The UAE Joined the World Trade Organization Since 1996

The World Trade Organization is located in Geneva, Switzerland and has more than 164 member countries (as of 2016). Founded in January 1995 and considered one of the newest international organisations, its main task is to ensure smooth, easy and free flow of trade among countries.

The UAE joined the WTO in 1996. The accession to the organisation offers several advantages to the country such as low tariffs on UAE exports and protection of local markets from product dumping. Commitments from the UAE include the need to update local legislation and laws in many fields such as intellectual property rights, trade and services, as well as conformation to highest international product standards with an aim to alleviate challenges to the development and diversification of national exports, thereby facilitating national companies to take a major role in international trade.