United arab emirates Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in united arab emirates, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
Market Overview
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been the top U.S. export market in the Middle East and Africa region since 2009 and is a global hub for over 1,500 American companies doing business throughout the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The UAE has a dynamic economy, diversifying quickly as it aims to transform into a knowledge economy. The UAE’s openness to international business and strategic location as a gateway to the region create business opportunities and make the UAE an attractive market for U.S. exporters.

President Trump’s visit to the UAE in May 2025 underscored the importance of the U.S.-UAE commercial relationship and opportunities for U.S. exporters, especially in energy, aerospace, health, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. 
The UAE has a growing economy, burgeoning oil and gas revenues, over $215 billion in foreign reserves according to the UAE Central Bank, and $2.4 trillion of sovereign wealth fund assets according to Global SWF.  Real GDP grew 4% in 2024 and is projected to grow 4.4% in 2025 and 5.4% in 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund.
The UAE federal administration and emirate-level governments invest heavily in economic diversification and growth. While the UAE remains dependent on oil and gas for much of its revenue, the UAE has the resources to navigate the volatility of the oil market and other challenges, without the structural liabilities of its neighbors. The UAE aims to expand its role as a major regional and global trade hub.

The UAE is home to world-class trade events. Visiting or exhibiting at a trade event can be a great way to learn about and expand in the UAE and the region. Top trade events include these events in strategic industry sectors, and more information can be found in the leading sector chapters.

  • GITEX (information technology), Dubai, October 13-17, 2025.
  • ADIPEC (energy, oil and gas), Abu Dhabi, November 3-6, 2025.
  • Dubai Airshow (aerospace), Dubai, November 17-21, 2025.
  • World Health Expo (formerly Arab Health), Dubai, February 9-12, 2026.
  • IDEX (defense), Abu Dhabi, January 25-27, 2027.

While the UAE presents many opportunities for U.S. companies in the long term, the UAE market’s structural and regulatory challenges require preparation and foresight. Due diligence is highly recommended, as it is when doing business in any international market, and it is important to be wary of scams and fraud – the Embassy receives frequent inquiries from U.S. companies solicited by alleged UAE investors and buyers that turn out to be scams.

To summarize, the UAE offers an attractive long-term market due to its ambitious vision and significant sovereign wealth. The U.S. Commercial Service team of experienced commercial specialists in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are ready to assist U.S. companies in entering and expanding in this market.