Eight things i wish i'd known before launching in the UAE

Launching a business or entering a new market can be exciting, but success often depends on understanding the realities on the ground. Drawing on more than two decades of experience helping international brands grow across the GCC, Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, Founder of TishTash, will share the key lessons she wishes she had known before launching in the UAE. Through practical examples from the FMCG, food and drink, beauty, wellness and fashion sectors, this session will explore the opportunities and challenges that UK businesses are most likely to encounter when entering the market.

Attendees will gain first-hand insights into finding and selecting the right local partners, pitching effectively to buyers and retailers, negotiating in a culturally appropriate way, and navigating commercial expectations around contracts, payments and payment terms. Whether you are preparing for your first steps into the UAE or looking to strengthen your existing presence, this webinar will provide practical guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls and build a stronger foundation for long-term success in one of the region’s most dynamic markets.