Abdulla bin Touq al Marri, a representative of the UAE to Western investors, explains that when pitching his country to potential investors, he emphasizes its openness, stability, and visionary leadership. Despite being in the eye of the storm geopolitically, the UAE has remained stable for the last 50 years and is expected to continue doing so for the next 200 years. This stability makes it an ideal location for businesses looking to establish a foothold in the Middle East.
In recent times, there has been a shift in expectations from Western investors regarding Gulf money. They now expect investments within the country in addition to financial returns. Abdulla bin Touq al Marri acknowledges this change and states that while investments should provide a return, they also aim to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil and gas. By doing so, they hope to create more sustainable opportunities for future generations.
One of the goals for the Emirates is to establish itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI). An advantage they have in this endeavor is language, as Arabic-speaking countries in North Africa can easily access their AI development efforts. By focusing on breaking down language barriers in AI development, the UAE hopes to distinguish itself as a leader in this field and attract more investment opportunities in this area.
Overall, Abdulla bin Touq al Marri believes that while investments should provide financial returns, they should also contribute towards building a more sustainable future for all nations involved.
