“Our beloved nation has begun a new chapter
in its history after electing His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President, who will continue the path of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and lead our nation to many more achievements. Today, we reaffirm our loyalty to our nation and wise leadership, to attain many firsts and cement the UAE’s position as a model of excellence and success to be emulated.” Mohammad Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs
“His Highness is a statesman who has deeprooted personal relationships with almost all regional and world leaders, and that surely will further help the UAE be a global leader in economic development. I have always admired his vision of inclusiveness, especially in creating a conducive environment for investments and the true empowerment of youth.”
M.A. Yussuf Ali, Chairman of Abu Dhabi-headquartered LuLu Group
“The UAE economy can anticipate continued growth in a diverse range of industries. This diversity, based on a strong foundation, has created huge opportunities for investors, transforming the UAE into one of the safest economic ecosystems of the world.”
Waleed Al Sayegh, CEO of Sharjah Asset Management
“Shaikh Mohammad had been actively involved in realigning the business priorities of the country for over a decade. His strategic thinking that the UAE must look beyond oil and gas for sustainability has resulted in focus on a diversified economy. Encouraging the startup culture, and bolstering research and innovation, have been some of the trends that are also visible.”
Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare
“In a relatively short time, the country distinguished itself by having created a thriving economy and an environment that helps businesses grow. I am confident that the focus on sustainability and openness to new technologies like cryptocurrency and Blockchain combined with recent changes including the rules of ownership of businesses, longer-term visas, unemployment benefits, etc. will make the Emirates an attractive option for foreign investment.” Peter Maerevoet, Global CFO and Regional CEO for Asia at Tradewind Finance “The new President had elaborately identified his economic priorities well ahead of being elected to this position. I will point to the CEPA deals, which have brought a lot of excitement to the business communities of UAE and India — and more nations will follow. Making India a hub for storing oil is another step that has created mutual confidence.” Ram Buxani, Chairman of ITLCosmos Group
“The new President takes over as the UAE expects to witness a surplus in its federal budget from the increase in oil prices, and proceeds from various sources such as the strong infrastructure, investment opportunities, and competitive laws that encourage business. Many businesses will shift to the UAE from various sectors and this will reflect positively.” Omar Ayesh, Chairman of Nobles Investment “Trade and economic relations are poised to grow and expand in view of the UAE’s robust trade policy in line with the directives of the President and the Prime Minister. The UAE would continue its progressive journey towards greatness as it becomes one of the fastest growing economies of the world. In line with Shaikh Mohammad’s vision, the UAE is perfectly positioned as the global hub for the future of business with digital transformation at its core.” Javed Malik, former Pakistan Ambassador and Chairman of Diplomat Business Club Dubai
“The UAE has prioritised the expansion and improvement of the health sector and that is helping shape the country into the Middle East’s medical tourism hub. Shaikh Mohammad has always emphasised the importance of human capital development and self-reliance as the cornerstones of development for the UAE.” Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare “We will spare no effort to achieve His Highness’s vision in reiterating the UAE’s position as an economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural model to be emulated. We ask Allah Almighty to bless His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and our beloved nation.” Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Finance
“The prowess he exhibited in Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation will now result in the country becoming the tech and
knowledge hub to the world. The initiatives such as Golden Visa and 100 per cent foreign ownership in businesses will give great impetus.” Raju Menon, Chairman and Managing Partner at Kreston Menon
“The UAE’s commitment to commercial developments in the region and beyond has been noticeable to the world. Recent initiatives on improving standards of governance in commercial activities
— such as introducing ‘Go AML’ — are helping the business community get acceptance in the international arena.” Abdul Salam K.P., ViceChairman of Malabar Gold & Diamonds
“His Highness has been building strong bilateral ties with various nations. This will lead to enhanced business opportunities and overall economic development. The priority will be to strengthen the economic policies, resulting in more opportunities for citizens… and expats.”
Dr. Dhananjay
Datar, Chairman and Managing Director of Al Adil Group
“The country, under Shaikh Mohammad, can continue to expect to see major advancements in the tourism and hospitality sectors and raise its status as a destination for explorers and families alike. “Dr. Ahmed Samerai, UAEbased investor
“Today represents a new era for the country, in which we look forward to a great journey, one that is ripe with economic growth, new collaborations and partnerships.
The UAE has always set new benchmarks in innovation and entrepreneurship across all sectors, and we continue to look forward to such new initiatives.”
Nidal Abou-Ltaif, President of Avaya International
“Shaikh Mohammad is instrumental in driving the UAE’s economy in non-oil sectors like tourism and healthcare. His vision in creating a worldclass infrastructure has helped UAE become a significant destination for foreign investment and a startup hub in the region.” Neelesh Bhatnagar of NB Ventures
“The last year has seen a spate of listings of stateowned companies on ADX, which shows the UAE’s willingness to accept foreign capital and grow homebased national champions. In essence, the modernisa- tion of its institutions will continue aggressively.” Bal Krishen Rathore, CEO of
Century Financial
“Shaikh Mohammad has made the UAE the most competitive and attractive market for FDI in the Middle East. As President, he is sure to continue his vision of diversification of the economy and growing non-oil sectors by supporting start-ups and small businesses.”
Bharat Bhatia, CEO of Conares
“Known for his corporatestyle governance that comes from his defence background, he is expected to dramatically charge the country’s business climate just as he has done over the years to the Abu Dhabi economy.” Ali Rao, CEO of Elixir Establishments
“The biggest impact of the UAE’s historic signing of the Abraham Accords with Israel since September 2020 has been on trade and commerce between the two countries.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed is the force behind some gamechanging moments, such as the Abraham Accords. He knows how to open closed doors and foster old ties, especially when it comes to business and the economy. And that only means one thing — increased confidence among new investors looking to start operations here.”
Robin Philip, Director of A&A Associate
Wealth funds ADIA and Mubadala, renewable energy creator Masdar, investment giants ADQ, IHC, Alpha Dhabi and Aldar can all be expected to spur UAE markets further.