TME Services

UAE and Austria Deepen Economic Cooperation

Author: Uwe Hohmann
Chief Executive Officer

The recent UAE-Austria Roundtable once again highlighted how the UAE continues to strengthen its economic connections with Europe.

For Austrian and other European companies, this growing relationship creates new opportunities to enter or expand within the UAE market.

The Latest Trade Talks

The discussions between the UAE and Austria focused on increasing trade, attracting investment, and encouraging private sector collaboration. Non-oil trade between the two countries reached USD 1.8 billion in 2024, up 26.6% from 2023. The upward trend continued in the first half of 2025, with USD 1.1 billion recorded and a 57% year-on-year increase.

This consistent growth shows that the UAE remains a trusted and stable partner for European businesses. The UAE location, infrastructure, and business-friendly regulations continue to make it an attractive base for regional operations.

Focus on Sustainable and High-Value Sectors

The roundtable highlighted several key areas for future cooperation: advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, and technology. Each of these industries plays a central role in the UAE’s economic diversification and offers practical entry points for European expertise.

There is strong demand in the UAE for innovation in clean energy, engineering, and digital transformation. Businesses that bring specialized knowledge or technology can find long-term opportunities in these sectors.

Private Sector Partnerships Driving Growth

Over 30 Austrian and more than 10 Emirati companies participated in the meeting, reflecting the private sector’s active role in shaping bilateral trade. These business interactions often lead to joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and new investment partnerships.

A notable example is the multi-billion-dollar partnership between ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) and OMV (Österreichische Mineralölverwaltung Aktiengesellschaft), which resulted in the creation of the world’s fourth-largest polyolefins company. It shows how collaboration between UAE and European companies can produce competitive global results.

How Businesses Can Build on This

The UAE-Austria partnership reflects a broader effort to strengthen the UAE’s economic ties with Europe. For businesses, it shows steady growth potential and a welcoming environment for investment.

If your company is considering expansion into the UAE, now is a good time to explore the options.

The UAE offers a clear framework for company formation, visa facilitation, and tax compliance, making it easier for new entrants to establish a presence.

Comprehensive UAE Business Solutions

At TME Services, we have been helping European businesses establish operations in the UAE for nearly 20 years. Our extensive network and deep understanding of both markets enable smooth transitions for companies making the move.

Our comprehensive services are designed to support you every step of your business journey in the UAE:

  1. Company Formation: We guide you through all aspects of setting up your company, whether in a free zone or on the mainland, ensuring you choose the best option for your business.
  2. Visa and Emirates ID Services: We streamline the process of securing visas and Emirates IDs for you and your employees, allowing you to focus on your business operations.
  3. Accounting: Our team ensures your business stays compliant with local financial regulations, which is crucial for maintaining good standing in Dubai’s business community.
  4. Tax: We help manage Dubai’s tax environment, ensuring your business remains compliant while optimizing your tax position.
  5. Business Consulting: Leveraging our deep understanding of Dubai’s market, we provide valuable insights and help you develop effective strategies to succeed.

Visit our services page to learn more about everything we do.

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