01 — Local economy
Business in Dubai
Re-export trade built the modern economy: goods from China, India and Europe land at Jebel Ali Port, sit duty-suspended in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and move on to the Gulf, Africa and Central Asia, while Deira's souks and Dragon Mart run on trading families from many countries. DIFC hosts banks and asset managers, DMCC licenses gold, diamond and commodity traders, and Emirates airline, tourism and property development make up much of the rest.
Where software helps: Traders running both a free-zone and a mainland licence must apply different VAT and customs treatment per shipment, keep re-export documents in order and prepare for the UAE's e-invoicing mandate phasing in from 2027.