Jenny Hunt
- 3 min read

Find out about expanding your business to Abu Dhabi at Going Global, 14-15 November

29th October 2018

If you are looking beyond Europe and beyond Brexit, then Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates could be the ideal location for your expansion. The UAE is the UK’s fourth largest export market outside the EU. The UK exported £9.8 billion of goods and services in 2016. This was a 37% increase since 2009. 5,000 British companies operate in the UAE, including BP, Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, Mott McDonald and Waitrose.

With plenty of opportunities and a new economic stimulus of AED50 billion (Approx. £10.5 billion) to attract Foreign Direct Investment, now is the time to invest in Abu Dhabi.

Why expand to Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the largest of the seven Emirates.
With 365 days of sunshine, Abu Dhabi boasts a diverse environment of 400km of coastline, 200 islands, desert and mountains.It is the safest city in the world (Numbeo's Crime Index 2018 Mid Year)
Strategically located where East meets West.100 capital cities are within six hours reach by air.
1/3 of the global population is within four hours reach of the UAE.
It's politically and financially stable with an Aa2 Stable Moody's rating and a AA/A-1+ S&P rating (May 2018).
It boasts fantastic, modern infrastructure comprising a quality road network, new ports, modern airports, rail network (Al Dahfra) and a Hyperloop (planned). It also has modern business centres, malls, state of the art commercial buildings, free zones and industrial zones.

Doing business in Abu Dhabi

To be legally compliant, companies doing business in Abu Dhabi need to have a business license (commonly referred to as either a commercial license or a trade license). There are various ways to set up a company and the requirements vary depending upon the activities of the business. It is also important to consider who your anticipated clients will be to ensure that you set up in the right jurisdiction, e.g. there is no point in setting up in a free zone to take advantage of it being 100% tax free and 0% import duty if you intend to supply your goods or services to the government of Abu Dhabi. In that instance, you will require an onshore license and need to engage with a local partner (sponsor or service agent).

Gateway Group helps great companies to setup and succeed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Gateway Group are experts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai company formation. We use our on the ground knowledge and experience, as well as our large network of connections to help companies with their market entry. We have a proven track record of speedy, hassle free business setups for government entities, royal family, multinationals and SMEs. To find out how Gateway could help your company to set up in the UAE, Visit us on Stand 219 at Going Global.

Gateway Group's CEO, Jenny Hunt, who is ranked in Forbes' Top 100 Most Influential Women in the Middle East, will be speaking at Going Global. Her seminar topic is 'Setting up in Abu Dhabi - Getting it Right First Time'. Don't miss the opportunity to hear her speak about her insights into setting up in Abu Dhabi with lots of tips and advice in Seminar Theatre 11 on Wednesday 14th November at 13:15 - 13:45.

What is Going Global?

Going Global Live is the number one show in Europe for businesses that are looking to expand internationally, export products or set up overseas operations. It provides businesses with everything they need to know about trading in some of the world’s most lucrative cities, countries and regions. It brings the most forward-thinking minds on doing business abroad under one roof.