Estrategias de atracción de inversión extranjera en Emiratos Árabes Unidos: ¿qué puede aprender Colombia?

Abstract

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the world's most attractive countries for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), serving as an epicenter for trade and investment in the Middle East. This research aims to explore the strategies used by the UAE to attract foreign capital and analyze what lessons Colombia could adopt to improve its competitiveness vis-à-vis FDI. Using a qualitative methodological approach through in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs and industry experts, three key Emirati success factors were identified: highly favorable tax policy with corporate taxes capped at 9% and no personal income tax; streamlined administrative processes that allow new business registration within 24 to 48 hours; and world-class infrastructure that facilitates global connectivity. The results show that Colombia faces significant challenges related to high levels of tax complexity, excessive bureaucracy, and rampant insecurity, all of which undermine its attractiveness as a host country for foreign investors. From the interviews although the UAE offers advantages such as Golden Visa programs, tax-exempt free zones with no corporate taxation or value-added tax, amidst a double taxation system, Colombia continues to apply punitive double taxation regimes along with dozens of fiscal barriers that discourage investment. It is suggested that Colombia make some structural changes to the regulatory framework, streamline administrative processes, and create specific incentives for key industries such as tourism, agriculture, and technology, taking advantage of its strategic geographic location between Central and South America.