Business Corruption in the United Arab Emirates

Corruption is a low risk for companies in the United Arab Emirates, the least corrupt country in the Arab world. The UAE offers a business-friendly environment, with an effective and efficient public administration. However, foreign companies must rely on local sponsorship if they want to succeed, and ruling families' involvement in the economy creates an uneven playing field. The UAE Penal Code criminalizes active and passive bribery , embezzlement and abuse of functions . Anti-corruption and anti- fraud legislation is enforced, and practices of bribery and petty corruption are uncommon. Gifts and hospitality are regulated under the UAE's anti-corruption framework. Facilitation payments are treated as bribes and are thereby illegal. It should be noted that information on business and political corruption in the United Arab Emirates is scarce due to severe censorship in the country, making it difficult to estimate the extent of corruption.

February 2016
GAN Integrity