Now, how to get started, so what are the various ways of selling goods and services in the UAE? What I would recommend, to make your first contacts, is attending a trade fair - one of the many held in Dubai. Having made your contacts, there are various options open to you. The most popular way to start is with direct sales to local contractors. This method is fine for one-off deals or where you just want to try things out. On the other hand, if you're thinking of supplying goods or services to a government body then you've got to have a local agent. Lastly, there's the branch office option or the possibility of going into a joint venture with a local partner. It is always an expensive option, and the UAE is no exception in this. In general, I would advise exporters to gain at least five years' experience in the case of the UAE before opening a branch office there, although of course there could be exceptions to this. Now as far as import documentation is concerned...