There’s nothing quite like touching down in Dubai, grabbing the keys to one of the many Citroen cars for rent in Dubai, and setting off towards your first big meeting with the Burj Khalifa glittering in the distance. For the sharp-suited British entrepreneur, the UAE isn’t just another overseas market – it’s a playground of opportunity where deals are inked over skyline lunches and fortunes can be made faster than you can say “cuppa.”
Why the UAE is a Magnet for British Business
For years, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been luring British businessfolk with their zero income tax, pro-business policies, and an unrivalled appetite for innovation. From tech start-ups and property developers to consultancy firms and luxury retailers, the Emirates have become a hotbed for growth. It’s not just the numbers that make it appealing – it’s the pace. Business here moves faster than rush-hour traffic on the M25 (on a good day, mind you).
And let’s face it, nothing says “I mean business” like rocking up to a meeting in a smart Citroen, cool as you like, while your competitors are faffing about in taxis.
Mixing Work with Wheels
Business trips in the UK might mean grey skies and crammed commuter trains, but in Dubai, they mean cruising sun-drenched highways between high-powered meetings. Having your own set of wheels isn’t just a convenience here – it’s an essential part of doing business. Clients expect punctuality, and turning up in a rental Citroen sends the right message: professional, reliable, and ready to get the job done without any unnecessary flash.
Whether you’re darting between free zones or heading out to Jebel Ali for a site visit, the comfort and practicality of a Citroen makes the whole experience far less of a slog. Plus, in a city where meetings can be as spread out as the desert dunes, relying on public transport is about as practical as bringing an umbrella to the Sahara.
Networking on the Move
One of the quirks of doing business in the UAE is that some of your most valuable networking might not happen in a boardroom at all. You could find yourself making contacts over a coffee in DIFC, sealing a deal during a drive to Abu Dhabi, or even brainstorming in the middle of a desert retreat. Having a reliable car means you’re always ready to say “yes” to last-minute opportunities – and in the Emirates, those tend to be the most lucrative.
The British Edge
Brits have a certain charm that plays well in the UAE – a mix of professionalism, dry wit, and the ability to talk about almost anything over a good brew. Pair that with a willingness to adapt to the local way of doing things, and you’ve got a recipe for success. The entrepreneurial Brits who thrive here tend to be the ones who blend a sharp business sense with an appreciation for the culture, the pace, and yes, even the heat.
The Drive to Succeed
At the end of the day, the UAE rewards those who are ready to move – figuratively and literally. Whether it’s chasing a lead, expanding into new sectors, or hopping between Emirates to meet partners, having your own transport keeps you in control of your schedule and your destiny.
So next time you’re booking that flight from Heathrow, don’t just think about your business plan – think about the keys you’ll be holding when you land. In Dubai, the road to fortune might just start with a set of Citroen keys in your hand.