- UAE investors are increasingly turning to Croatia
- Lack of understanding of Emirati business culture is the key challenge
- Investment processes in Dubai are faster and simpler than in the EU
“We have identified key sectors such as energy—especially renewables—tourism, real estate, IT, defense, and food production. Tourism and real estate stand out, particularly in the luxury and resort segments. Among the major realized projects, the investment by Eagle Hills and the acquisition of Sunčani Hvar and Bluesun Hotels is undoubtedly one of the most significant in Croatian tourism over the past decade,” says Roginić.
“Not every product or service is fit for the Emirati market. The biggest challenge is the lack of cultural understanding. It’s a market that resembles a marathon, not a sprint. Relationship-building, local presence, and patience are key. The UAE–Croatia Business Club serves as a bridge, enabling Croatian businesses to network effectively and find reliable partners through business events and similar initiatives. We maintain strong ties with institutions in both Croatia and the UAE, fostering continuous dialogue. The level of institutional support we’ve received has been surprisingly strong. I especially want to commend the work of the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for their support of this initiative. We are currently working on organizing a delegation of Emirati investors to visit Croatia,” Roginić adds.
Croatia maintains a trade surplus with the UAE. In 2022, exports to the UAE totaled €68.48 million, while imports from the UAE amounted to €58.20 million. The UAE remains one of Croatia’s most important export destinations among OPEC countries. In fact, Croatia exported more to the UAE in 2024 than to any other country in the regional bloc. Key export categories include electric transformers, tobacco, sawn timber, and food products—particularly from the energy and food industries (e.g. KONČAR, Podravka). Imports from the UAE are traditionally lower and mainly consist of general consumer goods of lesser value.
We asked Roginić whether investment realization in Dubai—particularly in real estate—is faster or slower than in the EU.
“I’d say it’s dramatically faster. It may sound like a joke, but it’s quite accurate to say: America innovates, Europe regulates, and the Emirates accelerate. That’s really how it is—and you see it clearly in their administrative processes: simplified, fast-tracked, and open to investment and business cooperation. Interestingly, the price per square meter of new construction in Dubai is lower than in Zagreb. You can find properties starting from €3,000/m², and even in high-end areas it’s possible to buy for around €6,500/m²—with every building offering pools, gyms, and everything else you’d expect from a premium property,” he concludes.
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