Business and cultural differences of the UAE focusing on Dubai

The bachelor thesis should be used for the initial orientation especially for entrepreneurs who are considering penetrating the United Arab Emirates markets. The thesis aims to provide an in depth analysis of the business environment within the UAE, with special regard to the culture of the region and related indiosyncracies. One of the key success factors, besides the commercial, technical or other related knowledge, is a comprehensive understanding of the local, predominantly Arab, mentality and the unique approach to trading. This report seeks to incorporate as much information as possible from various sources overlaid with my own personal experiences with regional practises. The thesis is segmented into four components. The first section is dedicated to general characteristics of the UAE, the second section examines trade relations within the region, the third section examines important cultural and commercial differences, and the final section is based on the long experiences of expatriates living in Dubai