Look Beyond the Five-Star Hotel

What Companies May Get Wrong About Doing Business in Dubai, and How to Get It Right

Johannes Jonas, managing partner of Cohen & Gresser's Dubai office, explains why familiarity can create a false sense of confidence—and why long-term success in the Gulf depends on understanding the region's business culture as much as its legal framework.

The article explores:

• Why relationships come before transactions
• Common cultural and business mistakes made by first-time entrants
• Recent developments shaping opportunities in Dubai
• A practical five-point readiness checklist for companies considering expansion into the Gulf