United Arab Emirates

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Geographical position: The state of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), consisting of seven independent states (emirates), is located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula and on numerous islands. In the north, the state borders on Qatar, in the west and south - with Saudi Arabia, in the east - with the Sultanate of Oman, and has a maritime border with Iran. In the north it is washed by the Persian, and in the east - by the Gulf of Oman of the Indian Ocean. Land borders run through deserts and are not clearly defined; there are also two neutral zones. Some of the islands of the Persian Gulf are still the subject of territorial disputes between the UAE and neighboring states. Territory - 83 600 sq. km.

Administrative divisions: The United Arab Emirates - a federal state, consists of seven emirates, which united on December 2, 1971. The capital is the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the commercial capital is Dubai. Emirates of the United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah (Fujairah), Umm al-Qaiwain, Ajman. The largest cities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah. Despite the fact that the emirates have long been united into a single federation, the borders between them continue to remain quite official administrative boundaries. Each emirate is a micro-state with an absolute monarchy and reserves the right to dispose of natural resources on its territory. There is no official administrative division in the emirates. Only Abu Dhabi is administratively divided into three districts. There are municipalities in all the capitals of the emirates, as well as in the cities of Al Ain (Abu Dhabi), For Fakkan and Kalba (Sharjah). All municipalities are headed by members of the ruling dynasties.

Capital: Abu Dhabi.

State structure: The UAE is a federation of seven independent states with an absolute monarchy, the heads of which form the Supreme Council of the UAE. The UAE Principles of Governance provide for the approval by the rulers of at least five Emirates of proposals submitted to the government for implementation. The head of state is the president, who is elected from among the monarchs of the emirates for a term of 5 years. Since November 3, 2004, the President of the United Arab Emirates is Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Emir of Abu Dhabi. He appoints the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. The highest legislative body is the Supreme Council, which consists of the rulers of the seven emirates. The supreme advisory body is the Federal National Council of 40 members (8 each from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, 6 each from Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah, 4 each from other emirates). Each emirate can study and reject laws developed by the Council of Ministers. The highest executive body is the Council of Ministers, consisting of the Prime Minister, two Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers. 

In parallel with federal institutions, each of the emirates has its own governing bodies. Emirates are headed by hereditary monarchs (sheikhs or emirs). The largest and most populous emirate of Abu Dhabi has its own government and National Advisory Council, which are formed on the same principle as the federal ones. Along with this, there is a system of representatives of the ruler in Abu Dhabi. Currently, there are five such representatives: in the East and West regions, on the island of Das, where an important oil terminal is located, and in other regions. There are municipalities in all the capitals of the emirates, as well as in the cities of Al Ain (Abu Dhabi), For Fakkan and Kalba (Sharjah). All municipalities are headed by members of the ruling dynasties. In small and remote settlements, the ruler and government of each emirate can appoint a local representative, emir or wali, through which residents can turn to the government with their own requests. The various administrative functions in all emirates are carried out by many local departments, some of which are subordinate to federal ministries. The constitution guarantees the independence of the judiciary. The federal judicial system has existed since 1971; all emirates joined it, with the exception of Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah. All emirates have secular and Islamic (Sharia) legislation for civil, criminal and high courts. The highest judicial body is the Federal Supreme Court (composed of 6 members), whose judges are appointed by the President. UAE is a member of the UN, League of Arab States, Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of Islamic Conference, etc.

Population — 9.991 million people (according to UN data at the beginning of 2021). The natural population growth in the state is quite high, but the number of residents increases annually, largely due to immigration. It is estimated that the indigenous people of the Emirates make up no more than 12% of the population. The largest groups of immigrants (expats) are Indians (27.5% of the population), Pakistanis (12.7%), Filipinos (5.6%), Arabs from other countries (about 25%), Europeans and Americans (about 5%) and etc.

State religion - Sunni Islam. Muslims make up 96% of believers (about 16% of the population are Shiites, living mainly in Dubai); Christians, Hindus, etc. - about 4% (1995). According to the law, the spread of other religions and the conversion of Muslims to another faith is prohibited, and this is punishable by a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years.

National currency: dirham.

GDP: 421,1 billion US dollars (2019).

Timezone: GMT +4.

Telephone code: +971.

Barcode: 629.

 

 

Political cooperation

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were established on October 20, 1992.

The Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the UAE began operations in December 1999. From April 2019, the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to the UAE has been A.I. Luchenok. The UAE Embassy in Minsk was opened in October 2008. From June 2016 to July 2020, Ahmed al-Teneiji was the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Belarus. Since July 2020, the Embassy is headed by Chargé d'Affaires, Second Secretary M. al-Shehhi.

On March 25-29, 2000 and March 4-6, 2007, state delegations headed by the President of the Republic of Belarus A.G. Lukashenko visited the UAE. In March 2013, October 2014, October - November 2016, October - November 2017 and November 2019, the Head of State paid working visits to the UAE.

In September 2019, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid a visit to Belarus.

In August 2015, July 2018, July 2019 and August 2021, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum made private visits to Belarus. In April and November 2019, the President of Belarus met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.

In 1993 - 2020 The UAE has been repeatedly visited by Belarusian delegations headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, State Secretary of the Security Council, Assistant to the President for National Security, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Economy, Minister of Industry, Minister of Communications and Informatization, Minister of Culture, Minister of Emergency Situations, Minister of Defense, Minister of Internal Affairs, Prosecutor General, Chairman of the State Security Committee, Chairman of the State Military-Industrial Committee, President of the NOC of the Republic of Belarus, as well as parliamentary delegations.

Belarus was visited by the Head of Administration of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Economy, Minister of Education, Federal Minister - Deputy Chairman of the Supreme National Security Council of the UAE, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, Secretary General State Administration for Youth Development and Sports, Chairman of the Federal Customs Administration - UAE Customs Commissioner, Minister of State for Food Security, delegations of the Ministries of Defense, Internal Affairs, General Staff of the UAE Armed Forces.

In April 2015, February 2018 in Abu Dhabi and October 2016 in Minsk, three rounds of political consultations were held at the level of the deputy foreign ministers of the two countries.

In June 2015, May 2017, October 2019 in Minsk and in June 2016, May 2018 in Abu Dhabi, consultations were held between the consular services of the foreign ministries. Following consultations in May 2017, a joint consular committee was established.

In February 2020, within the framework of the 56th Munich Conference, a bilateral meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus V.V. Makei took place. with the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs A. Gargash.

The positions of the two countries coincide on key issues of the international agenda, considered within the framework of the UN. UAE in 2013 - 2017 held a neutral position in relation to the “Belarusian issue” in terms of human rights issues at the UN, abstaining when voting on anti-Belarusian resolutions initiated by the European Union. In 2018, the UAE voted against the adoption of an anti-Belarusian resolution for the first time. In 2019, the Belarusian side notified the UAE Foreign Ministry of its readiness to support the UAE in the elections to the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2022-2023. (UAE elected June 2021).

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Natural resources

Most of the territory of the UAE is occupied by salt marshes and sandy deserts, in the west there are sandy and rocky deserts, in the east and northeast - the Hajar mountains (the highest point is Mount Adan, 1,127 m). The highest point in the country is Mount Jabal Yibir (1,527 m). The shores are mostly low, the coast is indented with small bays.

There are no permanent rivers, temporary streams flow through the valleys, most of the year they are dry channels - wadis. Sources of fresh water along the flat coast of the Persian Gulf are few and far between. There is no agriculture west of Abu Dhabi. Intensive withdrawal from underground sources has led to a significant decrease in the level of groundwater and their salinization.

On the western slopes of the mountains there are large oases with vineyards, date palms, acacias, tamarisk trees; grain crops, mangoes, bananas, lemons, and tobacco are also cultivated. In the mountains - savanna-like vegetation. In desert areas, there are hares, jerboas, gazelles, one-humped Arabian camels, some species of lizards and snakes. The coastal waters of the Persian Gulf are rich in fish (sardines, herring, etc.) and pearls.

The main minerals are oil and natural gas. During the November 2020 meeting of the UAE's Supreme Petroleum Council, it was announced that the country's proven oil reserves reached 107 billion barrels (about 6% of the global, 7th in the world). The main oil fields in Abu Dhabi are Asab, Beb, Bu-Hasa, Al-Zakum, in Dubai - Fallah, Fateh, South-West Fateh, Margham, in Sharjah - Mubarak. Natural gas reserves are 5.9 trillion cubic meters. m (3.2% of the world, 8th in the world). There are also deposits of uranium, chromium and nickel ores and bauxite.

The climate is dry, transitional from tropical to subtropical. The air temperature from November to May ranges from +18 to +25 ° С, from June to August - from +30 to +35 ° С (maximum up to +50 ° С), average monthly temperatures range from +20 to +35 ° С.

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Characteristics of the economic situation of the country

The United Arab Emirates has been a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GAPP) since 1994, and since 1996 it has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The country is also a member of the Arab Free Trade Area, which includes all member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The UAE is the most convenient place for doing business in the Gulf region, given the developed infrastructure and investment climate. Over the past decade, the UAE has acquired the status of the main business center in the Middle East.

The UAE is a global transport hub connecting the trade routes of the West and the East. The Emirates occupy a leading position in the world in terms of passenger and freight traffic. The country's economy is characterized by a high level of openness, active development of the industrial sector, and growth in foreign trade. The dependence on the oil sector remains, but its share in GDP is steadily declining.

Main branches of the national economy:

  • production and processing of oil and gas;
  • tourism;
  • production of aluminum, cement, chemical fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, clothing;
  • transport services.

The foundations for sustainable economic growth were formed thanks to revenues from the export of hydrocarbons, which were invested in significant volumes in infrastructure and industrial facilities.

The economic development of individual emirates in the federation is uneven. The largest contribution to the country's GDP is made by the emirates of Abu Dhabi (60%) and Dubai (30%). The northern emirates of Fujairah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah and Um al-Quwain are the least developed. At the same time, Abu Dhabi stimulates the economic development of the northern emirates by creating new industries and developing infrastructure.

In the sectoral plan, Abu Dhabi specializes in oil and energy projects, Dubai - in trade, financial and tourism services, information technology, Sharjah - in light industry, the Northern Emirates - in agricultural production, quarrying, and cement production.

Abu Dhabi, being the richest emirate (controls about 94% of oil reserves), dominates in providing the revenue side of the federal budget and largely influences decisions on budget spending.

The Emirate of Dubai remains the country's leader in diversifying the economy, reducing dependence on the oil factor, and attracting foreign investment. Dubai deservedly claims to be a regional center for trade in services - tourism, information, transport and commercial.

Metallurgy will remain the dominant link in the industry in the near future, first of all - export-oriented aluminum production. The industrial production of goods is actively developing. For example, the industrial development strategy of Dubai until 2030 includes 75 initiatives designed to attract over $ 44 billion to the emirate's economy.

The strategy is based on tasks such as:

  • increasing production in the manufacturing sector;
  • development of innovations;
  • creation of an attractive production base for international companies;
  • introduction of energy efficient production;
  • creation of a world center for the Islamic commodity market.

The following six areas of production are identified as priorities in the strategy:

  • aerospace;
  • marine;
  • medicines and medical equipment;
  • Food;
  • cars and equipment;
  • production of aluminum and metal products.

The main countries-suppliers of goods to the UAE are China, India, USA, Germany, Great Britain. The largest items of Emirati imports are precious stones and metals, equipment and machinery, electronics, vehicles.

The main countries-importers of decoctions from the UAE are India, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Oman. The bulk of Emirati exports are oil, petroleum products, aluminum, iron, and plastic products.

Taking into account the leading position of the UAE as a regional trade center, a significant part of the Emirati trade turnover falls on re-exports. Countries such as India, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Belgium, Bahrain, and Oman, which account for 70% of export operations.

Tourism services remain an important branch of the national economy. There are over 1,100 hotels in the UAE. In 2019, 16.73 million foreign tourists visited the Emirates. The Emirate of Dubai planned to host 25 million visitors to EXPO 2020, of which 70% were expected from abroad.

The development of the tourism sector is inextricably linked with the modernization and development of airport infrastructure in order to progressively increase its capacity - there are 6 international airports in the country, with which more than 200 airlines around the world work. The International Air Transport Association predicts an annual growth of 4.9% in air passenger traffic in the Middle East and North Africa until 2034. The UAE also has well-developed road and sea transport modes. There are more than two dozen ports in the country through which more than 100 million tons of cargo are transported annually.

The energy sector plays an important role in the country's economy. By 2050, the UAE plans to receive more than 75% of the country's energy from renewable or alternative sources. The most promising in this regard is the development of solar energy in the region, as well as oceanic hydroelectric power plants. Abu Dhabi plans to allocate about US $ 165 billion for the development of alternative energy sources over the next 30 years. In 2020, the first nuclear power plant was launched in the UAE.

The banking sector makes a significant contribution to the UAE economy. The UAE Banking Association includes 51 banks (24 local and 27 foreign). Fisrst Abu Dhabi Bank is the largest in the UAE and one of the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region with total assets of over US $ 203 billion.

The government pays increased attention to the food security of the country. The share of the agricultural sector in the UAE economy is still not high, but since 2018, the National Food Security Strategy of the UAE until 2051 has been implemented, the goal of which is to take the leading place in the world in the food security rating. To accomplish this task, the UAE is actively developing food production using modern technologies, new international partnerships are being established, providing for an uninterrupted supply of products that cannot yet be produced in the UAE.

In the post-like era, the government sees the country's technological development as the main task. Thus, the UAE was the first from the Arab world to launch a rocket to Mars to study this planet, primarily its climate (earlier in 2019, the first Emirati cosmonaut H. al-Mansuri flew on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft). The government announced the launch of a lunar exploration program, the essence of which is to study the atmosphere and climatic conditions on the surface of this planet. The UAE government also announced that the UAE expects to become the world capital of artificial intelligence within ten years (by 2030). The process of ensuring the universal availability of information and communication technologies of the 5G format is at the final stage. Pharmaceuticals and advanced methods of treating diseases are actively developing.

Legal framework

A developed bilateral legal framework has been formed. The Republic of Belarus and the UAE have concluded interstate treaties on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and on extradition; intergovernmental agreements on economic, trade and technical cooperation; on promoting the implementation and mutual protection of investments; on avoidance of double taxation;

  • on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters;
  • on cooperation in the field of mass media;
  • about air traffic;
  • on cooperation in the military-technical sphere;
  • on the establishment of the Joint Intergovernmental Committee for Cooperation;
  • on mutual cancellation of visas.

Interdepartmental agreements and memorandums of cooperation were signed in the fields of higher education and scientific research, environmental protection, agriculture and food safety, emergencies, in the field of combating human trafficking, in the financial and banking spheres, on mutual understanding between the BelCCI and the Federation of Trade and Industrial UAE Chambers.

Humanitarian cooperation

In October 2019, a visit was organized by the leadership of the charitable and humanitarian foundation named after I. Sheikh Zayed to Belarus, in March 2020 the UAE was visited by the Deputy Director of the Department for Humanitarian Affairs of the Office of the President of the Republic of Belarus. With the Foundation. Sheikh Zayed agreed to allocate funds to Belarus for the reconstruction of the children's health camp "Planet" (975.6 thousand US dollars) and the purchase of equipment for the Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology (370 thousand US dollars).

In 2020, two consignments of humanitarian aid came from the UAE to Belarus to fight the coronavirus (from the UAE Government and from the Emirati company Emaar Properties).

From February 2021, regular flights have been opened between Dubai and Minsk (flights of Belavia and Fly-Dubai airlines), from October 2021 Belavia is planning to operate a weekly flight to Ras al-Khaimah.

Fiscal policy of the UAE

One of the main advantages of the UAE in terms of doing business in this country is a very liberal fiscal policy, which is notable for its softness towards the income of individuals and legal entities.

There is no business income tax in the UAE. As an exception, foreign companies engaged in the extraction of oil and gas, as well as in the production of hydrocarbons, are taxed in the amount of about 55% of operating revenue (the figure is approximate, since the amount of tax is determined in agreements between companies and the government of the emirates on an individual basis) ... Also, branches of foreign banks are taxed - for example, in the emirates of Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, foreign banks pay taxes in the amount of 20% of operating profit.

From January 1, 2018, the UAE introduced 5% VAT. At the same time, there is no tax on personal income, corporate income, dividends.

Import duties on the import of goods into the UAE are set at 0 or 5%, with the exception of certain categories of goods. The duty on alcohol and tobacco products is 50% and 100%, respectively. Goods imported into the Emirates FEZ for re-export are exempt from customs duties.

The UAE is part of the common customs space of the Arab monarchies of the Persian Gulf, which allows the sale of goods imported into the country without paying duties in other states of the region - Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, a fee is charged for the performance of state administrative procedures. Activity license is also paid.

Banking service

There are 51 banks operating in the UAE, among which there are both local and largest European and American banks. Due to the high requirements of the state to such financial institutions and their authorized capital, their reliability is beyond doubt.

UAE banks are characterized by low service rates, as well as a simplified reporting system. Despite the fact that UAE banks are trying to delve into the essence of transactions and check their legality, bank employees are trying not to tire the client with procedures for checking the "purity" of transactions.

At the moment, there is the possibility of opening accounts for both legal entities and individuals. At the same time, a number of banks provide the opportunity to open an account for non-residents of the UAE. The requirements for the identity of the account holder vary depending on the bank chosen, but an indispensable condition for opening an account in any bank is the personal presence in the country of the signatory (manager) of the account. On the territories of the FEZ, as a rule, there are several banking institutions that provide a full range of services.

Some organizational and legal forms of enterprises

Registration of companies in the UAE is regulated by the Federal Company Law. The Law defines 7 types of business organizational forms (legal entities) that can be registered in the UAE.

The UAE government allowed the creation of foreign companies and their representative offices with 100% foreign capital (previously, the creation of a foreign enterprise was allowed only if there was an Emirati co-owner). At the same time, the presence of a serious Emirati co-founder with finances, connections in the government sector, and a well-deserved business reputation can be a serious engine of business in the UAE as a result of opportunities to reach key figures in partner companies, reduce the time spent on resolving bureaucratic and other issues, and involvement in implementation. government programs and projects.

The most acceptable and widespread form of a company with foreign participation in the UAE is a limited liability company (L.L.C.). Article 218 of the UAE Federal Law on Commercial Companies (No. 8 of 1984 as amended by Law No. 13 of 1988) defines a limited liability company as “a company consisting of at least two and not more than fifty partners, each of which bears responsibility for the company's debts only within the limits of its share in the capital of that ”. A limited liability company cannot carry out banking, insurance and investment activities for third parties (these activities are the exclusive right of UAE citizens and companies in which only UAE citizens are partners).

One of the priorities of the state's economic policy is to stimulate domestic and foreign investments and develop the infrastructure of free economic zones. In the UAE, there are 36 FEZs with various industry specializations. In companies established in the FEZ, a foreign investor can own 100% of the company's capital. It should be borne in mind that a company registered in the FEZ can only operate within the FEZ or other countries, and cannot directly enter the domestic market of the UAE. A FEZ resident company can trade in the UAE domestic market only through an agent (distributor) - a local UAE company with payment of a customs duty of 5% on products supplied in the country.

A company registered in a FEZ is the most optimal for enterprises that do not plan to independently provide services, perform work and trade in the UAE. The main advantages of setting up a company in a FEZ: 100% share of a foreign investor in the enterprise, exemption from import duties, unhindered export of capital and profits. Additional advantages for foreign investors in favor of starting a business in the UAE is a simplified procedure for registering a company in a FEZ (from one day) and obtaining construction permits (from one week). Each zone is run by the Free Economic Zone Authority (FZA), which is responsible for issuing FEZ licenses and helping companies to start operating in the FEZ.

Representative office of a foreign company

UAE legislation allows the creation of representative offices of foreign companies. The main distinguishing feature of such a structure is the absence of the right to conclude any transactions that are not directly related to the maintenance of the office. It is also not allowed to work by methods of direct marketing (distribution of product samples). Organizationally, accordingly, unlike the creation of any type of company, there is no need to obtain a license for the type of activity. The field of activity of the representative offices is market research, promotion of interests and products of the parent enterprise, establishing contacts with organizations and companies represented in the country and the region, pre-contract work.

The list of documents for registering a representative office generally corresponds to the list for registering a branch of a foreign company. A prerequisite for registering a representative office in the UAE (as opposed to a free economic zone) is the presence of a service agent, which must be an individual who is a UAE citizen or a company wholly owned by the Emirati owner. The service agent has no financial or other obligations to the parent company. As a rule, its functions are to ensure the receipt of the necessary registration documents in the state institutions of the UAE and resident visas for foreign workers in accordance with the agreement concluded with the foreign partner (as a rule, it provides for the payment of a one-time fee to the agent).

Licensing of activities

To carry out practical activities, regardless of the place of registration (the territory of the country or FEZ), the company must obtain a license, which indicates the specific types of activities of the company.

Main types of licenses:

• trading - allows you to import, export, sell, distribute and store all the goods specified in the license. Trade licenses are classified as specific and general;

• industrial - allows you to import raw materials, as well as produce and export the final product to any country. The minimum authorized capital is 250 thousand dirhams (68.3 thousand US dollars);

• professional - allows you to provide services (accounting, marketing, medicine, design work, etc.).

Depending on the jurisdiction and the type of company, the main bodies issuing licenses are the relevant economic departments in the structure of the governments of the emirates, acting independently in each emirate, the administration of free economic zones.

All licenses that are issued by the FEZ are valid only in the corresponding free economic zone.

Participation in tenders

Direct participation in tenders and competitions held in the UAE is hampered by a number of legal and financial restrictions.

Foreign companies participate in tenders only through local agents (dealers). As a rule, representatives of leading companies from the USA, EU, China, and Japan take part in tenders held in the UAE, which have local agents, work in accordance with international and regional standards, and practice flexible schemes to reduce the offer price in a highly competitive environment.

A foreign company can participate in the tender, but it must undergo prequalification by submitting an application for registration to the State Procurement Department. At the same time, information must be provided, which includes detailed constituent documentation of the company, a detailed description of the existing experience in the relevant activities (export of certain goods, etc.), confirmation of payment of the necessary fees. A key feature is the need to have and provide information about a local partner (agent, dealer) through which the product will be delivered in the future.

An exception to this rule may be military contracts, contracts for the supply of specialized equipment for the needs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the ruling family. At the same time, the use of a special mechanism for regulating arms purchases through compensation programs - the so-called offset programs, the essence of which is that part of the funds received by a foreign company from the military contract, is invested in the economy of the country of the buyer of weapons through the creation of joint ventures of various directions. The implementation of the program is carried out by special organizations, in the UAE - by an offset committee.

Detailed information on tenders (competitions) held in the country is mainly provided on a commercial basis.

Taking into account the need for Belarusian interested in most cases to find a local partner to participate in tenders (competitions) in the UAE, at the initial stage it is advisable to focus on finding local agents who, when announcing tenders in the future, will be able to take part in them.

Preliminary information regarding tenders, projects and public procurement that are held in the UAE is available here.

In September 2019, within the structure of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) was established and launched in 2021.

ADEX, created with the active advisory assistance of the Export-Import Bank of Korea, became the first specialized public financial institution in the UAE to provide export credits to the UAE's business entities. The budget originally allocated to the agency in March 2021 is AED 735 million (about US $ 200 million).

The creation of the agency is part of the implementation of state policy on diversifying the economy and developing non-oil sources of income as the basis for the country's sustainable development. The main goal of the agency's activities is to increase the competitiveness of the Emirati non-oil exports of goods and services, protect Emirati exporters from the risks of non-payment, and provide importers with simple and reliable financial solutions.

These tasks are solved by providing foreign importers (public and private) of Emirati goods and services with the following solutions:

• direct financing in the form of a loan to an overseas importer / buyer for the purchase of goods or services originating from the UAE, or in the form of a guarantee to a financial institution to provide a loan to an overseas importer / buyer for the purchase of such goods or services;

• Indirect financing by opening a line of credit to a financial institution in the importing country to provide importers with funds to purchase goods or services originating from the UAE.

The proposed direct and indirect options for financing the import of goods and services from the UAE can cover up to 100 percent of the transaction, depending on the type of financing, associated risks, etc.

More information can be found in the ADFD National Exports Program Booklet EN and on the agency's website at www.adfd.ae/adex.

Exhibitions

A significant number of specialized international and regional exhibitions of various profiles are held annually in the UAE, corresponding to the production and export capabilities of Belarus. The largest exhibition sites are located in Dubai (Dubai World Trade Center, www.dwtc.com) and Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, www.adnec.ae).

The most important factor for the development of trade and economic cooperation with the UAE and other Gulf countries, including the issues of consolidation in the local market, is the regular participation of representatives of Belarusian enterprises in international specialized exhibitions held in the region. The list of exhibition events can be found here.

Advertising

The most effective but expensive way to advertise consumer products is through television. Major TV channels in the UAE: Dubai TV, Sharjah TV, MBC 1,2,3,4, Orbit. Radio advertising is also quite effective. The most popular channels among the local population are MBC, Arabian Radio Network, Channel 4.

Advertising via SMS and the Internet is very common in the UAE. Recently, more and more companies are practicing e-commerce.

The list of UAE advertising agencies is available here.

Полезные ссылки:

• Department of Economic Development of Abu Dhabi;

• Department of Economic Development of the Emirate of Dubai;

• Dubai Emirate Export Development Agency;

• Administration of free economic zones of the UAE (the list of free economic zones is available on the website);

• Regional chambers of commerce and industry of the UAE (each emirate has its own regional CCI, the list is available on the website of the UAE CCI Federation).

Contact coordinates of chambers of commerce of the emirates:

CCI Abu Dhabi

Main Building of Abu Dhabi Chamber, Corniche Road, post office box 662.

tel.: +971-2-621-4000.

fax: +971-2-621-5867.

contact.us@adcci.gov.ae.

www.abudhabichamber.ae.

working hours: 8:00 — 15:00 (Sunday - Thursday).

CCI Dubai

Dubai Chamber building, Baniyas Road, Deira.

tel: +971-4-228-0000.

fax: +971-4-202-8888.

info.member@dubaichamber.com (member information).

info.dataresearch@dubaichamber.com (for inquiries regarding economic research and statistical information).

customercare@dubaichamber.com (other questions).

www.dubaichamber.com.

working hours: 8:00 — 16:00 (Sunday - Thursday).

CCI Sharjah

Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, AL Khan Corniche St — Шарджа, post office box 580.

tel: +971-6-530-2222.

fax: +971-6-530-2226.

scci@sharjah.gov.ae.

www.sharjah.gov.ae.

working hours: 7:30 — 14:30 (Sunday - Thursday).

Ajman CCI

Ajman Chamber, Аджман, post office box 662.

fax: +971-6-747-1222.

www.ajmanchamber.ae (information in Arabic).

Ras al-Khaimah CCI

RAK CHAMBER, Al Jaz'ah Road, R. A. K., U. A. E.

tel +971-7-207-0222.

fax +971-7-226-0112.

info@rakchamber.ae.

www.rakchamber.ae.

Umm al-Quwain CCI

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Umm Al Quwain, Sheik Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Moalla Street, post office box 436.

tel: +971-6-765-1111.

fax: +971-6-765-5055.

uaqcci1@eim.ae.

www.uaqchamber.ae.

Fujairah CCI

Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emirate of Fujairah.

tel: +971-9-223-0000.

fax: +971-9-222-1464.

www.fujcci.ae.

UAE legal system

The UAE's legal system is mixed, where the norms of international civil law are closely intertwined with the norms of Sharia. Moreover, in practice, the norms of Islamic law regulate not only personal relations, but also certain aspects of procedural and criminal legal relations. At the same time, Sharia norms are often applied in situations where traditional law does not directly declare certain legal relations.

On the territory of individual Emirates, their own rules of law and relevant Codes apply.

The UAE Constitution provides for the possibility of functioning of both federal and local courts. The federal judiciary includes the following institutions and institutions:

• courts of first and second instance (courts of appeal);

• courts of cassation and higher instance (Supreme Court of the Emirates).

The courts of first instance are also divided according to the branches of law. These can be Shariah, criminal or civil courts. All administrative cases and commercial disputes are within the competence of civil courts, which are usually divided according to the degree of jurisdiction, respectively:

• partial jurisdiction - a single judge hears claims for which the amount does not exceed 100 thousand dirhams;

• full jurisdiction - three judges hear claims exceeding the 100 thousand dirhams mark.

Also, the structure of civil courts may include various narrowly focused departments. For example, departments dealing with family, labor or commercial disputes.

The main controlling body in the judicial system of the Emirates is the highest instance, the Supreme Court. It is to this institution that all judicial institutions within the country are accountable. The interpretation of the rule of law and the Basic Law, disputes between the subjects of the federation, government claims and much more are in the jurisdiction of this instance. All procedural decisions made by the Supreme Court are final and not subject to appeal to other instances.

Aditionally:

Protection of intellectual property rights

UAE intellectual property legislation includes Law No. 44 of 1992 on Patents and Industrial Designs; Law No. 37 of 1992 on Trademarks; Law No. 40 of 1992 on Copyright and Related Rights. At the federal level, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Information are responsible for the implementation of these legislative acts, respectively. One of their functions is largely reduced to the collection of information from local structures for the purposes of statistics and international reporting. At the local level, the implementation of these regulatory legal acts is carried out by the Departments of Economic Development and the relevant departments of the Municipalities.

For example, in Dubai, the following structure of copyright enforcement and protection of copyright holders has been established. The Dubai Economic Development Department has established a Trade Compliance and Consumer Protection Office and an Intellectual Property Control Office. The Department of Intellectual Property Rights carries out random checks of goods, as well as checks of trade objects based on information received from interested parties, or from the Department of Trade Compliance and Consumer Protection. A systematic analysis of information received via the helpline is also carried out. In general, various mechanisms are used to obtain and verify information on the receipt of counterfeit goods at retail. All counterfeit goods detected by this department are confiscated and destroyed.

In the emirate of Abu Dhabi, similar functions are performed by the Trade Protection Office of the Abu Dhabi Economic Development Department. Information about infringement of intellectual property rights is revealed by this department independently during unscheduled inspections or as part of targeted inspections based on information received from various sources (at the request of interested parties, by telephone hotline, etc.). The counterfeit goods are confiscated and destroyed.

Alcohol trade regulation

In each of the emirates of the UAE, there are local regulations on the circulation of alcoholic beverages. For example, according to the Law of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi No. 8 of 1976 regarding alcoholic beverages, the manufacture or manufacture of any alcoholic beverages in any quantity is prohibited in the UAE. Also, any Muslim is prohibited from bringing, importing or exporting, consuming or transferring alcoholic beverages.

Non-Muslims can import, export, consume alcoholic beverages only with a special license (6 types in total). A license may be refused at the discretion of the authorities. Violation of the legislation in relation to alcoholic beverages entails administrative and criminal liability with the maximum sanction - imprisonment for up to 10 years.

Similar requirements are imposed in other emirates of the UAE.

The requirement for a special license for the purchase of alcoholic beverages excludes the possibility of organizing retail trade in alcoholic beverages via the Internet.

Alcohol distributor websites may display information on the availability of such products in retail stores (assortment, prices, etc.), however, in order to access such websites, as a rule, proof of age (over 21 years old) is required.

Useful links:

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Information on trade and economic cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of Belarus

The UAE is traditionally the main trade partner of the Republic of Belarus in the Gulf countries.

In 2020, trade with the UAE amounted to USD 110 million (an increase of 104.7 percent compared to 2019), becoming a record for the period of the Belarusian-Emirates relations. Exports amounted to US $ 89.1 million or 104.9 percent by 2019, which is also a record high. For the first time, imports reached USD 20.8 million (an increase of 105.4 percent). The balance was positive in the amount of USD 68.3 million.

Main export items:

  • specific goods;
  • trucks;
  • antioxidants / inhibitors / thickeners;
  • harness of synthetic threads;
  • synthetic fibers, unkempt;
  • furniture;
  • petroleum products.

 

Main import items:

  • petroleum products;
  • other food products;
  • propylene polymers;
  • ethylene polymers;
  • medicines.

Trade dynamics of the Republic of Belarus and the UAE (USD million)

Period

Turnover

Export

Import

Balance

2015 

29,7

25

4,7

20,3

2016 

37,9

29,4

8,5

20,8

2017 

90,4

78,8

11,6

67,2

2018 

72,1

57,9

14,2

43,7

2019 

105

85,2

19,8

65,5

2020 

110

89,1

20,9

68,2
january-july 2021  39,5 30,4 9,1 21,3
january-july2021 in % to january-july 2020 г. 95,5 99,8 83,9  

Comparison of the world imports of the UAE and the export of Belarusian goods makes it possible to identify a number of promising areas: petrochemistry, mechanical engineering, agricultural products, woodworking, electronics and equipment.

Advantages of UAE markets for Belarusian exporters:

  • the UAE economy is constantly growing due to diversification;
  • developed transport and logistics infrastructure provides unhindered access to the main markets of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, turning the UAE into a powerful re-export hub;
  • absence of income tax and income tax;
  • the most open economy in the region of the Middle East and North Africa (in the world ranking of openness, the UAE is traditionally in the top ten countries);
  • a developed banking system is sufficiently well integrated into the world one;
  • stable internal political situation;
  • the country has created comfortable living and working conditions for foreigners.

In 2020, the trade turnover amounted to USD 110 million, including Belarusian exports worth USD 89.1 million (104.9% to the level of 2019). The main export items are specific goods (US $ 50.7 million), antiknock agents (US $ 12.5 million), nitrile compounds (US $ 4.3 million), trucks (US $ 4.6 million), synthetic fiber tow (US $ 2.3 million), food (US $ 1.8 million), tires (US $ 1.5 million). Imports from the UAE amounted to US $ 20.9 million, the main items are petroleum products (US $ 4.8 million), pharmaceuticals (US $ 4.3 million), propylene polymers (US $ 3.7 million), ethylene polymers (1 , $ 8 million), plastic slabs ($ 1.2 million).

In January-July 2021, the trade turnover amounted to USD 39.5 million, including Belarusian exports worth USD 30.4 million (99.58 to January-July 2020). The main export items are synthetic threads, tow and fibers (8.6 million US dollars), antiknock agents, antioxidants, inhibitors and thickeners (6.8 million US dollars), wood pulp (1.3 million US dollars), specific goods (6 , 9 million US dollars), food products (2.5 million US dollars), motor cars (0.33 million US dollars). Imports from the UAE amounted to US $ 9.31 million, the main items are pharmaceuticals (US $ 1.8 million), propylene polymers (US $ 2 million), synthetic fiber fabrics (US $ 0.4 million), specific goods ( $ 3.4 million).

The issues of trade and economic interaction are regularly considered during the meetings of the Joint Committee for Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Government of the UAE, the fourth meeting of which was held in May 2018 in Abu Dhabi. The fifth meeting of the Joint Committee was held by videoconference in July 2020 under the chairmanship of the head of the State Military Industry Committee of Belarus D.A. Pantus. and the UAE State Minister for Foreign Affairs M. Gargash.

In May 2014, the BelCCI and the UAE CCI Federation signed a Memorandum on the establishment of the Belarusian-Emirates Business Council, the first meeting of which was held in October 2014 in Abu Dhabi, the second - in Minsk in December 2016, the third - in Minsk in September 2017

In September 2017, a Belarusian-Emirates business forum was held in Minsk, in which representatives of more than 50 Belarusian and Emirates enterprises and organizations took part. The possibilities of establishing mutually beneficial cooperation, implementing projects and creating joint ventures in the areas of construction, real estate, healthcare, agriculture, light industry, trade and others were discussed.

In April 2018, a visit of a delegation from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Belarus was organized to assess the potential of partnership with the Republic of Belarus as part of the implementation of the strategy for creating a "smart Dubai", the formation of the emirate's digital economy and the strategy for introducing artificial intelligence. Meetings of the leadership of the Dubai Chamber took place at the BelCCI and the Hi-Tech Park.

In September 2019, a delegation of the UAE business community visited Belarus to discuss the state and prospects of trade and investment cooperation in such areas as banks, agriculture, construction, energy and woodworking.

Belarus takes part in the World Expo 2020 in Dubai (October 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022) by organizing a national pavilion.

Cooperation is underway between the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus and the Khalifa Entrepreneurship Development Fund (UAE). In October 2017, a loan agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi, under which the Development Bank acts as an operator of programs for financing projects in the field of small and medium-sized businesses with the involvement of the Fund (about $ 25 million). The first tranche of the loan has been selected, the allocation of the second tranche is being worked out.

In December 2016, the Minsk City Executive Committee and the Emirati company Kopaonik (part of the Royal Group holding) signed an investment agreement for the construction of a multifunctional hotel complex in Minsk within the boundaries of M. Bogdanovich-Y. Kupala-Svisloch River ( declared investment volume - US $ 240 million). In 2017, the parties started to implement the project.

The Emirates company "Emaar Properties" plans to implement in Minsk a large-scale investment project "North Coast" for the construction of the so-called "smart city". In June 2021, a corresponding investment agreement was signed between the Minsk City Executive Committee and the Emirati company. The declared volume of investments is about 4 billion euros. Executive Director of "Emaar Properties" M. al-Abbar has visited Belarus several times. In November 2019, October 2020 and June 2021, the President of the Republic of Belarus met with M. Al-Abbar, in October 2020 and February 2021 - with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus.

Additionally:

Consulting services to support Belarusian companies in the UAE market

IQ Fulfillment

IQ Fulfillment is based in Dubai, a city and emirate on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates. It is the first robotic center in the Middle East and North Africa. The fulfillment center, launched by IQ Holding, provides a state-of-the-art solution using the latest robotics, artificial intelligence and software platforms to support the supply chain and logistics. IQ Fulfillment supports the needs of small and medium enterprises, incubators and e-commerce players, enabling them to accelerate their business growth. Using the latest technology and robotics to fully integrate with customers' online platforms, IQ Fulfillment provides execution, storage, parcel security and other services.

IQ Fulfillment has a distinct niche in the MENA region, with a particular focus on building its e-commerce ecosystem. Today, the UAE is leading the way in promoting digital technologies and supporting small and medium-sized businesses to achieve transformational growth. As the city prepares for EXPO 2020, IQ Fulfillment is meeting the market's need to support SMEs and importing businesses to build their digital businesses in the most cost-effective way.

By combining robotics and intelligent computer programs, IQ Fulfillment provides a variety of features to improve efficiency and productivity. Robotic technologies used in the Fulfillment Center help to process 12,000 orders every day, ensuring an accuracy of 99.9%, and 3 times higher than human productivity, these technologies are used by the largest international companies, for example, Ali Baba.

The IQ Fulfillment warehouse, based on the concept of "proof of concept" (POC), confirms the practical feasibility of the technology "smart warehouse" with an area of ​​45,000 square meters. ft, which is led by a team of experienced professionals of international level. Key features of IQ Fulfillment include robotic picking (pick & pack), seamless integration, end-to-end traceability of the entire process, full real-time visualization, intelligent storage, packet protection, cross-docking, quality control measures, return management and several specialized services with added value such as bundling, gift wrapping, seasonal wrapping. In other words, everything a business needs to build a thriving e-commerce business.

According to the latest study by the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) and Visa, the UAE has the most advanced e-commerce market in the MENA region, with e-commerce transactions reaching AED 59 billion this year and growing by 23% per year by 2022. This opens up ample opportunities for company growth with IQ Fulfillment, as it is the only organization to offer a full range of digital and physical infrastructure, backed by robotic technology, to support the digital ambitions of enterprises - both start-ups and established companies.

Basically, small and medium-sized businesses, importers in the UAE only need to create an application or website based on their business model, and IQ Fulfillment will support them with warehousing, order processing and delivery, bringing all aspects of logistics to the highest level of efficiency.

For more information on how we can help you grow your business in Dubai and the Middle East, our contact information is listed below:

Representative in the Republic of Belarus

Olesya Makeyonok

MCE Advisory

MCE Advisory provides consulting services in the UAE in the areas of business, banking and finance, namely:

  • company registration services;
  • opening bank accounts;
  • accounting;
  • investment management;
  • organization and restructuring of credit lines;
  • other administrative services required for the development and optimization of the business.

The company has over 25 years of experience in these areas. Throughout their careers, the company's employees have held various positions:

  • in the leading free economic zones of the UAE, registering and optimizing thousands of companies and businesses;
  • in the leading banks of the UAE, in the Departments of Credit and Risk, as well as in the departments of Corporate Client Relationships with sales volume from 40,000,000 euros to 250,000,000 euros, with a portfolio of loan funds under management of up to 1 billion euros.

We will be happy to help you develop or optimize your business in the United Arab Emirates.

We are waiting for your applications and look forward to fruitful cooperation between our companies.

Contact Information:

  • E-mail: info@mceadvisory.com;
  • Tel  +971 (4) 425 73 40, +971 (4) 455 85 56;
  • Mob  +971 (52) 535 41 76, +971 (50) 243 39 33;
  • www.mceadvisory.com

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Sights

The UAE is a country notable for its incredibly rapid development, which has turned from a completely inconspicuous desert state into one of the richest powers in the world. Each of the emirates can surprise tourists with its color, originality and beautiful landscapes. Each of the seven emirates has its own unique characteristics.

The nature of the UAE does not differ in variety, but it has a unique charm. It is a warm, clear sea, mesmerizing desert landscapes with oases and zones of "red sands", quiet "wadis" (dry mouths of rivers) and dunes of many meters, rocky peaks of the Al-Hajar mountain range, a few lakes of volcanic origin and fantastic landscapes.

In addition to the large coastal oases (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah, Al-Fujairah), as well as the Qatar at-Tarif, Ez-Zannah oases located away from it, there are also located in the interior of the mainland, among which the famous Buraimi: palm trees and houses, emerging in the middle of the bare desert, like a mirage. The ocean coastline in Fujairah is very beautiful. The most picturesque are the rocky surroundings of the Khat fortress, which is a two-hour drive from Dubai, the Al Ain oasis and the Healy oasis near Buraimi.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the greenest city in the emirates. The main sights of the city: the ancient Al-Hosn Palace (better known as the Old Fort or White Fort), the ancient burial places of Umal-Nar, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Kornichi (the shipyard where Arab boats (dhow) are made. a large stadium in the Middle East, a fish market, a camel market and a carpet market The Corniche Road is central to the city, which is a huge parkland with quirky fountains and entertainment options.

Dubai is a world renowned shopping center with a huge selection of goods at the lowest prices. Visit the Silk and Oriental Spice Souks, the History Museum, the Zoological Park and one of the largest water parks in Asia, Wonderland. Among the historical and architectural attractions are the ancient Arab buildings of the Bastakiya district, the Jumeirah Mosque, the Sheikh Said Palace, the historical village museum. One of the main attractions of Dubai and the UAE is the seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel, built in the form of a sail on an artificial island.

Sharjah is an emirate known for its oriental architecture. You should visit the largest mosque in the Middle East - King Fasal, see the palaces of the sheikhs and the Pearl Monument, which is a symbol of the federation. You can relax in nature in the desert park, where various museums are open (Natural History Museum, Botanical Museum, Center for Arabian Living Culture).

Fujairah is a modern city with spacious streets and magnificent nature. The main sights of the city: the half-ruined fort in the old city, the tower of the Trade Center, the Al-Bitiya mosque, the Al-Kheil fortress, the most eastern fort of the UAE - Al-Bitna, the market) on the border of Sharjah and Al-Fujairah, as well as three protected zones of the United Arab Emirates - the Al-Wuppaya waterfalls, the Ain Al-Madhab cades and the hot heart of the Ayn Al-Mahmouri.

Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain are small and relatively young emirates, where there are practically no historical monuments, their main attractions are natural landscapes and mesmerizing landscapes.

Another symbol of the UAE, along with the seven-star hotel, is the artificially created palm islands: Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira, which can be seen from the surface of the moon with the naked eye. On the islands you will be greeted by the best hotels and entertainment venues.

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The article was prepared on the basis of information from the National Center for Marketing and Price Study of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United Arab Emirates, as well as information from other sources. This material is not targeted at any specific audience by industry or otherwise. In this regard, the information can be useful for those who have been working in the UAE market for a long time and who are just going to come to this market. In any case, we will be grateful for your questions, feedback and suggestions for the further development of this material. All of them will be considered and, if possible, taken into account. If you have information that may be interesting and useful to visitors of this page, write to us.

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