Last updated: Aug 28, 2026
Doing Business in United Arab Emirates: Market Entry, GTM Strategy & Growth Potential
Why Expand into United Arab Emirates
The population of United Arab Emirates is 11,574,682, and is growing at the rate of 1.69%. The GDP per capita, which represents the potential spending power of the people, is $87,774, measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis to allow comparison with other countries.
86.1% of United Arab Emirates’s population lives in urban areas. 80.07% of the population is of working age (15-59). 100% of the population has internet access and 99.56% has 5G mobile coverage. These factors are important for digital-first businesses to keep in mind.
The Accuracast International Growth Index ranks United Arab Emirates #87 overall for market attractiveness, rising 4 places over the past year.
How we can help you grow in United Arab Emirates:
Accuracast offers a comprehensive range of international digital marketing services to support brands looking to grow their presence in United Arab Emirates. Whether you need an international SEO agency, an international advertising agency, or an international social media marketing agency specialising in United Arab Emirates, we’ve got you covered.
United Arab Emirates's International Growth Stats
| International Growth Pillar | Score |
|---|---|
| Market Demand | 69.29 |
| Purchasing Power | 51.92 |
| Digital Readiness | 79.84 |
| Financial Infrastructure | 48.29 |
| Regulatory Complexity | 47.58 |
| Setup Cost & Friction | 31.76 |
| Digital Search Demand | 26.27 |
| Cross-Border Activity | 41.41 |
| Overall Score | 49.22 |
| Score Change | 1.52 |
| Overall Rank | 87 |
| Rank Change | 4 |
Digital Search Demand
26.27%
Purchasing Power
51.92%
Digital Market Maturity in United Arab Emirates
The digital search demand score for United Arab Emirates is 26.27.
Go-To-Market Strategy Considerations for United Arab Emirates
The purchasing power score for United Arab Emirates is 51.92, and the country scores 79.84 for digital readiness.
Financial & payment infrastructure
In terms of financial infrastructure, United Arab Emirates scores 48.29.
Regulatory & business setup friction
From a business expansion point of view, United Arab Emirates scores 47.58 for regulatory complexity and legal restrictions. This is reverse-scored, meaning the higher the score, the easier it is to navigate local regulation.
The score of 31.76 indicates the costs and friction associated with setting up a business presence in United Arab Emirates.
United Arab Emirates market attractiveness change
Compared to last year, the overall International Growth Index score for United Arab Emirates has changed 1.52 points, moving the country 4 places higher from 2025, to rank #87 in 2026.
Most Popular Social Media Platforms in United Arab Emirates:
- YouTube
- TikTok
International Expansion Risks for United Arab Emirates
While new market expansion can be exciting, it is important to also consider the risks when entering a market like United Arab Emirates.
Compare United Arab Emirates to other countries
| International Growth Pillar | United Arab Emirates Score |
|---|---|
| Market Demand | 69.29 |
| Purchasing Power | 51.92 |
| Digital Readiness | 79.84 |
| Financial Infrastructure | 48.29 |
| Regulatory Complexity | 47.58 |
| Setup Cost & Friction | 31.76 |
| Digital Search Demand | 26.27 |
| Cross-Border Activity | 41.41 |
| Overall Score | 49.22 |
| Score Change | 1.52 |
| Overall Rank | 87 |
| Rank Change | 4 |
| United States Score |
|---|
| 53.39 |
| 71.03 |
| 93.01 |
| 81.18 |
| 64.5 |
| 27.2 |
| 43.46 |
| 69.58 |
| 60.79 |
| 1.2 |
| 3 |
| 0 |
View market attractiveness data for other countries ranked like United Arab Emirates:
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