UAE’s main exports include oil and gas. Other key sectors include utilities, communications, construction, banking and financial services, manufacturing projects and tourism.
Dubai is the commercial hub of the UAE and has traditionally been a trading centre, serving as an entry port into the Middle East region and for the markets of the Near and Far East, Europe and the United States as well. Being a cosmopolitan city, it is a bustling place with lots of modern buildings, shopping malls and entertainment facilities.
Dubai’s non-oil activities now account for a significant proportion of its GDP. Its manufacturing base includes aluminium smelting; the production of copper cables, lubricating oil and cement; and a wide range of medium and small scale industries. With one of the world’s largest dry docks, it has facilities to accommodate and repair even the largest vessels.
Dubai set up several free zones to provide excellent facilities for trading, manufacturing, services and other industries. With the creation of ‘Dubai Internet City’, Dubai became the e-commerce capital of the Middle East with over several hundred IT companies. The ―Dubai International Financial Centre‖ – DIFC – was established as a Financial Centre in 2004, strengthening Dubai‘s position in the world‘s financial markets.
Dubai’s re-export trade is enhanced by the city’s role as a major regional shopping centre. It acts as a major entry port for the Gulf and beyond, with re-exporting accounting for a major portion of the import sector.