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Map of United Arab Emirates

Map of United Arab Emirates.
flag of the United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates

Bilateral relationship

In the year ended December 2008, the UAE ranked as New Zealand’s 18th most significant bilateral trade partner and is currently our third largest trading partner in the Middle East.  Exports amounted to the year ended December 2008 amounted to NZ$326 million; over the same period, imports, which consisted mainly of crude oil, totalled NZ$784 million. The UAE is NewZealand’s most diversified market in the Middle East. NewZealand exports to the UAE are made up of a wide range of products besides traditional meat and dairy exports. Exports include building materials, fruit, wine, refrigerators, machinery, clothing, timber and medical equipment. The supply of education services, and building construction and management services, for example in the “7-star” Jumeirah Beach Resort complex, greatly expand the diversity of the commercial relationship with the United Arab Emirates.

NewZealand companies are supplying a range of consultancy services to the UAE including postal services, education development, public sector management and English language training. Several New Zealand companies and consultancies have offices in Dubai, and a major law firm has opened an office Abu Dhabi in 2009.

The establishment of free trade zones in the UAE has allowed NewZealand information and communications technology companies, including those present in the newly established New Zealand Technology Oasis at Dubai Internet City, to demonstrate the positive contribution they can make to the UAE’s rapidly developing economy.

An Air Services Agreement and a Visa Waiver Arrangement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) took effect on 1July 1999. A bilateral Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and an Arrangement on Trade and Economic Cooperation were signed with the UAE in September 2003. The inaugural Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) was held in Abu Dhabi in March 2006, co-chaired by the UAE’s Minister of Economy, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, and the NZ Minister of Trade Phil Goff. The second JMC was held in Wellington in March 2008.

New Zealand is currently negotiating a Free Trade Arrangement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC ) states. Five rounds of negotiations have been completed with a sixth round to be held in New Zealand in October 2009.

Since 1 July 1999, GCC nationals, including from UAE, have not required visas to visit New Zealand for visits of up to 90 days.

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait.

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Key facts

Geography/Demographics

Land Area - 83,600 sq km
Population
- 5.6 million (2008)
Capital City
- Abu Dhabi
Religion
- Islam
Official Language
- Arabic (although English is widely spoken)

Political

Political system - Federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, Umm Al-Qaiwain and Al-Fujairah.
National government
- Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister, all appointed by the Supreme Council of Rulers. Each emirate is represented by at least one Minister. The Council of Ministers initiates legislation for ratification by the Supreme Council of Rulers, which is formed by the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates, is also a policymaking body which meets formally about once a year.
National legislature - Unicameral Federal National Council of 40 appointed members representing the separate emirates. It has a consultative role only.
Head of State - President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi succeeded his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, following the latter’s death on 2 November 2004. The President is elected by the Supreme Council of Rulers
Head of Government - Prime Minister, Vice President, Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Defence: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.

Main political parties - Political parties are not permitted

 

Economic

GDP - US $244.7 billion (2008 EIU estimate)
Real GDP growth - 7.4% (2008 EIU estimate)
Exports
- US$210.5 billion (2008 EIU estimates)
Imports
- US$145.8 billion (2008 EIU estimates)
Main exports
- Re-exports (34.3%); crude oil (32.7%)
Current account
- US$34.3 billion (2008 EIU estimates)
Inflation
- 20% (2008)
Total external debt
- US$126.9 billion (2008 EIU estimate)

New Zealand Trade

NZ Exports (FOB) - NZ$325.7 million (for the year to December 2008)
Main Exports - Milk powder (27.2%); timber (7.9%); butter (7.4%); builders joinery (6.3%)
NZ Imports (CIF) - NZ$783.5 million (for the year to December 2008)
Main Imports - Crude oil (NZ$667.3 million); Non-crude oil (NZ$36.3 million); Glass bottles/containers (NZ$25.8 million); Polymers of ethylene (NZ$21 million);

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Visits

New Zealand Ministerial visits to United Arab Emirates

UAE Ministerial Visits to New Zealand

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Representation

Travel advice

The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to United Arab Emirates [external link]. Enquiries may be directed to Consular Division at the following numbers: telephone: +6444398000; fax: +644439 8532

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Page last updated: Thursday, 22 October 2009 16:06 NZDT