United Arab Emirates

Shell has been active in the UAE since 1939. Dubai is the regional headquarters of four Shell business lines – trading, marketing, chemicals and upstream. Under applicable corporate laws, Shell businesses are set up as branches of foreign entities.

Upstream is represented by Shell Abu Dhabi B.V. (SAD BV) and Shell Exploration and Production International Ltd (SEPIL). SAD BV holds an interest in a non-operated venture, its revenues being subject to tax on the basis of the concession agreement with the government of UAE. SEPIL is a regional hub for the business and provides specialised services to Shell entities in the Middle East.

Trading is represented by Shell International Trading Middle East (SITME), which engages in product trading and shipping activities in the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf and certain parts of Africa. In 2009, it started LNG trading activities in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, the East coast of Africa, South Africa and part of North Africa. From 2014 the scope of LNG trading was extended to Europe, the Americas (excluding USA, Baja and Western Canada), and the Caribbean, following the acquisition of Repsol’s LNG business and SWLNG BV’s LNG trading business.

Downstream is represented by Shell Markets (Middle East) Ltd. (SMME) and Shell Trading (M.E.) Private Ltd. (STME). SMME sells, markets and distributes aviation, marine, specialty and lubricant products. SMME also provides administrative, management and other support services to other Shell affiliates. STME’s main activity is the marketing and distribution of petroleum and related products.

Country Financial Analysis

The tax paid in the UAE relates mainly to upstream activities. Revenues are taxed as per the agreement with the government.