Book excerpt: Annotation * Unique guide to one of the Middle East's main business and financial centres * Assessment of investment opportunities in the seven Emirates * Up-to-date guide to the regulatory and tax regime and the rules of business engagement * Profiles of the UAE's industry sectors and some of its most dynamic companies * Written by professionals with on-the-ground experience * Of interest to professional investors, international companies, analysts, consultants, law firms, banks, accountants, and business academics "Doing Business with the United Arab Emirates" is the definitive English language guide to investment potential, commercial opportunity and business practice in the seven Emirates. The fact that the UAE played host to the recent annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, confirmed that the world's leading financial and business authorities clearly see the crucial importance of the UAE as a global business center. Despite the recent invasion ofIraq, international investment flows are still being encouraged into the region -- something that "Doing Business with the UAE" aims to promote concretely. The book also highlights that the UAE has now developed a highly sophisticated, forward looking economy and a society seeking to capitalize upon the unique assets at its command. With its progressive business environment, an increasingly diversified economy, modern infrastructure and sound legal system, the UAE is asserting itself as the primary location for business in the highly competitive Arab Gulf region. Endorsed by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce Contributors include: Ahli United Bank, Al Masaood Group, Ernst & Young, EmiratesIndustrial Bank, BAe Systems, Hay Management Consultants, Cluttons.