services and adept at e-commerce, a hyper-connected youth consuming entertainment and new technologies, and Emiratis who value local brands and respect for cultural values. Internet penetration is 99%, with e-commerce growing rapidly ($34.6 billion). Social media (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat) are major channels for purchasing and influence. Consumers are looking for personalized experiences, luxury, quality, and innovation, with a particular focus on “Made in UAE” brands and halal compliance.

Recommendations for French companies

The United Arab Emirates represents a unique development opportunity for international companies, not only as a standalone market but also as a springboard for exports to Africa and Asia. However, to succeed, a tailored approach and long-term commitment are essential:

• Making a long-term investment: aiming for sustainable regional presence.
• Cultural understanding: understanding and respecting codes (language, visuals, rituals) in order to adapt communication.
• Local strategy: prioritize a physical presence (offices, VIE, portage, subsidiaries).
• Regional approach: use the UAE as a platform to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, or Asia.
• Participate in professional trade exhibitions such as Gulfood or WHX (formerly Arab Health) to maximize visibility.

Ready to enter the UAE market?

The United Arab Emirates is a dynamic market and an ideal platform for expanding into the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Within the region, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are also strategic markets, each with its own specific characteristics and strong growth potential.

When considering a development project in these areas, being supported by local experts helps to avoid pitfalls, adapt your strategy, and speed up implementation.

With over 30 years of expertise and offices in Dubai, Riyadh, and Cairo, TTE Gulf is positioned as a key partner in supporting the development of French companies in the Middle East and North Africa.
Through its five strategic business units—Project Management, Business Development, Business Creation, Human Resources, and Finance—TTE Gulf provides comprehensive and operational support to its clients at every stage of their establishment.

Prenez contact avec nos experts pour structurer efficacement votre approche et réussir votre développement régional.