Leaders steering UAE towards spectacular heights, say expats
SHARJAH: Today the UAE is celebrating its 51st National Day. Bold decisions and an ambitious economic vision have boosted the competitiveness landscape of the nation, transforming the UAE into a key global investment destination.
The country has made remarkable progress in five decades. Today on this auspicious occasion Gulf Today shares the candid views of the business leaders, who are upbeat about the economic progression of this great country.
Dr Majed Al Khemeiri, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi said: “As this year marks 51 years since the establishment of the Emirates, we celebrate our nation’s remarkable achievements over the last five decades. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and our wise leadership have continued to lead the country’s economic growth and prosperity under the vision of our founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE has made tremendous strides, and as a top higher education institution, we take pride in contributing to the advancement of the nation.”
Ayman Ashor, Cluster General Manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Arjaan by Rotana, said: On behalf of our properties, I would like to extend my warm greetings to our visionary Rulers on the occasion of 51st UAE National Day.
Ashor, a veteran hotelier, who was recently recognised among the top 100 GMS in the region, added that he is feeling proud to be part of this nationwide celebration as the UAE has achieved quite a feat in just a short span of time.
“This is an exciting time for all of us – both locals and expats – as we are presented with a bounty of opportunities and enjoy high standards of living. We are all thankful to our leaders for making all these happen and we are definitely looking forward to a brighter future ahead.
Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, said: In a world dominated by crises, conflicts and pandemics, the UAE has created the safest and the best socio-political and economic environment that is helping global communities to come, invest, live, work and do business. The 51st UAE National Day comes at a time when the whole world has realized how the country’s leadership has provided its leadership in managing multiple regional and international crises – that now reinforces the country’s position as the safest place to live, work and do business in the world.
George Saad, CEO of Al Zorah, said: “We as citizens and residents of the UAE feel great delight in being able to experience UAE National Day 2022. Today, we celebrate our glorious nation, whose leadership continue to set the global standards in honesty, freedom, dedication, and bravery, and who work tirelessly to ensure achievement of ambitious goals for the beterment of the nation.
The United Arab Emirates is one country where even expatriates, who generally come over for employment, be the risk-taking worldclass entrepreneurs and businessmen.
Mariben Tan Eustaquio, EZONE founder/ managing director, has been known to have assisted many of her fellow Filipinos engage in business since 2012: “I have seen firsthand how the UAE has flourished into the perfect ecosystem for entrepreneurs all over the world. The UAE is a land of diversity and equal opportunities and no mater who you are, as long as you are determined and believe in your vision—you can achieve success in this economy. The UAE’S modern economy and policies have made it seamless to incorporate a business in the UAE.”
There was a need for a genuine Indonesian restaurant in the UAE a decade back which enticed Eva A. Zikir to open up her own Dapoer Kita.
Her countrymen followed suit. Among them is Haryanto Restaurant founder/managing partner Carolus Haryanto, inspired for the “UAE is a safe environment; competitive, creative, so diverse; a futuristic city where businesses are built through hard work, connections, relationships, and above all, trust.”
Operon Middle East, under the Edgenta Property & Facility Solutions, a publicly listed in Malaysia, is into facilities management (FM) and project management services. Managing director/chief executive officer Encik Syahrunizam Samsudin: “Our business set up in the UAE was seamless as the UAE government and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation were very supportive and encouraging. Prospective clients are looking for a company able to provide a full turn-key integrated facilities management service rather than dealing with multiple FM vendors. The business and project teams have managed to gain the trust and confidence of our key clients. We are very happy to have their trust which accelerated our business growth in the UAE.”
Jerayu Limsuwat knew nothing about business in 2012. Her coming to the UAE through Dubai changed that. She is now the Siamthai Foodstuff Trading LLC partner as she also owns the Siam Restaurant FZE.
She atributed her luck to her fellow expatriates from various cultures through which she learnt the ropes. She described her supportive Emirati sponsor as “excellent.”