GUIDE TO DOING BUSINESS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - CANADA-UAE BUSINESS COUNCIL - Canada ...
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CANADA-UAE BUSINESS COUNCIL
GUIDE TO DOING
BUSINESS IN THE
UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES
1ST EDITION
This document offers an overview of each
federal government’s strategies and initiatives,
key organizations, main women’s events & key people.
This Canada-UAE Business Council Guide to Doing Business in the United Arab Emirates is intended to educate Canadians interested in conducting business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Guide gives an overview of the UAE—its government structure, demographics, and economy. It presents considerations for business, including reasons to do business in the UAE, business etiquette, establishing a business, labour laws, and taxation. It also incorporates a section on Canada-UAE commercial relations to provide context for the broader bilateral business relationship. This Guide is not an exhaustive resource on every aspect of doing business in the UAE and, therefore, should only be used as a starting point for Canadian businesses exploring potential opportunities in the UAE. It is not a substitute for specific business or legal advice. Section 12 provides a list of organizations in both the UAE and Canada that can be contacted for further information and assistance. This Guide was inspired by the US-UAE Business Council Guide to Doing Business in the United Arab Emirates designed for American businesses. The Canada-UAE Business Council (CUBC) developed this Guide after reviewing dozens of other similar guides published by various trade and investment entities and law offices active in the UAE. These tools are listed in the Sources section. The CUBC has made every effort to provide information that is accurate and current. Feedback is welcome. This Guide is updated on a regular basis. Please visit the Resources page of the CUBC’s website (www.canadauaebusiness.org) for other resources such as sector profiles, studies, and market intelligence reports. Published by the Canada-UAE Business Council Head Office: 161 Bay Street, Suite 2700 TD Canada Trust Tower Toronto, ON M5J 2S1 © Canada-UAE Business Council. All rights reserved 2019.
UAE
FACT SHEET
FOUNDED
1971
FOUNDER/1ST PRESIDENT RELIGION
HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH ZAYED OFFICIALLY ISLAM;
BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN OTHER RELIGIONS PRACTICED
POLITICAL SYSTEM LANGUAGE
CONSTITUTIONAL FEDERATION OFFICIALLY ARABIC;
(THE MONARCH OF ABU DHABI IS THE HEAD OF STATE)
ENGLISH IS WIDELY SPOKEN
FEDERATION GDP
SEVEN EMIRATES AED 1.4 TRILLION (C$495 BILLION)
(ABU DHABI, DUBAI, SHARJAH, RAS AL KHAIMAH,
FUJAIRAH, UMM AL QUWAIN, AND AJMAN)
GDP PER CAPITA
CAPITAL CITY AED 151,000 (C$53,391)
ABU DHABI
TRADE (AS % OF GDP)
GEOGRAPHIC AREA 93.8%
84,000 SQUARE KM
CURRENCY
POPULATION UAE DIRHAM
EST. 9.4 MILLION (2017) (OFFICIALLY ABBREVIATED “AED”, “DH” OR “DHS”);
THE DIRHAM IS PEGGED TO THE US DOLLAR;
1 DIRHAM = 0.27 US DOLLARS
EMIRATI NATIONALS
EST. 11% AVERAGE TEMP.
19°C (JANUARY)
WORKFORCE: TO 36°C (AUGUST)
6,330,540 PEOPLE (2016)
CONTENTS
Section 1 — About the Gender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Canada-UAE Business Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Section 2 — President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5.6 Culture & History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.7 World Expo 2020 Dubai UAE . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Section 3 — Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 6 — Canada-UAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Section 4 — Why Do Business in the UAE? . . . . . 12
6.1 Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Section 5 — About the UAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 6.2 Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.1 Beginnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 6.3 Agreements & Announcements . . . . . . . . . 43
5.2 Seven Emirates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 6.4 Successes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5.3 Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 6.5 Key Sectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
5.4 Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 6.6 Visiting Entry Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Top Sectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.7 Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Section 7 — Business Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.1 Language of Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.5 Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.2 Meeting & Greeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.3 Attire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Religion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 7.4 Gender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 7.5 Working Hours & Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3
Section 8 — Establishing a Business . . . . . . . . . 56 10.3 Customs Duty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
8.1 Mainland or Onshore Company . . . . . . . . . 58 10.4 Other Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
8.2 Free Zone Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Section 11 — Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
8.3 Offshore Company or
Commercial Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Section 12 — Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Section 9 — Labour Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Section 13 — Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
9.1 Emiratisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 13.1 Business Structures
Comparison Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
9.2 Visas for Foreign Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
13.2 List of UAE Free Zones
Section 10 — Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 & Designated Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
10.1 Corporate Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 13.3 Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
10.2 Value-Added Tax (VAT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 13.4 Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
SECTION 1 ABOUT THE CANADA-UAE BUSINESS COUNCIL 4
5
OUR VISION
is to achieve the shared goal of
The CUBC is the premier business-led enhancing economic prosperity
for both countries.
organization facilitating greater trade
and investment between Canada and
OUR ROLE
the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In
is to provide value to our members
2013, the foreign ministers of Canada by leveraging our high-level
and the UAE announced the Canada- networks; and, to advance the
bilateral relationship by serving
UAE Strategic Agenda to strengthen
as a meeting point for the private
and energize the bilateral relationship. and public sectors to strategically
The Agenda had three pillars: diversify and grow trade and
investment.
Prosperity, Security, and Development.
The CUBC was formally established OUR MISSION
in 2016 as one of the strategic
is to facilitate long-term
recommendations that resulted from relationships and strategic
18 months of deliberations between initiatives that will improve overall
bilateral market-accessibility and
business leaders from Canada and the will increase diverse trade and
UAE to support the Prosperity pillar. investment opportunities.
LEADERSHIP
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD MEMBERS
The Honourable Jean Charest Khalifa Al Mansouri
CUBC Co-Chair CEO, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Fatima Al Jaber
Musabbeh Al Kaabi Chief Operating Officer, Al Jaber Group
CUBC Co-Chair
Otaiba Al Otaiba
CEO Petroleum & Petrochemicals,
Chairman, Al Otaiba Group
Mubadala Investment Company
Anuj Ranjan
Omar Alhashmi
Managing Partner, Private Equity, Middle
CUBC Vice Chair
East and South Asia, Brookfield Asset
Executive Director Asset
Management Inc.
Management, Abu Dhabi
Power Corporation Omar Al Muhairi
Director, Government Affairs, DP World
Jody Becker
CUBC Vice Chair Jody Becker
Senior VP Emerging Markets and CUBC Vice Chair and Senior VP, Emerging
Chief Strategy Officer, EllisDon Markets and Chief Strategy Officer,
EllisDon
Jefferey Graham
CUBC Secretary Essa Al Ghurair
Senior VP, SkyPower Global Chairman, Essa Al Ghurair Investment LLC
Aziz Shariff Ahmed Al Qubaisi
CUBC Finance Chair Senior VP, Government Relations,
Chairman, Trimark Capital Group Etihad Airways
Mustafa Sahin Joe Lombard
CUBC President and Global Managing Director, Metals, Hatch
Executive Director
6
7
The Honourable Jean Charest Jefferey Graham
CUBC Co-Chair and Partner, CUBC Secretary and Senior VP,
McCarthy Tétrault LLP SkyPower Global
Musabbeh Al Kaabi Graham Richardson
CUBC Co-Chair and CEO Petroleum President, TAQA North Ltd.
& Petrochemicals, Mubadala
Saeed Al Darei
Investment Company
Executive VP Government Affairs and
Omar Alhashmi Corporate, TAQA Global
CUBC Vice Chair and Executive Director,
Drew MacIntyre
Asset Management, Abu Dhabi
Vice Chair, Head – Global Energy, Power
Power Corporation
& Utilities Group, TD Securities Inc.
Kerry Adler
John Prato
Founder, President and CEO,
Deputy Chair and Executive Managing Director,
SkyPower Global
TD Securities Inc.
Aziz Shariff
CUBC Finance Chair and Chairman,
Trimark Capital Group
SECTION 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 8
This Guide to Doing Business in the United Arab
Emirates is for Canadian businesses and
organizations of any size operating in any sector.
Readers will learn more about a remarkable
country where Canadians are already thriving
and where there is great potential for others to
also succeed. The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
is a market full of opportunities for Canadian
goods, services, investments, and expertise.
The Canada-UAE Business Council (CUBC)
has developed this booklet as an overview for
Canadians interested in the UAE. The Guide
is part of a suite of business resources that I’d like
the CUBC has created with input from our to extend a special
stakeholders in both countries. I encourage you thank you to the embassies and
to access those resources on our website to consulate generals for their leadership and
continue to learn more about the Canada-UAE contribution to bilateral economic relations.
relationship and the potential for your business.
This is a particularly opportune time for
As the global economy continues to shift and Canadians to consider doing business in the
respond to new forces and challenges affecting UAE. Never before has Canada placed as
growth, Canada and the UAE are uniquely aligned much emphasis on trade diversification. The
as innovative, open, and forward-thinking nations Government of Canada’s goal is to increase
looking to meet these challenges head on. exports by 50 per cent by 2025, and many
Looking to the future, there are common focuses programs are focused on Canadian businesses,
in the two countries: diversifying international including small and medium-sized enterprises,
trade, major infrastructure investments, accessing new markets. The UAE is a priority
attracting talent, unlocking innovation, and market for Canada; in 2018 alone, several new
enabling diversification and participation in key agreements between Canada and the UAE were
sectors, particularly for women. At the CUBC, signed to make doing business between the two
we see the vast potential for further cooperation, countries even smoother.
and we have the honour of working within a great
ecosystem of supports for Canadian businesses. I hope you find this Guide useful.
I am grateful to have esteemed and committed Sincerely,
members guiding and participating in the
CUBC. Our exemplary executive committee, and
other passionate volunteers, work alongside
our dedicated CUBC staff to identify, promote, Mustafa Sahin
and facilitate opportunities. Furthermore, our President and CEO
partners in Canada and the UAE are pillars of Canada-UAE Business Council
the relationship and as such deserve recognition. canadauaebusiness.org
9SECTION 3 INTRODUCTION 10
11
On the surface, Canada and the UAE seem quite Canadian business leaders that experience the
different. However, they share many similarities. UAE immediately see the potential there for their
Both countries have federal structures, both were businesses and investments to grow. It helps that
founded on natural resources and multicultural the UAE is ranked one of the friendliest places
societies, and both are strategically located close to do business in the world. English is widely
to major global markets. They have similar open spoken in the UAE, policies and low taxes make it
outlooks on tolerance, women’s empowerment, attractive to establish a business there, and the
and trade and investment. This Guide highlights lifestyle is familiar for western professionals.
some of these similarities as areas of shared
Nevertheless, awareness and understanding of
economic opportunity. The CUBC’s Bilateral
the UAE remain low across Canada. The CUBC
Economic Story: United Arab Emirates and Canada
is actively working to educate Canadians and
goes into more detail and is another useful
promote opportunities in the UAE. Contrary
resource to download from our website.
to Canadian opinion, the UAE has a diversified
This Guide is about the UAE and doing business economy and is a place where women enjoy high
there as a Canadian company. The UAE has education and equal rights. Indeed, not only are
consistently been Canada’s top trading partner women’s rights enshrined in the constitution, but
in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) two-thirds of government employees are women,
region and is a growing source of foreign direct and 50 per cent of corporate board members
investment (FDI). There are more than 40,000 must be women. The UAE also ranks number one
Canadians living in the UAE and over 150 Canadian in the world for women’s literacy, with more than
brands are represented. Canadian businesses are 70 per cent of university graduates being women.
thriving in the country, even serving other markets
2018 was a pivotal year in Canada-UAE relations
in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states1 and
that further opened the door for increased trade
beyond. The UAE is a strategic global hub; it is
and investment. The governments added more
a transportation and logistics superpower that
direct flights, agreed to further cooperation,
provides access for Canadian companies to more
finalized protections for investments, and much
than 3 billion potential customers with a combined
more. Canadian CUBC members are benefiting
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$ 6.5 trillion
from their business interests in the UAE and
(C$8.7 trillion).
other Canadian businesses can, too. Contact the
Expatriates make up the majority of the population CUBC or any one of the organizations listed in
of the UAE. They live and work alongside UAE this Guide for more information on how to conduct
Nationals or Emiratis, who are the current and business in the UAE.
future leaders of the country. The UAE enjoys
political stability and is ranked among the safest
countries in the world. It is a global economic
leader where innovation and visionary strategies
are harnessing the skills and energy of a youthful
and highly educated Emirati population.
1 The GCC is a political and economic alliance of six countries: Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.SECTION 4 WHY DO BUSINESS IN THE UAE? 12
13
• Access to a regional population of 3.2 billion • Familiar Western brands, amenities, lifestyle,
people with a collective GDP of more than and nightlife
US$6.5 trillion (C$8.7 trillion)
• English is widely spoken
• A strategic global hub for transportation and
• Multicultural and tolerant society
logistics
• Low taxation and low customs tariffs
• One-third of the world’s population lives
within a four-hour flight and two-thirds within • Laws to protect foreign capital
an eight-hour flight • Various business set-up options, including
• Two world-class airlines: Emirates Airlines more than 45 free zones
(Dubai) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) • Highly educated and young population
• Busiest airport in the world for international • Women’s rights are enshrined in the
travelers constitution and women’s empowerment is a
• Largest airport in the world under priority
construction • Hosting World Expo 2020 Dubai (October
• Largest maritime port in the Middle East and 2020 to April 2021): the largest event ever
the 8th largest in the world held in the Arab world and the first World’s
Fair in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia
• Modern infrastructure, ranked best in the
world • Visionary leadership focused on bringing
together innovation and technology from
• Some of the top conferences and trade shows
around the world to solve challenging
in the world in sectors such as agriculture
problems facing the country and humanity
and agri-food, oil and gas, defense,
aerospace, health, real estate, construction, • A supportive environment in Canada and the
and retail UAE of economic development organizations
and experts to help
• 1st in the MENA region for ease of doing
business; 11th in the world • Large Canadian expat community (40,000)
and already 150+ brands represented
• 1st in the MENA region for innovation; 38th in
the world • Canada’s brand and image are strong
• Ranked consistently as one of the safest
places in the world
• Least corrupt country in the MENA region
• Stable government and healthy relations with
the rest of the world
• Stable currency
• 1st in the Arab region for happiness; 21st in the
worldSECTION 5 ABOUT THE UAE 14
15 5.1 BEGINNINGS In the early 19th century, the region now known as the UAE was a collection of independent coastal and desert settlements. The General Maritime Treaty of 1820 between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the sheikhs or rulers of these settlements was the first of a series of agreements that would bring the emirates together. Under the General Maritime Treaty of 1820 and the agreement that followed, the Perpetual Maritime Truce of 1853, the sheikhs had to ensure peace at sea and refrain from building large ships and fortifications along the coast. Under these treaties and truces, the emirates would come to be known collectively as the Trucial States. In 1892 the Trucial States entered into the Exclusive Agreement with Britain in which they could not form any formal relationships with any other foreign government without the consent of the United Kingdom. In return, the Trucial States became protectorates of Britain. This agreement ended in 1968, when Britain declared it would withdraw from the Gulf by the end of 1971. His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan formed the UAE on December 2nd, 1971 as a federation between six emirates, with the seventh joining in February 1972. The seven emirates in the UAE include: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ajman. Abu Dhabi city is the federal capital of the UAE.
16
HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH Z AYED
BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN
Known as the Father of the Nation for his
role in forming the United Arab Emirates,
the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
was the first President of the UAE. He
served this position from the formation of
the UAE on December 2nd, 1971 until he
passed away in 2004. He also served as
the Ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi from
1966 to 2004.
Sheikh Zayed is revered in the UAE and
was considered a man of the people. He
worked to ensure unity among the emirates
and brought the UAE’s economy into the
20th century. He also laid the foundation for
the UAE as an open and tolerant society.
His balanced approach to foreign policy
and his reputation for philanthropy are
known globally. Sheikh Zayed’s enduring
legacy is memorialized in the principles
and philosophy that he brought to the UAE The real wealth is
government and in the world-famous
Sheikh Zayed Mosque. hard work that benefits
UAE leaders named 2018 The Year of Zayed the person and the
to commemorate the anniversary of the community. It is
leader’s 100th Birthday. The Year of Zayed
featured a series of events and initiatives
immortal and eternal,
in the UAE and internationally to promote and forms the value of
Sheikh Zayed’s values.
the human and
Sheikh Zayed’s portrait can be seen
the nation.
throughout the UAE on billboards and
inside of buildings.
HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH ZAYED
zayed.ae BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN,17
5.2 SEVEN EMIRATES
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates. Each of these emirates has different strategic
industries, based on their location, their resources, and their workforce expertise.
ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate in the UAE,
occupying 84 per cent of the national landmass
Population: Est. 2.9 million (2016) territory. In 2016, the estimated population of Abu
Dhabi was 2.91 million. Out of the total population
GDP:
AED 785.6 billion (2017) approximately 19 per cent were UAE nationals
(C$275 billion) and 81 per cent were expatriates.
% UAE’s GDP: 55.3% Abu Dhabi houses the federal government and
is also the oil and gas hub of the UAE, with
Key Industries: Oil & Gas; Business & 95 per cent of the UAE’s proven oil reserves.
Professional/Technical The emirate is making key strides towards
Services; Healthcare & diversifying its economy away from oil reliance
Life Science; Aerospace with sector development focused on areas such
& Defense. as life science, healthcare, aerospace, defense,
and education.18
DUBAI SHARJAH
Population: Est. 3.2 million (2018) Population: Est. 1.4 million (2015)
GDP: AED 389.4 billion (2017) GDP:
AED 92.7 billion (2017)
(C$141 billion) (C$34 billion)
% UAE’s GDP: 27.4% % UAE’s GDP: 6.5%
Key Industries: Business & Professional/ Key Industries: Manufacturing; Mining;
Technical Services; Arts & Culture.
Finance; Tourism; Trade.
Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the UAE,
Dubai is the second largest emirate in the occupying 3.3 per cent of the total area of the
UAE, occupying approximately 5 per cent of the national landmass territory (without islands).
national landmass territory (without islands). In
The emirate is the UAE’s industrial and
2018, the estimated population of Dubai was 3.2
manufacturing centre. It is also known for its
million. Out of the total population approximately
emphasis on education, arts, and culture as
8.2 per cent were UAE nationals and 91.8 per cent
confirmed by its 1998 UNESCO designation as the
were expatriates.
Cultural Capital of the Arab World and Capital of
The most internationally recognized emirate, Islamic Culture 2014.
Dubai is the commercial centre of the UAE,
with its economy built on finance, tourism, and
shipping and trade.19
R A S AL KHAIMAH A JMAN
Population: Est. 345,000 (2015) Population: Est. 504,850 (2017)
GDP:
AED 28.4 billion (2015) GDP:
AED 17.2 billion (2014)
(C$10 billion) (C$6.2 billion)
% UAE’s GDP: 2% % UAE’s GDP: 1.2%
Key Industries: Manufacturing; Key Industries: Manufacturing;
Agriculture; Tourism. Construction; Real Estate.
Ras Al Khaimah is the fourth largest emirate in Ajman is the smallest emirate in the UAE,
the UAE, occupying 3.2 per cent of the total area occupying 0.3 per cent of the total area of the
of the national landmass territory. national landmass territory (without islands).
The emirate’s economy is primarily driven by The emirate’s economy is quite diversified with
industrial activities, including cement production manufacturing and construction being two of
and pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well its top sectors. The emirate has become an
as agriculture. The emirate is now focused on attractive place for investment since it offers 100
growing itself as a tourism hub. per cent freehold ownership of real estate to non-
Emiratis.20
FUJAIR AH UMM AL QUWAIN
Population: Est. 236,800 (2017) Population: Est. 49,150 (2005)
GDP:
AED 15.4 billion (2017) GDP: N/A
(C$5.6 billion)
% UAE’s GDP: N/A
% UAE’s GDP: 1.1%
Key Industries: Fishing; Poultry; Tourism.
Key Industries: Shipping & Bunkering;
Agriculture; Fishing. Umm Al Quwain is the second smallest emirate
in the UAE, occupying 1 per cent of the total area
Fujairah is the third smallest emirate in the UAE, of the national landmass territory.
occupying 2.7 per cent of the total area of the
national landmass territory. The emirate’s economy is primarily built on
fishing, but is also growing in its touristic
The emirate is a major shipping, ship service, and
importance, having some of the best beaches and
bunkering location due to its position on the Gulf
attractions in the UAE.
of Oman and its access to the Indian Ocean. In
addition to its port industry, much of the emirate’s
economy is based on agriculture and fishing.21
5.3 GOVERNMENT
The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates, each with its
own hereditary monarch as its ruler. The government of the UAE works at three levels:
federal, emirate, and municipal. The federal government structure comprises five bodies:
Federal Supreme Council, President, Cabinet or Council of Ministers, Federal National
Council, and Federal Judiciary.
1 — THE FEDER AL SUPREME • His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al
COUNCIL Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain
The Federal Supreme Council or Supreme • His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al
Council is the highest constitutional authority in Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman
the United Arab Emirates. It is also the highest
legislative and executive authority that develops 2 — PRESIDENT
general policies and approves various federal
legislations. The President and Vice President are both elected
from the Supreme Council’s membership for
The Supreme Council consists of the rulers of renewable five-year terms. Since confederation,
all seven emirates or of their substitutes. Each the Ruler of Abu Dhabi has been President and
emirate has a single vote in the deliberations of the Ruler of Dubai has been Vice President.
the Council.
3 — CABINET OR COUNCIL
The Supreme Council includes:
OF MINISTERS
• His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
The Cabinet or Council of Ministers is the
Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE
executive branch of the UAE. It executes all
• His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin internal and external affairs of the federation as
Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice per the provisions of the UAE Constitution and
President and Prime Minister of the UAE federal laws.
• His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed
Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah The Cabinet consists of:
• His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, • the Prime Minister
Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah • two Deputy Prime Ministers
• His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed • the Ministers of the UAE
Al Sharqi, Ruler of Al Fujairah
• a General Secretariat22
The Cabinet is led by the Prime Minister 13. Minister of Energy and Industry — Suhail bin
who chooses the members from among Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui
representatives of the seven emirates.
14. Minister of Education — Hussain bin Ibrahim
The membership of the Cabinet is
Al Hammadi
then ratified by the President.
15. Minister of Infrastructure Development — Dr.
As of 2017, there are 31 Cabinet Ministers,
Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi
9 of whom are women.
16. Minister of Justice — Sultan bin Saeed Al
1. Prime Minister and Minister of Defence —
Badi
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
17. Minister of State for Defence Affairs —
2. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi
Interior — Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan
18. Minister of Culture and Knowledge
3. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Development — Noura bint Mohammed Al
Presidential Affairs — Sheikh Mansour bin
Kaabi
Zayed Al Nahyan
19. Minister of Climate Change and Environment
4. Minister of Finance — Sheikh Hamdan bin
— Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
Rashid Al Maktoum
20. Minister of Human Resources and
5. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International
Emiratisation — Nasser Thani Al Hameli
Cooperation — Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al
Nahyan 21. Minister of Community Development —
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid
6. Minister of Tolerance — Sheikh Nahyan bin
Mubarak Al Nahyan 22. Minister of State for General Education —
Jameela bint Salem Al Muhairi
7. Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Future —
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi 23. Minister of State for Higher Education and
Advanced Skills and Chair of the Federal
8. Minister of Economy — Sultan bin Saeed Al
Authority for Human Resources — Dr. Ahmad
Mansouri
bin Abdulla Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi
9. Minister of Health and Prevention and
24. Minister of State — Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed
Minister of State for Federal National Council
Sultan Al Jaber
Affairs — Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed
bin Nasser Al Owais 25. Minister of State — Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al
Shamsi
10. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs — Dr.
Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash 26. Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing
— Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi
11. Minister of State for Financial Affairs — Obaid
bin Humaid Al Tayer 27. Minister of State for Youth Affairs — Shamma
bint Sohail Faris Al Mazrui
12. Minister of State for International Cooperation
— Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy 28. Minister of State — Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh23
29. Minister of State for Future Food Security
— Maryam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al
Mehairi
30. Minister of State for Advanced Sciences —
Sara bint Yousuf Al Amiri
31. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence —
Omar Sultan Al Olama
32. Abdullah Mohammad bin Touq is the
Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet.
4 — THE FEDER AL NATIONAL
COUNCIL
The Federal National Council (FNC) is the
consultative council and parliamentary body of
the UAE. It examines proposed new legislation
and provides advice to the Cabinet, as required. 5 — THE FEDER AL JUDICIARY
The FNC is empowered to call and question
The Federal Judiciary includes the Federal
ministers regarding their own performance,
Supreme Court, Federal Courts, and Public
providing an additional degree of accountability
Prosecution. The Federal Supreme Court is
to the system. Half of the FNC members are
the highest judicial authority in the UAE. The
indirectly elected while the other half are
Supreme Court decides on the constitutionality
nominated by the ruler of each Emirate.
of federal laws and arbitrates on inter-emirate
The Federal National Council has 40 members, disputes between the Federal Government and
with the number of seats being assigned the emirates. The Supreme Court consists of five
proportionately to each Emirate’s population. judges appointed by the Supreme Council.24
5.4 ECONOMY
TOP SECTORS UAE as it sets short and long-term targets and
embraces technology and innovation to reach
The UAE’s four top sectors are: oil and gas,
those targets.
wholesale and retail trade, finance, and
construction. Almost two-thirds of the country’s
gross domestic product (GDP) is derived from Wholesale and Retail Trade:
industries other than oil and gas, and measures The second largest sector in the UAE is
are in place to increase this amount. Already an wholesale and retail trade. Building on its
internationally recognized centre for business, strategic location between Asia, Europe, and
finance, tourism and trade, the UAE has now Africa, the UAE has evolved into a global trade
set its sights on becoming a world leader in and logistics hub through major investments
innovation across various sectors including in port and airport infrastructure. This position
renewable energy, transportation, education, is further enhanced through the development
health, technology, water, and space. Developing of the UAE’s various free zones, which exempt
a ‘competitive knowledge economy’ is also one international companies from customs duties on
of the six pillars of the UAE’s National Agenda in imports and re-exports and provide exemptions
line with Vision 2021. These pillars are: from corporate taxes. The UAE also has a
1. World-Class Healthcare; strong consumer base that drives the local retail
trade, boosted by high salaries and a robust
2. Competitive Knowledge Economy;
shopping culture. In 2016 consumer expenditure
3. Safe Public and Fair Judiciary; per household was highest in the UAE when
4. Cohesive Society and Preserved Family; compared to all other GCC countries.
5. First-Rate Education System;
Finance:
6. Sustainable Environment and Infrastructure.
The UAE’s large amount of wealth and its
Oil and Gas: investments (in and out) contributes greatly to the
country’s finance and insurance sector, which is
The UAE is an energy powerhouse, having the
the third largest by GDP value. The UAE has built
seventh largest proven reserves of oil and
up strong financial reserves and has some of the
seventh largest proven reserves of natural gas
largest sovereign wealth funds in the world. The
in the world. The UAE produces approximately 3
country is a consistent spender on public projects
million barrels per day. Most of the oil and gas
and invests heavily in assets across the globe.
activity (94%) in the country is in Abu Dhabi. In
As a hub for international business, the UAE also
1980, 79 per cent of the UAE’s GDP came from oil
attracts high levels of investment from foreign
and gas, that figure is now down to 30 per cent.
entities; the country attracted approximately
Diversification within the oil and gas sector and
US$10.4 billion (C$13.5 billion) of foreign direct
diversification among sectors is a focus for the
investment in 2017.25
Construction: a customs union, with a common tariff of 5 per
cent imposed on all imports coming from outside
Construction is the fourth largest sector in
the GCC to any GCC state. Additionally, the GCC
the UAE. As of 2018, the UAE has an estimated
takes responsibility for negotiating any trade
US$800.0 billion (C$1.06 billion) worth of major
agreements on behalf of its members. Thus far,
projects in the works. It is projected that an
the GCC has concluded free trade agreements
additional US$40.0 billion (C$53.2 billion) worth
with Singapore and the European Free Trade
of construction contracts will be awarded each
Association. It has ongoing negotiations with
year for the next three years in the country.
Australia, China, the European Union, India,
A key driver of this construction activity is
Japan, Mercosur, New Zealand, Pakistan, South
infrastructure development, which continues to
Korea, and Turkey.
receive major injections of capital as the country
continues to expand and modernize. In Dubai The UAE has signed bilateral preferential
alone, infrastructure spending has reached agreements with some Arab Countries (Syria,
unprecedented levels as of 2018, much of it Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Iraq). According
allocated to build the facilities and transportation to these agreements, the UAE and its partners
needed for hosting Expo Dubai 2020. accord each other preferential access for a
specified list of goods.
TR ADE
Major Markets and Products for Trade:
International trade is highly important to the
UAE’s overall economic wellbeing. The country’s In 2017, the UAE exported US$142 billion and
trade to GDP ratio is 93.8 per cent. Over 45 imported US$175 billion.
per cent of goods exported to the UAE are re-
The UAE’s top markets for export in 2017 were:
exported to other markets such as India, China,
and countries across Africa and the Middle East. 1. India (US$22.1 billion) (C$28.6 billion)
A large part of the UAE’s trade success is derived 2. Japan (US$18.8 billion) (C$24.4 billion)
from its many free zones. The UAE has more 3. China (US$11.4 billion) (C$14.8 billion)
than 45 free zones across the country, some
of which are industry-specific and serve and 4. Oman (US$10.1 billion) (C$13.1 billion)
regional headquarters for many multinational 5. Switzerland (US$10.0 billion) (C$13 billion)
corporations (MNCs). Free zones allow foreign
entities to retain 100 per cent ownership of The UAE’s top markets for import in 2017 were:
their companies and they also offer many 1. China ($28.6 billion) (C$37 billion)
other benefits, such as exemption of corporate,
personal, and import/export taxation. 2. India (US$28.0 billion) (C$36.3 billion)
3. Germany (US$12.2 billion) (C$15.8 billion)
Free Trade Agreements:
4. United Kingdom (US$9.6 billion) (C$12.4
The UAE is part of the GCC, which allows for free billion)
trade between its six members: Bahrain, Kuwait,
5. Turkey (US$9.2 billion) (C$11.9 billion)
Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It is also26
TOP EXPORT & IMPORT PRODUCTS BY VALUE — UAE (2017) The UAE’s Vision 2021 supports attracting more
TOP EXPORTS TOP IMPORTS foreign direct investment to the UAE, and so do
the eight strategies launched in 2018 to enhance
1. Petroleum Oils 1. Gold
2. Gold 2. Articles of Jewelry &
UAE’s competitiveness.
3. Diamonds Parts
4. Aluminum 3. Diamonds Major Markets and Sectors for Investment:
5. Articles of Jewelry & 4. Cars/ Motor Vehicles
Parts 5. Refined Petroleum The UAE’s top investor countries (inward stock)
in 2017 were:
Source: Observatory of Economic Complexity, 2017
1. United Kingdom (US$19.8 billion) (C$25.6
billion)
INVESTMENT
2. India (US$6.6 billion) (C$8.5 billion)
The total UAE outward FDI stock2 in 2017 was
valued at US$124.4 billion (C$161.6 billion) and 3. United States (US$5.2 billion) (C$6.7 billion)
inward stock was US$129.9 billion (C$168.7 4. France (US$4.9 billion) (C$6.3 billion)
billion).
5. Iran (US$4.8 billion) (C$6.2 billion)
The UAE ranked 19th in the world for FDI outflows
TOP INVESTED SECTORS BY %
in 2017, making it a major investor worldwide.
The country is home to four of the 30 largest 1. Wholesale and retail trade
sovereign wealth funds in the world: The Abu 2. Real Estate
3. Financial and Insurance
Dhabi Investment Authority, the Investment
4. Manufacturing
Corporation of Dubai, Mubadala Investment
5. Mining
Company, and the Emirates Investment Authority.
6. Construction
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is the largest
sovereign wealth fund in the UAE and has an At the end of April 2017, the UAE had signed
estimated US$697 billion (C$929.8 billion) in 65 agreements related to the encouragement
assets under management. and protection of investment and signed 102
With respect to inflow investment, all seven agreements on the avoidance of double taxation
emirates have adopted measures to create with different countries.
a more favourable environment for foreign
investors. New laws in recent years make CURRENCY
investing in the UAE more attractive and easier.
The unit of currency in the UAE is the UAE dirham
and has been pegged to the US dollar at a rate
2 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a term used to define foreign ownership
in a company. FDI stock (inward and outward) are the value of equity and of AED 3.67 to USD 1 since 1980. The UAE has no
net loans measured at a point in time. Stocks are accumulated over time
by inflows and/or depleted by outflows. FDI flows (inflow and outflow) are currency exchange controls.
measured over an interval and affect stocks. In other words, stocks are
the “bank statements” and flows are the deposits and withdrawals.27
28
29
5.5 DEMOGRAPHICS
POPUL ATION Year of Tolerance
The total population of the UAE is 9.4 million His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
(2017). Approximately 11 per cent of the UAE’s President of the UAE, proclaimed 2019 “The Year
population are UAE nationals, while the majority of Tolerance.” The aim of the year is to highlight
are expatriates. Only UAE nationals are citizens of the UAE as a global capital for tolerance and
the country. emphasize tolerance as a universal concept. The
UAE is implementing legislation and policies
All UAE citizens in the seven emirates carry the
aimed at entrenching the values of tolerance,
unified nationality of the UAE, which is recognized
dialogue, coexistence and openness to different
internationally. The demonym is Emirati.
cultures, especially among youth.
The largest expatriate communities come from
The Year of Tolerance embodies the approach
India (27.5%), followed by Pakistan (12.7%),
adopted by the UAE since its establishment to be
Bangladesh (7.4%), Philippines (5.6%), Iran (4.8%),
a bridge of communication between the people
and Egypt (4.23%). There are an estimated 40,000
of the world and their various cultures, in an
Canadians living in the UAE. To put that number
environment of openness and respect that rejects
into context, there are an estimated 50,000
extremism and promotes coexistence.
Americans, 25,000 French, 16,000 Australians,
and more than 130,000 Brits living in the UAE. Pope Francis visited the UAE in February 2019.
It was the first ever visit by a sitting pontiff to
the Gulf. In the presence of a global audience
DIVERSIT Y
of religious leaders from Christianity, Islam,
The UAE is one of the most culturally diverse Judaism and other faiths, Pope Francis and the
countries in the world. More than 200 different Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Islam’s most prestigious
ethnic and culture backgrounds are represented. seat of learning, signed an historic declaration
Indians form the largest foreign community in the of fraternity calling for peace between nations,
UAE, followed by Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, other religions, and races.
Asians, Europeans, and Africans.
L ANGUAGE
RELIGION
Arabic is the UAE’s official language, but English
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and is is spoken widely. Other widely spoken languages
practiced by approximately 76 per cent of the include Bengali, English, Farsi, Hindi, Malayalam,
population. Much of the national values and Mandarin, Nepali, Russian, Sinhalese, Tagalog
culture revolve around Islam. The UAE does, and Urdu.
however, believe in and advocate for freedom
of religion.30
GENDER
The UAE leads the region in women’s economic supports the UAE’s vision to become one
empowerment and education. Women constitute of the world’s top 25 countries for gender
more than 25 per cent of the UAE Cabinet. As much equality by 2021.
as 60 per cent of the government workforce is
• In September 2017, the Gender Balance Council
made up of women and 30 per cent occupy senior
launched the UAE Gender Balance Index.
leadership positions. The UAE ranks 1st in the world
in women’s literacy and more than 70 per cent • The UAE launched the National Strategy for the
of the country’s graduates are women. Women- Empowerment of Emirati Women 2015-2021.
owned businesses contribute 10 per cent of the
total value of the private sector and there are an
estimated 21,000 women employers in the country.
One of the challenges that the UAE faces is
translating the high levels of education among
Emirati women into jobs. Once in the workforce,
women still face similar barriers to career
advancement as do women in other developed
countries. Lack of support within organizations
and preconceptions of women’s roles and
responsibilities are the two factors identified as The question of whether to
hindering women’s career progression the most. empower women to progress
The UAE Government embraces and encourages is no longer a matter of debate
employers to support women through diversity — it is simply the right thing to
and inclusion programs, and policies such as
good maternity and paternity leave, providing
do socially and economically, it
nurseries at work, and offering flexible work is the norm. All over the world,
schedules for men and women with families. All the benefit of inclusiveness is
corporate boards in the UAE must now include evident in the growth of various
women. The UAE Cabinet also recently approved a
sectors. Women’s participation
law on equal wages.
in the economy not only boosts
Key Initiatives/Steps: development, it also diversifies
national economies and opens
• In April 2018, the UAE Cabinet approved the
Law on Equal Wages and Salaries for Men a nation up to new ideas and
and Women. approaches.
• In May 2015, the UAE established the UAE
HER EXCELLENCY NOURA BINT
Gender Balance Council to ensure that
MOHAMMED AL KAABI, UAE MINISTER
Emirati women continue to play a leading role OF CULTURE AND KNOWLEDGE
in the development of the UAE. The Council DEVELOPMENT31
YOUTH
The overall median age for the UAE is 37.2. Thirty- After restructuring the Cabinet, the Prime
five per cent of the population is under the age of Minister announced the establishment of the
24 and the majority of this group are women. Emirates Youth Council. The Council presents
youth ideas, aspirations, and solutions to the
The UAE Government attaches great importance
government. Her Excellency Shamma Al Mazrui,
to the role of youth and their empowerment in
Minister of State for Youth Affairs heads the
order to enable them to shoulder responsibilities,
Council. The Council includes 13 young members
innovate, and contribute to the welfare of the UAE.
of mixed gender who serve as government
In February 2016, the Prime Minister announced
advisors on youth issues.
the government of the future as part of major
structural changes to the UAE Government. The In 2017, the UAE Government launched Youth Hub,
government of the future focuses on happiness, a community space for UAE youth where they
innovation, tolerance, youth, and climate change. can meet and connect. Youth Hub caters to young
To emphasize youth, the UAE established a people between the ages of 15 and 35 irrespective
Minister of State for Youth Affairs, who is herself of whether they are studying or working.
a youth.32
33
5.6 CULTURE & HISTORY
There are many resources to learn more about Emirati culture, history, and contemporary
society. Below is a short list.
IN PRINT: ONLINE:
• Spirit of the Union by Sheikh Mohammed bin • Culture — The Official Portal of the UAE
Rashid Al Maktoum Government
governmnet.ae/en/about-the-uae-culture
• My Vision: Challenges in the Race for Excellence
by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum • Cultural Foundation UAE
culturalfoundation.ae
• My Story: 50 Memories of 50 Years of Service by
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum • Abu Dhabi Culture
tcaabudhabi.ae
• City of Gold: Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism
by Jim Krane • Dubai Culture
dubaiculture.gov.ae
• Keepers of the Golden Shore: A History of the
United Arab Emirates by Michael Quentin
Morton
• UAE 101: Stories & Cultural Learnings by Roudha
Al Marri and Ilaria Caielli
• UAE – Culture Smart! – The Essential Guide to
Customs and Culture by John Walsh
• Abu Dhabi Residents Guide by Explorer
Publishing
• Uncommon Dubai edited by Hind Shoufani
• From Rags to Riches: A Story of Abu Dhabi by
Mohammed Al Fahim34
5.7 WORLD EXPO 2020 DUBAI UAE
From October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021, the UAE will be the first country in the Middle
East, Africa, and South Asia to host the World’s Fair.
WHAT IS THE WORLD EXPOSITION/ well as the UAE’s values of inclusion, tolerance,
EXPO OR WORLD’S FAIR? and cooperation. Expo 2020 aspires to create a
meaningful legacy that will benefit generations
The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE)
to come, both locally and globally, spanning
is the intergovernmental organization in charge
everything from innovations and architecture to
of overseeing and regulating World Expos, since
friendships and business opportunities.
1931. BIE defines expos as “large-scale, global
events organized and facilitated by governments
that serve to educate the public, share innovation, WHAT IS THE THEME?
promote progress, and foster cooperation.” The The main theme of Expo 2020 is “Connecting
Great Exhibition of 1851 in London was the first Minds, Creating the Future” and is underpinned
fair. Since then, there have been dozens of others by three interwoven sub-themes: Opportunity,
around the world, including Expo ’67 in Montréal Mobility, and Sustainability. The Expo 2020 Dubai
and Expo ’86 in Vancouver. UAE website describes these themes as follows:
World expositions are some of the greatest Opportunity: We all have the power to shape the
events on earth. They showcase the best of future. Expo 2020 aims to unlock this potential in
mankind’s ingenuity, debut innovations, and with multiple ways, such as supporting solutions to
national pavilions, give each country a chance social problems through the Expo Live program
to showcase their culture. World expos can and introducing visitors to new ideas that inspire
have a major impact on a city and a country’s them to act.
infrastructure and their respective economies,
identities, global brands, and business Mobility: When we enable smarter movement
environments. of knowledge, ideas, and goods, a new world
of possibilities unfolds. Expo 2020 looks at how
this has helped explore new frontiers, and how
WHAT MAKES THE DUBAI EXPO humanity is making greater leaps than ever
SPECIAL? through digital connectivity.
The largest event ever staged in the Arab world Sustainability: The need to live in balance with
is set to welcome 190 participating countries. the world we inhabit has never been more
More than 25 million visitors are expected over 6 critical. Expo 2020 is embracing alternative
months, and organizers expect that over 70 per sources of food, water, and clean and renewable
cent of these visitors will come from outside the energy, and encouraging us all to reassess how
UAE. They will experience Emirati hospitality, as we can preserve the planet.35
36
Expo Live is a flagship program
that recognizes innovation and
will allocate approximately C$120
million to back projects offering
creative solutions to challenges
that affect people’s lives and help
preserve the world – or both. Grants
are about C$120,000 per initiative.
Three Canadian companies were
chosen among 1000 applicants in
the 2017 intake. Enersion Inc. won
for its green chillers that reduce the
cost and environmental impact of
air conditioners and refrigerators.
Attolllo won for its talking stickers
that help children read. Plastic Bank
received an Expo Live grant to offer
incentives to the poorest people
in developing countries to recycle
plastics that would otherwise end up
in the world’s oceans.
With the eyes of the world on
Dubai, our presence at Expo
2020 affirms the vitality of
Canada-UAE relations, while
showcasing the best Canada
has to offer. We only need
to look at the lasting effects
that hosting two world fairs
has had on the fabric of our
own nation to understand the
potential this represents for
Canada and for Canadians.
THE HONOURABLE JIM CARR,
CANADA’S MINISTER OF
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
DIVERSIFICATION37
WHERE IS THE EXPO 2020 matches buyers to suppliers and is designed
DUBAI SITE? to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs),
home businesses, and individuals to grow and
The site is located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
integrate into global supply chains. The OMP was
near the Al Maktoum International Airport and
inspired by the Expo 2020 Dubai theme and has
the Jebel Ali Port, approximately a 30 min drive
a commitment to allocating 20 per cent of the
and short metro ride from downtown Dubai. The
overall spend to local and international SMEs,
Expo site covers 438 hectares.
representing billions of dirhams in opportunities.
This includes Canadian businesses.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE EXPO?
Canadian companies interested in growing their
Expo 2020 revealed its legacy plans in 2017. business through the OMP are encouraged
The Expo site will be repurposed into a ‘city’ to sign up. There are resources available
called District 2020. District 2020 will house through the Canada-UAE Business Council
a combination of office, retail, residential, (CUBC) and the Canadian Trade Commissioner
and leisure developments, as well as all the Service (TCS) to further support interested
amenities and public facilities required for a companies. In February 2019, the CUBC and TCS
vibrant campus-style business community and partnered with the Expo Procurement Team
lifestyle hub. to host a webinar for Canadian companies. A
The focus on legacy is a departure from copy of that presentation is available online at
previously held world expos in other parts of canadauaebusiness.org.
the world. Ill-conceived legacy plans can cause Visit CanadaExpo2020.ca, Canada’s official Expo
considerable adverse impacts on the host’s website for more information about business
economy rather than meaningful regenerative or opportunities related to Expo 2020 Dubai.
growth opportunities.
Expo 2020 is an economic driver in the UAE and
is projected to bring returns of over US$35 billon
(C$46.7 billion). Currently, billions are being spent
each year on long-term infrastructure.
WHAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
ARE AVAIL ABLE FOR CANADIAN
COMPANIES?
The Expo 2020 Dubai Online Marketplace (OMP)
is a free of charge, interactive business to
business (B2B), government to business (G2B)
and business to consumer (B2C) platform. This
is a site created for businesses to network,
advertise products and services, and compete
for opportunities across borders. The OMP is38
WHAT IS CANADA’S PARTICIPATION 1. the design and construction of the Pavilion
IN EXPO 2020 DUBAI? and site;
Canada officially confirmed its participation 2. the design and development of the Public
in World Expo 2020 Dubai UAE on January Presentation/Exhibition element;
25th, 2019, becoming one of 190 confirmed 3. the continuing operation and maintenance
participating countries. This will be Canada’s of the Pavilion and the Public Presentation/
first pavilion at a World Expo since Shanghai Exhibition throughout the six-month Expo
in 2010. Expo 2020 provides a platform to operation period; and
showcase Canada’s innovation, knowledge,
and expertise in business and cultural pursuits 4. the dismantling and removal of the Pavilion
for which Canada is recognized around the and Pavilion components, restoration of the
globe. Participating in Expo 2020 aligns with site to its original state and the completion of
Canada’s trade diversification strategy which related documentation.
helps Canadian exporters and investors access
more opportunities around the globe so they can
compete and succeed in thriving global markets
abroad. In 2018, the Government of Canada
announced that it will invest C$1.1 billion over the
next six years to develop infrastructure that will
boost international trade.
Canada’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai is led
by the Government of Canada – Global Affairs
Canada. In January 2019, Canada’s official
It is welcome news that
expo team was announced. The team is based
in Ottawa and works closely with Canadian
Canada is rejoining the Expo
diplomats on the ground in the UAE. movement to participate
In March 2019, the Government of Canada
at Expo 2020 Dubai. We
opened the first Request for Proposals (RFP) are looking forward to
for the Canadian pavilion at Expo 2020 on its leveraging the Expo platform
procurement site www.buyandsell.ca. The scope to continue to build on
is for Design-Build-Operate-Maintain-Dismantle
investment ties with Canada,
professional services. This includes:
Canadian companies, and
the Canadian community
here who call the UAE their
home.
HIS EXCELLENCY MOHAMMAD AL
SHAIBANI, DIRECTOR-GENERAL
OF THE DUBAI RULER’S COURT39
According to the RFP, Canada’s pavilion theme achieve its key objectives of diversifying its
will be “The Future in Mind.” It is intended to international markets, attracting foreign
be expressive of the Exposition’s theme and investment, promoting Canadian innovation
will serve to deliver Canada’s message that it and international education to build support for
is an innovation powerhouse, a leader in global Canadian initiatives and values on the world
governance and progressive ideas, sustainably stage, and to strengthen our relationship with the
managing its natural resources, and is open for UAE.
business and tourism. Canada’s pavilion will also
Future RFPs related to content, programming,
feature three sub-themes titled: (1) Diversity: The
communications and other areas are anticipated.
Source, (2) Artificial Intelligence and Machine
Learning: The Enablers, and (3) Space and
Aerospace: The Next Frontier.
The Pavilion will be the physical and visual
representation of Canada. The overarching
objective of the Canada Pavilion is to present
an image of a Canada as a global leader,
innovator, and ally—particularly in innovation and
sustainability—with solutions to offer the world For up-to-date information
in many different sectors, and as an ideal place about Expo 2020 Dubai and
for study, tourism, business, investment, and Canada’s participation, stay
immigration. The Canadian government tuned to the following social
will use the Pavilion as media accounts:
a platform to @Expo2020Dubai
Expo2020
@CanadaExpo2020
Canada’s official expo account run
by Global Affairs Canada
@CanadainUAE
Embassy of Canada to the UAE;
Consulate General of Canada in
Dubai
@UAEembassyCA
Embassy of the UAE in Ottawa
@UAEConsulateTO
Consulate General of the UAE in
Toronto
@CanUAEBusiness
Canada-UAE Business Council
@CanadaGoExpo2020
Canadian cultural and business
leaders that support Canada’s
participation in Expo 2020 DubaiYou can also read
