We had an interview with Muge Cakır, founder of Regulagobe International Consultancy
Can you please tell us about yourself and your company?
I am Chemical Engineering and working on government relations and regulatory affairs for 20 years in Turkey. I have acquired extensive experience on cosmetics, food supplements, OTC, and medical devices in this period, and now we continue our services in legislation and regulatory follow-up business with Regulaglobe International Consulting Company. We have extended our region by including United Arab Emirates which is one of the most prior markets due to its potential and demand.
Why United Arab Emirates?
UAE, is still the most dynamic country in Gulf region and one of the most politically and economically stable country in the Middle East and North Africa region. The trade system of UAE is based on re-export and approximately 85% of re-export is carried out by Dubai which is the most important re-export center in region and the third one in the world. Dubai is the remarkable trade market in the gulf region and the UAE is the second largest economy in gulf after Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also has the biggest government fund of the world “Abu Dhabi Sovering Wealth Fund”. UAE has an expanding retail market and the growth rate is over % 1000. The Free Zones in several parts of the country is offering attractive investment facilities for global investors.
Ms. Çakır, can you please tell us about the cosmetic market in UAE?
UAE Cosmetics and personal care market is one of the biggest and the booming market in Middle East and the Gulf countries. Especially UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran are the first three biggest markets on cosmetics and personal care products. The higher standards of consumer in UAE and in the other Gulf countries increase the importation of cosmetics, perfumery and toiletries. Cosmetics and personal care product importation is over 2 billion dollars and dynamically increases. UAE is one of the biggest markets by itself and exporting to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. In the importation, Gulf Cooperative Countries [PGCC] countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia ve UAE are tex-free. Tax amount for MFN countries is %5. The most popular cosmetic categories in UAE are as follows: Babycare, Haircare, Deodorants, Color cosmetics, Perfumery, Bath and Shower cosmetics.
Can you please tell us the necessary steps for a safe entry to UAE market?
The importer companies should be officially registered and must have a current trade license. Regulaglobe supports potential investors for company set up in the UAE thought our local partners. After company registration, cosmetic products are registered by municipalities with necessary reviews and analysis, like the product artworks and the formulas need to comply with local regulatory requirements. The approvals are valid for 5 years. We, as Regulaglobe provide necessary support for a safe and smooth market entry in U.A.E. and other gulf region. Any suppliers planning to enter UAE market can contact with us. Thank you very much for your time and interest.