BUYUSA.GOV -- U.S. Commercial Service

United Arab Emirates

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the U.S. Commercial Service?
The U.S. Commercial Service is a section of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Its principal mission is to assist in promoting U.S. products and services overseas. Our global network of offices is an invaluable help to any company who is export-ready. For over 20 years, trade specialists located both within the U.S. and at the overseas offices have guided and assisted U.S. companies through the export process.

Is there any way that I would be able to learn of the programs offered by your other offices located in the U.S. or overseas?
Click on this link to learn through the internet about the programs that are offered through our Export Assistance Centers offer in the U.S. and our offices in international markets.

Does the U.S. Embassy in the U.A.E. have an official website?
Yes. To the U.S. Embassy located in Abu Dhabi the uniform record locator (URL) is http://abudhabi.usembassy.gov/ and to the U.S. Consulate located in Dubai the URL is http://dubai.usconsulate.gov/. Both websites have available procedures on how to apply for visas to the U.S., American citizen service and other useful information.

Can I apply for a visa to the U.S. using an electronic form?
Yes, since November 2003. You may apply for a non immigrant visa (NIV) by completing the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) - Form DS-160 available at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

Applicants can fill out the EVAF, and by pressing the "continue" button, display the form in Adobe Acrobat. The three-page form can then be printed. The first two pages will be a completed DS-156, to which the applicant must add their signature and photo and bring to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai for their interview. The third page includes the 2-D barcode. Most inkjet or laser printers are able to print the EVAF, however, dot matrix printers do not print at sufficient resolution.

I have a trade complaint against a U.S. company. Where can I go for assistance?
You may contact the Better Business Bureau.