The UAE’s economy minister, Abdulla bin Touqal Marri, recently led an Emirati delegation to the St. Regis in midtown Manhattan to pitch Western investors on setting up shop in the UAE. This was Marri’s third trip to the US since taking on his role in 2020 and he 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 pointed out that the country’s stable environment over the past 50 years and its strategic location in the world make it an ideal destination for investors.
Marri also discussed the UAE’s goal of diversifying its economy away from oil and gas, emphasizing the importance of investments that not only bring financial returns but also contribute to the country’s economic growth. He mentioned that all investments must align with the UAE’s economic vision for the future.
One of the Emirates’ key initiatives is to become a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI). Marri pointed out that this is a major advantage for companies looking to tap into markets across North Africa and Arabic-speaking countries. By focusing on breaking down language barriers in AI development, the UAE aims to position itself as a leader in this emerging technology sector.
