"DUBAI BUSINESS HANDBOOK" 2001 EDITION PUBLISHED

As part of an ongoing drive to attract increased inward investment into the emirate, the Government of Dubai's, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has published the 2001 edition of its flagship business reference publication, Dubai Business Handbook.

"This is the essential handbook for any international company seeking to develop their business in the Middle East region using Dubai as a base," said DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem. "It is a comprehensive 72-page guide to all aspects of doing business with or in the emirate."

Mr. bin Sulayem noted that the handbook combines useful business and investment information, while providing tips, advice and tools to help with the decision making process. The book caters to the needs of businessmen from all around the world wishing to do business with or through Dubai.

The main body of the handbook consists of 12 individual sections covering different aspects of doing business in the emirate in addition to a wide-ranging Dubai business directory.

The directory is set separate from the main body of the handbook towards the end to allow user-friendly access of contact details.

The handbook provides background on Dubai's economic development as well as specific details of the legal requirements and regulations affecting foreign companies.

The emirate's attractions as a regional business centre are emphasised in an introductory chapter and executive summary, while subsequent sections cover key facts and figures and a brief on the characteristics of the market.

The core of the book is devoted to practical information, with chapters entitled, "Trading with Dubai", "Setting up business in Dubai", "Setting up business in Dubai's free zones", "Employment regulations" and "Other business rules and conditions".

The handbook also has 30 advertisements, which presents local organisations with an opportunity to promote their services to a prime target audience of international companies interested in Dubai.

Progressively updated to reflect amendments/revisions in the laws and economic conditions, the handbook will be distributed at business seminars and trade fairs around the world, as well as in response to individual enquiries. Previous editions of the handbook have been well received by companies planning to trade with Dubai or set up local operations.

"The Dubai Business Handbook is a unique, invaluable resource for those who intend to do business with or in the emirate and is one of the most wide-ranging aids for the international investor," Mr. bin Sulayem concluded.