UAE is Sweden's second largest trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa, and about 250 Swedish companies and approximately 225 Swedish brands are directly or indirectly represented in the United Arab Emirates. More than 3.000 Swedes live in the emirate including just over 2,500 in Dubai.

Sweden's exports include a wide range of products consisting primarily of vehicles, telecommunications equipment, paper and equipment for electrical power distribution. The Swedish exports grew strongly in 2007 and amounted to approximately 4.6 billion SEK, which was almost doubled compared to 2004. First half of 2008, Swedish exports had increased from the same period last year.

United Arab Emirates today
The underdevelopment prevailing when the United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971 has over the subsequent decades resulted in high living standards, modern infrastructure and a well developed industry. The fact that the country has done so well in such a short time is because they exploited the possibilities. It has, with its enormous oil wealth financed the massive investment in infrastructure, health, education and economy that this transformation represents.

Today, the Federal Supreme Council is the highest formal management. The Council consists of the seven Emirates rulers and decisions are made through agreements. The Council appoints the president and vice president among its members. The presidency is held by the emirate of Abu Dhabi´s leader since 1971. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was president from 1971 to 2004. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

The vice president and prime minister have traditionally fallen to the Emirates of Dubai's leaders. The president appoints the prime minister and the federal government. Each individual emirate and its ruling family has considerable authority over its territory.

There are no political parties or trade unions but a small and growing number of interest groups. Parliamentary elections do not exist.

Sweden has an embassy in Abu Dhabi since 2002 and the United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Stockholm, which opened formally in 2005.

Establishing Abroad together with partners will organize an event about establishing in the United Arab Emirates on October 27th.
More information is available here


                                                                             Cecilia Helland