The Economy of the UAE
Dubai: A Trade and Services Model
With little oil, Dubai built its economy on ports, airlines, free zones, tourism and real estate.
A city that chose trade.
Ports
Jebel Ali port, opened in 1979, is one of the world’s busiest, with an adjacent free zone.
Free zones
Foreign firms can be fully owned and pay little or no tax in special zones.
Re-exports
Goods arrive from one country and are shipped on to others, including gold, electronics and textiles.
Location
A time zone and geography between Asia, Africa and Europe help.
A re-export
A container of electronics from China stops in Dubai and is sent on to East Africa.
Assuming Dubai is only about skyscrapers
Logistics and trade underpin it.
Key takeaways
- Jebel Ali is a major port.
- Free zones attract firms.
- Re-exports are key.
- Location helps.
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