Many European companies are starting to look abroad for fresh opportunities to grow and expand their global footprint, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to benefit.
Dubai is already a major attraction for tourism, but the city is now positioning itself as a practical getaway for expanding businesses and companies.
As one of the seven constituent emirates, technology companies and other businesses view Dubai as their ideal base for regional and global growth.
With Dubai boasting a clear regulatory framework, strategic location and digital innovation, setting up shop in the city is a no-brainer for businesses planning to reach Europe, Asia and Africa.
The city has also hammered home that reputation by establishing the Business in Dubai platform, launched by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
The platform will guide companies and businesses through the process of setting up operations, handling legal requirements, and growing their business in and beyond the region.
Read on as we discuss why Dubai is a vibrant market for tech start-ups.
A Gateway for European Tech Expansion
Expanding into new territories is a constant on every company’s to-do list as they look to establish a global footprint, and setting up shop in Dubai gets businesses one step closer to that goal.
The location of the city is also a major advantage as it makes it easier for companies to operate across time zones and reach a diverse customer base.
It gives many European founders and tech start-ups a soft landing that helps them settle in quickly and support operations in multiple regions without too many complications or expenditure.
Dubai’s clear rules and regulations for conducting business have further solidified its reputation in the tech world, particularly for start-ups.
Knowing how to navigate the terrain and trusting that the nation won’t pull the rug from under their feet by suddenly changing policy is a huge selling point for Dubai and the wider UAE. It makes it easy for them to make long-term plans, which bodes well for the UAE’s economy.
One of the biggest challenges that tech start-ups usually face when expanding abroad is the set-up process. A lot of their time gets eaten up by paperwork and procedures. However, the Business in Dubai service helps them get through the early hurdle.
The platform brings everything together under one system where tech start-ups can get help with licences, visas, understanding local laws and general advice on setting up a business.
The Newly Regulated iGaming Sector Presents Opportunities
One of the most interesting developments in the UAE is the recent move to legalise and regulate gambling, which raised eyebrows across the Middle East.
That law applies to Dubai, where online gaming and digital casino platforms previously operated in a legal grey area. However, the new regulations make the industry far more organised.
That paves the way for tech start-ups in Dubai to step in and offer services that are crucial to sustaining a heavily regulated iGaming market.
While they have to go through a thorough process to secure a license to operate in the UAE, the rules provide legitimacy and make start-ups more appealing to the locals.
It also makes it easier for customers to trust the platform, especially when it comes to handling financial transactions and personal data. The newly regulated iGaming sector presents several opportunities for online casinos and gaming tech companies.
Reputable UAE online casinos use advanced payment systems to make sure that customer data and financial information are safe.
Dubai’s experience with fintech will also come in handy, while the regulated iGaming sector opens the door to foreign gambling companies looking to tap into the UAE’s fast-rising market.
Innovation Backed by Real Projects
Another clear sign that Dubai’s tech ecosystem is becoming more advanced is the way new ideas and innovations are being brought to life.
The Dubai Municipality project is a good example. The city launched a global challenge to construct the world’s first residential villa built entirely using robotic construction systems.
By bringing together tech companies, universities, and local builders, Dubai is creating an environment where start-ups can test their ideas on real construction sites. This gives companies a chance to prove that their technology actually works at scale.
Dubai Municipality is also working with Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy to launch the ConTech Working Group with the aim of advancing innovation across the construction sector.
The Working Group serves as a structured institutional platform that brings together government entities, developers, contractors, tech providers, investors and researchers.