Sharjah is the safest and most advanced Emirate in the world. More than 45 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product is accounted for by business activities (G.D.P.). The Emirate offers excellent opportunities for foreign investors because it is the only city with access to ports on the Arabian Gulf's eastern and western coasts, as well as the Indian Ocean and direct connections to North Africa. Various business entities, such as limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, branch offices, and subsidiaries, are available to investors.