Export market
United Arab Emirates
What UK exporters need to know about trading with United Arab Emirates — trade status, barriers, and where to get support.
UK trade status
There is no free trade agreement between the UK and United Arab Emirates. Standard WTO terms apply.
Country profile
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Population
- 11.3M
- GDP
- $552.3B (2024)
- GDP per capita
- $50,274
- Income level
- High Income
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates dirham (AED د.إ)
- Language
- Arabic
- Timezone
- UTC+04:00
- Region
- Asia · Western Asia
Trading bloc memberships
United Arab Emirates is a member of the following trade agreements and economic blocs.
Export guidance
Relevant guidance for exporting to United Arab Emirates.
Get paid for renewable electricity you generate
How to register for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) to receive payment for renewable electricity you export to the grid. Covers solar PV, wind, and other small-scale renewables up to 5MW.
Export Control (Dual-Use Technology)
Export of goods, software, and technology with both civil and military applications requires licensing. Particularly relevant for encryption, advanced computing, AI, and surveillance technologies.
UK Export Controls for Defence Products
Navigate UK Strategic Export Control requirements for military and dual-use goods.
UKEF export finance and insurance products
Government-backed funding, insurance, and guarantees for UK exporters - record £14.5 billion support in 2024-25.
Managing export business risk and corruption
UK Bribery Act compliance, due diligence on overseas buyers, political risk assessment, and IP protection abroad.
Traveling abroad for export business
Business visas, travel insurance, temporarily exporting samples/equipment, and tax/NI for overseas work.
Start your export journey
Also in this region
All Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan marketsOfficial resources
Government export support for United Arab Emirates.
Compare with other markets
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