Recently, an Emirati delegation took over a floor at the St. Regis in midtown Manhattan to pitch Western investors on setting up shop in the UAE. During his third trip to the US since taking on his role as economy minister in 2020, Abdulla bin Touqal Marri emphasized that he no longer needs to convince people about the benefits of investing in the UAE.
When asked about geopolitical changes in the Middle East affecting investor perceptions, Marri highlighted the UAE’s openness, stability, and visionary leadership as key selling points. He emphasized that despite recent changes in the region, the UAE’s stable environment over the past 50 years and its strategic location make it an ideal destination for investors looking for long-term growth opportunities.
Marri also discussed the UAE’s goal of diversifying its economy away from oil and gas. He emphasized that investments must align with the country’s economic vision for the future and bring financial returns while contributing to its economic growth. By focusing on sustainable development opportunities, such as renewable energy and technology-driven industries, Marri believes that investors can help drive progress in this area.
One of the Emirates’ key initiatives is to become a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI). Marri pointed out that with its language accessibility, which allows companies to tap into markets across North Africa and Arabic-speaking countries, investing in AI development in the UAE presents significant opportunities for businesses looking to expand their reach beyond traditional borders. By focusing on breaking down language barriers and fostering innovation in this emerging technology sector, Marri believes that investors can help position themselves at the forefront of this exciting field.
Overall, Marri highlighted several key reasons why investors should consider setting up shop in
