I was high on hopes that this book would provide a wealth of secrets regarding conducting business in the United Arab Emirates. Unfortunately, my high hopes were left somewhat disappointed. There are of course highlights in this easy reading book. The first 114 pages provide an overview of the early years, the economy, the governmental structure and infrastructure. There are interesting side comments about the affects of illegal immigration and how the government is coping with the society pressure when only ten percent of the population comprises Emirate nationals. Pages 130 -179 provide a discussion of helpful tips to conducting business as well as acting as a tourist.



The judicial process is barely discussed. However, justice is swift. Drinking alcohol and driving is not permitted. When I was there in April 2007, one man made this unfortunate mistake by hitting a palm tree and getting arrested. The next day he was order to replace the palm tree, sentenced to one year in jail, and ordered deported at the end of his sentence. Considering the inexpensive cost of hiring a taxi or a driver, it is well advised to not disobey these laws. The UAE police are very efficient making law abiding folks feel extremely safe.



One of the limitations of the book is the 2002 copyright notice. As read in 2007, this book was written a lifetime ago when one compares the rapid progress the UAE makes every month. The book glosses over many details that are essential for doing business in the UAE. For readers seeking a deeper level of detail of operating in Dubai, they should consider the book "Setting Up in Dubai" by Essam Al Tamimi of the Al Tamimi law firm. Business is rapidly growing in the UAE and understanding the free trade zones as well as the Dubai International Finance Centre is essential. The "Success Secrets ..." book should be an executive overview first of many books should the reader truly desire to conduct business in the UAE. Leave successive books to fill in the substantive details that should be required reading before arrival.

I was high on hopes that this book would provide a wealth of secrets regarding conducting business in the United Arab Emirates. Unfortunately, my high hopes were left somewhat disappointed. There are of course highlights in this easy reading book. The first 114 pages provide an overview of the early years, the economy, the governmental structure and infrastructure. There are interesting side comments about the affects of illegal immigration and how the government is coping with the society pressure when only ten percent of the population comprises Emirate nationals. Pages 130 -179 provide a discussion of helpful tips to conducting business as well as acting as a tourist.

The judicial process is barely discussed. However, justice is swift. Drinking alcohol and driving is not permitted. When I was there in April 2007, one man made this unfortunate mistake by hitting a palm tree and getting arrested. The next day he was order to replace the palm tree, sentenced to one year in jail, and ordered deported at the end of his sentence. Considering the inexpensive cost of hiring a taxi or a driver, it is well advised to not disobey these laws. The UAE police are very efficient making law abiding folks feel extremely safe.

One of the limitations of the book is the 2002 copyright notice. As read in 2007, this book was written a lifetime ago when one compares the rapid progress the UAE makes every month. The book glosses over many details that are essential for doing business in the UAE. For readers seeking a deeper level of detail of operating in Dubai, they should consider the book "Setting Up in Dubai" by Essam Al Tamimi of the Al Tamimi law firm. Business is rapidly growing in the UAE and understanding the free trade zones as well as the Dubai International Finance Centre is essential. The "Success Secrets ..." book should be an executive overview first of many books should the reader truly desire to conduct business in the UAE. Leave successive books to fill in the substantive details that should be required reading before arrival.