Destination Dubai

With Dubai nudging the world’s attention in recent years due to its transformation from a land of desert dunes, sun and souk (ancient, traditional bazaar of the Middle East) into a futuristic, high tech, global commercial capital, the time is ripe for Zoroastrian businessmen in India to explore opportunities there, believes the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC), Dubai chapter.

A WZCC India (WZCCI) trade delegation is slated to visit Dubai from April 3-7, 2004. "We are here (in Bombay) to showcase Dubai,” said Meher Bhesania, director and chairperson, WZCC Middle East (WZCCME) region at a meeting organized by the WZCCI Mumbai chapter at the Bombay Gymkhana on February 4, 2004. All 87 members of the WZCCME (from Dubai, Muscat, Doha...) are well-placed and market knowledgeable, with experts in the fields of accounting, contracting, IT (Information Technology), property, marketing, medicine, etc, said Bhesania. All trade/professional requests for assistance from Zarathushtis are directed to the various members on their ‘Business Board.’ Business is conducted in a very organized fashion in Dubai, asserted Bhesania. "What Zoroastrians have achieved is very heartening. There are approximately 2,000 of us in Dubai,” she added, most having come 30 years ago largely from India, Pakistan and Aden.

The visiting delegation’s program includes visits to the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Sharjah Free Zone, Ajman Free Zone, Internet City, Media City, Emirates Hill, etc.

Meher Bhesania with Minoo Shroff (top) and (from left) Kersi Limath­walla, Russi Patel and Dadi Engineer

"It is a known fact that Dubai is famous for setting trends... a land of expected and unexpected stories. There is no personal or corporate taxation in all of Dubai. We want members to come ... people knowledgeable in the food, hospitality industry come and take this opportunity. A big health care city is coming up, an internet city is in place. The gross domestic product is one trillion US dollars... If other people can take advantage then why not Zoroastrians?” queried Bhesania. Russi Patel, managing partner, BDO Patel and Al Saleh, Chartered Accountants, Dubai had especially flown down from Dubai and was present at the meeting to lend support and answer queries. Patel, himself a chartered accountant, has been in the UAE (United Arabs Emirates) for over 30 years, and is the founder partner of the firm which is among the largest chartered accountants’ firms in Dubai.

While WZCCME members will "hold your hand and show you around,” stated Bhesania, those interested in doing business in Dubai will have to take their business decisions after careful scrutiny and feasibility studies. Well-known Indian companies like Godrej and Rasna (Pioma Industries) are already located in the Saif Zone, states the WZCC website www.wzccindia.on-lyne.com Food is an industry where entry is easy as long as your products match international competition, added Bhesania. Dubai is a sophisticated market and labelling is very strict. Doctors are needed, so Zoroastrians can set up practice but will need a sponsor and will have to go through a simple test. With its strategic location, Dubai provides a springboard towards tapping the markets not only in the Middle East but also in the CIS countries, eastern Europe and north Africa.

Though Dubai’s progressive rulers have laid down the welcome mat for expatriates, the law is stringently enforced. Punishment for civil and criminal transgressions is harsh and strict, no matter how small a crime (for example, petty theft) may appear to be in other countries. A local partner (UAE national) is required for business, but the "free zone facilities offer 100 percent ownership and repatriation of profits,” as per their website. The WZCCME would be of assistance in arranging for competitive interest rates on loans, though interest rates differ from bank to bank, elaborated Bhesania who is a qualified banker. Videos on free trade zones compiled by Dadi Motiwalla, who owns a prestigious multimedia company in Dubai, can be availed of from the WZCCI Mumbai chapter. Entrepreneurs Kersi Bhesania and Noshir Moti­walla from Dubai were present at the meeting to interact with WZCCI members.

Edil Katrak, on the managing committee of the Mumbai chapter, is the coordinator for the delegation to visit Dubai. Zarine Commissariat, energetic emcee and program committee chair, informed the members that the organizers "are working for low-priced tickets on Pakistan International Airlines and slightly more expensive ones on Emirates. You can stay with your family or with Avari hotels which is Parsi owned and which we would like to encourage.”