The Embassy of Finland in Abu Dhabi has been a regional Embassy since 2003. In addition to United Arab Emirates the Embassy covers also Qatar and Bahrain. What is said here below about our objectives in UAE is valid also with Qatar and Bahrain.
The main objective of the Embassy of Finland in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain is to strengthen trade and economic relations. This includes promotion of Finnish exports and the globalization of Finnish companies. One of related objectives is the promotion of the awareness of Finland as one of the most advanced countries in the development of information society, as well as a forerunner in the field of information and communication technology. On the other hand, our tasks include making the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain better known among Finnish companies as a dynamic market gateway and a reliable trading partner.
The above mentioned objectives are supported by the following complementary sub-objectives: The promotion of the image and awareness of Finland by transmitting a flow of news information and encouraging cultural co-operation, defending the interests and rights of Finnish citizens in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, the following of social development of the three counties, and handling visa formalities.
The Embassy is proactive towards Finnish companies in promoting the export of Finnish products and the globalization of Finnish companies. There is an informal Finnish Business Council in the UAE, it can be contacted at fbc.administration@gmail.com or through the Chairman Pekka Rautimo (pekka_rautimo@yahoo.com). Other partners are authorities, commercial and industrial associations, universities, research institutes, Finpro, Finnfacts, the Finnish Tourism Board, etc.
Both maintaining a relevant up-to-date news flow from Finland and cultural co-operation play an important role in the work of the Embassy. Increased awareness about Finland supports trade promotion and economic relations. The Embassy also upholds the image of Finland as a country of high quality classical and popular music performances. Exhibitions and cultural exchange is of great importance in the Embassy´s work.
The UAE, Qatar and Bahrain are relatively safe places to live in. There is zero tolerance to law offences. The Embassy strongly advises to respect the local laws, regulations, and traditions.
Finns that are moving to the country for a longer period of time are recommended to register with the Embassy. The registration is voluntary. Every Finn is responsible for him- or herself. For exceptional circumstances the Embassy has a crisis management plan.
Today about 40 Finnish companies are operating in the UAE and about 900 Finns live in the country. During the winter season more than 10 000 Finns spend their holidays in the UAE.
Please note that the Embassy does not act as a workforce agency.
