A Director supplement<strong>Dubai—driven</strong> <strong>by</strong> <strong>business</strong>In association with the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)ContentsLand of opportunity3 ForewordBaerbel Kirchner, director UKand Ireland, DTCM explainswhy Dubai is the centre for<strong>business</strong> in the Middle East4 HistoryThe City of Merchants haslong been a regional tradinghub in the Middle East, buttoday Dubai also offersopportunities for forwardthinkinginternational firms6 CommentProperty in Dubai may still bethe main draw for investors,but entrepreneurs andcorporates are also attracted<strong>by</strong> other burgeoning sectors,says the Dubai Chamber ofCommerce and Industry8 EntrepreneurshipDubai’s free zones havehelped build its reputation asa diverse and dynamiclocation. Three UK <strong>business</strong>esexplain what it’s like tooperate from within12 RelocatingAll your questions answeredin our guide to moving youroperations and family to Dubai14 Trade and investmentAn insight into the best wayto develop trade links withDubai; the most promisingsectors; and the worthwhiletrade missionsManaging EditorAmy DuffWriterRobert FlemmingSub-editorAlex GriffithsArt DirectorJohn PoilePicture EditorJane MossClient Sales ManagerFiona O’MahonyProduction ManagerLisa RobertsonProduction ControllerJim CampbellPublishing DirectorTom NashGroup EditorJoanna HigginsDeputy EditorRichard CreeChief Operating OfficerAndrew Main WilsonPublished <strong>by</strong> DirectorPublications Ltd for theInstitute of Directors, 116 PallMall, London, SW1Y 5ED.Opinions expressed do notnecessarily reflect IoD policy.The IoD accepts noresponsibility for viewsexpressed <strong>by</strong> contributors.Editorialdirector-ed@iod.com020 7766 8950Advertisingdirector-ads@iod.com020 7766 8900Productionproduction@iod.com020 7766 8960Printed <strong>by</strong> St Ives Roche. Mailed<strong>by</strong> Priority Newstrade & MailingPaper supplied <strong>by</strong> McNaughtonPublishing Papers Ltd.ISSN 0012-3242Investors,entrepreneurs andcorporations areincreasingly drawn toDubai <strong>by</strong> its pioneeringspirit and enterprisingclimate saysBaerbel Kirchner“Dubai is a world-class<strong>business</strong> and tourism destination. Itboasts a strong and diverse economy,with booming tourism andprogressive, forward-thinkingcommercial centres across all sectorsof the economy, making it theultimate place to visit and invest.Drawing the attention of a globalaudience, the emirate continues tocreate iconic developments andpioneer new experiences, setting itapart from its competitors.Dubai’s liberal but well-regulatedcompetitive environment andentrepreneurial free zones have madea major contribution to thesuccessful growth anddiversification of the emirate’seconomy in recent years. Arange of free zones are alreadyestablished, and more are in thepipeline. Dubai is now home toa well-balanced and diversifiedeconomy, setting it on target to be aglobal market leader awash withopportunities second to none in theregion for UK and Irish <strong>business</strong>es. Asa result, ever more internationalcompanies are recognising Dubai as anideal location for developing their<strong>business</strong> in the Middle East.Dubai’s links with Britain havealways been strong and this isillustrated <strong>by</strong> the fact that the UKcontinues to lead as the main sourcemarket for Dubai with a total of687,000 visitors in 2006, constitutingmore than 10 per cent of the globalmarket to the emirate.In addition, figures from UK Trade& Investment show that Dubai isnow the UK’s 10th largest exportmarket globally, up from 17th placein 2004, further highlighting thestrong links between the twodestinations. Meanwhile, Ireland isincreasing its visitors to Dubai everyyear including an 105 per centgrowth to 45,245 in 2006 comparedto the previous year.An oasis of political stability, Dubaiis strategically located midwaybetween the east and the west,providing an excellent base forcommercial operations. The emirate’sunrivalled combination of incentives,services and progressive infrastructure“Dubai’s free zones havemade a major contribution tothe successful growth of theemirate’s economy”offers investors and <strong>business</strong>es stateof-the-artfacilities that are consideredamong the best in the world, withthe most modern telecoms andinternet links, ports, roads andairports in the region.Dubai’s success is linked to its abilityto diversify, innovate and inspire. Thisspirit is embodied <strong>by</strong> thedetermination with which Dubai hasidentified significant areas of growth,retaining and enhancing its reputationas one of the world’s leadingdestinations today and for the future.Baerbel Kirchner director, UK andIreland, Government of Dubai,Department of Tourism andCommerce MarketingDIRECTOR <strong>Dubai—driven</strong> <strong>by</strong> <strong>business</strong> September 2007 DIRECTOR