United Arab Emirates: A Different World
United Arab Emirates: A Different World
United Arab Emirates: A Different World
A different world
Background
Background
• A Muslim country
o In the Gulf characterized by moderation, growth and
economic development
• GDP
o Per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West
European nations: $42,000 (2009)
History
• The U.A.E. was formed from the group of tribally organized
groups.
• For centuries, the sheikhdoms were embroiled in dynastic
disputes.
• A 1974 agreement between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia
almost settled their border dispute.
• The border with Oman also remains officially unsettled,
although the two governments agreed to delineate the border
in May 1999.
History
• Abu Dhabi’s ruler, Sheikh Zayed was elected by the Supreme
Council as President , Sheikh Rashid bin Said al Maktoum,
became Prime Minister.
• The U.A.E. sent forces to help liberate Kuwait during the 1990-
91 Gulf War.
• U.A.E. troops have also participated in peacekeeping missions
to Lebanon, Somalia, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo, and
Afghanistan.
• In 2004, the U.A.E.'s first and only president until that time,
Sheikh Zayed died.
History
Geography
Geography
• Location
o Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian
Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia (24 00 N, 54 00 E)
o Terrain: Largely desert with some agricultural areas.
• Climate
o Desert; Cooler in eastern mountains.
o Hot, humid, low annual rainfall.
• Natural resources
o Petroleum, natural gas
Geography
• Major Cities
o Capital - Abu Dhabi; Dubai
• Landscape:
o Area: 82,880 sq. km. (30,000 sq. mi.)
• Natural hazards
o Frequent sand and dust storms
• Environmental issues
o Lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by
desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil
spills
Culture
• Freedom of Religion
• Cultural centers
• Themed restaurants
• Kindergarten
o Age level 4 to 5 Years
• Primary
o Length of programme - 6 Years
o Age level 6 to 12 Years
• Preparatory
o Length of programme - 3 Years
o Age level 12 to 15 Years
Education
• Secondary
o Length of programme - 3 Years
o Age level 5 to 18 Years
• Higher Education
o Al Ain-based United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
o Opened in 1977-78
o Country’s flagship national institution
• Private Institutions
o American Universities of Sharjah and Dubai
o Sharjah University
o Ajman University of Science and Technology
o Abu Dhabi University
o Al Hosn University
What’s HOT ?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi tourism
Sports and leisure activities
• Sports
o Polo Powerboat Races
o Rock Climbing Rugby
o Sailing Shooting
o Snow Skiing Tennis
o Camel Racing Canoeing
o Car Rallying Cricket
o Football Golf
o Horse Riding Ice-Skating
Sports and leisure activities
• Activities
o Bird-Watching Camel Riding
o Caving Desert and Mountain
Safaris
o Dhow Trips Diving and Snorkeling
o Dune Buggies Exploring The Wadis
o Fossil Hunting Flying
o Go-Karting Horse Racing
o Island- Hoping Mini Golf
o Water Parks
Communication norms
India and UAE both have frequent business
negotiations and communications.
PDI 77 80 56.50
UAI 40 68 65
LTO 61 48
MAS 56 52 51
IDV 38 64
PDI: POWER DISTANCE INDEX
UAI:UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE INDEX
• Economic link
o UAE second largest global market for Indian products
o India: Important export destination for UAE manufactured
products
o Non-oil trade value at $48 K in 08-09
o Exports: Natural/Cultured pearls, Cereals, Gems and
Jewellery, Manmade yarn
o Imports: Mineral fuels, Mineral oils, Precious/Semi-precious
stones, Metal ores and metal scrap
Relevance for India
• Social & Cultural link
o Indian community - Largest expatriate community
numbering about 1.5 million
o
o Tourists from both sides are visiting for leisure and pleasure
Construction boom
1.75 million Indians(18.4%) were welcomed in lower as well as White Collar Jobs
( least interference in power structure)
Bilateral trade relations
IMPORT – PARTNERS (2009): EXPORT – PARTNERS (2009):
9th Session, India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) led by External Affairs
Minister ---New Delhi , June 5-6, 2007.
Manpower;
Energy(19.1%);
Services(9.3%);
Programming(7.8%);
Construction (6.8%); and
Tourism and Hotels(5.6%).
Suggestions to an I'national mgr
• The UAE is a thriving business centre with immense opportunities
for foreign investment .
• The key to business success is first understanding Emirati culture
and business etiquette.
Working practices
Business Practices
• The customary greeting is “As-salam alaikum,” (peace be
upon you) to which the reply is “Wa alaikum as-salam,”
• You should greet each of your Emirati counterparts
individually.
• They are generally long in duration and discussions are
conducted at a leisurely pace over tea and coffee.
• If business cards are used, information should be printed in
both English and Arabic.
Suggestions to an I'national mgr
Business etiquette (Do's and Don'ts)